Al Riyadh Newspaper: 9 May 2025: Socio-Economic and Cultural Developments, Financial Performance, Economic Reforms

These texts provide an overview of various socio-economic and cultural developments in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the ongoing progress under Vision 2030. Several articles highlight financial performance and economic reforms, noting fluctuations in oil revenues offset by growth in non-oil sectors and increased investment. There is a strong focus on human capital development, with reports on youth empowerment through education and technical training, as well as initiatives in innovation and healthcare. The sources also touch upon regional events, including diplomatic efforts and humanitarian crises, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international cultural and sporting arenas.

Saudi Vision 2030 Economic Reforms and Q1 2025 Performance

Based on the sources provided, the path of economic and financial reforms under Saudi Vision 2030 is stated to be continuing.

Key points regarding these reforms and the economic situation, as supported by the sources, include:

• Continuation of Reforms: The results from the first quarter of 2025 confirm the government’s continuation of economic and financial reforms under Vision 2030. These reforms are aimed at achieving financial sustainability in the medium and long term, strengthening the Kingdom’s economy, and facing global economic developments and challenges.
• Vision 2030 Scope: The Saudi Vision did not solely focus on the economy but also encompassed cultural and social files, concentrating on three core interrelated matters. The Vision has achieved and surpassed some of its targets in its ninth year.
• Financial Performance (Q1 2025):Total revenue reached 264 billion riyals, a 10% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2024 (293 billion riyals).
• This decrease is primarily attributed to a decline in oil revenues.
• Non-oil revenues recorded approximately 114 billion riyals, an increase of 2% compared to the first quarter of 2024 (112 billion riyals).
• Non-oil revenues continued to grow, forming over 43% of total growth.
• Total expenditures in the first quarter amounted to 322 billion riyals, a 5% increase from the same period in the previous year.
• The budget deficit for the first quarter of 2025 was around 59 billion riyals, compared to a deficit of about 12 billion riyals in the first quarter of 2024.
• Goal of Reducing Oil Reliance: The Kingdom is approaching the Vision’s goal of reducing reliance on oil.
• Improving Business Environment and Investment: Reforms include making the business environment more competitive, developing investment vehicles, and enhancing financial market areas, which has made the economy attractive to capital and large companies, benefiting everyone.
• Major Projects and Economic Transformation: Large projects like Neom, the Red Sea, Diriyah, and the Mukaab are mentioned as not only changing the region’s economy but also transferring the economy towards the future. These projects aim to provide work and training opportunities for citizens and open avenues for global tourism and Umrah.
• Economic Diversification:There is a focus on diversifying the economy, as seen in initiatives like the Hail Investment Forum.
• Hail is described as an open gateway for renewed investments, supported by a sustainable development vision aligned with the global pattern of quality of life and Vision 2030.
• Hail has succeeded in agricultural investment and building a developed, sustainable industrial community. This includes localizing diverse food industries and encouraging further investment by leveraging strong industrial and technological infrastructure. Hail is seen as having a key role in achieving national food security and supply chains.
• The Kingdom is seeking partners capable of transferring and localizing cloud computing and AI technology, recognizing their strategic importance in the future of Saudi industry and competitiveness.
• There is a desire to create flexible supply chains and build an advanced national industry that can serve both security and the economy simultaneously.
• Healthcare and life sciences are priorities, reflecting an interest in transforming towards a health economy based on technology and flexible financing.
• Infrastructure Development: Efforts are underway to improve the quality of infrastructure, urban efficiency, and spending efficiency, including utilizing digital development and streamlining operations. The memorandum signed between the Board of Grievances and the Infrastructure Projects Center in Riyadh is an example of this.
• Government Efficiency: Reforms in institutional communication within government agencies are highlighted, showing a shift towards digital interactions, transparency, and responsiveness to service requests under Vision 2030 goals.

These points from the sources illustrate the multifaceted nature of the economic reforms being pursued under Vision 2030, focusing on fiscal sustainability, diversification, attracting investment, developing key sectors, and improving government efficiency.

Saudi Arabian Security Achievements and Diplomatic Efforts

Based on the sources provided, several aspects of security are discussed in relation to Saudi Arabia’s efforts and context. While our previous conversation focused on economic reforms under Vision 2030, these sources also touch upon security achievements and roles.

Here are the key points regarding security from the sources:

• The Minister of Interior highlighted the achievements made in the security field under Vision 2030. These achievements are continuous.
• Such security advancements are seen as part of supporting the comprehensive development efforts within the Kingdom.
• Saudi Arabia is stated to lead G20 countries in the safety index, achieving a rate of 92.6%.
• The work of the security sector includes ensuring the safety of residents.
• Protecting the country’s interests and protecting and guarding the borders are also key tasks.
• Efforts in combating drugs by the Kingdom are mentioned.
• Regarding the Hajj season, all state agencies and their full capabilities are mobilized in a comprehensive effort to welcome and ensure the security of this great Islamic ritual. This involves a integrated and complete state of alert. These efforts are under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Ministry of Interior leads this system of precise and harmonious security tasks under the presidency of the Minister of Interior. Security men are described as having dedicated themselves to serving the pilgrims.
• In the realm of international security and regional stability, the Saudi Foreign Minister discussed efforts for de-escalation of tensions and ending military confrontations during a phone call with the Pakistani Foreign Minister.
• The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, expressing optimism that it would lead to restoring peace and security in the region. The Kingdom praised both parties for prioritizing wisdom and self-restraint and reiterated its support for resolving disputes through peaceful means, specifically dialogue.
• The Foreign Minister also reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional and international developments and the efforts made regarding them during a phone call with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Similar discussions took place during the Foreign Minister’s reception of the Iranian Foreign Minister.
• The Deputy Minister of the National Guard, upon his appointment, expressed his gratitude for the trust from the leadership, affirming his commitment to work diligently and sincerely to support the efforts of the National Guard and achieve the leadership’s wise vision. This implicitly links the role to supporting national security.

These points from the sources highlight the significance placed on security within Saudi Arabia, both domestically through Vision 2030 initiatives, safety measures, and critical operations like Hajj, and externally through diplomatic efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and stability.

Saudi Vision 2030 Investment Opportunities

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, the discussion of economic reforms under Vision 2030 frequently highlights efforts to create and enhance investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia.

Here are key points regarding investment opportunities derived from the sources:

• The continuation of economic and financial reforms under Vision 2030 aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s economy and achieve financial sustainability. These reforms include making the business environment more competitive, developing investment vehicles, and enhancing financial market areas. This has made the economy attractive to capital and large companies.
• Non-oil revenues have continued to grow, forming over 43% of total growth in the first quarter of 2025, indicating increasing activity in diversified sectors that may present investment potential. The Kingdom is also approaching Vision 2030’s goal of reducing reliance on oil.
• Major Projects like Neom, the Red Sea, Diriyah, and the Mukaab are mentioned as not only changing the region’s economy but also transferring the economy towards the future. These projects aim to provide work and training opportunities and open avenues for global tourism and Umrah.
• Economic Diversification is a key focus, creating opportunities in various sectors:
• The Hail Investment Forum is presented as an “open gateway for renewed investments” to achieve these ambitions. It aims to gather investors and decision-makers to boost economic development.
• Agriculture: Hail is highlighted as having succeeded in agricultural investment. It is seen as having a key role in achieving national food security and supply chains, leveraging its fertile land and abundant water and aiming to be the Kingdom’s “food basket”. This suggests investment opportunities in this sector in the region.
• Industry: Hail has built a developed, sustainable industrial community, including localizing diverse food industries. The strong industrial and technological infrastructure in Hail is seen as encouraging further investment.
• Technology and Digital Transformation: The Kingdom seeks partners capable of transferring and localizing cloud computing and AI technology, recognizing their strategic importance for future industry and competitiveness. Efforts to improve government efficiency through digital development and streamlining operations also imply opportunities in digital services and related infrastructure.
• Healthcare and Life Sciences are priorities for transformation towards a health economy based on technology and flexible financing, reflecting potential investment interest in this sector.
• Logistics: Hail’s strategic location is highlighted, and logistics services are mentioned in relation to the Hail Investment Forum. The Yamamah Express campaign also details sophisticated logistics services, including specialized storage for sensitive goods, showcasing development and potential in this sector.
• Culture: The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Downtown Company, is working to find investment opportunities for cultural assets in Saudi Downtown cities, and support cultural projects and professions.
• Media and Entertainment: The new MBC Group headquarters in Diriyah aims to become a leading center for content production, media, innovation, and creative industries, reflecting an effort to support and attract investment in this sector.
• Real Estate and Urban Development: Efforts to improve the quality of infrastructure and urban efficiency suggest opportunities in construction and development. Hail’s plans include building intelligent infrastructure and housing projects, and the “Baladi Investment portal” is mentioned as providing information on “opportunities related to urban plans”.
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): The Hail Municipality focuses on supporting SMEs and activating their partnerships within value chains.
• Facilitation of Investment: The Hail Municipality works with the Emirate and Chamber of Commerce to provide a motivating and secure investment environment. They offer integrated investment packages, support programs for urban plans, aim to simplify procedures, and utilize the Baladi Investment portal (“Foras”) to provide necessary information including opportunities, locations, prices, plans, and urban opportunities. They also provide accompaniment throughout the investment journey. The message from Hail is that the land is prepared, ready, and opportunities exist.
• Investment Forums: Besides the Hail Investment Forum, a significant “Saudi-American Investment Forum” is mentioned, coinciding with a US presidential visit. This forum is expected to be a key platform in the strategic partnership and will cover sectors like renewable energy, defense industries, AI, and health services, focusing on building deep investment alliances, knowledge exchange, innovation, and supply chain integration.

These points from the sources demonstrate a clear focus within Saudi Arabia on creating and promoting diverse investment opportunities across various sectors, supported by ongoing reforms and specific initiatives like forums and infrastructure development.

Saudi Football: King’s Cup, Asian Elite, and Club Status

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, there are several notable sports events and related discussions.

A major upcoming event is the King’s Cup final for the 2024-2025 sports season. This match is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025. It will be held between the teams Al Ittihad and Al Qadisiyah at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. This final is under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation for this generous patronage, stating it represents a continuation of the abundant support and great interest the leadership gives to the sports sector. He added that this support strengthens and empowers sports, making it one of the tools for comprehensive development in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Minister congratulated both Al Ittihad and Al Qadisiyah on reaching the final and wished them success in presenting a match that reflects the value of the occasion and the royal patronage, as well as showcasing the development and competitiveness of Saudi football.

In the context of domestic leagues, the sources mention results from the Prince Faisal bin Fahd League, including Al Kholood defeating Al Ittifaq. Al Wehda’s result against Al Fateh is noted for bringing Al Fateh into the danger zone. There is also anticipation for matches like Al Shabab versus Al Ahli and Al Faiha visiting Al Ittihad. It is suggested that if Al Ittihad wins their match against Al Faiha, they will likely secure the league title with a 99.9% probability, as their remaining matches would not impact this.

Significant discussion revolves around the performance of specific clubs:

• Al Ahli is highlighted as the winner of the Asian Elite Championship. This victory is described as well-deserved. The source notes that Al Ahli learned from past difficult lessons, including relegation, to reach this achievement. The club’s management is praised for their intelligence in acknowledging reality and setting the Asian Elite Championship as a goal to achieve after sacrificing pursuit of the league title and King’s Cup. Al Ahli’s investment in key players like the veteran Algerian Riyad Mahrez, the Brazilian goalscorer Firmino, the Ivorian expert Kessié, the lively English winger Ivan Toney, the dynamic Brazilian Galeno, the fighting Brazilian defender Abanyiz, and the great Senegalese goalkeeper Mendy is credited for the German coach’s ability to transform them into a formidable team capable of achieving the fans’ aspirations. The source also notes that Al Ahli was in its best form, possessed the desire to win, was not affected by fatigue, and their technical management knew how to avoid the negatives of circumstances like accumulated matches, sleep/nutrition changes, and win after overcoming Al Taawoun. It is emphasized that Al Ahli will not stop and will continue to pursue victories and a high position in the next season.
• Al Nassr is discussed in the context of their disappointing Asian exit, which is described as a painful night that fans will not forget and a setback for everyone. Despite having various foreign coaches and players, Al Nassr’s failures are repeatedly mentioned, suggesting that the issues might be administrative and media-related rather than solely coaching problems.
• Regarding Al Hilal, the source mentions that Al Sholeh managed his first match as coach and it is too early to judge him. However, it is expected that Al Hilal’s management is looking to sign a new global coach, with suggestions including German coach Klopp and former coach Mourinho. The source notes that Al Hilal, as an offensive team, needs a coach of this caliber, especially before participating in the Club World Cup.

Overall, the sources cover major sports events like the King’s Cup final and the Asian Elite Championship, discuss the status of domestic league competitions, and provide commentary on the performance and strategic decisions of prominent football clubs within Saudi Arabia, linking these developments to the broader goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Cultural Initiatives and Activities

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, several points discuss cultural activities and initiatives:

The Saudi Vision 2030 is highlighted as not solely focused on the economy but also encompassing cultural and social aspects, emphasizing the organic link between them.

Government Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships:

• The Ministry of Culture has signed an agreement with the Saudi Downtown Company (Downtown Saudi Arabia) to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This collaboration aims to:
• Strengthen cooperation between the two parties in relevant fields.
• Document and inventory cultural heritage.
• Exchange data, studies, and statistics.
• Build a robust financial framework to encourage public and private sectors to support cultural projects.
• Enable and develop cultural professions and assets.
• Utilize cultural assets that are currently unused.
• Include cultural assets within the main plans for Saudi Downtown projects.
• Participate in cultural awareness events and initiatives.
• Find investment opportunities for cultural assets in Saudi Downtown cities.
• Empower and develop cultural talents and capabilities.
• This agreement is part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader efforts, in partnership with various government, private, and non-profit entities, to celebrate the diversity of local cultures, enrich their unique characteristics, raise awareness of national heritage, preserve it, support cultural projects and professions, develop artistic programs, and establish generations to enjoy them.

Major Projects with Cultural Components:

• A significant development is the agreement between MBC Group and Diriyah Company to build the new MBC Group headquarters in Diriyah. This project is envisioned to become a leading global center for content production, media, innovation, and creative industries. The headquarters will house MBC offices, studios, and an interactive center providing a unique visitor experience. This move underscores Diriyah’s increasing prominence as a destination for major institutions and reinforces its position as a global meeting point for talent and investment. This partnership aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 and aims to establish Diriyah as a pioneering media and cultural hub both regionally and internationally. It is considered a strategic step enabling Diriyah’s role as a new global center for economic, tourism, and creative activities. The project also focuses on developing Saudi talents, producing local content, and elevating the Kingdom’s media and entertainment sector to international standards.

Local Cultural Aspects and Events:

• The city of Hail is noted for its rich history and culture. It features ancient artifacts and rock carvings, such as those found in Jabal Umm Sinman, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. The A’arif Castle in Hail reflects the city’s urban and historical wealth since 1840, highlighting its status as one of the ancient Islamic civilization cities.
• Hail hosts weekly cultural events that include traditional dress and equestrian performances. The city is described as having a golden cultural heritage linked to its ancestors. While not detailed, these indicate ongoing local cultural activities.

Participation in International Cultural Events:

• The Arab Cinema Center, in cooperation with the Film Market at the Cannes Festival, organized a seminar titled “Egypt: The State of Mass Films in the Arab World“. This shows engagement with international cultural (specifically cinema) platforms.

Individual Artistic Activities:

• Artist Hazem Al Sudeer is preparing for a new artistic experience involving songs in the Iraqi dialect, expressing his admiration for Iraqi rhythm and expressive feel. He is set to collaborate with artist Ziad Youssef and composer Ahmed Yacoub. He also shared his happiness regarding the success of his song “Qalbi Daq”.
• The project “Azz Al Watan” (عز الوطن) is mentioned as a national artistic endeavor that connects with the feelings of the Saudi people and expresses pride in their leadership. Artist Youssef Al Ali describes it as more than just a national song, but a “poem of love and belonging” reflecting the sentiments and pride of Saudi citizens in their homeland and leadership. He emphasizes that glory is built through work, planning, and loyalty, a message embodied by this project.

These examples from the sources illustrate various facets of cultural activities, ranging from strategic governmental initiatives and major development projects to local events and individual artistic endeavors, all often framed within the broader context of Vision 2030.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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