As the international Women’s Day approaches, one can say with confidence that Saudi Arabian women are now more aware than ever before of their rights. Hashtag activism is an ever-growing trend in a society that finds social media the only outlet to call for change and voice demands. The increasing awareness of various grievances experienced […]
For years, tourism in Saudi Arabia remained largely undeveloped. The strong religious presence along with a deeply conservative society kept tourism at bay. Now, as Saudi Arabia is aiming to diversify its economy in the new post-oil era, tourism is being seen as an alternative source of revenues. Tourist visa rules are expected to be […]
Postcolonial theory has something for everyone. For those in the Middle East, it provides insight and understanding into the calamities and complexities of the region. However, for those from Saudi Arabia, especially the central region of Najd, such theory might not seem relevant. Najd was hardly colonized by any power throughout the years due to […]
The socio-economic structure of Saudi Arabia has always influenced the role women were expected to play in the country. Before the oil-boom, women had to contribute to the family’s income by working inside and outside the house, as well as bearing children and rearing them. After the oil-boom and the sudden wealth from oil revenues, […]
This is the second part of a three-part series; find the first one here. The 1980s allowed religious figures of the sahwa movement to established a strong hold on the country. However, it was the regional and domestic unrest in the 1990s that brought in a new set of challenges that would have an effect on […]