Indie and rock are roaring in the Arab world, where several generations of contemporary guitarists are fusing fierce riffs with regional flair to redefine the genre. From Saudi Arabia to Palestine, these trailblazers are shredding stereotypes and carving out their place on the global stage.

Meet the masters behind the sound: Haya Haijelan’s bold experimentation, Nedjim Bouizzoul’s flamenco-infused fire, Zeid Hamdan’s genre-bending ingenuity, and Joey Abou Jawdeh’s polished rock stylings, and more. Each artist brings a unique blend of rock's raw edge with local identity to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Check out our list below of some of the many guitarists who shred.

Haya Haijelan (Seera)

Haya Haijelan is one of the most promising guitarists to emerge from Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning alternative music scene. As the lead guitarist and creative force behind Seera, Haijelan is breaking new ground in a country where rock, psychedelia and alternative music have traditionally been on the fringes. 

Her playing combines technical mastery with a profoundly emotive style, drawing on Western rock influences and the rich musical heritage of the Middle East. Through Seera, Haijelan is helping to shape a new wave of Saudi alternative music, challenging conventions and pushing boundaries in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.