How diverse music traditions have influenced Saudi Arabia’s identity and culture

“Talal Maddah, a pioneer in Saudi music known as The Earth’s Voice, was the first to sing Al-Mkblahah, or long songs,” said Saudi poet Abdullah Thabit. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 September 2022
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How diverse music traditions have influenced Saudi Arabia’s identity and culture

  • Travelers carried folk traditions across the Arabian Peninsula, blending cultures and influences 
  • Today, the Kingdom embraces a diversity of world music, while never losing sight of its heritage

JEDDAH: Folk music traditions in Saudi Arabia are diverse and complex, combining distinctive tones, rhythms and melodies with poetry, percussion, and dances that have been passed down through generations.

Over the centuries, poets and musicians have traversed the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Middle East, exchanging and combining modes of expression through song, music and dance.

The contemporary soundscape echoes these ancient traditions, expressed through popular rhythms and songs that emerged from classic literature, epics, and heroic poems, mirroring the history, values, norms, and consciousness of society.

Since pre-Islamic times, singers and reciters have helped spread poems among tribes. This practice found its way to the courts of the caliphs, where celebrated singers set poems to melodies and performed for private audiences.




Another layer of percussive sound in Saudi music is clapping and dance, the latter of which falls into two categories. The first encompasses steps in unison, such as the dance of “al-dahha” in the north, and “al-khatwa” in the southwest. (SPA)

With time, the courts disappeared, but the practice remained.

Nearly all melodies from the region fall within the esthetic principles of the centuries-old maqam system, a hallmark of Middle Eastern music. It describes a series of modes or scales and a way of improvising and forming melodies within those modes.

Maqam scales usually have seven notes that repeat at the octave, while a few extend beyond eight notes. Though there is no harmony, harmonic intervals can sometimes be heard for a moment or two in passing.

While visiting the Hijaz in 1814, Swiss orientalist Johann Ludwig Burckhardt documented the region’s distinctive musical notation in his book, “Travels in Arabia,” where he described performances by women separated into two choirs, each featuring six, eight or 10 individuals. One group would begin singing and chanting, while the other repeated after them.

In the Hijaz, there is rich musical culture based on song traditions that have more complex melodies than elsewhere in the Kingdom, expressed using instruments such as the oud, qanun, nay (the flute), and more recently, the violin.

For centuries cities like Makkah and Madinah had a musical life that rivaled or even surpassed those of neighboring Arab cities, such as Baghdad and Cairo, where music at royal courts was plentiful.

The migratory lifestyle of the Bedouin discourages excess baggage, including musical instruments, so these communities tended to stick to simple rhythms, with the beat counted by clapping or striking together everyday implements that formed the basis of the music.




King Salman partaking in the “ardah,” an old war dance. (SPA)

Drums were and still are considered an orchestra in themselves, as most Saudi and Gulf folk music uses shallow frame drums held in the left hand and struck with the right in a unique multi-toned rhythm.

Another layer of percussive sound in Saudi music is clapping and dance, the latter of which falls into two categories. The first encompasses steps in unison, such as the dance of “al-dahha” in the north, and “al-khatwa” in the southwest.

The second is a freestyle dance, often performed solo or in pairs, by dancers twirling colorful bisht (cloaks), such as the “majroor” in Taif and the “yanbaawi” and “mezmar” in the western region.

Blending elegiac poetry with singing, drumming, and slow, majestic movements, the “ardah,” an old war dance that later became one of peace and celebration, is now an iconic part of traditional Saudi Arabian culture. 

The poems sung are patriotic, and their dignified, masculine, and proud movements tell a historical tale of bravery, resilience and continuity.

Over in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province, folk arts are derived from the region’s rich traditions of pearl diving, seafaring, oasis agriculture, and long-distance trade. There are date-harvest songs in Al-Ahsa, and shepherding songs from the southwest and other regions.




Tarouf Abdel-Kheir Adam, popularly known as Etab. (Supplied)

These traditions did not appear in complete isolation, however. Trade caravans, pilgrimages, and the search for new pastures carried traditions across great distances, blending cultures and spreading influences.

“If you look at the map of Saudi Arabia, you will find that it is surrounded on all sides by different musical and lyrical (traditions in) countries,” Abdullah Thabit, a Saudi poet and writer, told Arab News.

“You have Yemen from the south, Iraq and the Levant, Turkey from the north, Gulf countries from the east, and Egypt and Sudan from the west. Regions were influenced by their surrounding regions over centuries.”

It is therefore not immediately clear to the untrained ear what constitutes a definitively Saudi Arabian musical style, distinct from its neighbors, but common across the Kingdom’s provincial boundaries.

