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The Arabian Peninsula is renowned for its ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. It is a land where history and modernity collide, creating a landscape that is both deeply rooted in its heritage and boldly embracing the future. These aspects define ����ֱ�� as the country undergoes a remarkable transformation.��

These evolving experiences are being captured by explorers like Sheila Russell, whose detailed documentation highlights a nation that attracts the world’s gaze. Russell, a British expatriate and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, has dedicated her time to showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality.

Russell’s journey in ����ֱ�� began eight years ago when her husband accepted a position in the Kingdom. Rather than arriving with predetermined expectations, she embraced local culture with genuine curiosity. “I came here with an open heart and … without judgment,” she recalls, an approach that quickly deepened her appreciation for the deep-rooted history, stunning landscapes, and captivating narratives woven into daily life. Far from being merely a transient expat, she transformed her role into that of a resident and explorer, eager to discover and celebrate the many facets of Saudi life. “I found the country to be incredibly safe and welcoming, especially for women,” she notes.

To share her experiences she created a social media account (Insta SaudiTravelNotes) to show the world the authentic ����ֱ�� she discovered. Now based in Jeddah, she works with SANDS OF TIME, a Saudi heritage company, creating documentary narratives that bring the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry to life. Her photography captures the Kingdom’s diverse terrains, and her meaningful connections with local communities offer genuine insights into the culture. Each interaction highlights the generosity of the Saudi people, fostering authentic engagement and a deeper understanding of shared values.

Now based in Jeddah, Sheila Russell’s works with SANDS OF TIME, a Saudi heritage company, creating documentary narratives that bring the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry to life.

One of her favorite destinations is Taif, a city nestled in the Hijaz mountains, known for its agricultural heritage and rose cultivation. Taif is home to stunning farms and lush orchards and gardens. The vibrant landscapes remind her of her childhood in the UK, where she spent hours tending her family’s garden and among blooming flowers. Yet it is Taif’s rose season that has truly enchanted her. She vividly describes the scene: “During the peak of the rose season, the air is thick with the scent of blooming roses — sweet, alluring, almost surreal.” Her expertise in horticulture has enabled her to document the annual rose season in detail, capturing beauty and cultural significance. Her numerous visits have led her to form meaningful relationships with local farmers and residents, deepening her bond with the city.

These bonds have inspired her to document the rose season, illustrating how these flowers symbolize not just beauty but also the rich cultural heritage of Taif. Each image tells a story of resilience, tradition, and community — captivating her audience and inviting them to experience the magic of Taif for themselves, from exploring historic sites like Shubra Palace and Souq Al-Balad, to hiking in the Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains, attending cultural festivals such as Taif Rose Season and Souq Okaz, and visiting ancient sites like Al-Wahbah Crater.

Across her extensive research from Tabuk to Najran, her documentation encompasses an impressive range of subjects: from 7,000-year-old neolithic mustatils to Al-Faw, ����ֱ��’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient oases of Tayma, and historic Hajj route fortifications, as well as little-known sites, traces of a Babylonian king, regional culinary traditions, and folklore, presented through a combination of academic rigor and engaging storytelling.

Each post documents a story and becomes a chapter that reflects the natural, traditional, and cultural uniqueness of ����ֱ��, inviting readers to become part of the narrative. “There is so much more to ����ֱ�� than what you see in the news,” she asserts. Her work serves as a vital bridge between cultures, encouraging both academic understanding and authentic cultural experiences that reveal the true essence of the Kingdom.

Russell’s achievements have garnered significant recognition, notably when she presented her photograph “Ali in the Roses” to Prince Khalid bin Bandar, who was then ����ֱ��’s ambassador to the UK — a moment symbolizing the diplomatic significance of cultural documentation.

As the Kingdom continues its impressive transformation, it has made remarkable strides in tourism — welcoming over 30 million visitors in 2024, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. The Kingdom’s new visa policy, launched in 2019, has opened the door for travelers to explore its ancient sites, bustling markets, and serene deserts — inviting the world to experience its true wealth.

Now is your moment. Come with curiosity, an open heart, and a desire to explore a land where tradition and modernity intertwine. Discover new stories, forge meaningful connections, and become part of ����ֱ��’s ongoing narrative.

• Mohammed Alotaibi is a literary and cultural critic with a strong interest in international affairs and conflict resolution. He has taught as an adjunct professor in the US, where he earned his doctorate in literary studies.

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