Road Trip Through Saudi With Artist Salmah Al Mansoori: Stops And Views

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Road Trip Through Saudi With Artist Salmah Al Mansoori: Stops And Views

31 Aug 2024

Once, when Salmah Al Mansoori, the artist, was going through a tough time, she decided to pull herself out of burnout by going on a spontaneous road trip through Saudi Arabia with her uncle. Without a carefully planned route, the trip gave Salmah the freedom she needed to cope with her mental issues.

During this journey, she took thousands of photos of the places she saw. She later turned these impressions into a series artworks “You Brought Me Back To Life”. We sat down together to map out her travel route and sift through gigabytes of photos. Salmah shared the personal significance of each spot, the stories tied to them, and why she chose these specific locations for her stops instead of others.

Stop 1. Hafar Al Batin Desert / 27.56921° N, 46.57465° E

While road-tripping with my family, I had to shout for them to stop to take a picture of this leftover cushion through the car window. I was intrigued by the story and history of this abandoned object, which is culturally used for sitting during camping. I wondered who had used it and why they left it behind in the middle of the desert. Whether it was forgotten or there was no space for it anymore, it didn't seem important now. Did anyone even remember it? The bright orange colour demanded attention in the barren landscape. Over time, this cushion will either become an artefact, telling its story for years to come, or it will eventually decompose, fading back into the earth. I was struck by how it had become a part of the scenery.

Stop 2. Hafar Al Batin Desert / 27.55089° N, 46.56679° E

As the day went on, we set out to find a place where camels could graze on native plants, following a practice that echoes how the Bedouins used to travel long ago. For my family, this ritual is more than just a tradition; it's a way to keep their heritage alive. I was captivated by the array of native plants and the deep knowledge my family has in identifying each plant we passed. We chose a secluded spot for the day to prepare lunch and take a break from our journey. As I wandered around with my camera, documenting the environment, I was struck by the contrast the purple flowers created against the arid desert, a bright yet gentle reminder of life in this harsh landscape.

Stop 3. Hafar Al Batin (Al Hayra) / 27.69788° N, 46.62365° E

On our way back to our camping station, we passed by a small village where I noticed an abandoned area. As someone fascinated by abandoned places and objects, I found myself drawn to the remnants around us. I observed the use of clay and indigenous practices in building shelters and living spaces, and I couldn’t help but think about the stories of the people who once lived there and eventually left.

Stop 4. Jableh Baqa Turbah / 28.52780° N, 42.62635° E

A few days later, I joined my uncle and his family on a road trip through Saudi Arabia, travelling from Hafar Al-Batin to Ha’il. We had to stop at a small gas station along the way. As I looked around, I noticed the workers and familiar patterns — the way the red patterned blanket and cushion added a splash of colour to the space, contrasting with the old air conditioners and doors scattered around the area. It was fascinating to see how these age-old customs continue to blend with the changing landscape of Saudi Arabia.

Stop 5. Ha’il — Mughaydah / 27.52361° N, 41.71477° E

While in Ha’il, my uncle took me to an area of abandoned old farms and residential spaces located in the middle of the city, now surrounded by new, modern houses. Despite the decay, people still lived in some of the remnants, blending in with the palm trees and natural landscapes. I noticed how they used wood, palm tree materials, and clay to build these homes, a stark contrast to the modern residential areas nearby. I was captivated by the old architectural designs, which stood in sharp contrast to the sleek lines of the new buildings. As I wandered through the area, my thoughts kept returning to the stories of the people who once called this place home and eventually moved on. These spaces hold so much history, a testament to the passage of time and the changing face of the city.

Stop 6. Ha’il Al-Waseta neighbourhood / 27.52362° N, 41.67320° E

On our way back to the hotel, we passed by the Al-Waseta neighbourhood and noticed a burned-down post office. I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to enter, but my curiosity got the better of me. As I walked through and documented the location, I found myself questioning what had happened there. Melted old plastic phones and burned papers lay scattered, once holding vast amounts of information messages and letters, calls and conversations, now hidden or forgotten. It’s remarkable to think about the many hidden narratives and stories of the people and workers that this space once held.

Stop 6. Ha’il ‘Iqdah / 27.51939° N, 41.60031° E

While visiting the palm tree farms around Ha’il, I came across a chair that caught my attention because it looked so familiar, like something I would use in my own home. It was a perfect composition of human existence within the landscape, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. The chair had turned from pure white to a natural colour due to prolonged exposure to the elements. As I moved through the farms, I found what seemed to be a door, entrance, or border of some sort, held together by a tree branch, adding to the sense of organic integration with the environment.

Stop 7. AlUla Oasis Heritage Trail / 26.62709° N, 37.91712° E

From Hail to AlUla, visiting AlJadidah area, we had to stop at the Aula Oasis heritage trail. blending in with the palm trees and natural landscapes. I noticed how they used wood, palm tree materials, and clay to build these homes, a stark contrast to the modern residential areas nearby. I was captivated by the old architectural designs, which stood in sharp contrast to the sleek lines of the new buildings. As I wandered through the area, my thoughts kept returning to the stories of the people who once called this place home and eventually moved on. These spaces hold so much history, a testament to the passage of time and the changing face of the city. And how they renovated the area to be historical and tourist vibes.

Stop 8. AlUla Aljadedah area / 26.63037° N, 37.91192° E

In the AlJadidah area, I loved how they created a vibrant tourism atmosphere with pop-up shops around the historical sites, reusing the space and bringing life back to it. The old doors, trees growing in the middle of the spaces, and familiar patterns in the landscapes all added to the charm.

Stop 9. AlUla Waterfall Tourist Resort / 26.82886° N, 37.85242° E

Visiting the AlUla Waterfall Tourist Resort, I found the farm there to be incredibly charming, with a tent that showcased all the cultural rituals of making coffee and tea. They had shelves that looked similar to those we use in the UAE, reflecting the evolving traditions and shared cultural heritage. We spent the day drinking coffee and tea, immersed in the serene atmosphere. As I walked around the farm, I noticed two chairs with a table set in the middle — it felt so symbolic to me, almost like a still life capturing a moment in time.

Stop 10. AlUla Orange Farm / 26.82913° N, 37.85298° E

On the other side of the farm, there was an orange grove. The vibrant oranges against the lush green foliage added a striking contrast to the rugged landscape of AlUla. The bright hues of green and orange brought the farm to life, infusing the arid surroundings with a sense of vitality and warmth. The colours seemed to dance together, enhancing the natural beauty of the area and creating a vivid palette that stood out against the rocky backdrop. It was a beautiful reminder of how nature's colours can transform and elevate a landscape.

by Alexandra Mansilla