Reviving Tradition: Bonjour Saudi in Diriyah
Located in the vibrant Samhan district of Diriyah lies a charming old Najdi-style house that has been transformed into Bonjour Saudi — a unique ‘travel and experience design house’ and a local branch of Bonjour Middle East based in the UAE.
French co-founder Cecilia Pueyo shared with Arab News, “At Bonjour Saudi, our focus is on bridging the gap between foreigners, expats, tourists, and Saudi culture through curated experiences highlighting cuisine, art, and tradition. Working closely with Saudis is crucial for us to bring this vision to life.”
Pueyo, a crafting enthusiast, identified a need for workshops on traditional Saudi crafts like Sadu weaving, palm weaving, and Kabsa cooking during her visits to the Kingdom. This inspired her to create a space for such hands-on experiences. Bonjour Saudi also houses the House of Artisans, featuring a variety of local handicrafts like candles, abayas, handbags, and jewelry, allowing guests to take a piece of Saudi culture home with them.
In addition to workshops, Bonjour Saudi offers guided tours to popular destinations across the country, including Jeddah, Abha, and AlUla.
Pueyo emphasized the importance of the Kingdom’s evolving mindset towards welcoming foreigners and expats, stating, “People in Saudi Arabia are eager to share their culture, hospitality, and generosity with visitors.” She added, “Bonjour Saudi aims to make a meaningful impact by connecting guests with local experts who can passionately convey the essence of the country and its culture, even within a short timeframe.”