Saudi by Nujood: Saudi’s Creative Future Starts Here
For Nujood Alotaibi, art is more than expression, it’s a way of honoring heritage, imagining futures, and inspiring a generation. As Saudi Arabia redefines what’s possible through Vision 2030 and landmark projects like NEOM, Nujood is helping shape the story through the lens of creativity and education.
We sat down with Nujood to learn how her work is bringing tradition into dialogue with innovation, and why Saudi, to her, is anything but “just a desert.”
People often ask if Saudi Arabia is just desert. How do you respond?
When people ask me, “Is Saudi Arabia just a desert?” this is my answer: it’s so much more. From the lush Al Ahsa Oasis to the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea, I’ve experienced incredible beauty across the country.
I love horseback riding along scenic trails , it’s a tradition that’s deeply tied to our culture. These aren’t just weekend activities, they’re moments of connection with the land and with my family. They remind me that Saudi is alive with nature, history, and energy.
You live in NEOM, a place that represents the future of Saudi innovation. How is it inspiring you to reimagine art and education?
NEOM is a symbol of what’s possible, of a future led by innovation. For me, it’s also a reminder that creativity belongs at the center of that vision. I’m inspired to be part of this transformation.
As an artist and art teacher, I try to merge Saudi’s cultural depth with modern thinking. Whether I’m painting or teaching, I want to reflect where we’ve come from — and where we’re going.
What role does heritage play in your creative work?
Promoting our heritage through art is something I’m truly passionate about. I don’t see our traditions as something fixed in the past. I want my students to see them as living stories that can be retold through sculpture, design, digital tools, whatever speaks to them creatively.
Modernization doesn’t mean letting go of who we are. It’s about finding new ways to celebrate it.
You’ve said art enhances quality of life. How does that show up in your work?
Art nurtures well-being, identity, and self-expression. Through teaching, I get to help students connect with their creativity and discover parts of themselves they didn’t know existed. That process is powerful, for them, and for me.
It’s one of the most fulfilling ways I feel I’m contributing to enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Are you excited about Saudi’s growing connections to the global arts scene?
Absolutely. NEOM’s vision of becoming a global destination makes space for cross-cultural collaboration. I’m excited to meet and work with artists from around the world, to share Saudi stories, and to learn new ways of seeing and creating. We’re not just opening doors, we’re building bridges. Vision 2030 is empowering artists with the tools to imagine, create, and lead on a global stage.
Through her work in classrooms, galleries, and communities, Nujood is helping shape a future where Saudi creativity flourishes — rooted in heritage, open to the world, and full of promise.
Watch Nujood’s creative journey and vision for the future here!
Discover more inspiring voices shaping the future of Saudi at Truly Saudi.
