Not everyone is certain of what they want to do – more often than none, we just go with what we’ve been conditioned to do, but not Abeer Balubaid. She always knew that her passion for music was what she wanted to pursue – it was something that she’d been fascinated by. She learnt how to play the piano herself and went on to make history as the first female pianist in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

“It became a passion and just who I am, not only spiritually but I appreciated how the instrument works scientifically.” 

She was was nine years old when she first saw a piano and she describes the feeling as “love at first sight,” but she couldn’t touch it at the time, but she later transferred to Effat University, where she was allowed to play the same piano. “I was encouraged to play it and whenever I wanted. I would play all the time, sometimes to the detriment of my main studies.”

“Last month I was invited to play the same beloved piano once again for collaboration with Effat University for the celebration of Saudi National Day,” Abeer added.

Speaking on the stigma surrounding women in Saudi who wanted to work in music, Abeer says her parents encouraged her to learn music. “My father was my strongest supporter, unfortunately, he passed a few years ago. However, as with parents all over the world who care for a stable future for their children, my parents were no different, they encouraged me to pursue an architecture degree first because a professional career path in music was not available at the time.”

“Thanks to 2030, it has now changed and I have taken it up full time. Architecture helped me creatively too,” she adds.

Speaking on Arabs in the creative world, she says, “I don’t think there is a shortage of Arab creatives in the Western world, in my view especially in publications related to their fields, I think they are underrepresented.”

“I rarely find an article about an Arab musician and have not come across one about Saudi creatives. I also encourage Arab creatives to share their stories with the world so they can be heard. I would like to see is more support for them through institutions.”

It’s clear that a lot of creatives are being supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Abeer’s words, “the creative industry in Saudi is new and booming, changes have already begun through the country’s vision to support young talent, culture and arts programmes.”

“Strong Saudi women who are changing perceptions, educating and expressing themselves in so many fields” inspire Abeer daily. “These women inspire me to continue and grow,” she explains.

“I am also grateful for the men who inspire me, like my fellow musicians Alfarabi band. On a personal level, I am grateful for the support my father gave me and my husband who has always been the two most devoted to supporting my vision.”

As for the tips Abeer would you give young Arab men and women who want to follow in her footsteps, “I tell them what I tell myself every day; to believe in your self and create beauty every day.”

“Overcoming obstacles bring you closer to your success. Just keep looking forward,” she added.

Click here to read the story of the girl known as “The Saudi Ballerina”