Reels of Agency: Women, Faith, and Power on Instagram in Saudi Arabia Dr Hanaa Almoaibed will present her paper, which explores how Saudi women use Instagram to navigate faith, gender, and modernity in a rapidly changing society. Within the context of Vision 2030 reforms, social media has become a vital space for self-expression, spiritual reflection, and community building. Through modest fashion, wellness, and digital storytelling, Saudi women redefine empowerment by blending religious devotion with personal agency. Their online presence challenges stereotypes and illustrates how faith and modernity can coexist, revealing new forms of feminine visibility and influence in contemporary Saudi Arabia. The presentation will be followed by a response from Adam Ferron (University of Edinburgh) and chaired by Dr Mira Al Hussein (University of Edinburgh). Please note, filming, recording and/or photography may take place at this event. Please speak to the photographer or event organisers if you don't want to feature in the photographs.If you have any queries regarding this event, please email thealwaleedcentre@ed.ac.uk Registration.Dr Hanaa Almoaibed is a Research Fellow at the LSE Middle East Centre. Her research explores the influence of social dynamics on attitudes toward work, education and career choices and youth transitions in the GCC, with a particular emphasis on vocational education in Saudi Arabia. Dr Mira Al Hussein is an Associate Fellow with Alwaleed Centre. She is a sociologist of the Arab States of the Gulf. Her research focuses on the state-society relations, gender and Gulf geopolitics. Adam Ferron is a political sociologist and PhD candidate in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Their research examines “platform authoritarianism” in Saudi Arabia, analysing how regimes use X (formerly Twitter) and its infrastructures to secure and legitimise political authority.The event is co-badged with GENDER.ED, a cross-University hub for gender and sexualities studies from an interdisciplinary perspective. More information about GENDER.ED. Nov 28 2025 15.00 - 16.30 Reels of Agency: Women, Faith, and Power on Instagram in Saudi Arabia Join Dr Hanaa Almoaibed as she explores how Saudi women use Instagram to navigate faith, gender, and modernity in a rapidly changing society. Within the context of Vision 2030 reforms, social media has become a vital space for self-expression, spiritual reflection, and community building. Seminar Room 4, Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, EH8 9LD, Edinburgh. Venue Register
Reels of Agency: Women, Faith, and Power on Instagram in Saudi Arabia Dr Hanaa Almoaibed will present her paper, which explores how Saudi women use Instagram to navigate faith, gender, and modernity in a rapidly changing society. Within the context of Vision 2030 reforms, social media has become a vital space for self-expression, spiritual reflection, and community building. Through modest fashion, wellness, and digital storytelling, Saudi women redefine empowerment by blending religious devotion with personal agency. Their online presence challenges stereotypes and illustrates how faith and modernity can coexist, revealing new forms of feminine visibility and influence in contemporary Saudi Arabia. The presentation will be followed by a response from Adam Ferron (University of Edinburgh) and chaired by Dr Mira Al Hussein (University of Edinburgh). Please note, filming, recording and/or photography may take place at this event. Please speak to the photographer or event organisers if you don't want to feature in the photographs.If you have any queries regarding this event, please email thealwaleedcentre@ed.ac.uk Registration.Dr Hanaa Almoaibed is a Research Fellow at the LSE Middle East Centre. Her research explores the influence of social dynamics on attitudes toward work, education and career choices and youth transitions in the GCC, with a particular emphasis on vocational education in Saudi Arabia. Dr Mira Al Hussein is an Associate Fellow with Alwaleed Centre. She is a sociologist of the Arab States of the Gulf. Her research focuses on the state-society relations, gender and Gulf geopolitics. Adam Ferron is a political sociologist and PhD candidate in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Their research examines “platform authoritarianism” in Saudi Arabia, analysing how regimes use X (formerly Twitter) and its infrastructures to secure and legitimise political authority.The event is co-badged with GENDER.ED, a cross-University hub for gender and sexualities studies from an interdisciplinary perspective. More information about GENDER.ED. Nov 28 2025 15.00 - 16.30 Reels of Agency: Women, Faith, and Power on Instagram in Saudi Arabia Join Dr Hanaa Almoaibed as she explores how Saudi women use Instagram to navigate faith, gender, and modernity in a rapidly changing society. Within the context of Vision 2030 reforms, social media has become a vital space for self-expression, spiritual reflection, and community building. Seminar Room 4, Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, EH8 9LD, Edinburgh. Venue Register
Nov 28 2025 15.00 - 16.30 Reels of Agency: Women, Faith, and Power on Instagram in Saudi Arabia Join Dr Hanaa Almoaibed as she explores how Saudi women use Instagram to navigate faith, gender, and modernity in a rapidly changing society. Within the context of Vision 2030 reforms, social media has become a vital space for self-expression, spiritual reflection, and community building.
