Saudi Arabia is often portrayed in the west to be a conservative environment with minimal to do aside from Hajj and Umrah. Growing up this was all I knew, and from minimal positive media coverage I never found myself interested to learn more. The restrictions on women were also another factor that played within my lack of desire to ever explore KSA. Living in the west this is not something I now understand has been massively mis-portrayed.

The cultural differences between the East and West are huge, however the most important one I would hope the west can one day emerge within is the value of family, traditions alongside maintain their religion but showcasing a vibrant culture. I believe Saudi’s initiative in emerging within the outer world is amazing and will definitely help defy the negative stereotype. The Kingdom is for more people than just Muslim’s and not a place just for Saudi’s. It has much more to offer to the world than what we are told within the West.

Upon my arrival I witnessed an immediate difference that completely altered my view of what I was to be expecting. Arriving in Riyadh, a colourful city with so much culture and loads to do. I was shocked by my own previous perception of what I had known Saudi to be. Within Riyadh we had the pleasure of speaking with DR Huda-Al-Helaissi. A woman who said she had lived through the Saudi growth of not having anything for females to now women like herself having the ability to make powerful decisions. This was really inspiring to see and the conversation we all had is something I will definitely go back and share with others in the UK. A factor she really emphasised was the concept of family and traditions holding great importance to her. This is a significant cultural difference that has been lost over the years in the West. People are much more individualistic as oppose to the collectivist nature that I have witnessed in Saudi. The importance of family helps maintain tradition and allows culture to live on. For me personally this is of great importance but over in the west I believe it to be lost. The sense of community feel within Saudi is very much alive and apparent. This leads onto another amazing factor that I have thoroughly enjoyed and valued during my time here. The unmatchable hospitality. Riyadh, Alu’la and Jeddah. All unique in their own aspects but the sense of inclusion and hospitality is deeply connected amongst each one. The often misconception we have in the west is this idea that Saudi people are only welcoming to other Saudi’s and perhaps others are not equally treated. But I can confirm this is not true! From mine and everyone else’s experience I would 100% say the hospitality from everyone has been one that I am yet to see in other places of the world, especially over in the west.

I think within the West (especially the UK) the lack of culture and traditions has resulted in a lack of sense of belonging. Coming from a Pakistani background the UK is not a place I can perhaps entirely relate to culturally. However after speaking to so many people within Saudi who aren’t of KSA Nationality, it is apparent that they are enthusiastic and so proud of the Kingdom they are in. They have engaged within the culture and not been left to feel like an outsider. The infinite amount of opportunities and activities to do allows people to come together and make the absolute most of living in such a beautiful country that has deep rooted historical scenes which are unheard of.

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My name is Nimra Khayal, studying Politics (European, Economics & Law) at Kings College London. Ethnically from Pakistan living in Birmingham/London! The trip has been amazing, I am in awe of what the country has to offer and in complete shock of how different it is to how it is portrayed. I know this is an experience of a lifetime and one I have learnt a lot from. I will definitely hope to return and perhaps even work here one day if given then opportunity. I loved everything about the experience. From the activities to culture and food to the unmatchable hospitality offered by everyone. Thank you again.