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.
Nov 18, 2025
Cars in Saudi Arabia are more than transport—they’re identity, rebellion, and freedom on four wheels. From late-night drifting in Riyadh to Lucid’s new EVs, the nation’s roads reveal a deeper story: how speed became both a symbol of control and escape in a society still finding its balance.
Nov 11, 2025
Once a scrappy YouTube series, Masameer has become Saudi Arabia’s cultural mirror—an animated satire where laughter doubles as quiet critique. By turning everyday frustrations into comedy, it captures the Kingdom’s shifting social mood, where self-reflection now comes with a punchline.
Nov 6, 2025
As Saudi Arabia undergoes a profound social and economic transformation, its evolving identity offers valuable lessons for international partners. The Kingdom’s modernization—spanning workplaces, public life, and trade—reveals a society balancing continuity with change, and a market that rewards cultural understanding as much as commercial strategy.
Oct 31, 2025
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
When the Riyadh Comedy Festival opened in late September, its laughter carried more than amusement. Featuring 50 global comedians, the two-week event turned Riyadh into a world stage — and a flashpoint for debate. For Saudis, it marked cultural progress; for critics abroad, a question of free speech and image.
Oct 7, 2025
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia have long lived behind compound walls; Saudi Life: Unpacked offers a rarer glimpse into the everyday rhythms that shape Saudi Arabia.
Sep 30, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s auctions once meant camels, dates, and cars. With Sotheby’s now in Riyadh, the gavel is falling on paintings and prestige—signaling a cultural shift at home.
Sep 9, 2025
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
What was once dismissed as “fun time” in classrooms has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. Today, galleries in Riyadh and Jeddah attract global curators, biennales draw record audiences, and Saudi artists stand on world stages — evidence of how art has shifted from hobby to creative economy.
Sep 4, 2025
In Saudi Arabia, a selfie is never just a selfie. Behind every post lies a careful negotiation between family expectations, social reputation, Arabizi and individuality—making social media both a stage for expression and a mirror of anxiety.
Aug 26, 2025
Al Baha may be known for its cool air and terraced peaks, but its real story lies in orchards and traditions quietly shaping Saudi tourism. Here, progress is measured not only in mega-projects, but in how locals turn heritage into experiences that endure.
Aug 24, 2025
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
Saudi Arabia’s laws on women’s dress have relaxed, but cultural expectations still shape what feels appropriate. For visitors, understanding these unwritten rules — from when an abaya is optional to how modesty is interpreted in cities versus rural areas — can make the difference between standing out and fitting in.
Aug 13, 2025
From jazz to opera, Saudi women are stepping beyond weddings and family events, creating music that blends heritage with global styles—and reshaping the country’s cultural soundscape.
Aug 8, 2025
Saudi humour doesn’t shout—it smirks, shrugs, and slips by in casual remarks and text messages never meant for the spotlight. It’s dry, observational, and deeply tied to place, dialect, and memory. For anyone trying to understand Saudi society, you’ll find more truth in a joke than in a textbook—and if you’re lucky, in your own phone.
Animation in the Gulf is quietly stepping into the spotlight, transforming from a niche pastime into a creative force that reflects local life and connects with global audiences.
Aug 1, 2025
Everyone has something to say — especially when you didn’t ask. From well-meaning strangers to overzealous elders, advice arrives with drama, certainty, and a cultural twist. But what happens when you grow up between two worlds — one that reveres advice and one that questions it?
Jul 20, 2025
Once seen as the domain of elites, contemporary art is now emerging as a powerful force in the Gulf—engaging the public, shaping minds, and becoming a central part of civic and cultural discourse. In this essay, Dr. Khawla Almarri traces how Qatar is leading this quiet revolution and why it matters for the region.
Jul 5, 2025
What are young Saudis like now? Behind the reforms and rapid change lies a quieter story—of families, expectations, and a generation learning to redefine tradition.
Jul 3, 2025
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
In the early 1990s, before heritage preservation was on the national agenda, Dr. Lisa Urkevich arrived in Khamis Mushait with a scholar’s eye and a musician’s ear. Far from seeing a closed society, she discovered a living archive of sounds and traditions. Her decades-long journey would make her the foremost authority on Saudi music, capturing a cultural legacy once hidden from view.
Jun 3, 2025
Often seen as a uniform nation, Saudi Arabia is in fact a vibrant mosaic of regions, dialects, and traditions — a diversity that’s now being proudly celebrated across the country.
May 30, 2025
Long before screens dominated social life, Saudis gathered around game boards. Now, a new generation is rediscovering the quiet joy of playing face to face.
