A minimalist illustration on a red background showing an open book, an artist’s palette with a paintbrush, and an oud placed side by side, symbolising literature, visual arts, and music in Saudi culture.

Alzahrani’s Argument for Culture as a National Resource

Culture is moving from the margins of Saudi life to the centre of its public conversation. As Dr. Hatem Alzahrani recently argued, investing in creativity is becoming a way for the country to understand itself — not just an economic choice, but a social shift many Saudis now feel.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 18th Nov 2025

Viewpoints

Minimalist red-and-beige illustration showing a Saudi man walking from an oil pumpjack toward a modern office building, symbolising Saudi Arabia’s transition from oil-based work to skill-driven service jobs.

From Oil to Offices — and Beyond

Saudi Arabia is moving from government jobs to skill-driven service work, reshaping expectations around careers, opportunity, and social acceptance.

Nov 13, 2025

Saudi pottery workshop showing traditional craft within the country’s growing cultural sector.

The Return of Art to Public Life

Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape has moved from the margins to the mainstream. What was once quiet and private is now confidently displayed, redefining both public life and national identity.

Oct 25, 2025

Drone show above Riyadh’s Boulevard City on July 10, 2025, marking the opening of the Esports World Cup as fans watch from below.

Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Industry Comes of Age

Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is no longer in its early stages. What began as a niche hobby has evolved into a cultural and economic force — one that mirrors the country’s broader shift toward innovation, creativity, and global participation.

Oct 23, 2025

Abstract compass with handshake, wave, cheek kiss, and nod, symbolizing Saudi social greetings.

How Expats Help Decode Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s transformation is not only about reforms and policies; it is also about the small gestures and social puzzles that shape how Saudis and expats understand one another.

Sep 7, 2025

Ferrari Formula One pit crew in red uniforms working on a race car at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, surrounded by photographers and bright night lights.

Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Shift: Beyond Soft Power and Star Power

Saudi Arabia’s global rebrand is making headlines, but the real story lies at home. As sports stars, influencers, and cultural icons take the stage, a quieter transformation is reshaping how Saudis see themselves—blending global exposure with local identity to create a more confident, outward-looking society.

Aug 14, 2025

Sunlit kitchen with fresh vegetables, flowing water, and a desert landscape outside, symbolizing food and water security.

Food and Water in Saudi Arabia: A Household Challenge with National Stakes

Food and water security in Saudi Arabia is often discussed in terms of megaprojects, supply chains, and national strategy. Yet its impact is most tangible at home. In a country where over 80% of food is imported and water depends on energy-intensive desalination, the real shift is happening in kitchens, classrooms, and family budgets. From mindful hospitality to urban hydroponics, Saudi households are quietly shaping the future of sustainability—one small act at a time.

Jul 31, 2025

Illustration of a stylized Gulf map with Oman highlighted in red-orange, surrounded by VAT receipts and a large income tax document — symbolizing Oman’s 2028 income tax policy and its ripple effect across the region.

A Gulf First: Oman Embraces Income Tax

For decades, the idea of personal income tax in the Gulf felt distant — a concept reserved for foreign travel or dual citizenship obligations. Now, with Oman set to introduce the region’s first such tax in 2028, the conversation is no longer hypothetical. What seemed taboo is becoming a new regional reality, with broader implications for how Gulf citizens view spending, subsidies, and their role in sustaining national budgets.

Jul 18, 2025

Muslim woman in hijab reading the Qur’an alone inside a mosque, sitting on green patterned carpet with sunlight and shadows.

What Does Religion Look Like in Saudi Life Today?

To outsiders, religion in Saudi Arabia often conjures images of rigid rules and public enforcement. But inside the country, a quieter transformation has taken place — one that shifts the focus from obligation to conviction. Faith remains central, yet increasingly personal.

Jul 4, 2025

A Saudi woman shops for abayas at a clothing store in Jeddah. While wearing the abaya is no longer legally required, many women in Saudi Arabia continue to choose it in various styles and colors as part of evolving modest fashion norms.

Do I Have to Wear an Abaya or Hijab in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s dress code has long been a topic of curiosity and misconception. While much has changed in recent years, the question of whether women must still wear an abaya or hijab remains one of the most frequently asked. The answer, as always, depends on context—cultural expectations may speak louder than laws.

Jul 2, 2025

Printed business charts on a reflective office table with three Saudi men in traditional attire having a discussion in the background, symbolizing modern work culture in Saudi Arabia.

Why Saudis Are Redefining Ambition

The stereotype that Saudis are not eager to work lingers in some circles. But in today’s Saudi Arabia, that view is increasingly out of date. Across the Kingdom, a new generation is stepping up—not just to take jobs, but to reshape what work means. Ambition is no longer just about climbing a ladder; it's about building one.

Jun 26, 2025

A deserted highway in Saudi Arabia under the intense midday sun, with heat shimmering over the asphalt and a long line of streetlamps stretching into the horizon.

Beating the Heat: What Saudi Arabia’s Midday Work Ban Reveals

Every summer, the Saudi sun becomes more than a weather forecast—it becomes a workplace hazard. As temperatures soar past 45°C, the government’s midday work ban aims to protect outdoor laborers. But while the rule marks a shift toward greater awareness of occupational safety, its patchy enforcement shows that regulation alone doesn’t always change reality on the ground.

Jun 24, 2025

Crowd of pilgrims surrounding the Kaaba in Makkah, touching its golden door, during Hajj or Umrah season.

How Rules Are Easing the Pressure on Makkah

In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrimage to Makkah has long been a journey of devotion—and for those nearby, a rhythm of daily life. But today, even for Jeddah’s residents, that rhythm is changing. What was once spontaneous is now scheduled, managed through apps and permits. This shift isn’t just about crowd control; it’s a window into how Saudi Arabia is redefining access, identity, and the very structure of public life.

Jun 17, 2025