Spaniard Gus Franco moved to Saudi Arabia in 2024, documenting his journey on social media. Through his project “Gus in Saudi,” he has gained nearly 100 million views, showcasing the country’s rich culture and challenging stereotypes. Franco learned about Saudi traditions, connected with locals, and is now writing a book inspired by his experiences. He contemplates his future in the Kingdom while aiming to contribute to its image positively.
In early 2024, Spaniard Gus Franco relocated to Saudi Arabia driven by his curiosity for its rich culture. He quickly fell in love with the Kingdom and began documenting his experiences, sharing them with millions on social media. Franco recognized the prevalence of misconceptions about Saudi Arabia and sought to unveil the reality through his creative project, “Gus in Saudi,” which has amassed nearly 100 million views from diverse audiences.
Franco’s content focuses on the interplay of tradition and modernity in Saudi Arabia, highlighting how the country preserves its heritage while embracing rapid transformation under Vision 2030. His interactions with local followers have enriched his understanding of cultural nuances, and he appreciates their constant support, which aids him in refining his content. Franco is currently writing a book that captures his travels and insights about the Kingdom.
Drawing from his extensive travels, Franco expressed that life in Saudi Arabia offers familiarity despite its distinctive aspects. He noted similarities with southern Spain regarding social connections and family values. Franco appreciates the warmth and hospitality that characterize Saudi culture, as well as the vital role that coffee plays in social interactions, mirroring his experiences in Spain.
Franco has learned Arabic organically through daily interactions, now possessing a vocabulary of over 1,000 words. His journey includes humorous encounters with cultural references that enriched his understanding of local humor. While he acknowledges that content creation can sometimes create misunderstandings with those close to him, Franco remains committed to representing Saudi culture positively.
As his contract nears its conclusion, Franco contemplates his future, whether to extend his stay in the Kingdom or remain connected from afar. His overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia by fostering understanding and facilitating connections between the Kingdom and the world.
Gus Franco aspires to leave a legacy that embodies cultural appreciation and connection. He hopes to show the world that Saudi Arabia is not only a country of immense beauty and tradition but also one that is evolving to build bridges globally.
The article presents the experiences of Gus Franco, a Spanish content creator who relocated to Saudi Arabia, showcasing the journey of a foreigner immersed in a culture often misunderstood. Franco’s endeavor to document his experiences highlights the importance of authentic representation in countering stereotypes prevalent in mainstream media. By utilizing his platform, he has cultivated a significant following that appreciates the blend of traditional values and modern developments occurring within the Kingdom, particularly under the Vision 2030 initiative. Franco’s narrative emphasizes cultural exchange and personal growth through his interactions with the local populace and their customs.
In conclusion, Gus Franco’s journey in Saudi Arabia illustrates the transformative power of cultural immersion and the importance of authentic storytelling. His work not only challenges existing stereotypes but also fosters a deeper understanding of the rich Saudi culture. Through his experiences, Franco exemplifies how globalization enables individuals to connect and learn from diverse societies. His desire to bridge cultural gaps and his commitment to positively impacting the Kingdom further underscore the value of cross-cultural exchange in today’s interconnected world.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
