All Articles with the tag #Reform

Minimalist illustration of Kuwait City and Riyadh skylines connected by a golden arrow over desert dunes, symbolizing parallel progress and transformation across the Gulf.

From Perception to Reality: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s Parallel Paths

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia share more than a border; they share a rhythm of reform. Once seen as cultural opposites, the two Gulf states now move along parallel paths of renewal — modernising economies, reshaping societies, and closing the gap between perception and reality.

Oct 30, 2025

Riyadh’s skyline glows with laughter. The city’s first major comedy festival turns entertainment into a quiet marker of cultural change.

Riyadh Comedy Festival Draws Global Debate

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

Steffen Hertog: The Quiet Reordering of Saudi Society

Saudi Arabia’s biggest changes are not only in its skyline but in its labour market and social fabric. Economist Steffen Hertog explains how Saudis are adapting to private sector realities, new reforms, and shifting ideas of what a good life means.

Aug 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

Maraya, a mirrored concert hall in Ashar Valley, Al-Ula, reflecting the desert landscape and hosting cultural events in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Hits a High Note: Opera Finds Its Stage in the Kingdom

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

A professional office setting featuring a man in a suit and a woman in traditional Saudi attire engaged in a dialogue. The background showcases a panoramic view of Riyadh's skyline, including the iconic Kingdom Tower. (Source: DALL-E)

Sebastian Sons: Bridging Perspectives on Saudi Arabia

In an era of growing polarization, Sebastian Sons emphasizes the power of healthy dialogue in bridging cultural gaps, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's social development and Vision 2030.

Aug 27, 2024

A film reel or movie scene, symbolizing the growing film industry in Saudi Arabia, where films and movies once banned are now becoming a major part of the cultural scene.

Saudi Filmmaking Sparks a Revival in Motion

Explore the rise of Saudi Arabia’s film industry, its cultural revival after decades of dormancy, and the global impact of local stories.

Apr 26, 2023