Thabit says the modern musical style that can be described as distinctly Saudi Arabian was developed by Tariq Abdel-Hakim, commander-in-chief of the Kingdom’s Army Orchestra in the Saudi Army Band, and the maestro who composed the Saudi national anthem.




In the Hijaz, there is rich musical culture based on song traditions that have more complex melodies than elsewhere in the Kingdom. (SPA)

The contributions of Abdel-Hakim, who died in 2012 at the age of 92, were considered a turning point for music in the Kingdom, as he transferred Saudi music from the aural melody to written musical notation on sound scientific foundations.

“It was his student, Omar Kadras, who tried to mesh between the rhythm and sounds of folklore, giving birth to a new sound in Saudi music,” said Thabit.

“Talal Maddah, a pioneer in Saudi music known as The Earth’s Voice, was the first to sing Al-Mkblahah, or long songs. Mohammed Abdo then contributed to popularizing the new form of music, but you will find that before this new and matured form of music, it was greats such as Hisham Al-Abdali, Hasan Jawah, Abdulrahman Muezzin Platin, who was also a muezzin at the mosque, and more who made it popular.”

In the second half of the last century, the artistic movement expanded and witnessed the emergence of several composers, such as Siraj Omar, Kadars, and many singers, led by Maddah, Muhammad and Abu Bakr Salem, then Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Abadi Al-Jawhar, Rabeh Saqr, Rashid Al-Majed and others.

“Women’s voices also appeared with them, although they are unfortunately very limited, such as Ibtisam Lutfi, Etab, Sarah Qazzaz, and Toha, who were closer to popular singing,” said Thabit.

Today, Saudi music encompasses everything from jazz, hip-hop and rap to techno and rock ’n roll, with many of these genres incorporating aspects of folklore traditions, such as Majed Al-Eisa’s songs “Lifestyle Samry,” “Lehe” and “Hawages.”




It is not immediately clear to the untrained ear what constitutes a definitively Saudi Arabian musical style, distinct from its neighbors, but common across the Kingdom’s provincial boundaries. (SPA)

While these traditions are colorful and lively, Saudi youth are also drawn to foreign music genres. Jara, one of Saudi Arabia’s youngest big-name performing artists, made waves when her rap single “966” was released in 2020, while hip-hop artist Qusai continues to make his mark a decade after his first release.

“Using sounds from the region is simply a way to celebrate my heritage which feeds into the concept of exporting our beautiful culture,” Saud Al-Turki, a Khobar-based record producer, told Arab News.

“As a producer, I never wanted to feel restricted in regards to the sounds that I could tap into. In my opinion, connecting with a global audience is more impactful. The beautiful thing about Saudi sounds is that you can hear the inspiration from different parts of the region depending (on) where you are geographically.”

Before the Kingdom began opening up in 2016 and started to promote creative industries and youth participation, Al-Turki says experimenting with musical styles was not commonplace.

“Back then, there was no support from government entities and big corporations. On the contrary, they did not receive the same acceptance, respect and support that current artists are receiving,” he said.

Today, Saudi Arabia is embracing the diversity of world music and evolving tastes, while never losing sight of its heritage.

“We should never forget where we come from,” said Al-Turki. “Saudi Arabia is historically diverse and there’s nothing more beautiful than a diverse culture. We have different sounds in every region that deserve to be appreciated and showcased.

“It is our duty to highlight and pay homage.”


Indonesia’s president performs Umrah

Updated 03 July 2025
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Indonesia’s president performs Umrah

  • Prabowo Subianto is on his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office
  • Trade between the two countries over the past five years stands at about $31.5 billion

MAKKAH: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto performed Umrah on Wednesday.

He was received on arrival at the Grand Mosque in Makkah by several officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prabowo was on his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office.

The two countries have signed agreements worth about $27 billion between private sector institutions in several sectors, including clean energy and petrochemicals.

The two sides have also agreed to bolster cooperation in the provision of crude oil and its derivatives, improve energy supply chains and strengthen cooperation in mineral resources, the SPA reported.

Trade between the two countries over the past five years stands at about $31.5 billion.


Diriyah House showroom introduces Saudi Arabia’s ‘City of Earth’ jewel to London

Updated 03 July 2025
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Diriyah House showroom introduces Saudi Arabia’s ‘City of Earth’ jewel to London

  • On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work in various jobs
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman initiated a new vision in 2017 to develop Diriyah into a pedestrian-friendly city, while preserving its historical significance and Najdi architecture

LONDON: The Diriyah Company launched an interactive pavilion this week in London’s Knightsbridge area to broaden the brand reach of one of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious real estate projects that combines tradition, sustainability and modern design.

