Writing from a Place: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Where tradition meets transformation in the heart of the desert

The golden light of Riyadh’s evening sun spills across the terrace as I take a sip of Arabic coffee, its rich aroma laced with cardamom and centuries of tradition. Below me, the city hums with energy—a seamless fusion of past and future, where glass skyscrapers rise against the backdrop of an ancient land. Riyadh is a city in motion, a place where history lingers in the air, carried by the scent of oud and saffron, even as it races toward an ambitious future.

There is something about this city that keeps calling me back. Perhaps it’s the stillness of the desert at dawn, where the vast expanse of sand stretches beyond sight, whispering secrets of a time long before modernity. Or maybe it’s the old souqs, where time slows and the scent of spices, leather, and incense lingers like a memory you can touch. And then there’s Riyadh’s restless spirit—its determination to redefine itself, to carve a new identity at the crossroads of heritage and innovation.

A City Balancing Tradition and the Future

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation, and Riyadh is at the heart of it. Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan for economic and cultural reinvention, is shaping a new landscape of luxury, beauty, and wellness. The futuristic city of NEOM promises a world where sustainability and technology merge seamlessly, while Diriyah, the birthplace of the kingdom, is being reimagined as an ultra-luxury destination steeped in heritage.

But Riyadh’s identity is not just defined by grand projects. It’s found in the quiet moments—the daily rituals, the connection to history, and the sense of belonging that weaves through its streets.

Beauty as a Ritual, Not a Routine

To understand beauty in Riyadh, one must look beyond cosmetics and skincare. Here, beauty is woven into the fabric of daily life, a ritual passed through generations. It is in the natural cleansing of Miswak, a centuries-old method of oral care using twigs from the Salvadora persica tree. It is in the deep, smoky scent of oud, a rare and prized resinous wood that lingers long after its wearer has left the room. It is in the gentle touch of rose water from Taif, known for its rejuvenating and healing properties, a beauty secret once reserved for Arabian royalty.

Beyond tradition, Riyadh is also embracing a modern approach to beauty and wellness. At Luthan Spa, the country’s first luxury women-only hotel and retreat, holistic treatments blend Saudi heritage with contemporary self-care practices. Here, ancient remedies—like camel milk facials and herbal-infused body wraps—are reimagined for a new generation seeking wellness that is both luxurious and rooted in history.

Wellness in the Soul of the City

Well-being in Riyadh extends far beyond the walls of a spa. It is deeply embedded in the city’s rhythm, in the quiet rituals that bring balance to daily life.

• The Healing Power of the Desert – Beyond the city limits, the Red Sand Dunes and the iconic Edge of the World offer more than breathtaking landscapes. They are places of reflection, where silence speaks louder than words, where vast open spaces reconnect the mind and body with nature.

• Spiritual Wellness and Inner Peace – In Riyadh, wellness is often intertwined with spirituality. The call to prayer at dawn, the stillness of I’tikaf during Ramadan, the simple act of pausing for qahwa (Saudi coffee) with dates—these moments cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and connection.

• Food as Medicine – Traditional Saudi cuisine is more than sustenance; it is a celebration of healing ingredients. Saffron, turmeric, and black seed oil are daily staples, valued not just for their flavors but for their medicinal properties. Even something as simple as drinking nabeez, a fermented date drink favored by the Prophet Muhammad, is a reminder of the deep connection between nourishment and well-being.

A City That Refuses to Be Defined by the Past

For those who see Riyadh only through the lens of tradition, the city has a way of surprising them.

• A Thriving Arts Scene – Once a quiet cultural space, Riyadh is now embracing artistic expression like never before. Noor Riyadh, the city’s dazzling light-art festival, transforms landmarks into immersive works of art, blending history with modern creativity.

• A New Soundtrack to the City – Riyadh’s music scene is breaking barriers, with international festivals like MDL Beast Soundstorm bringing world-class DJs and artists to the desert. Where once silence reigned after dark, now beats pulse through the night, marking a cultural shift in how the city experiences entertainment.

• Women Driving Change—Literally – Perhaps one of the most symbolic transformations of Riyadh is the sight of women behind the wheel, something once unimaginable but now an everyday reality. The city is not just evolving—it is rewriting its own narrative.

Why Riyadh Leaves a Lasting Impression

As the sky deepens into twilight and the city’s lights flicker to life, I take one last sip of coffee and realize why Riyadh stays with me long after I leave. It is a city of contrasts—grand yet intimate, deeply traditional yet boldly futuristic. It holds its past with reverence but moves forward with fearless ambition. It challenges expectations, forcing both visitors and locals to rethink what it means to belong to a place in transition.

Perhaps that is why Riyadh always feels like a reflection of my own journey—rooted in history, driven by change, and constantly looking ahead to what comes next.

XoXo,

Andreea