A modern, well-lit classroom with a large musical note displayed on a whiteboard. The room is empty, featuring neatly arranged desks and chairs, with walls decorated with posters of musical notes and instruments. A piano and other musical instruments are

Striking the Right Chord: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Shift Through Music

Once confined to private gatherings, music in Saudi Arabia is now being actively nurtured. With 17,000 kindergarten teachers trained in music education and a growing rap and opera scene, the Kingdom is striking a bold new chord. But can this cultural shift evolve into a lasting creative industry?

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 13th Feb 2025

Viewpoints

An artistic tree with branches symbolizing tradition, modernity, community, and individuality, rooted in desert sand and reaching toward a futuristic skyline.

A Saudi Paradox: The Struggle to Belong at Home

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping reforms have reshaped its economy and infrastructure, but societal attitudes remain a battleground between tradition and modernity. For those who have long hoped for greater openness, the reality is more complex. While change is evident, deeply ingrained norms continue to define who truly 'belongs.' Having returned from Germany as a child, I learned firsthand how cultural expectations shape identity—and how difference is often tolerated rather than embraced.

Feb 4, 2025

Futuristic view of Saudi Arabia featuring a large solar power plant in a desert setting, with rows of solar panels extending to the horizon. A modern skyline with wind turbines and greenery symbolizes the country's sustainable energy future.

Saudi Arabia’s Path to Sustainability

Saudi Arabia is navigating the complex shift from oil dependency to a sustainable future, with ambitious projects like the Al Henakiyah solar plant leading the way.

Jan 21, 2025

A split image showing a Saudi man in traditional attire working on a laptop in a modern home office on the left, and a Saudi woman in a contemporary abaya working with a tablet in her stylish home office on the right. The scene highlights balance, profess

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia: Reinvention or Safety Net?

A decade ago, freelancing in Saudi Arabia was seen as unstable and unconventional. Today, with over 2.25 million freelancers contributing significantly to the economy, it’s reshaping both the labor market and societal perceptions.

Jan 16, 2025

A conceptual illustration of diplomacy showing a symbolic bridge connecting two cultures, with a traditional Middle Eastern door and palm tree on one side and a globe on the other. Two hands reach out in the center, symbolizing mutual understanding and co

A Handshake That Shook a Debate

When Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Shar declined to shake German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s hand, it sparked a storm of criticism, exposing the fragility of cultural understanding in diplomacy.

Jan 5, 2025

The Riyadh Metro marks a bold shift from car-dependent commutes to a modern public transport system, signaling a transformation in urban mobility across Saudi Arabia. (Source: Shutterstock)

Riyadh Metro: A Ticket to Change?

For decades, cars have dominated Saudi Arabia’s transport landscape, shaping the way people move and interact. Now, the Riyadh Metro promises a new era—but will it succeed in shifting social perceptions and changing the Kingdom’s car-centric habits?

Dec 12, 2024

Tradition Meets Modernity: How Evolving Norms Are Reshaping Marriage in the Arab World. (Source: Shutterstock)

The Handbook of Marriage in the Arab World Explores Changing Norms

How are socio-economic reforms reshaping marriage in the Arab world? The Handbook of Marriage in the Arab Worldoffers a timely exploration of this question, bringing together voices from across the region to analyze the impact of education, workforce participation, and cultural evolution on the institution of marriage in the 21st century.

Dec 5, 2024

Visitors at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, highlighting cultural heritage and modern development in Saudi tourism.

Saudi Arabia Reinvents Itself Beyond Oil

Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification is transforming its workforce, fostering innovation in non-oil sectors, and redefining traditions, reflecting a society in motion.

Nov 28, 2024

The Gulf states: A region defined by shared history, economic ambition, and evolving cooperation amid global challenges. (Source: Shutterstock)

The Gulf’s Story Gets an AI Rewrite

As social media and AI reshape public discourse, journalist Aya Batrawy calls for more nuanced reporting to reflect the Gulf’s rich diversity, emphasizing that the region is far more than a singular narrative. Her insights shed light on how each Gulf state follows a unique path, shaped by distinct ambitions and challenges.

Nov 27, 2024

Saudi Gen Z embracing cultural roots and modern opportunities in a transforming society.

Saudi Arabia’s Gen Z Rewrites the Rules

Saudi Arabia’s Gen Z stands at a crossroads, balancing deep family traditions with their personal ambitions. This generation is redefining identity with creativity, resilience, and a profound respect for their heritage.

Nov 11, 2024

A necklace resembling the one Zaynab bint Muhammad used to ransom her husband, highlighting the cultural value of family artifacts.. (DALL -E)

Saudi Arabia Finds Its Future in Its Past

As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation, the challenge lies in embracing progress while staying true to deeply rooted traditions. The story of Zaynab bint Muhammad and Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi’ offers timeless lessons on love, loyalty, and resilience—values that still guide Saudi society through change.

Nov 7, 2024

Modern Saudi cityscape with men and women in traditional attire using smartphones and tablets, symbolizing the blend of heritage and technology in contemporary Saudi life.

New Spaces, Old Customs: The Changing Faces of Saudi Life

In a rapidly evolving Saudi Arabia, tradition and modernity are intertwining in fascinating ways. From micro-weddings to digital majlis, Saudis are navigating cultural change while preserving their roots. Explore how this blend is shaping a unique future.

Oct 15, 2024

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman—arranged in a circular formation around the GCC emblem. (Source: Shutterstock)

The GCC: A Club Everyone Knows, But Few Can Explain

What’s the GCC? For many, it’s that familiar acronym that conjures images of oil-rich monarchies and economic summits. But beyond the headlines, what does the Gulf Cooperation Council actually do? Born out of geopolitical turmoil in the 1980s, the GCC has evolved into a forum for collaboration—though not without its share of contradictions. From a unified tourist visa to ambitious economic goals, the council remains a paradox: much talked about, little understood.

Oct 10, 2024