“People [in Saudi Arabia] have become more accepting of change, and of different patterns of decoration and design….Now there is an optimum use of the space. We have taken a step towards improving our way of life.”

Haitham al-Madini, a 52-year-old human resources officer in Saudi Arabia, discussing his home renovations in Riyadh. Confined during a pandemic lockdown, Madini “decided to open things up, adding a street-facing patio, redoing the exterior walls in limestone and installing soft lighting in the entryway….Local architects and engineers say such features have become a hallmark of renovation and newly-built projects across the capital Riyadh as Saudis, spurred in part by revised building codes, embrace homes and businesses that are inviting rather than imposing.” [AFP/Al Monitor]