May 2, 2025
As Saudi Arabia and Japan mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr outlines a shared future built on innovation, culture, and strategic cooperation beyond oil.
Apr 8, 2025
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?
Feb 13, 2025
Alya Fityani once worked at Spotify—a “music place,” as her mother called it. Now, as a Label Services Project Manager at Vydia, she stands at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s evolving music scene, bridging tradition and innovation.
Feb 7, 2025
As Saudi Arabia and Iran rebuild diplomatic ties, a new chapter of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections emerges. This interview with Assistant Professor Zakiyeh Yazdanshenas explores how shared values, evolving youth norms, and grassroots initiatives are reshaping perceptions and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
Jan 7, 2025
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
In Saudi Arabia, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a cultural cornerstone that bridges centuries-old traditions with the pulse of modern life, creating connections in every sip.
Dec 24, 2024
Badr Al-Shaibani’s trek across the Empty Quarter is more than an adventure—it’s a powerful symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rediscovery of its rich heritage. As the Kingdom embraces modernity, journeys like his remind us of the profound stories buried within its vast landscapes.
Dec 18, 2024
Saudi cuisine is taking center stage on the global culinary map, serving as a flavorful ambassador of a nation reconnecting with its heritage while embracing the future. Restaurants like Takya in Riyadh are not just redefining traditional dishes but also reshaping how the world sees Saudi Arabia—one plate at a time.
Dec 17, 2024
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
The inclusion of Iranian films at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival marks a powerful moment of cultural diplomacy, showcasing how cinema can transcend political divides. This step highlights a growing cultural exchange between two historically estranged nations, opening new pathways for understanding and dialogue.
Nov 19, 2024
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
Opera is striking a new chord in Saudi Arabia, where the genre—once unfamiliar—is now making its debut with ambitious projects like the Diriyah Opera House and trailblazers like Sawsan Al-Bahiti. But will Saudis embrace this high-drama art form in their rapidly evolving music scene?
Sep 10, 2024
In the vast Saudi deserts, Bedouin names tell stories of strength, survival, and aspirations. Names like Faisal ('decisive') and Shujaa ('brave') reflect courage, while others—Ghabra ('dust storm') or Kalb ('dog')—are chosen to ward off envy or embrace life’s harsh realities.
Sep 3, 2024
In the bustling streets of Jeddah, where the serene Corniche meets the spirit of football, one name reigns supreme: Al Baik. More than a fast-food joint, Al Baik is a beloved tradition that offers a taste of Saudi culture and comfort. As Saudi Arabia transforms, this iconic chain remains a cherished symbol of consistency, quality, and community.
Sep 2, 2024
A video circulating on X captured the frustrations of a Saudi woman discussing how men in service roles address women. Her critique of being called “Khala” (aunt) sheds light on a broader issue in Saudi society: the intersection of cultural norms, professional etiquette, and modern expectations of respect. While the term is intended as respectful, it often comes across as intrusive and judgmental, raising questions about how Saudi society navigates tradition & modernity in everyday interactions.
Aug 7, 2024
Few words embody the essence of Saudi culture like Inshallah. Rooted in faith and humility, it bridges divine will with everyday uncertainties, shaping how Saudis navigate life, family, and business.
Jul 31, 2024
When it comes to marriage, Saudi Arabia blends time-honored traditions with modern sensibilities. Surprisingly, the process of finding a spouse in Saudi society isn’t so different from swiping on Tinder—both prioritize compatibility and preferences, albeit with a unique cultural twist.
Jul 23, 2024
In Saudi Arabia, the cultural practice of Mujamalah governs interactions with empathy and tact, prioritizing relationships over directness. As the Kingdom modernizes, this art of communication offers valuable lessons for navigating global connections.
Jul 16, 2024
Soha Khan is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s emerging theatre scene. As the founder of Falla Factory, the first dedicated theatre production company in the Kingdom, she reflects on her journey, her passion for theatre, and her vision for building a thriving creative industry.
May 22, 2024
Elizabeth Frost’s memoir unravels the complexities of expat life in Saudi Arabia, offering a rich blend of personal stories, cultural insights, and reflections on a rapidly evolving society.
May 5, 2020
What role do education and culture play in Saudi Arabia’s transformation? Lucas Skrobot shares his insights in this compelling interview.
Apr 19, 2020
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Dahlia Rahaimy delves into the significance of reopening cinemas in Saudi Arabia, highlighting their role in cultural modernization and the broader socio-economic transformation of the Kingdom.
Apr 21, 2018
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Nov 18, 2025
