All of Vogue Arabia's Saudi Issues and Their Landmark Achievements to Date

NEOM photographed by Txema Yeste for Vogue Arabia December 2020

Shortly after its first anniversary, Vogue Arabia made history by launching the first-ever Vogue issue dedicated to Saudi Arabia. The June 2018 edition starring HRH Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud had been the first of many annual issues to come that would spotlight the burgeoning talent of the Kingdom.

On the occasion of Saudi National Day, we look back on all our editions dedicated to celebrating the Kingdom’s people, culture, and fashion.

June 2018, starring HRH Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud

Photographed by Boo George for Vogue Arabia’s June 2018 issue

One of the publication’s most groundbreaking covers, and the first-ever Vogue issue dedicated to Saudi Arabia, it pictured HRH Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud in the driving seat during the month when Saudi lifted the driving ban on women. The artist and princess was shot by photographer Boo George in the desert outside Jeddah, marking the debut magazine cover for the daughter of the late King Abdullah.

“People often ask me what made me want to be on the cover of Vogue,” said HRH reflecting on the cover a year later. “There were two significant reasons that compelled me to accept the invitation. Firstly, I am a Saudi female artist, and Vogue Arabia is a prominent, well-established media brand with a wide reach. I am excited about the work I’m doing, and I saw it as a great opportunity to celebrate and share my paintings with an audience that is already familiar with me as a public figure within my country. Secondly, the specific edition of the magazine was exclusively focused on Saudi Arabia. Given my strong sense of patriotism and allegiance to my homeland, I felt that the timing was right to be involved in an exciting publication celebrating the Kingdom.”