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

As Saudi Arabia strides forward under Vision 2030, it faces a delicate balancing act—preserving cherished traditions while adapting to the swift currents of modernisation. Nowhere is this tension more palpable than in the evolution of daily cultural practices. Saudis, both young and old, are navigating this transition, blending the old with the new in ways that reflect the changing societal landscape.

The Majlis: From the Heart of the Home to the Digital Screen

The majlis—or diwaniyah—has long been the beating heart of Saudi social life, a space where friends and family gather to discuss everything from politics to personal affairs. Traditionally, this gathering took place in a dedicated room, separate from the main living quarters. It was here that debates unfolded, stories were shared, and bonds were strengthened over cups of coffee.

But today, the majlis is evolving. In an era of Zoom calls and WhatsApp groups, younger Saudis are redefining what it means to connect. "The majlis is still valued," says Faisal M., a social anthropologist in Jeddah, "but it’s no longer confined to a physical room—it’s happening in digital spaces." However, younger generations still cherish in-person gatherings and make an effort to meet like they used to, while also recognizing the importance of technology in maintaining connections.

This shift, which accelerated during the pandemic, has seen a surge in virtual gatherings. While some mourn the loss of face-to-face interaction, others view it as a necessary adaptation. "It’s not about losing tradition, but about transforming it to fit our current lifestyle," observes Hessa Al-Mutlaq, a tech entrepreneur in Riyadh. For the younger generation, technology is not seen as impersonal but as a valid—and often preferred—way of maintaining relationships, while in-person meetings remain significant.

Yet not everyone is convinced. Older Saudis, in particular, lament the loss of the atmosphere that comes with a physical majlis. “A majlis isn’t just about conversation; it’s about the shared coffee, the body language,” argues Ahmed Al-Qahtani, a retired teacher from Dammam. “You can’t replicate that over a screen.”

This balancing act between in-person tradition and digital convenience reflects a broader societal shift, where both physical and virtual spaces play integral roles in maintaining connections.

Weddings: Simplicity Meets Extravagance

The tension between tradition and modernity is equally visible in Saudi weddings.

Historically, these were grand affairs—elaborate ceremonies, generous feasts, and hundreds of guests. But as economic realities shift and social norms evolve, many young Saudis are rethinking the scale of their celebrations. The rise of “micro-weddings,” where the focus is on close family and friends, reflects a broader trend toward simplicity. "It’s about quality over quantity," says Sarah Al-Jubeir, a wedding planner in Riyadh.

Rising costs are a key factor. A 2023 survey by the General Authority for Statistics found that traditional Saudi weddings could cost between SAR 150,000 and SAR 500,000 ($40,000 to $133,000)—a daunting sum for many young couples. "We chose a smaller wedding and used the money for a down payment on a house," says Omar Al-Sudairy, a newlywed in Jeddah, echoing the pragmatic sentiment of many in his generation.

Yet for some, especially in rural areas, the grandeur of a wedding remains a matter of pride and status. "A wedding isn’t just about the couple; it’s about the family’s reputation," notes Umm Khalid, an elder from a village near Abha. The pressure to maintain these traditions, even as they evolve, remains strong.

Interestingly, a new form of extravagance has emerged: destination weddings. Increasingly, couples are opting for celebrations in Cairo, Dubai, or even Paris, turning the wedding into an opportunity to showcase both their taste and their ability to push boundaries. In this way, even the concept of extravagance is evolving to fit the globalized tastes of younger Saudis.

The Evolution of Saudi Cuisine: Fast Food and Fusion

Perhaps the most striking evolution is occurring in the Saudi kitchen. Traditional dishes like kabsa, jareesh, and mutabbaq have long been a source of cultural pride. Yet fast food chains and food delivery apps are reshaping eating habits, particularly among the youth. "Young Saudis are eating more burgers than ever before," says Abdullah Al-Mutairy, a food historian in Riyadh. The rise of fast food is not only a matter of convenience but also a reflection of broader global influences on daily life in Saudi Arabia.

However, the influx of global fast food has not meant the abandonment of local cuisine. Instead, a wave of Saudi chefs is fusing traditional flavors with modern techniques. Restaurants such as Shawarma House and The Social Kitchen are gaining popularity for their creative takes on Saudi classics. Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s recent collaboration with ROKA, a Japanese restaurant, to create a fusion menu for Saudi National Day is just one example of how this trend is gaining traction. This blending of local and global flavors mirrors the broader cultural evolution taking place in Saudi Arabia.

But not everyone is pleased with this evolution. "We’re losing our identity," laments Fatimah Al-Sharif, a grandmother in Mecca who teaches traditional cooking. "If we forget how to cook our own food, we forget who we are." Yet, the rise of food delivery services named after Saudi dishes, like Lugmaty—meaning “my piece of food” in the Hijazi dialect—suggests that tradition and modernity can coexist, even in the kitchen. The Saudi culinary scene, much like weddings and social gatherings, is becoming a hybrid space where both old and new practices thrive.

Art, Music, and Fashion: Cultural Expression in the Modern Era

Beyond food and gatherings, other elements of cultural life are also adapting to modern trends. Saudi art music, and fashion are experiencing their own transformations. Music festivals and film events like the Red Sea International Film Festival are introducing global cultural influences while promoting local talent. Meanwhile, Saudi fashion designers are combining traditional garments like the abaya with modern styles, creating a fusion that appeals to both local and international audiences.

The rise of social media has accelerated these changes, providing young Saudis with a platform to share and showcase their evolving identities. Whether through YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, these new forms of expression are helping bridge the gap between the Kingdom’s rich traditions and its rapidly modernizing present.

The Road Ahead: A Hybrid Future?

As Saudi Arabia continues its drive toward modernisation, the tension between preserving tradition and embracing modernity is likely to persist. However, many Saudis are beginning to see these changes not as a loss but as an evolution. "It’s not about choosing one over the other," argues sociologist Mohammed Al-Harbi. "It’s about finding a way for both to coexist."

Whether in the digital majlis, the smaller wedding, or the fusion kitchen, Saudis are adapting to the demands of modern life while maintaining a connection to their cultural roots. Rather than passive observers of change, they are actively shaping a future that honours the past while embracing the opportunities of the present. In this balancing act, they may just succeed in having the best of both worlds, crafting a hybrid future where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously across various aspects of life—from food and fashion to social interactions and celebrations.

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