Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 15, 2025: Economic Reforms, Empowerment of Women, Geopolitical Tensions

The provided sources offer a multifaceted overview of Saudi Arabia’s current landscape, touching upon significant economic reforms driven by Vision 2030, including diversification away from oil and empowerment of women in the workforce. They also highlight the nation’s humanitarian efforts, such as global blood donation leadership and comprehensive care for pilgrims. Furthermore, the texts cover geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran and Israel, and their impact on global oil markets, while also touching on the challenges posed by global economic slowdowns. Finally, the sources include information on local news like sporting events, cultural activities, and the legal framework for combating financial fraud.

Global Economy and Financial Market Dynamics

The financial market, is a complex and dynamic arena influenced by various factors, including economic policies, geopolitical events, and technological advancements. The sources provide insights into the strength of Saudi Arabia’s financial sector, global economic trends, specific market reactions to conflict, the pervasive issue of financial fraud, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on the job market.

Here’s a comprehensive overview:

1. Saudi Banking Sector and Real Estate Finance The Saudi banking sector is characterized by strong financial solvency and robust governance. Financial experts affirm the banks’ ability to meet their financial commitments and withstand potential losses. This strength is largely attributed to stringent regulations and supervision by the Saudi Central Bank, which mandates capital requirements, effective risk management (including credit, market, and liquidity risks), and oversight of banking activities to ensure compliance with financial and regulatory standards.

There has been a significant expansion of Saudi banks’ involvement in real estate financing, spurred by Vision 2030 and housing programs like “Sakani” and “Al Muyassar”. This growth in real estate lending is intended to support the urban and economic transformation of the Kingdom. While real estate loans constituted approximately 30% of banks’ total loan portfolios by Q1 2025, experts note that the risks associated with this exposure are relatively low. This is due to:

• Government support through direct guarantees or profit support, reducing credit risks for banks.
• Loans being secured by tangible assets with marketable value.
• Low default rates on real estate loans, which remain within acceptable global limits.

Despite some recent slight declines in capital adequacy ratios for a few banks, the overall Saudi banking sector maintains high levels of solvency. Experts emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of capital, risk, and asset distribution across banks to adapt to strategic shifts. The current financial health enables Saudi banks to continue supporting economic growth and absorb global economic and financial shocks.

2. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Saudi REITs have evolved since the listing of the first fund in 2016, becoming a key platform for investors seeking stable income. Most of the 19 listed funds distribute at least 90% of their net annual profits. However, these funds face pressures, primarily from rising financing costs, with some showing borrowing rates up to 50% of their asset size. This impacts their ability to distribute more profits, despite increasing rental income. Concerns also include overvaluation of real estate assets during acquisition and a lack of innovative development projects, unlike more mature REIT markets. This indicates that the local market’s growth is currently limited and dependent on the existing real estate market.

3. Saudi Economic Outlook (World Bank) The World Bank anticipates a return to growth for the Saudi economy in 2025 and 2026, following a brief contraction in 2023 due to voluntary oil production cuts. Growth is projected to accelerate to 2.8% in 2025, reaching 4.5% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027. This recovery will be driven by the phased unwinding of oil production cuts and continued expansion in non-oil sectors. Non-oil sectors, including construction, services, tourism, technology, and logistics, are expected to be primary drivers of growth, reflecting the economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The World Bank advises Saudi Arabia to maintain fiscal flexibility, continue revenue mobilization (especially non-oil revenues), and prioritize spending to protect social and investment expenditures.

4. Global Economic Challenges The World Bank presents a cautious outlook for the global economy, projecting the slowest growth rate since 2008 (excluding recession periods), with global economic growth expected to slow to 2.3% in 2025. This slowdown is primarily attributed to:

• Escalating trade tensions and protectionist measures among major economies, leading to increased tariffs and supply chain disruptions.
• Uncertainty in monetary and fiscal policies of major economies, causing volatility in global financial markets.
• Persistent inflationary pressures, which, despite a decline from 2022 peaks, remain above pre-pandemic levels. This has led central banks to adopt restrictive monetary policies (raising interest rates), contributing to slower growth.
• Rising global debt levels, especially in developing countries, limiting their capacity to respond to economic downturns.
• Geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts (such as the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East), coupled with natural disasters, threaten agricultural production and infrastructure in many countries.

