A picture that reveals some of Saudi heritage.

Saudi National Identity needs to be preserved… and developed

Explore societal changes on Saudi national identity and the cultural landscape. Join us to preserve and develop Saudi heritage amidst modernization.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 15th May 2024

Society

Understanding Saudi Law is made easier

Until now, there were significant challenges in understanding how Islamic Law (Sharia) is applied in Saudi Arabia. One main issue was the tendency to interpret the law out of context or ignore relevant circumstances, leading to blind adherence without considering the specific situation. This lack of contextualization resulted in situations where individuals felt bound by rigid interpretations, even when they didn’t align with the intended spirit of Sharia.

Jul 9, 2023

Changing Al Kiswa happens once a year, specifically on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the day before the start of the Hajj pilgrimage (Image source: Shutterstock)

Unveiling the Veil: The Annual Changing of the Kiswat Al Kaaba

The annual replacement of the Kiswa, the covering of the Kaaba, is a significant event in the Islamic calendar which takes place in the month of Dhul Hijja. In this post, I will tell the history and details of this process. The Kiswa, or the ceremonial covering of the Kaaba, is more than just a cover. It imparts a distinctive elegance to the Kaaba and symbolizes its importance in Islam. The practice of covering the Kaaba with a cloth predates Islam, with various Arabian tribes contributing.

Jun 25, 2023

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Janadriah Festival. A group of men perform a traditional Saudi Arabian dance and singing (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Saudi Schools Introduce Music Training for Cultural Diversity

Saudi Arabia takes a big step towards cultural diversity by introducing music training in schools, marking a significant shift in educational priorities.

Jun 10, 2023

A Saudi farmer surrounded by a bed of pink roses in Taif, the ultimate summer city in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Saudi Press Agency)

Taif, Saudi Arabia’s former Summer Capital

Nestled in the Hijaz Mountains, Taif is a sanctuary of flowers and history in Saudi Arabia. From its fragrant rose gardens to its fertile fruit orchards, Taif's allure lies in its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As an annual host of the Souk Okaz Festival, the city not only celebrates its vibrant traditions but also commemorates its pivotal role in Islamic history. In the midst of modernization, Taif remains a timeless gem with its captivating landscape and storied past.

Jun 3, 2023

The national Saudi Arabian dish chicken Kabsa. (Source: Shutterstock)

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Step into the world of Saudi Arabian cuisine and explore the heartwarming tale behind Kabsa, a culinary gem cherished by Saudis across generations. From its humble origins to its prominence at celebratory feasts, uncover the flavors and traditions woven into every aromatic grain of this beloved rice dish.

May 13, 2023

Jeddah at the Red Sea, historically a place for tolerance and good living together.

Jeddah: A Gateway to Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Numerous boats from Sudan continue to arrive at the port of Jeddah, which has long served as the entrance to Saudi Arabia for people from all over the world who have come to settle in the country. As a Jeddawi, I will take my readers on a journey to explore the rich history and cultural tapestry that has made Jeddah a symbol of tolerance, where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously.

May 4, 2023

How Saudis Observe Ramadan

Ramadan holds a very special place in the hearts of Saudis. A month of religious assembly, it is a time for Saudis to come together in faith and devotion. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I have many fond memories of this holy month that I hold dear.

Apr 8, 2023

A futuristic classroom with advanced AI Technology (Image: generated by DALL·E AI)

Challenges of Implementing AI in Gulf Education System

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools? It might sound like a futuristic dream, but according to Bahraini researcher Omar Al-Ubaydli, it's a necessary step for the Gulf education system. In a recent article, Al-Ubaydli urges educators to embrace AI and incorporate it into their classrooms. However, the process of implementing this cutting-edge technology in education is not as simple as it may seem. It requires a significant overhaul of the Gulf education system.

Mar 25, 2023

First reconstruction of 2,000 year-old Nabatean women. (Source: AlArabiya)

How Saudi Arabia's opening to Tourism is revealing its Ancient History

The recent unveiling of the 3D reconstruction of a 2,000-year-old Nabataean woman's face from Hegra AlUla region has captured global attention, illuminating the little-known history of the Nabatean civilization in the area. This groundbreaking discovery paves the way for further discoveries and exploration of previously suppressed historical knowledge.

Mar 4, 2023

Airbnb is part of Saudi Arabia's focus to attract more tourists to the country. (Image source: Pixabay)

Exploring Saudi Arabian Airbnb: The Potential for Success

Airbnb has a potential for success in Saudi Arabia, as the country is used to visitors, renting property and welcoming guests.

Mar 1, 2023

Saudi women are more willingly and mature in giving themselves the right to divorce. (Source: Shutterstock)

Divorce: A Dignified Option for Saudi Women

The rate of Saudi divorces is staggeringly high. Throughout modern history, divorce was socially unaccepted. Today with freedom and women’s rights, there is no longer a stigma surrounding divorce. What has changed? According to the Saudi Ministry of Justice, the number of marriage contracts in Saudi Arabia reached 150,117 in 2020, increased by 8.9% compared to 2019.

Feb 4, 2023

Why Women's Liberation Puts Saudi Men Under Pressure

Dr. Mark C Thompson, a British academic and researcher, has written a book entitled 'Being Young Male and Saudi: Identity and Politics in a Globalized Kingdom', which has been published by Cambridge University Press. In times of transitional changes happening in Saudi Arabia that are impacting women mostly, such a title is intriguing. Are Saudi men becoming minority in Saudi Arabia?

May 26, 2022