Today marks Saudi Arabia's 86th National Day, the first since the kingdom announced its ambitious Vision 2030 in December 2015. Over the course of 2016, the KSA has shown the world that it is serious about modernizing, stirring debate locally about the way forward. It's not a stretch to say that while the government passes new policies, young people are ushering in change from within communities themselves.
This year, we mark Saudi Arabia's National Day by paying tribute to young game-changers at this critical juncture in its history.
Year after year, Saudi Arabia's young talent grabs the media's attention – those who have taken the lead in Quest Arabiya's short form series "Hakawi," are one example. And then there are many more Saudis who make headlines in other ways.
1. Kariman Abuljadayel, the Saudi sprinter who became the first woman from the kingdom to compete in the 100 meter race at the Olympic Games
Although Abuljadayel came in seventh in her preliminary heat, cutting her short of qualifying to the next round, she definitely made history. From international media coverage to ongoing support and praise on social media, Abuljadayel ran against more than just her competitors.
Although Abuljadayel is the first woman from the kingdom to compete in the 100 meter race, she is not the first female track athlete to take part in the Olympic Games. In 2012, Sarah Attar became the first female track athlete to represent Saudi Arabia when she competed in the the 800 meter race in London.
2. Saudi director Mahmoud Sabbagh broke the country's film industry out of its shell
His latest film “Barakah Meets Barakah” is Saudi Arabia’s second-ever entry at the Academy Awards, under the Best Foreign Language Film category.
Set in Jeddah, the film depicts the relationship between a young couple who must battle through the constraints of societal segregation in the conservative kingdom, to find a way to go on a first date.
Sabbagh’s romantic comedy film debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival in February to sold-out crowds. The film also won the Ecumenical Jury Prize at Berlinale.
Words of praise have been pouring in ever since.
3. Raha Moharrak, the youngest Arab and the first Saudi woman to conquer Mount Everest
Moharrak tells the world all about her personal journey to becoming the first Saudi woman to take on Mount Everest. In 2013, Moharrak reached the summit after committing to intense training throughout her quest. On that day, she was joined by Qatar's first man on Mount Everest, Mohammed Al Thani, and the first Palestinian man on the mountain, Raed Zidan.
"As a proud Saudi woman, I know there are still more barriers we need to break down, Moharrak said in a statement.
"However, with the new vision outlined for my country, I feel this national day there will be a renewed sense of pride and hope for the next generation of youth, especially young women, who will help overturn misconceptions and find their own mountains to climb."
4. Haifa al-Mansour proves that female filmmakers can take the reins of the kingdom's arts scene
Mansour went from being an ordinary Saudi national to being the kingdom's first Saudi female director after years of work.
One of the country's best-known and most controversial directors, Mansour has left an enormous mark in the film industry, despite there being no cinemas in Saudi Arabia.
Her feature debut Wadjda made its world premiere at the 2012 Venice Film Festival. It was the first full-length feature to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia.
The film was also the first-ever film to represent the kingdom at the 86th Academy Awards. However, Mansour’s film didn’t win a nomination.
5. Ahmed Makki, a renowned MMA practitioner, fights for the kingdom
Ahmad Makki is doing more than just fighting. He is also the co-founder of Spider Team, an MMA team in Jeddah, alongside his partner Mohammad Al Najjar.
Makki established the MMA scene in Jeddah in 2007 with a Dutch coach based in the kingdom. Soon enough, Makki decided to travel to the United States for to pursue further MMA training and to continue his education.
"I’d like to hope that this year, the sense of support, pride and enthusiasm we share will extend beyond the day, and reach all the talented people of KSA that are changing our path," Makki said.
6. Tamtam sings for change in the kingdom
Tamtam launched her career about a year ago with a song called " Gender Game," where she bravely addresses the various social challenges she is often faced with as a Saudi woman.
7. Dr. Khawla Al Khuraya
A physician and pathology professor, Dr. Al Khuray made a ground-breaking discovered. She is the first to identify the cancer-triggering FOSM1 gene in the human body, which prompts the formation of cancer cells. In doing so, she raised awareness on the importance of testing and in taking pre-cautionary measures when it comes to ones health.
She is currently a cancer specialist at King Faysal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Khuray is also doing some ground-breaking work in Saudi Arabia's Shoura Council.