These challenges could significantly hinder poverty reduction efforts and income growth in developing countries. The World Bank stresses the urgent need for coordinated international action to mitigate risks, including reviving global trade dialogue and implementing structural reforms to unlock growth potential.

5. Market Reactions to Geopolitical Events (Israel-Iran Conflict) The recent escalation of military actions between Israel and Iran has had immediate impacts on global financial markets:

• Oil Prices: Oil prices surged by over 14% following mutual aerial attacks, driven by fears of widespread disruption to Middle East oil exports. Although direct attacks on Iranian oil facilities were avoided, analysts warn of potential “energy for energy” retaliation. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage, is particularly vulnerable, with disruptions potentially causing a significant impact on global oil prices and Iran’s economy. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are noted to have the spare production capacity to mitigate major supply shortfalls.
• Gold Prices: Gold prices reached a two-month high, surpassing the $3,400 resistance level, due to increased demand for safe-haven assets. This demand was fueled by the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a weaker-than-expected US inflation report, which increased expectations for earlier interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
• Currency Markets: The US dollar declined after the inflation data, reinforcing expectations of Fed rate cuts. Conversely, traditional safe-haven currencies, such as the Japanese Yen and the Swiss Franc, strengthened amidst the rising geopolitical tensions. The Euro also saw a rise to its highest level since October 2021.

6. Financial Fraud Financial fraud is a significant concern globally and within Saudi Arabia. A 2023 study revealed that 54% of Saudis had fallen victim to at least one fraudulent scheme, with 13% experiencing it multiple times, exceeding the global average. Saudi women alone reportedly lost nearly 1 billion riyals (approximately $375 million) to electronic fraud in 2022, often due to negligence or ignoring official warnings. Global fraud losses are estimated to reach nearly $3 trillion in 2024.

Fraudsters often target specific demographics:

• Individuals aged 30-44 are most susceptible, targeted with fake job offers or romantic scams.
• Seniors can be manipulated through “miracle cures” or false investment opportunities.
• Notably, many victims are highly intelligent and have above-average incomes, dispelling the myth that only the poor or uneducated fall prey. The sources cite historical and contemporary examples of large-scale fraud, emphasizing that while complete prevention is difficult, caution in all financial dealings is essential to minimize potential damage.

7. Governance in Public Sector Companies Saudi Arabia has implemented a new governance system to regulate the establishment and ownership of government companies. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in governmental financial operations by providing a clear institutional framework, preventing redundancy, and improving the quality of financial decisions. This system covers various scenarios, including establishing new companies, acquiring stakes in existing ones, or transferring company ownership.

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Job Market The rise of AI has had a noticeable impact on the job market, leading to significant layoffs in tech companies like Microsoft (6% of workforce or 6,000 employees) and IBM (8,000 employees). This trend reflects a shift where AI tools are taking over routine tasks. While proponents argue this frees up human creativity for more engaging work, critics express concern over declining job quality, with remaining tasks becoming routine and less stimulating. This transformation creates a heavy burden on employees who must adapt to a new reality where AI sets the work pace, and human workers fill gaps. The sources emphasize the need for businesses to restructure work environments to be more humane and reinvest in employees as AI advances and boosts productivity.

Middle East Instability: Threats, Impacts, and Diplomatic Efforts

Regional stability, particularly in the Middle East, as a critically important yet fragile state, constantly under threat from various geopolitical and economic factors. The sources highlight recent escalations, their broad impacts, and the concerted efforts by nations, especially Saudi Arabia, to foster peace and de-escalation.

Key Threats to Regional Stability:

• Israel-Iran Conflict: The most immediate and significant threat to regional stability is the escalating military actions between Israel and Iran. This includes mutual aerial attacks, missile strikes, and threats targeting nuclear facilities. The conflict carries the risk of widespread disruption to Middle East oil exports, especially via the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage, which could lead to significant global oil price surges. There are fears of a “energy for energy” retaliation if oil infrastructure is directly targeted.
• Gaza Conflict: The ongoing 20-month conflict in Gaza and related hostilities in Lebanon have caused an immense humanitarian crisis, marked by daily massacres, targeted attacks on civilians, the collapse of the health system, and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. This situation significantly exacerbates regional instability.
• Nuclear Proliferation Concerns: Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and its recent attacks aimed to prevent Tehran from taking steps towards producing a nuclear weapon. This creates a dangerous dynamic, with potential for “catastrophic radiation” if nuclear sites are struck.
• Global Economic Challenges: Beyond direct conflict, global economic issues contribute to a fragile environment. The World Bank projects the slowest global growth rate since 2008, outside recession periods. Key factors include:
• Escalating trade tensions and protectionist measures.
• Uncertainty in monetary and fiscal policies of major economies.
• Persistent inflationary pressures, leading central banks to adopt restrictive monetary policies.
• Rising global debt levels, particularly in developing countries, limiting their capacity to respond to downturns.
• The World Bank warns that these challenges could severely hinder poverty reduction efforts and income growth in developing countries.

