Our identity is our pride 
The Kingdom can be seen as a role model for the way in which it has retained and protected its identity for decades, thanks to the collective efforts of its leaders.
They have ensured that the Kingdom’s rich culture, heritage, traditions and customs were reflected in their people’s way of living in their country and abroad.
Recently, social media was rife with people opposing the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh’s attitude in defending the traditional attire of the Western region of Saudi Arabia when he noticed an unfamiliar headdress on one of the male competitors in “Saudi Idol.”
As per his tweet on Dec. 22, Al-Sheikh, with all due respect to the Al-Hijazis, stated that the orange headdress was not part of the traditional Western region attire and that it should not be part of any entertainment activity. While most people in the Kingdom agreed, there were some who opposed it.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, (which took place during US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Kingdom), acknowledged that Saudis would always follow, respect, and love their core values and principles.
If your identity is solid and your fundamental values are strong, nothing and no one can shake you, whether in business, investment, entertainment, or foreign relations.
If your identity is solid and your fundamental values are strong, nothing and no one can shake you, whether in business, investment, entertainment, or foreign relations.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr has now signed Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now living in the Kingdom with his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children. Rodriguez sported an elegant abaya at Ronaldo’s presentation ceremony, in keeping with the modest sensibilities of Saudi culture.
In May last year, the great Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi toured old Jeddah and became acquainted with its ancient landmarks, which are registered on the heritage list of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Identity is soft power that can deliver political, social, and cultural messages to the world, creating a positive image.
It is also our duty to be respectful toward other people’s cultures and ideas.
• Noor A. Al-Naboud is a writer, marketing and external communication and insurance expert.
