- “Wadjda” (2012) – This heartwarming film tells the story of a young Saudi girl who dreams of owning a bicycle, defying societal norms and expectations.
- “Theeb” (2014) – Set in the backdrop of World War I, this coming-of-age adventure film follows a young Bedouin boy named Theeb as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the Arabian desert.
- “Barakah Meets Barakah” (2016) – A romantic comedy that highlights the complexities of social norms in Saudi Arabia, it follows a young couple who navigate their way through a conservative society while trying to express their love for one another.
- “Wadjdah” (2018) – Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, the first female Saudi filmmaker, this historical drama delves into the life of the renowned Saudi diplomat Fahad al-Sahari, exploring his personal life and career.
- “The Perfect Candidate” is a film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, Saudi Arabia’s first female director. It tells the story of Maryam, a determined doctor who battles societal and legal restrictions in Saudi Arabia. The film captures the shifting dynamics in the country, with the main character navigating challenges such as women’s right to drive and her political aspirations in a changing society.
- “Girls of Riyadh” by Rajaa Alsanea is a novel that provides a glimpse into the lives of four young women as they navigate love, friendship, and societal expectations in Riyadh. The story follows their struggles with tradition and modernity, including clandestine dating, breaking social norms, and dealing with the consequences. The book faced censorship in Saudi Arabia upon its original publication.
- “Cities of Salt” by Abdelrahman Munif: This epic novel spans across several volumes and portrays the transformation of a fictional Saudi Arabian city as it undergoes rapid urbanisation and the influx of Western influences. Set in the early days of Saudi Arabia in the 1930s, the story centres around the discovery of oil and how it disrupts a Bedouin community, bringing rapid change and upheaval to their lives and the land.
- “Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia” by Jean Sasson: This non-fiction book offers a perspective on life in Saudi Arabia, sharing the story of a Saudi princess and shedding light on the cultural practices and challenges faced by women in the country.
- “Inside the Kingdom: Kings, Clerics, Modernists, Terrorists and the Struggle for Saudi Arabia” by Robert Lacey is a comprehensive exploration of Saudi Arabia’s history, culture, and the rise of extremism within the country. The author delves into the events of the late 1970s, including the siege of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and its profound impact on Saudi Arabia’s culture, which eventually gave rise to extremism with far-reaching consequences.
- “Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Rivalry that Unraveled the Middle East” by Kim Ghattas expands on the events of 1979 by examining the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran for cultural and geopolitical dominance across the Middle East. Ghattas explores how this rivalry led to proxy wars in countries like Yemen and Lebanon, ultimately resulting in a “black wave” of intolerance and radicalization that spread throughout the region over four decades.
- “Blood and Oil” by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck focuses on the recent changes in Saudi Arabia, including the loosening of social restrictions and the crackdown on dissent. The authors chronicle the rise to power of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), delving into his background, motivations, and the impact of his decisions on the country’s trajectory.
- “Granada” by Radwa Ashour: Although not exclusively set in Saudi Arabia, the novel follows the protagonist as she embarks on a journey from Saudi Arabia to Andalusia, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and displacement.
- “The Dove’s Necklace” by Raja Alem: This award-winning novel takes place in the city of Mecca, intertwining multiple narratives to delve into the complexities of contemporary Saudi society and the clash between tradition and modernity.
WANDERLIST: Saudi Arabia in books and on film
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