Opera and art are taking center stage in Saudi Arabia as the kingdom embarks on a cultural revolution to boost tourism and showcase its rich heritage. The £50 billion gamble to bring opera and art to Saudi Arabia is a bold initiative that aims to transform the cultural landscape of the desert kingdom.

Mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly is set to play a pivotal role in this ambitious drive to promote culture in Saudi Arabia. The renowned British singer is preparing to take on the lead role in the kingdom’s first grand opera, ‘Zarqa al Yamama.’ The opera is based on an ancient Saudi fable about a young woman with the ability to see into the future, marking a significant milestone in the country’s artistic endeavors.

The cultural transformation in Saudi Arabia is seen as even more radical than the economic changes driven by the kingdom’s de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman. Despite the country’s history of declaring music as decadent and banning concerts just seven years ago, the newly renovated 3,000-seat King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh stands as a symbol of the kingdom’s commitment to embracing the arts.

The grand opera ‘Zarqa al Yamama’ is a testament to the kingdom’s determination to break new ground in the realm of arts and culture. As Saudi Arabia continues to make strides in diversifying its economy and attracting visitors, the integration of opera and art into its cultural fabric represents a significant leap forward.