All Articles with the tag #Tradition

Split table showing a lavish Saudi feast on one side and a minimalist meal on the other, highlighting the contrast between excess and restraint.

A Tradition of Plenty, A Moment for Restraint

Weddings in Saudi Arabia are showcases of generosity—but with much food uneaten, some are rethinking the meaning of abundance. A new regulation may help families be thoughtful hosts without breaking tradition.

Jul 10, 2025

Illustration of six cartoon boys wearing traditional Gulf Arab attire, representing the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They stand holding hands beneath a large blank sign outdoors on green grass with a blue sky background.

The Gulf Runs Fast but Needs Deep Roots

The Gulf’s young generation is racing into the future — learning new languages, mastering AI, and chasing global ambitions. But amid the excitement, one question lingers: can a society move forward without losing sight of who it is? Bahraini scholar Omar Al-Ubaydli argues that the region’s real strength lies not just in what it builds but in what it remembers.

Jun 1, 2025

A high-resolution aerial view showing Saudi Arabia’s diverse regions: green terraced hills, rugged mountains, sweeping desert dunes, and a coastal city along the shoreline, all captured under soft golden light.

Many Faces, One Kingdom

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

Black and yellow Keram coins line the corner of a wooden board, suggesting a momentary break in a game that blends strategy with subtle skill.

What Saudis Are Playing Again

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

A large pile of freshly picked pink Taif roses in front of burlap sacks filled with more roses, set outdoors in soft natural light.

Perfume and Persistence in the City of Roses

While Saudi Arabia charges ahead with bold reforms and towering skylines, a quieter story unfolds each spring in Taif, where millions of Damask roses bloom. For the farmers who rise before dawn to harvest them, these roses are more than flowers—they are a way of life, a source of pride, and now, a fragile tradition facing the growing pressures of climate and change.

Apr 23, 2025

Elegant Arabic calligraphy with lantern decorations, celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing warmth, family, and tradition.

Eid in Saudi Arabia: A Festival of Faith and Family

Eid in Saudi Arabia is more than just a holiday; it’s a vivid celebration of faith and family. As the crescent moon signals the end of Ramadan, streets come alive with festive decorations, families rush to prepare, and the nation unites in prayer and generosity. From communal gatherings to cherished traditions, Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal, reflection, and joy.

Mar 27, 2025

Bedouins with camels walking across a golden sand dune at sunset, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and the spirit of integrity and trust that defined life in the Arabian Peninsula. The warm glow of the sun highlights their journey, symbolizing resilience

A Remarkable Story of Trust and Integrity

In an age before written contracts and formal guarantees, honesty and trust formed the foundation of business dealings in Saudi Arabia. This true story from the 1950s, passed down from my father, offers a powerful reminder of how character and integrity shaped relationships across generations.

Mar 21, 2025

A beautifully designed beige abaya with intricate embroidery displayed in a bright workspace featuring a sewing machine and green plants.

Saudi Fashion Gets a Sustainable Makeover

Who would have thought that reusing and repurposing clothes would become part of Saudi life? Just a decade ago, the idea of wearing someone else’s clothes—or even passing down kids’ outfits—was unthinkable for most Saudis, often seen as a sign of poverty. Today, sustainable fashion is not only trendy but also a reflection of Saudis adapting to global challenges while staying rooted in their traditions.

Jan 23, 2025

Traditional giant coffee pot sculpture in Jubbah, Hail Province, Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the region's heritage of hospitality.

From Dallah to Cold Brew: How Coffee Fuels Saudi Life

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

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

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

Representation of traditional Bedouin desert life, featuring tents, camels, and people in traditional attire against a desert landscape. (Source: DALLE)

The Unique Art of Saudi Bedouin Names

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

A Saudi woman in a headscarf holding the Saudi flag, representing a discussion on respectful addressing practices and shifting social etiquette in Saudi Arabia.

The Sensitivity of Addressing Saudi Women in Public

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

Arranged marriages in Saudi Arabia are the original offline Tinder.

Tinder, but Make It Traditional: How Saudis Find Their Match

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

A man threading a bisht, a traditional garment now required for officials, reflecting Saudi cultural identity.

Wrapped in Authority: The Bisht’s Symbolic Power in Saudi Arabia

From a Bedouin winter garment to a symbol of authority, the bisht continues to play a central role in Saudi Arabia, uniting tradition with state representation.

Jul 3, 2024

Changing the Kiswa, the ceremonial covering of the Kaaba, takes place annually on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, marking the eve of Hajj.

Clothing the Kaaba and Preserving an Enduring Tradition

The Kiswa, the sacred covering of the Kaaba, symbolizes the unity of faith and tradition, reflecting Saudi Arabia's role as a custodian of Islamic heritage.

Jun 25, 2023

A crescent moon decoration and a traditional Ramadan lantern, iconic symbols used in Saudi Arabia to celebrate Ramadan with festive decor.

Saudi Arabia’s Crescent Moon: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is more than a religious obligation. It is a month of transformation, blending faith, tradition, and the rhythms of modern life. From altered work schedules to vibrant bazaars and evening prayers, the holy month reflects Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural tapestry.

Apr 8, 2023