The Diriyah House London, located at One Hyde Park, features interactive models that highlight the various components of Diriyah city’s master plan, including residential units, boulevards, squares, cultural venues, hotels, offices and nature parks.

The Diriyah Company, established in 2023, is also offering visitors to Harrods a pop-up showroom of the budding and historical districts of the town, following a successful month-long event held in London in July 2024.

The Diriyah House London, located at One Hyde Park, features interactive models that highlight the various components of Diriyah city’s master plan. (SPA)

Diriyah is a historic site situated a 15-minute drive away from downtown Riyadh and 25 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. It is renowned for its significant political and religious importance, as it is the birthplace of the Kingdom. The Al-Saud family lived there during the establishment of the first state in 1727.

It is also known as the City of Earth, due to its distinctive qualities, which include being built from bricks made from a mixture of mud, ash, sand and water. In 2010, the UNESCO designated the At-Turaif district in Diriyah as a World Heritage site, citing its Najdi architectural style.

The whole vision (of Diriyah) is to unlock what it means to live and reside in a manner in which we were accustomed to doing hundreds of years ago

Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer, Diriyah Company

Since 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has initiated a new vision to develop Diriyah into a pedestrian-friendly city where residents can live, work and entertain, while preserving the city’s historical significance and incorporating Najdi architecture into the designs of the units for luxury brands, hotels and residential districts.

“Diriyah brings design and sustainability together. The whole vision is to unlock what it means to live and reside in a manner in which we were accustomed to doing hundreds of years ago,” Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer for Diriyah Company, told Arab News.

“(At the same time), remain sympathetic to what you want the future urban environment to deliver — safety and community prosperity,” he said.

On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

At least 3.5 million people have visited the At-Turaif historic district since it partially opened to the public in 2022, known for its mud exterior walls that are beautifully illuminated at night, creating an enchanting sight. Since then, the developed dining areas of Buajiri Terrace and Zallal have provided their 120,000 monthly visitors with a taste of what it is like to live in a city within a 15-minute drive of the Saudi metropolis.

Diriyeh is a $64 billion project covering 14 sq. km, or six and a half times the size of Monaco. Mohamed Saad, the president of the Diriyah Development Company, told Arab News that there are currently 45,000 workers on the site, along with 85 tower cranes. However, the project is expected to employ at least 60,000 workers and use 158 tower cranes next year when construction begins on the second phase of the project.

(The challenge) was trying to figure out how to build modern amenities of luxury offerings and experience, but keeping the true traditional architecture of Diriyah

Mohamed Saad, president of Diriyah Development Company

His team is currently completing a pedestrianized district in Diriyeh, which spans 3.5 km in length and 1.2 km in width. They have excavated 45 meters deep to create three underground levels that include parking and the essential infrastructure a city needs, such as water and electricity.

Saad said that the main challenge of building such a project was “trying to figure out how to build modern amenities of luxury offerings and experience, but keeping the true traditional architecture of Diriyah.”

The Diriyah Development Company has excavated 45 meters deep to create three underground levels that include parking and city infrastructure. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

There are no motorized vehicles allowed in the pedestrianized district of Diriyah. Residents, visitors and shoppers will park their cars in the underground facility before heading to the surface. It is a complicated task of engineering, logistics and meeting sustainability standards, Saad admits. During the construction of the subterranean levels, 12.3 million cubic meters of rock and rubble have been excavated.

In 2023, the US Green Building Council awarded the Diriyah Company an accolade for achieving leadership in energy and environmental design in the first phase of Diriyah’s plan.

The town was established in the mid-15th century in Wadi Hanifah, a floodplain that has historically provided a vital source of water for the residents of Diriyah. The valley is situated on a water reservoir, and the Diriyeh Company decided to preserve it, using Saudi Arabia’s desalination technology to supply water to the town instead.

On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work.

There are no motorized vehicles allowed in the pedestrianized district of Diriyah. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

Significant parts of Diriyah are set to be completed by 2030, a pivotal year for the Kingdom across multiple sectors, including tourism, technology, aviation, energy, health and sports, as outlined in its Vision 2030. Diriyah is set to fully open the gates of At-Turaif, making it a significant attraction for visitors during the Riyadh Expo 2030.

Haslam said that Diriyah “is not separate, far-flung, it is very much in the center of the capital city. It is a city within the city.

“Riyadh is an incredible bustling city now with global recognition and Diriyah is almost like this wonderful little jewel in the landscape of Riyadh,” he said.

