Showg AlBarjas: A Rising Voice in Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations

In today’s world, diplomacy is no longer confined to formal negotiations alone. Culture, narrative, and soft power play an equally important role in shaping how nations are seen and heard. Showg A. AlBarjas is one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising young professionals navigating this space, bringing together language, cultural understanding, and strategic insight to amplify the Kingdom’s voice on the global stage.

From Translation to Diplomacy

Showg’s path into international relations began with her passion for language. A graduate of Prince Sultan University with honours in Translation, she quickly understood that translation was more than words—it was a bridge between people, perspectives, and identities.

Fluent in Arabic and English, and proficient in Hindi and Urdu, she built the linguistic and cultural fluency that now enables her to operate confidently in international settings. This ability to connect across cultures laid the foundation for her growing role in diplomacy.

Stepping onto the Global Stage

Her career began in communications and destination marketing, but it quickly expanded to the global arena. At the Ministry of Tourism, Showg played a role in Saudi Arabia’s successful Expo 2030 bid, working on regional alliances and preparing leadership briefings.

She went on to represent the Kingdom in the G20 Tourism Working Group under India’s presidency, contributing analysis, policy recommendations, and negotiations—experiences that strengthened her ability to work in multilateral settings where cultural diplomacy meets international relations.

Bridging Cultures Through Public Engagement

Showg’s influence extends beyond policy rooms. She has served as Master of Ceremonies and moderator at high-profile cultural events, from the Riyadh International Book Fair to Saudi Music Night in India. These stages have allowed her to embody Saudi Arabia’s identity in ways that resonate with international audiences—blending cultural expression with diplomatic presence.

Her knowledge of Indian culture, cinema, and wellness practices adds to her unique role as a cultural bridge, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s soft power in one of the world’s most important regions.

Advocacy as Diplomacy

Showg also channels her diplomatic mindset into advocacy and empowerment. She is a Founding Member of Playbook, where she has funded scholarships for women from underserved communities, and an Ambassador for Nusf (Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment). She also advises LedBy, a Harvard-incubated platform supporting Muslim women in India.

By linking empowerment with diplomacy, she demonstrates that Saudi Arabia’s soft power is not just about image, but about creating opportunities and building trust.

A Rising Voice, Still Growing

It would be premature to describe Showg AlBarjas as a seasoned pioneer. Instead, she represents something equally powerful: a rising voice in cultural diplomacy and international relations. Her trajectory—spanning the Expo 2030 bid, the G20, her role at the DCO, and her selection as a Saudi Youth Delegate to the Y20 in South Africa—marks her as part of the Kingdom’s next wave of international leaders.

A Future Architect of Soft Power

As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its global presence under Vision 2030, the Kingdom needs leaders who can combine cultural intelligence with diplomatic skill. Showg AlBarjas is emerging as exactly that kind of leader—a rising voice shaping how Saudi Arabia interacts with the world, not only through policies and agreements but also via culture, narrative, and people-to-people connections.