My First Time In Saudi Arabia

 

Good Evening, Classy People,

Saudi Arabia was never on my bucket list. I had never imagined myself visiting or attending an event there. My knowledge of the country was limited, and I never felt curious enough to learn more until I received an invitation to ANA ARABIA.

ANA ARABIA is among the Riyadh Season agenda, an event that invites people from other countries to Saudi Arabia and promotes sports, art, and culture.

As a blogger, it is my responsibility to cover the events from CASA MIRAGE within ANA ARABIA, the unique space for Moroccan and Eastern fashion designers, as well as the highlights of the event overall, along with a peek at the nation and city.

Every energy has been in harmony with mine since the first day I fell in love with Saudi Arabia, from the weather that caressed my skin as I stepped off the plane to the welcoming atmosphere at the airport to the hospitality and generosity at the hotel.

With two meetings in the morning and the ANA ARABIA inauguration in the evening, the first day was very uneventful.

I had the opportunity to witness Saudi women's and men's sense of style and fashion on this first day. The men are dressed traditionally, and the women range from those who wear an abaya to those who don't, but I have to admit that both are masters of their choices.

I am aware that a lot of people believe that the abaya is unremarkable and that it makes all women appear alike, but that is untrue. I've seen and met Saudi fashion designers who specialize in creating abayas, and you'll be amazed at how much imagination they put into making each one seem unique.

Those who don't wear abayas, on the other hand, are dressed in exquisite gowns, captivating couture sets, skirts, and tops.

Speaking with Saudi people and learning about Saudi Arabia has been enjoyable.

They all agreed that I resemble a Jeddah-based Saudi woman.

When I found out that I would be traveling, ten days seemed excessively long, yet when I arrived, it felt incredibly brief.

Even though I became ill as a result of not adjusting to the air conditioning lifestyle, I have taken the appropriate steps to continue learning and doing my job as a blogger.

Saudi Arabia embraced me with warm arms, welcoming me with its beauty and rich culture. It taught me that living during the night can be just as normal, that walking the streets isn’t everyone’s preference, and that embracing your identity is essential to preserving a culture.

The people of Saudi Arabia, oh, I hope I can find the words without tears, your love and kindness overwhelmed me beyond what my body could carry. You cared for my well-being, opened my eyes to new beauty, and made me feel cherished within your environment. These are gifts I will hold in my heart forever.

And Saudi Arabia’s fashion, I was truly moved and mesmerized by the incredible sense of style your people possess. Your choices are beyond anything I could have imagined before this journey.

I leave with unforgettable memories that will continue to inspire and enlighten me every single day.