Out of all places in Riyadh, I never imagined my French would be useful in Souq Taibah. Just a week earlier, I had bid a heartfelt farewell to Paris after two and a half unforgettable years of diplomatic work at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was hard to say au revoir to what had become my home—the smell of freshly baked croissants from the bakery below my tiny apartment, the glittering Tour Eiffel illuminating my late nights in the office, and even the crowded metro line 13 and its complaining commuters. Still, the heart’s compass always points home.
Resettled in my hometown of Khobar, I received an invitation to a Kashta—a desert getaway night—in Riyadh, which I eagerly accepted after missing out on countless social gatherings over the past two and a half years. Upon arriving in the capital city, one of my first stops was the old yet bustling Taibah Markets. Having been away for so long, I had plenty to catch up on, especially the latest abaya fashion trends.
While browsing through rows of velvet abayas, I overheard a conversation between a Saudi gentleman, a gentleman of African descent, and a confused store clerk. Picking up on the French accent in the African gentleman’s broken English, I smiled and said, “Bienvenue en Arabie Saoudite.” Welcome to Saudi Arabia.
As if I had been heaven-sent, the Saudi gentleman turned to me relieved, asking if I spoke French and if I could kindly help. He introduced himself stating that he is accompanying a visiting minister from Côte d’Ivoire who was searching for abayas to take home for his young daughters.
After navigating the three-way language barrier, and sharing my solicited advice with the Ivorian minister on the prettiest colors, I stepped back into the vibrant market. I carried with me not only a sense of pride but also the warmth of a shared connection, a bridge between languages, cultures, and my own two worlds.
The Kingdom’s Growing Role in Cultural Diplomacy
This random encounter, in the most unexpected place, made me reflect on how Saudi Arabia, with its deep cultural roots, is also a growing hub for international exchange and collaboration. The Kingdom is embracing its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue within and beyond its borders. This was evident to me while working in the UN specialized agency for culture, where Saudi Arabia has been an increasingly active member. Our openness to the world is also embodied in our eagerness to host major international events for the first time ever, such as the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the country.
Such achievement is a testament to steadfast leadership guided by a clear vision to position our country prominently on the map. Through transformative initiatives and strategic partnerships across diverse sectors, our leadership has created a solid foundation for sustainable development and international collaboration. This forward-thinking approach has not only elevated our global stature but also inspired our citizens to actively shape their present and future.
Youth as Cultural Ambassadors
Youth play a pivotal role in embodying the nation’s vision, building bridges of understanding and cooperation through global engagements. Personally, I am a member of the Global Shapers Community, a World Economic Forum initiative with over 500 hubs around the world, including four in the Kingdom. Consisting of local youth, each hub aims to tackle global issues through contextualized local initiatives.
Recently, my hub, the Khobar Hub, has proudly won the bid to host SHAPE MENA for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This event is part of a series of annual global events to deepen community collaboration beyond borders. Under the theme “Shaping Youth Resilience: Navigating Transformations,” a key aspect of the event is highlighting local identity, echoing the nation-wide efforts to honor our roots while embracing change. With participants from over 40 nationalities, our program features a special tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al-Ahsa Oasis, exploring the Eastern city’s beauty while facilitating intercultural learning experiences.
This is one example of how we, Saudi youth, serve as cultural ambassadors, empowered by a shared vision of progress that values both tradition and innovation. Global engagements, such as those led by Misk, are instrumental in equipping youth with the skills, networks, and opportunities to thrive on a global scale, to not only represent their nation with pride but also to contribute meaningfully to international dialogues.
Connecting my Worlds
My journey between Khobar and Paris, and between youth-led initiatives and international organizations, has enriched my sense of identity and reaffirmed the profound role culture plays in building global connections. As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, its aspiring youth act as bridges, shaping a resilient future. It is through moments like my encounter in Taibah Markets that I am reminded of the beauty of shared humanity—where language transcends barriers, cultures intersect, and understanding flourishes.
