Saudi by Lubna: How Riyadh Inspires People to Inspire
When Lubna Ahmed-Haque first moved to Riyadh she was filled with uncertainty, now she’s full of inspiration and the power of possibility only Saudi Arabia can offer. Here in the Kingdom of Multitudes, Lubna is fully able to express the multitudes within her as a writer, creator, mother, community-builder and more. We took the chance to sit down with Lubna and understand how Saudi Arabia is enabling every one of those aspects and how she is giving back by empowering communities around her.
Q: When did you first come to Saudi Arabia and what were you feeling?
I first came here in 2022 – so not that long ago! As to what I was feeling, in a word: ‘unsure;’ I moved here from the UK unsure what to expect. But I found something really rare – a city that’s both inspiring and full of possibility. Even so, I think having that uncertainty was actually part of what enabled me to start opening doors, creating space, and building communities as both a creative person and as a mum.
Q: How did being unsure open doors?
Before I arrived in Saudi, I knew I wanted to connect with like-minded creatives – particularly writers. I knew I wanted my daughter to grow up in surrounded by vibrant life. Fundamentally, I knew I wanted to find a sense of connection and belonging.
Knowing this, but being unsure if I’d find any of it, led me to start Writers In Riyadh before I’d even landed in the country! The reaction was incredible, and little did I know that our community would flourish in ways that I could never have imagined!
Q: Tell us about that! What’s Writers In Riyadh all about?
It’s a grassroots, volunteer-run, passion-powered hub of creatives with stories to tell, people with voices to raise, and a need to connect. Our members aren’t just professional creatives or published writers – whatever the level of experience, all are given equal space to shine and grow. Since 2022, it’s grown from just a handful of members to over 300 remarkable humans with a passion for creativity and wellbeing – it’s a space that encourages everyone to share, grow and be accepted for who they are.
In short, I’d say it’s almost Riyadh in a microcosm.
Q: So, how have you found the wider creative scene in Riyadh?
Riyadh is a city that feels inspiring and full of possibility because the creative scene here is so alive – from art to music to international voices finding their place – what’s more, it’s welcoming, it’s growing, and it’s exciting.
Writers In Riyadh has been both welcomed into that scene and allowed us to contribute to it. We’ve delivered workshops on some of the fundamentals of writing, culture, and creativity, organized open mic nights where people share their hearts and souls, collaborated with some incredible local and international partners, and been able to really advocate for mental health with a proper physical space for the vulnerable.
So, it’s not just been about my own creativity, it’s been about creating the space for others to be creative too – it’s been building a community.
Q: And how has Riyadh shaped your experience of being a mum?
As a mum, I’ve found Riyadh to be full of things for families – whether it’s weekend parks, cultural outings, or just safe spaces to explore together. For my daughter, her creativity is as nurtured, empowered, and as faced with incredible possibilities as any adult.
What’s more, this is a city, a country, and a culture deeply rooted in family values. By that I don’t mean a strict set of rules, I mean truly valuing family as both your own kin and those friends you make who become your found family too.
Q: What would you say to someone considering a move to Saudi?
Embrace uncertainty, embrace the unexpected, and embrace the possibilities of a city and a country where the creative scene is alive – from art to music to international voices finding their place. And, most importantly, it’s the people that make it special. And you can be one of them. It’s all here waiting for you to inspire and be inspired.
Watch Lubna’s full story unfold and see Saudi Arabia through her eyes.
Discover more authentic voices and untold journeys on Truly Saudi.
