Meet The Women Under The Abayas: Sawsan Al Bahiti

“Nothing felt more genuine in expressing my heart and soul than opera”

Saudi’s first-ever street-style book succeeded in shattering stereotypes and demystifing the way the world views women from the Kingdom. Bazaar chats with some of the women featured in the second edition of Marriam Mossalli’s Under The Abaya.

Hailed as the voice of Saudi Arabian opera, Sawsan Al Bahiti is a qualified voice coach at the New York Vocal Coaching Center and has been singing opera since 2008. “I have tried to sing different kinds of music,” she admits, “but nothing felt more genuine in expressing my heart and soul than opera.”

For more information on Under The Abaya visit undertheabaya.com or follow @under_the_abaya on Instagram.

Sawsan Al Bahiti shot by Lina Qummosani

From Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia May 2020 issue