JOURNEY through the heart of ARABIA

At the cusp of the ancient and modern, Saudi gives a lesson in seamless juxtapositions. Bayar Jain maps some of the country's cities that lead this transformation, all while clutching onto traditions.

- Bayar Jain

AS THE WORLD CHARGES towards the last lap of 2024, a new era of travel is taking shape one that spotlights unique, enriching experiences. At the helm of this transformation is Saudi, a land that seamlessly straddles the ancient and the modern, all without skimping on tradition and culture.

In Saudi, towering skyscrapers pierce the desert skyline. The whisper of wind across the dunes echoes the footsteps of ancient Bedouin tribes, while the hum of construction signals a nation forging a new identity. Add to this a dynamic society rooted in its past and eagerly embracing the future. The national capital, Riyadh, presents a compelling case in this study of contrasts.

In Riyadh, gleaming skyscrapers, clad in glass and steel, rise against the backdrop of the sky as symbols of economic power and unyielding ambition. These modern marvels starkly contrast the undulating mud-brick architecture of Diriyah and the rocky outcrops of the surrounding Najd plateau, a landscape that has shaped the region for millennia. Wadi Hanifa, a natural valley that cuts through the city, reminds us of the enduring power of nature within this rapidly evolving metropolis.

This rapid evolution of Riyadh is most visible during the Riyadh Season; in 2024, the festivities went up a notch.

A large-scale entertainment extravaganza, the annual Riyadh Season is dubbed one of the city's biggest events of the year. For the fifth edition this year, the celebrations unfolded on a musical note with American singers Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Missy Elliott headlining the opening ceremony. What followed next was access to 14 unique zones, 100 festivals, 11 international championships, and a jam-packed schedule of exhibitions. One such unique-and free-zone is Souq AI Awaleen.

A haven to explore Saudi's traditional markets, Souq AI Awaleen goes beyond handmade crafts and jewellery to bring theatre and performing arts under its umbrella, too.