Al-Riyadh Newspaper, May 25, 2025: Efforts in Promoting 2030 Vision, Hajj 2025, Economic Development, Cultural Preservation, Gaza Crisis

These articles from “20775.pdf” cover a diverse range of topics primarily focused on Saudi Arabia. They highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in promoting its 2030 Vision, particularly regarding Islamic service, economic development, and cultural preservation. The articles also address regional and international events, including geopolitical shifts like the lifting of some US sanctions on Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and global economic concerns related to oil prices and trade relations, demonstrating the multifaceted scope of the provided text.

Saudi Vision 2030: Transformation and Development

Based on the information provided in the sources, Saudi Vision 2030 is presented as a comprehensive plan driving significant transformation and development across the Kingdom. It is described as the secret behind the government’s strength and ambitions, originating from robust foundations that empower progress and prosperity in all fields. Vision 2030 is viewed as a successful and inspiring international experience for anyone seeking such a path.

Key objectives and priorities highlighted by the sources in the context of Vision 2030 include:

• Achieving the aspirations of citizens and reshaping the modern Kingdom.
• Deepening relationships with Islamic peoples and enhancing the Kingdom’s role in serving Muslims, thereby strengthening its positive human image globally.
• Prioritizing the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, which is considered a core tenet of the Vision. This involves improving infrastructure efficiency, achieving integration, and upholding the highest standards of quality and comfort. The “Serving Guests of God” program is specifically mentioned as one of the Vision’s programs aimed at developing Hajj and Umrah experiences.
• Enhancing quality of life and improving living standards.
• Achieving sustainable development and preserving natural resources, including adherence to biodiversity protection.
• Supporting and developing vital sectors like beekeeping to enhance the value of national products and increase the agricultural sector’s contribution to the GDP.
• Driving economic growth and diversification, attracting foreign investments, and creating new job opportunities. This includes expanding economic activity in sectors like housing and contracting.

The sources detail the impact and contribution of Vision 2030 across various sectors:

• Economic Sector: The expansion of banking operations is seen as a natural reflection of the growing economic activity driven by the transformation within Vision 2030. The expansion of banks in issuing debt instruments is seen as a positive indicator of the Saudi banking system’s maturity, responding flexibly to the phase’s requirements and preparing for future challenges. The Saudi-American Investment Forum 2025 is presented as reflecting the strong relationship and economy between the two countries, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and open new investment horizons in vital sectors.
• Aviation Sector: Numbers show a positive reflection of Vision 2030 on the aviation sector, with growth surpassing expectations. This reflects good planning, integration between entities, and a move towards institutional transformation and international competition. The sector contributed 8.5% to the GDP in 2023 and created job opportunities. The “Localization of Aviation” initiative is a success story, exceeding employment targets for citizens. Infrastructure is being significantly upgraded with new terminals and projects, including the Master Plan for King Salman International Airport, aimed at receiving 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and enhancing Riyadh’s hub status. The future of the aviation sector is described as promising, supported by Vision 2030.
• Healthcare Sector: The health transformation within the Qassim Health Cluster aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. Providing specialized, high-quality health services is part of keeping pace with global standards and meeting the aspirations of the Vision. Efforts to care for people with disabilities in the Prophet’s Mosque and provide services for them to perform rituals easily are in line with Vision 2030.
• Family Businesses: The long-term growth strategies of family businesses, which constitute 95% of total establishments in the Kingdom and contribute 66% to the GDP, are considered crucial for achieving national growth goals within Vision 2030.
• Cultural Sector: The Red Sea International Film Festival’s market programs support cinematic talent from the Kingdom, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, enhancing co-production and international distribution opportunities. This implicitly supports the broader cultural goals aligned with the Vision.
• Environment: Commitment to biodiversity protection aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for sustainable development and preserving natural resources.
• Quality of Life/Society: Vision 2030 calls for improving quality of life and lifestyle. Efforts in areas like promoting walking as a sport align with this goal. The Vision aims to empower Saudi youth through education and training to meet modern market requirements. It has also had a significant impact on empowering women and expanding their opportunities in various sectors.
• Responsible Citizenship: Initiatives like the Responsible Citizenship Award in Hail are linked to achieving Vision 2030 objectives.

Vision 2030 is closely associated with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince. Since assuming his role, he is said to have dedicated everything to serving the country, with Vision 2030, launched under the guidance of King Salman, being a strong start towards a promising future. His role is described as active and innovative across various state sectors, not limited to the economy but also encompassing society, regional cooperation, and supporting international efforts. The sources suggest that some positive effects of Vision 2030 are already being experienced even before its scheduled date.

In summary, the sources portray Vision 2030 as a transformative national plan with broad ambitions, aiming to diversify the economy, enhance the quality of life, develop various sectors, empower youth and women, and strengthen the Kingdom’s regional and international standing, all while upholding its core values, particularly serving the Two Holy Mosques.

Gaza Conflict and Two-State Solution Efforts

Based on the sources, the Gaza conflict is discussed in the context of international efforts to achieve peace and address the humanitarian situation.

Key points from the sources regarding the Gaza conflict:

• The Ministerial Committee is discussing ending the war on Gaza.
• There are international efforts aimed at ending the war on the Gaza Strip.
• These efforts also aim to allow the flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip and end the humanitarian suffering there.
• Discussions include Israeli violations against the Palestinian people.
• Joint efforts are being enhanced to stop all violations of international laws and norms.
• Efforts aimed at reviving peace in the region and implementing the two-state solution are being supported.
• Preparations are underway for an international high-level conference on the two-state solution. This conference is scheduled to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York in June and will be co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic.
• The sources describe the situation in the Gaza Strip, stating that the Israeli occupation army continues the crime of genocide there.
• This includes the bombing of civilians, houses, shelters, and hospitals.
• There is also a suffocating siege on the Strip.
• The Director General of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, is cited regarding the targeting of medical cadres and the families of medical staff in Gaza by the occupation. He states that this demonstrates criminality and that words are insufficient to describe the pain in Gaza. He also mentioned the names of child martyrs and one injured child receiving intensive care.
• The sources also mention developments in the West Bank alongside Gaza and detail instances of Israeli settler attacks, land confiscation, and demolition of homes and agricultural facilities in multiple areas of the West Bank. These actions, particularly against Bedouin communities, are described as a systematic policy aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land by force. This is further characterized as ethnic cleansing and part of a programmed Judaization policy. Such actions are seen as undermining any opportunity for a just and comprehensive peace.
• What has occurred in Gaza since October 7th is described as creating a situation where characters face the most extreme choices in a place that offers few or less options.

Syria Sanctions: Imposition and Lifting

Based on the sources provided, the discussion regarding Syria sanctions centers on their imposition and a significant event involving their potential or actual lifting.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Imposition of Sanctions: Most American sanctions were imposed on the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and prominent figures in 2011 after the civil war erupted there.
• Lifting of Sanctions: The sources highlight a decision, attributed to US President Donald Trump, to lift sanctions on the Syrian Republic. This decision is described as following his historic visit to Riyadh and being mentioned during a forum where he and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke. The event where this was announced or discussed at the forum was met with great applause.
• Syria’s Reaction: Syria, at an early time, welcomed the lifting of the imposed sanctions, with its Foreign Ministry describing it as a “positive step” in the direction of alleviating the humanitarian and economic suffering in the country. The Ministry stated that Syria “extends its hand for cooperation to anyone who wishes, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,” and believes that “dialogue and diplomacy are the optimal way to build balanced relationships that achieve the interests of the peoples and enhance security and stability in the region”.
• Significance and Impact: The decision to lift sanctions is described as “not just a political step, but a new opening in the history of the region”. Following this, the Syrian pound “rose”. Messages of thanks flowed from Damascus and other Arab capitals, appreciating the role of Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince in supporting Syria and its reconstruction. The event is seen as embodying Saudi policy rooted in “loyalty and justice and supporting Arab and Islamic issues”. It is also described as a “moment of sincerity” rather than mere protocol. The visit and this outcome “reset many balances” and “solidified the Kingdom’s position as the heart of the Arab and Islamic world”. Furthermore, it is stated that this decision “empowered the Arab voice in international decisions” and “revived the hopes of Syrians for a new beginning”. The immense joy among Syrians reportedly conveyed “deep appreciation for the Kingdom” and a “popular acknowledgment that Riyadh’s leadership does not forget its brother, no matter how long it takes, and does not abandon its Arab role, no matter how calculations change”.
• Context within Trump’s Policies: One source mentions, in a broader context of President Trump’s critics, that his decisions, including the trade war, could negatively affect the US abroad and potentially impact tourism to the US, contrasting this with “soft power” and diplomacy versus pressure. However, this source does not specifically detail how these general criticisms relate to the impact of lifting the sanctions on Syria itself, but rather places it within a discussion of Trump’s foreign policy approach.

Family Businesses and Vision 2030

Based on the sources, family businesses are discussed in the context of Vision 2030.

Here are the key points mentioned about family businesses:

• They are considered crucial for achieving national growth goals within Vision 2030.
• They constitute 95% of total establishments in the Kingdom.
• They contribute 66% to the GDP.
• Their long-term growth strategies are important.

The sources highlight that the long-term growth strategies of family businesses are seen as essential for the Kingdom to reach its national growth objectives as outlined in Vision 2030.

Oil Market Dynamics and Geopolitics

Based on the sources, the discussion of the oil market highlights several factors and dynamics:

• There are ongoing concerns regarding demand in the oil market.
• A potential agreement between countries is discussed, which is expected to pave the way for increased oil exports, potentially increasing the supply in the market.
• President Trump’s trade war is mentioned as having raised concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, which could negatively affect fuel demand.
• Traders are reportedly concerned about a disruption in crude oil supplies if certain talks fail to reach an agreement.
• Sanctions on Iranian oil are also noted as a factor.
• Discussions or talks related to these issues have been described as “look good”, although it is mentioned that if these were the final talks without an agreement, it could potentially give a signal (the sources state “green light,” the specific outcome of which is not detailed).
• Earlier in the week prior to the source publication, oil prices rose slightly in weak trading before holidays. This occurred with decreasing investor confidence regarding the possibility of the United States and Iran reaching a nuclear deal.
• Strong American data supported the picture of fluctuating demand.
• Geopolitical factors have been a major focus for traders. Specifically, a report from American intelligence indicated Israel preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. This reportedly led to short-term gains in the oil market earlier in the week.
• Developments in energy markets are discussed, including US pipeline companies building. President Trump has been pushing to expand the energy sector.
• However, pressure on the growth of new projects continues due to low oil prices and customs duties.
• Trump’s policies aimed to accelerate the construction of next-generation energy infrastructure in the United States.
• Trump declared a state of emergency in the energy sector on his first day in office. He issued directives to support exports, expedite permits, and cancel environmental standards.
• Despite approvals for a number of large projects, including a natural gas station and pipelines, rising costs resulting from a global trade war and falling oil prices mean that many companies are generally hesitant to commit to bold new construction projects.

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

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