Saudi Arabia’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility

The country is paving the way for a future where mental health conversations are more widely embraced. (Pexels)
The country is paving the way for a future where mental health conversations are more widely embraced. (Pexels)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility

The country is paving the way for a future where mental health conversations are more widely embraced. (Pexels)
  • Expert describes how younger generation is more accepting
  • Government support plays key role in improving perceptions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is experiencing a shift in perceptions of mental health, driven by younger generations and supported by continuous education and outreach programs.

“In the past 20-30 years, there has been a huge advancement in the outlook towards mental health,” said Dr. Majid Al-Desouki, consultant psychiatrist and founder of Psyter, a Saudi mental health app.

In previous decades, mental health was considered a taboo topic, often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or moral failing.

FASTFACTS

• Digital tools like Psyter and Qareboon have revolutionized how mental health support is provided in Saudi Arabia.

• The National Center for Mental Health Promotion conducts training courses and works to enhance support across rural and urban areas through psychological assistance programs and community activities.

Dr. Al-Desouki told Arab News about how in the past, this misunderstanding sometimes led to drastic measures taken against individuals who exhibited signs of mental illness.

“Previously people would be embarrassed to admit that they had a mental health problem and would do their best to make it hidden,” said Dr. Al-Desouki.

“Now people don’t have a problem waiting in the waiting area in the mental health clinic or mentioning to their friends ‘I’ve seen this professional, and I recommend them to you,’” he said.

The National Center for Mental Health Promotion plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s mental health landscape.

Established in 2019 to advance awareness, education, and accessibility, it is one of the key government-backed organizations dedicated to tackling stigma and expanding support services.

The center provides consultations through its mental health service app, Qareboon, conducts training courses, and works to enhance support across rural and urban areas through psychological assistance programs and community activities.

According to Sara Al-Duhayan, a 23-year-old student who has sought mental health support and witnessed the changes in perceptions in Saudi firsthand, attitudes have shifted even within families.

 “Five or so years ago, it was impossible for (my family) to acknowledge any sort of mental issue,” Al-Duhayan said.

“Now their viewpoint has changed. They realize it’s a normal thing for people to go through,” she added.

A key factor in this transformation is accessibility. Digital tools like Psyter and Qareboon have revolutionized how mental health support is provided in Saudi Arabia.

Psyter offers virtual therapy sessions, while Qareboon provides localized mental health resources and professional guidance. These platforms reduce the stigma of seeking help by allowing individuals to access support privately and conveniently.

Dr. Al-Desouki highlighted the practical benefits of such platforms, noting that for many people in rural areas, traveling to mental health clinics can be challenging due to time and distance.

“When it comes to geographical distance, people living in the extreme north of the country or the extreme south, if they’re in a village around Riyadh or any other city they’re not going to be able to find care anywhere near them,” Al-Desouki said.

“There must be a better way to help these people without having them either take a plane or drive and put themselves at risk of accidents just for an appointment,” he adds.

Digital tools offer a solution by saving time and bridging geographical gaps, making it easier for individuals to access support regardless of location.

Awareness campaigns have significantly reduced stigma. The National Center for the Promotion of Mental Health has promoted mental well-being through educational initiatives, community activities, and workplace programs across public and private sectors.

“Everyone is so much more aware about it,” said Al-Duhayan. “People encourage others to seek therapy and aren’t embarrassed to share their experiences.”

This shift is a testament to the effectiveness of continuous education and outreach programs.

Generational differences further illustrate the cultural shift. Younger Saudis, in particular, are at the forefront of this change, according to Dr. Al-Desouki. They openly discuss their struggles and actively seek help.

“A big reason for the change in perception is because a lot of the population is a younger generation who are more open to accessing mental health care and bettering themselves in that respect,” said Dr. Al-Desouki.

Older generations are also beginning to adopt a more accepting view of mental health. “Even that age group has changed in perception somewhat over the years,” he added.

Dr. Al-Desouki stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum of reducing stigma around mental health. “If you can prevent mental illness, the outcomes are much better than waiting for a condition to develop,” he said. “And a cornerstone of prevention is education.”

As Saudi Arabia continues educating its citizens and expanding mental health care access, it paves the way for a future where mental health is more widely embraced.

Sustained efforts in awareness and accessibility will ensure these changes endure, according to Dr. Al-Desouki.

“Mental health awareness is a continuous process; it shouldn’t stop,” he said.

 


New Arab-inspired food market lights up Ramadan nights in Pakistan’s twin cities

New Arab-inspired food market lights up Ramadan nights in Pakistan’s twin cities
Updated 8 sec ago
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New Arab-inspired food market lights up Ramadan nights in Pakistan’s twin cities

New Arab-inspired food market lights up Ramadan nights in Pakistan’s twin cities
  • Market set up under Chandni Chowk flyover on first day of Ramadan will operate after the holy month ends
  • Sellers and customers alike see it as a more spacious alternative to Rawalpindi’s historic Kartarpura Street 

RAWALPINDI: Usama Iqbal Khawaja RAWALPINDI: Visitors to the newly established New Kartarpura Food Street at Chandni Chowk are immediately drawn to an unusual sight — a group of men wearing long, ankle-length robes, typical of the Middle East and North Africa, their heads covered in ghutras, spinning lassi with wooden ladles in large metal pots. 

Food vendor Lahore 0 Kilometer is one of around 30 eateries to spring up on Rawalpindi’s new food street, which is seen as a more spacious, less crowded and family-friendly alternative to the city’s historic Kartarpura Street.