* Schedule a visit to the Diriyah House London


Saudi culinary scene thoroughly deserves its place in Michelin Guide, says its international director

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi culinary scene thoroughly deserves its place in Michelin Guide, says its international director

  • Gwendal Poullennec tells The Mayman Show inspectors are busy exploring the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture, and the chosen restaurants will be revealed toward the end of the year
  • ‘I think there are a lot of places that need to be in (the guide); hidden gems that deserve their time to shine. And through the restaurants, we are also putting the spotlight on the culture,’ he adds

RIYADH: The first restaurants in Saudi Arabia chosen for inclusion in the Michelin Guide will be unveiled toward the end of this year, Gwendal Poullennec, the guide’s international director, mentioned during his appearance on The Mayman Show this week.

He said they are being selected in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, and inspectors are already busy in the field exploring the vibrant food scene in various parts of the Kingdom.

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“When we consider a destination, because we have to establish a road map, we need to have a gradual plan, so as not to compromise with the value and the methodology,” Poullennec said.

“We need also to acquire the knowledge of all the different food cultures. So that takes time. But to set up a clear priority, we monitor, in the field, the evolution of the different food scenes.”

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The guide announced in June that it was adding Saudi Arabia as a destination in its 2026 edition. The Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, from its vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for some unforgettable dining experiences, Poullennec noted, and the country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diriyah. This deep historical and cultural heritage helps to set it apart.

“You feel the dynamic, the talent joining the industry, the diversity,” he said. “And based on what is happening today — and even more on the potential it has to develop in the years to come — we decided to move to the next step, which is to publish a Michelin Guide selection … And this will happen at the end of the year, with three digital releases: Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Dec. 15.”

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The recommendations will initially focus on culinary hot spots in Riyadh and Jeddah, he explained. During the process of expanding into Saudi Arabia Poullennec found there were still a lot of misconceptions about the country’s identity and authenticity in the eyes of foodies.

“I think there are a lot of places that need to be in (the guide); hidden gems that deserve their time to shine,” he said. “And through the restaurants, we are also putting the spotlight on the culture.”

He also shared some of the initial findings about the Saudi food scene based on the feedback from inspectors so far.

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“What they found is the open-mindedness,” Poullennec said. “Not only do you have local restaurants inspired by the culinary heritage but you have a lot of creativity. You have inspiration from all around the world.

“So, you feel the dynamics; you feel that, definitely. There is a momentum and that’s the reason why we decided to move forward.”

With a mind for strategy and a palate shaped by curiosity, Poullennec has been quietly helping to shape the future of fine dining through his work for the guide for the past two decades.

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From the launch of Michelin’s Tokyo guide to steering its digital transformation, he has helped bring the renowned red book to 45 destinations around the world. Known for his motto, “On the move,” he embodies the spirit of discovery, biking thousands of kilometers a year and sampling new dishes not out of hunger but wonder. He leads with discipline but eats with joy.

“When I joined Michelin, I wanted to contribute to expanding the Michelin Guide abroad because I felt it had an incredible potential to transform the world, to contribute to putting the spotlight on the cultures,” Poullennec said.

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“And that’s basically what happened, because I’ve been working 20 years now for the Michelin Guide and I have been able to make it happen, you know, to make the dreams come true and to contribute to

the international expansion of the guide, starting with the US, outside of Europe, and then Asia, where we landed the guide in Japan.”

The more authentic and unique a destination is, the more appealing an option it is for inclusion in the guide, Poullennec said, because it means it can recommend places that offer “something that you will find nowhere else. It is a reason to travel for, based on the Michelin Guide criteria. And from that perspective, Saudi (Arabia) has a lot to offer and truly deserves its place in the world of culinary conversation.”

 


Nonprofits central to developing education, realizing Vision 2030 goals — Al-Benyan

Updated 03 July 2025
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Nonprofits central to developing education, realizing Vision 2030 goals — Al-Benyan

  • Ministry has taken serious steps toward ‘humanizing’ schools and improving educational environment, says Saudi education minister
  • Riyadh hosts 2nd nonprofit education, training forum

RIYADH: Serious steps have been taken towards “humanizing” schools and improving the educational environment, helping raise the quality of learning, Saudi Arabia Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan has said.

The minister was speaking during “Promising Opportunities and Future Foresight for the Nonprofit Sector,” the main session of the second Nonprofit Sector Forum in Education and Training taking place in Riyadh.

The two-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, ended on Wednesday. Taking the theme “Qualitative Partnerships and Sustainable Solutions,” it was attended by government officials and stakeholders in education and training, as well as non-profit sector representatives.

The minister said that the school environment accounted for roughly one-third of the factors influencing educational outcomes, alongside curricula and teachers.

