Sand dunes, desert, camels. 

These are the things most of us associate with Saudi Arabia. While they are an integral part of experiencing Saudi Arabian culture and heritage, The Kingdom is redefining its identity. It is merging the legacy of its past with the aspirations of its future, in what many are calling Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance. 

As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is undergoing a cultural revival that not only preserves its historical gems but also invites the world to experience a modern Saudi Arabia—where heritage and innovation coexist harmoniously.

If you’re planning to explore Saudi Arabia, be prepared to be surrounded by the best of both worlds, the old and the new, the ancient and the modern.

Here’s a journey through the landmarks and cultural shifts that are shaping this new era.

Saudi Arabian Culture and Heritage in the Country’s Birthplace – Diriyah Gate

Diriyah, just northwest of Riyadh, holds a special place in Saudi history. It’s where the Kingdom’s founding dynasty was born, and now, it’s at the center of one of the country’s most significant cultural restoration projects. 

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is working on transforming this historic site into a cultural destination. The $50 billion project isn’t just about restoring old walls; it’s about creating a living, breathing hub for culture and commerce.

Within Diriyah lies the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the seat of power for the First Saudi State. You can now explore museums dedicated to the history of the Kingdom, take guided tours through the restored palaces, and even attend festivals that celebrate Saudi heritage. 

The Al Bujairi district, just across from At-Turaif, is being developed into a lifestyle and leisure area. It will feature cafes and restaurants that will offer traditional Saudi dishes alongside modern cuisine. As you step in here, the rich aroma and the clinking of dishes will encapsulate you, making you a part of the culture.

Experience Saudi Arabian Culture and Heritage in AlUla – A Living Museum in the Desert

AlUla is an area steeped in ancient history, home to the stunning Hegra (Madain Salih), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. These magnificent Nabatean tombs, carved into sandstone cliffs, are reminiscent of Jordan’s Petra. 

However, Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance is about more than its ancient past. AlUla is becoming a global destination for entertainment, culture, and archaeology. 

As you walk through the area you will feel immersed in the past and the future simultaneously surrounded by contemporary art and ancient structures. If experiencing Saudi Arabian culture and heritage in all its glory is on your bucket list, you can not miss out on AlUla.

One of the most striking initiatives is the AlUla Arts Festival. It brings international and local artists to create site-specific works inspired by the landscape. The Desert X AlUla exhibition showcases contemporary art installations amid the desert’s towering rock formations. 

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has also launched Winter at Tantora, a festival that combines performances by world-renowned musicians with traditional Saudi events like camel racing. You can sway to the sound of melodious music under the cool and clear desert night sky.

Additionally, the Kingdom is carefully restoring AlUla Old Town, offering you the chance to walk through the narrow, winding streets that have existed for over a millennium. Here, you can witness the coexistence of Saudi tradition and modern tourism as the town evolves into a boutique hospitality destination.

Saudi Arabian Culture and Heritage in NEOM – Where Innovation Meets Tradition

NEOM, located on the Red Sea coast, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects. It is an entirely new city built from scratch that promises to lead the world in sustainability and technology. While NEOM focuses on future innovations, it also plans to integrate Saudi heritage into its design. 

The city’s planners are incorporating Bedouin traditions and culture into the city’s ethos, ensuring that they do not forget the past in the rush toward the future. You can feel the care in the design of how the architects have incorporated the elements of the desert into the city’s futuristic blueprint. Neom offers you a chance of experiencing Saudi Arabian culture and heritage while giving you a peek into the futuristic plans the Kingdom has planned for the city.

The surrounding regions, such as Tabuk, are historically significant, and NEOM aims to highlight these areas with eco-friendly, sustainable tourism.

A New Era for Saudi Cuisine

Food has always been central to Saudi culture, and now the country is using its culinary heritage to connect with the world. With its rich flavors and timeless recipes, Saudi cuisine is finding new ways to tell its story.

In Riyadh and Jeddah, you’ll find international chefs collaborating with Saudi chefs to create fusion dishes that combine traditional flavors with modern techniques.

For example, at contemporary restaurants in Riyadh, like Myazu, you can savor Japanese-Saudi fusion that blends classic Japanese cuisine with Saudi ingredients like dates and saffron. Meanwhile, restaurants like Suhail Restaurant in Riyadh are focusing on reviving traditional Saudi dishes, such as jareesh (crushed wheat and meat porridge) and mutabbaq (stuffed pastry), making them accessible to both locals and tourists. Do not miss out on other Saudi traditional dishes like Kabsa (mixed rice dish) and maqluba (upside down meat and rice dish) to make the most of your experience. 

As the aroma of spices reaches your nose and that first bite of those delightful dishes touches your palate, you will feel like you are a part of the rich culture and history of the country.

The Riyadh Season – A Festival of Modern Saudi Culture

The Kingdom’s festivals have become a major draw for international tourists and locals. No event showcases Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance quite like the Riyadh Season. This celebration which continues for months is part of the Saudi Seasons initiative, which features a rotating schedule of festivals in various cities throughout the year.

Riyadh Season brings a fusion of modern and traditional entertainment to the capital. It has hosted concerts by international superstars like Pitbull and BTS. At the same time, also highlights Saudi heritage through traditional dances, art exhibits, and food festivals. Here you will be experiencing Saudi Arabian culture and heritage firsthand while also enjoying global arts and entertainment.

The Boulevard World is one of the key hubs of the season, featuring everything from art installations to world-class dining. Here you are not looking at art but experiencing it –  and becoming a part of it.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to sample dishes from across the globe, as well as authentic Saudi delicacies.

Meanwhile, the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, part of the wider Saudi Seasons, continues to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Bedouin heritage. You can watch camel races and participate in cultural activities that have been part of the desert landscape for centuries.

Women and Youth – The Cultural Vanguard

A critical part of this renaissance is the role of women and youth. Saudi women, who are now more visible in the public sphere than ever before, are at the forefront of many of these cultural shifts. 

Filmmakers like Haifaa Al-Mansour have been instrumental in bringing Saudi narratives to international cinema. While Aseel Omran, a Saudi singer and actress, has helped expand the Kingdom’s entertainment industry.

The Red Sea International Film Festival, held in Jeddah, highlights the emerging talent from within Saudi Arabia. Films like “The Perfect Candidate” by Haifaa Al-Mansour, which tells the story of a female doctor running for political office, reflect the changing roles of women in Saudi society. The festival also draws international attention, showcasing a blend of local and global films.

A New Saudi Identity

Saudi Arabia’s story is evolving. The Kingdom is blending its rich past with bold innovations for the future. From the ancient streets of Diriyah to the futuristic vision of NEOM, it is redefining itself as a place where with every turn you’ll find yourself immersed in the ancient and the modern simultaneously. 

Experiencing Saudi Arabian culture and heritage is more than walking through the city streets and looking at the historic sites—it’s a chance to experience the heart of a nation that invites you to discover its hidden treasures. Keep exploring, because every corner of Saudi Arabia reveals something new, something timeless, and something unforgettable. The journey has only just begun.