Sawsan Al Bahiti

Sawsan Al Bahiti, born in Riyadh, is Saudi Arabia’s first professional opera singer, a trailblazer who has captivated audiences and broken cultural barriers. Her extraordinary journey began at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, where she studied mass communications and discovered her passion for opera through an elective course.

Sawsan Al Bahiti’s career as an opera singer started in 2008, and she later became a certified vocal coach from the New York Vocal Coaching center in 2019. She made history in June 2019 when she performed at the King Fahad Cultural Centre, becoming the first female Saudi opera singer to grace the stage. Her rendition of the Saudi royal anthem in an operatic style was met with enthusiastic acclaim, showcasing her ability to bridge traditional and classical music forms.

Her innovative approach aims to popularize opera in the Arab world, a vision she passionately shares in her interviews. She founded The Soulful Voice studio in Jeddah, where she coaches 25 students, primarily Saudis, in various singing styles. Sawsan Al Bahiti’s dedication to nurturing local talent and introducing opera to new audiences reflects her commitment to cultural enrichment.

In addition to her musical pursuits, she has a diverse professional background. She holds a degree in Mass Communication and has experience in brand management at Unilever and the hospitality sector with Saudi Airlines Catering Co. She also founded La Mamma Catering in Jeddah, blending her entrepreneurial spirit with her artistic passion.

Sawsan Al Bahiti’s pioneering work in opera and her multifaceted career make her a prominent cultural ambassador, inspiring many in Saudi Arabia and beyond.