The old street, part of Rawalpindi’s Sikh district and the city’s main commercial area in the 19th century, has become a major food hub over the recent decades. It is famous for dishes such as nihari, a stew of tender beef or mutton meat with bone marrow, and siri paye, a traditional breakfast meal of cow or goat head and trotters.

Lassi, both salty and sweet, remains a key attraction, with many vendors coming from Lahore and Gujranwala to sell the yogurt–based beverage, a staple at iftar and sahoor meals — especially when Ramadan falls in the warmer months.

However, customers and vendors alike have long complained of traffic congestion and crowds.

This year, many stalls and sellers have been shifted to the New Kartarpura Food Street. Set up under the Chandni Chowk flyover on the first day of Ramadan, it will continue to operate once the holy month is over.

“Our main branch is in Kartarpura, but this venue has created a new trend, a proper space for families,” Abdul Latif Rashid, from the famed Kala Khan Nihari House, told Arab News. “Because of that, the [public] response here has been very good.”

Organizer Raja Usama said the idea for the new market was inspired by Ramadan food festivals in Dubai.

“Different kinds of food are available here,” he told Arab News. “Small new businesses and young people are also being promoted. Families are being given a good environment.”

At Lahore 0 Kilometer, Muhammad Hamza said people were coming from both Rawalpindi and Islamabad to try their lassi, available in seven flavors.

“We have great love for Arab countries. The attire I am wearing has been given a lot of respect by the [local] people, and I wish to wear the same attire when I visit Saudi Arabia,” Hamza told Arab News, as people stopped to take photos of him preparing lassi in his thobe and ghutra. 

For visitors like Mahnoor Kareem, a Chinese language instructor, the new food street provides much-needed respite to the old, overcrowded Kartarpura.

“Kartarpura in Rawalpindi is very famous, especially for sehri [sahoor], but we never went there because it’s always too crowded. Most people prefer to come here with their families,” she said. “We tried their paye and lassi, and we really liked it.”

Kanwal Zahra, who sells Pakistani cuisine, has also set up shop at the new market. She said: “We serve traditional dishes passed down from our grandmothers, roti made from pure wheat flour, special jaggery and sugar tea, palak paneer, and lassi.”

There are more innovative offerings available, too.

Dumpling vendor Meena Nabeel told Arab News: “Initially, people said they did not eat momos, especially boys. But once they try, they come back with their friends and say that it is good, they like the taste. The filling and dough get a lot of praise. Our sauces also receive a lot of compliments.”


Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation in various fields, and the latest regional and international developments.

Saudi and Pakistani senior officials attended the meeting.

 

 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, in addition to efforts to halt attacks and protect civilians.

Macron commended the Kingdom's role in the US-Russian dialogue and the talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

The pair also tackled issues of mutual interest.


Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed during the call developments in the Gaza Strip and their security and political repercussions. 

Starmer praised the Kingdom's pivotal role in hosting the US-Russia dialogue in Jeddah.

The pair reviewed efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation.


Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power
  • Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes

RIYADH: Ramadan, for many people, is an exceptional opportunity to practice self-discipline. Some people focus on personal growth while others learn new habits or adopt healthy lifestyles.

Fasting, as one example, involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise until sunset, teaching people to control their desires.

The shift in eating patterns allows Muslims to consume mindfully, gaining an appreciation for food and a greater understanding of the situation of millions of people around the world who lack access to safe food and drinking water.

“It is an excellent time for self-discipline,” Hind Saud told Arab News. “The essence of Ramadan and the practice of fasting is a transforming experience, making you a better person, especially if you’re aiming to develop new habits that require self-control.”

She said that she took advantage of the month of fasting to build positive habits, control her food consumption and her appetite for sweets.

“Last Ramadan, I focused on enhancing my health by cutting caffeine. The long fasting hours encouraged me to incorporate healthier beverages like fresh juices, herbal teas and plenty of water.

“I also wanted to reduce my intake of sugar and artificial sweets, which I typically enjoy in desserts and snacks outside of Ramadan. So, I replaced it with fruits and yogurt as part of my suhoor meal.”

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection. People use this month to deepen their relationship with God through prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving to charity. It can also be a time to meditate and practice active meditation.

“Self-control in Ramadan is spiritually achieved by freeing oneself for worship and renewing one’s soul and body from the preoccupations in the past months,” said Amira Abdulmohsen, a local from Riyadh.

She added: “It is also achieved by abstaining from distractions such as wasting time on social media and instead using the time to read the Qur’an or memorize some chapters of it. Ramadan is in general a time to cleanse the body of toxins such as smoking.”

Both spiritual reflection and meditation require separating time from hectic schedules and engaging in activities that lift the spirit and help people to manage their time effectively.

For example, many Saudis during this holy month find joy in praying Taraweeh at the masjid. This daily activity creates a sense of responsibility because it must be performed every day at a specific time.

This habit not only encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being but also raises their sense of accountability toward themselves and their community. It is a great time to bring the neighborhood closer and strengthen their bonds as well.

“Taraweeh prayer strengthens the community’s relationship with each other, while a person strengthens his relationship with neighbors through Ramadan gatherings for iftar meal or through iftar gifts,” Abdulmohsen said.

“Iftar gifts are when I prepare an iftar dish and give some of it to the neighbors minutes before sunset.

“Or, when people have an iftar meal together every day at the local masjid. Some families have a habit of delivering meals to masjids during Ramadan.”

The lessons learned during Ramadan often extend beyond the month itself. Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes.