Coming Home: Rediscovering a Saudi alive with possibilities 
I left Saudi Arabia at 17 to pursue a degree in TV, film and media production in London. Why? Because I’ve always loved telling stories. Storytelling helps me make sense of the world and connect with others. Growing up in Jeddah and attending a British International School, I often felt caught between two cultures. I was told I was “too Western to be Saudi, and too Saudi to be Western.” That phrase haunted me, yet it also shaped my journey.
My childhood was a mix of comfort and curiosity. I grew up in a close-knit family that supported my dreams. Creativity felt like home to me. I envisioned myself leading, creating and pushing boundaries. My father, my biggest mentor, often said “Dream big,” and I did. At a time when pursuing media was rare in my circle, I forged my own path.
“I was created to create,” I told myself, as I prepared to leave. It was 2017, and Saudi Arabia was buzzing with change. The announcement that women could soon drive sent waves of excitement across the nation. I left feeling both hopeful and hesitant, stepping into the unknown.
Living in London was transformative. Over five years, I immersed myself in creativity, collaborating with diverse people and soaking up knowledge. I embraced independence, learning resilience and resourcefulness. But whilst I was evolving, so was Saudi Arabia. Its creative scene began making global headlines, and I proudly shared these changes with my peers. I realized I wasn’t just studying storytelling; I was living it.
When I returned at 22, I found a Saudi Arabia alive with possibilities. Moving from Jeddah to Riyadh, I discovered a city pulsating with energy and ambition. The creative aspirations I once thought could only flourish abroad now had fertile ground at home.
I began working with the Fashion Commission, stepping into an industry of which I had no prior experience — only a deep passion for the arts. This role opened my eyes to the immense talent of Saudi designers. Initiatives like the Saudi 100 Brands Program helped aspiring designers strengthen their presence in the market. From curating Ramadan exhibitions to highlighting Saudi talent at Paris Fashion Week, implementing Riyadh’s first-ever Fashion Week and promoting sustainable fashion with Swap Shop, in the year and a half at the commission I witnessed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a creative hub.
These experiences inspired me profoundly. I no longer saw Saudi Arabia as just a place to call home — it was alive with opportunities, a space waiting to be explored and nurtured.
From the Red Sea Film Festival to global music events like MDL BEAST and Vision 2030’s transformative initiatives, Saudi Arabia has undergone a cultural renaissance. Industries once deemed unconventional — like fashion, film and music — are thriving. Watching my country take the global stage, breaking stereotypes and rewriting its narrative felt surreal.
What struck me most was that Saudi Arabia’s progress didn’t erase its past. It honored its traditions while embracing the future. That balance inspired me to contribute to this cultural awakening.
At 24, I’m carving out my place in this ever-evolving story. For young Saudis abroad wondering whether to return, I have one message: Now is the time. History is being written, and there’s no better moment to be part of it.
Rediscovering my homeland has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. Saudi Arabia is no longer just our home — it’s a story waiting to be told. The question isn’t whether to return, but what role will you play in shaping this chapter?
• Noha Al-Bakri is a Saudi storyteller and creative professional with a degree in TV, film and media production and a master’s in marketing. Passionate about the arts and cultural expression, she is dedicated to revealing Saudi Arabia’s evolving creative landscape. Through her work, Noha explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, aiming to inspire others to see Saudi Arabia as a land of endless possibilities.
