Skip to content

The Future of Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Cultural Scene

by Evan Upchurch

Our co-founder and creative director Eduardo Castillo seeks out spaces and opportunities that foster human connection, creativity and self-expression. As a composer and activist, he uses his passion for music and dialogue as a catalyst for change, always looking to bridge worlds, cultures and backgrounds by tapping into our collective inner landscapes.

During Eduardo’s recent return to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, he experienced a deep connection with the essence of the country’s people, culture and bright future. Eduardo performed and acted as a panelist for a discussion on community at Riyadh’s MDLBEAST Soundstorm event before traveling to Habitas AlUla with fellow musician and new friend, Husam, for a concert in the canyon under the stars.

While Eduardo and Husam had just met and never rehearsed together, their improvised performance was a fitting metaphor for the harmonies that are occurring between people of all nationalities, beliefs and lifestyles in Saudi Arabia.

Be it in the audience or in conversation, a sentiment of understanding and welcoming prevailed – an enthusiasm for a future that continues to be shaped and crafted by Saudi Arabia’s youth who are looking to the arts for opportunities for expression and change. 

Eduardo’s journey shows us that Saudi Arabia continues to be a cradle for culture that is evolving with unbound potential and reminds us that travel plays an integral role in reframing how we understand the world.

Discover Habitas AlUla

Close button

it’s a pirate’s life

Discover the cultural community center bringing self-expression to Bacalar.

/
Mobile Rotation Loader