A Country Like No Other: Fashion Designer Arwa Alammari On What Unites The People of Saudi Arabia
Pride runs deep among the people of Saudi Arabia, so on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 92nd National Day, we asked five of the nation’s pioneers to express their gratitude to KSA in letters addressed to their country…
It isn’t easy to find the right words to describe a nation as great as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I believe that these feelings also engulf any Arab who bears witness to the wonder of this country, let alone when you’re a child of this nation and belong to it in every sense of the word. The vision that the Kingdom has set forth for its future has become our trajectory towards a common goal, and a point of reference for every individual, young or old, across all sectors; most notably in a cultural aspect by fostering our identity and its dissemination to the world. I would like to focus on our cultural scene, not only because I belong to it as a creative, but rather to highlight the cultural wealth of the Kingdom, which sets it apart on all fronts.
Saudi cultural heritage is as vast and diverse as the enormous area of the country and its various regions, each renowned for their architecture, fashion, folklore, music, cuisine and traditions. What unites the people of this country, regardless of region, is their generosity, chivalry and hospitality, which have been witnessed by all those who visit, making their stay a holistic and truly unforgettable experience.
It is quite heartwarming to see all state institutions unite in highlighting our legacy and bringing it to the world, including the registration of the Kingdom’s heritage as part of UNESCO. Practical steps have also been taken to stimulate the cultural sector and increase its opportunities and capacities through the creation of various cultural commissions.
The cultural field is a good example of how the Kingdom’s vision has been holistically designed to serve the individual and society, and to improve quality of life. All that I can say on a day like this – and every day – is may our nation’s pride last long…and that we will relentlessly endeavour to see it at the forefront of all countries. Towards that goal we will walk.
From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Autumn 2022 issue.