“We have begun improving the humanization of schools and are working to leverage the ministry’s programs to support the educational environment within an integrated vision that seeks to provide a healthy and stimulating environment within schools,” he said.

He added that the non-profit sector was a key partner, alongside the public and private sectors, in developing education and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. 

The ministry was working to develop teachers through capacity-building programs and ensure the quality of outcomes, said Al-Benyan, highlighting the establishment of a national center for curriculum development for the first time, in partnership with experts and specialized institutions. 

He also talked about the launch of initiatives to improve the educational environment and create attractive and stimulating school facilities, in addition to strengthening governance and accountability to ensure the sustainability of impact and measure returns.

The ministry established the Tatweer foundation to support the needs of teachers and last year signed 18 agreements encompassing more than 2,400 programs. It also implemented initiatives worth more than SR400 million through the Ehsan platform and contributed to providing more than 2,700 scholarships in cooperation with the Martyrs, Missing Persons and Prisoners Fund.

Cabinet decisions have enabled the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, to allocate buildings and sites to non-profit schools using new methods that help expand the scope of support and providing sustainable resources. 

The minister emphasized the importance of programs such as vocational training for teachers through the National Institute for Teacher Development and the National Curriculum Center to enhance the quality of education and promote community partnerships.

The forum also featured a “Volunteer Hour” in which several education, training and non-profit sector officials took part.

Other sessions included “Building Human Capacity in the Non-Profit Sector: Programs and Initiatives,” which discussed linking training programs to the labor market and the role of employers in identifying them.

“Empowerment Across Sectors: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non-Profit Training” addressed mechanisms for improving the quality of non-profit training and the potential of the national skills system, while “Early Childhood in the Nonprofit Sector: Empowerment Opportunities and Impact Models” reviewed opportunities for expansion and excellence in nonprofit kindergartens. “The Nonprofit Sector and Programs for People with Disabilities” focused on the reality and expectations of nonprofit organizations in programs for people with disabilities.

The first day of the forum featured three specialized workshops addressing services provided by the National Center for Strategic Partnerships to empower nonprofit entities, while around 50 exhibitors the "Generation Alpha: Research Insights for Understanding the Next Generation and Formulating Inspiring Educational Programs" workshop by Ithra Center, and the "Empowering Nonprofit Kindergartens: Practical Steps" workshop.

About 50 exhibitors presented the opportunities they offer for collaboration in the education sector.


Turaif traces historical, cultural mosaic to pre-Islamic era

Updated 03 July 2025
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Turaif traces historical, cultural mosaic to pre-Islamic era

  • Evidence of Stone Age settlements in the region
  • Has Tapline, Kingdom’s first industrial heritage site

TURAIF: Located in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, Turaif governorate stands as a crossroads of ancient civilizations and a gateway to Iraq and the Levant.

The governorate is home to a range of rich cultural and heritage sites, many of which date back to pre-Islamic times.

Heritage Commission sign board at the archaeological site of Qasr Duqrah, located 40 kilometers southwest of Turaif governorate. (SPA)

Among the most prominent heritage landmarks is the archaeological site of Qasr Duqrah, situated 40 km southwest of the governorate.

Adjacent to it lies a mountain known as Aqran, also referred to as Duqrah Mount, which has been recorded under the Comprehensive Archaeological Survey Program.

Zahi Al-Khalawi, a member of the Saudi Historical Society, said the site is among the Kingdom’s most significant archaeological locations because there is evidence of human settlements dating to the Stone Age.

He said habitation at the site continued through the later Roman period (2 to 6 centuries C.E.) and persisted into the Umayyad era (661 to 750 C.E.).

Another landmark is the Trans-Arabian Pipeline, or Tapline, one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant industrial heritage sites.

The pipeline stretches from the east of the Kingdom to its north, passing through Turaif, and has been registered in the National Industrial Heritage Register.

Known as the Tapline, this oil pipeline stretches from eastern Saudi Arabia to the northwest, passing through Turaif. (SPA)

It is the first documented industrial heritage site in the Kingdom, representing the early stages of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry and its developmental and economic significance.

Also noteworthy is the culturally significant site of Qaru Turaif, a water source developed by the Tapline Co. in the 1950s to help settle nomadic communities by order of the late King Abdulaziz.

To the east of Turaif, about 25 km away, stands Jabal Umm Waal, a historic landmark and northern gateway into the Arabian Peninsula.

The mountain tells the stories of Bedouin life and the passage of trade caravans and pilgrims traveling from the Levant and Iraq. For centuries, it served as a safe route for travelers making their way southward.