Impacts on Financial Markets: Geopolitical tensions have immediate and tangible effects on financial markets:

• Oil Prices: Surged by over 14% due to fears of supply disruption.
• Gold Prices: Reached a two-month high, driven by increased demand for safe-haven assets amidst escalating tensions and a weaker US inflation report.
• Currency Markets: The US dollar declined due to inflation data suggesting earlier Fed rate cuts, while traditional safe-haven currencies like the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc strengthened.

Efforts to Maintain Regional Stability:

• Saudi Arabia’s Proactive Diplomatic Role: The Kingdom consistently advocates for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Saudi Arabia’s historical approach and current leadership emphasize peace, harmony, and refraining from violence.
• Intensive Consultations: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has engaged in intensive telephone calls with world leaders, including the US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
• Call for Self-Restraint and De-escalation: A consistent theme in these discussions is the “necessity of self-restraint, de-escalation, and resolving all differences through diplomatic means”.
• Rejection of Force: The Kingdom firmly rejects the use of force to settle disputes and stresses the importance of dialogue as the basis for resolving differences.
• Condemnation of Aggression: Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Islamic nations have strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Iranian sovereignty and security, viewing them as a “flagrant violation of international laws and norms”.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Amidst the conflict, Saudi Arabia has facilitated needs for Iranian pilgrims and provided all necessary services for Hajj and Umrah. The Crown Prince also conveyed condolences to the Iranian President for casualties from Israeli attacks.
• International Calls for Action: Various countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Mauritania, Pakistan, and the Arab League, have echoed calls for de-escalation, dialogue, and the urgent intervention of the UN Security Council to halt the fighting. The Vatican has also called for “responsibility and wisdom” and urged for a world free from nuclear threats through mutual respect and honest dialogue.
• Fiscal Prudence and Economic Diversification: The World Bank advises Saudi Arabia to maintain fiscal flexibility, continue revenue mobilization (especially non-oil revenues), and prioritize spending to protect social and investment expenditures. These efforts contribute indirectly to stability by making the economy more resilient to shocks.

In summary, regional stability is depicted as being severely tested by ongoing conflicts and economic headwinds. While the impacts on financial markets are evident, the concerted diplomatic efforts, particularly those led by Saudi Arabia, underscore a strong commitment to de-escalation, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes as the only viable path forward.

Healthcare Amidst Conflict and Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Response

Regional stability, significantly impacts the provision and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly during times of conflict. The sources highlight both the immense humanitarian crises stemming from regional conflicts and the concerted efforts by Saudi Arabia to provide comprehensive healthcare services for its citizens, residents, and especially pilgrims, while also championing broader public health initiatives and addressing global health challenges.

Impact of Regional Instability on Healthcare: The ongoing conflicts, most notably the 20-month conflict in Gaza and related hostilities in Lebanon, have led to an immense humanitarian crisis. This crisis is characterized by daily massacres, targeted attacks on civilians, and the collapse of the health system, rendering hospitals unable to cope with the escalating number of casualties. The sources indicate that the conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, causing fatalities and injuries. The isolation of Gaza, coupled with cuts to communication services, has hampered the operations of rescue teams. Amnesty International has accused Israeli forces of war crimes and genocide due to the systematic destruction of residential and agricultural areas, aiming to make Gaza uninhabitable. This deliberate destruction includes health and educational facilities, roads, and infrastructure, which were completely put out of service. Furthermore, the threat of nuclear proliferation and potential strikes on nuclear sites raise fears of “catastrophic radiation” and widespread health disasters.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Healthcare Services and Humanitarian Aid:

1. Hajj and Umrah Services: Saudi Arabia demonstrates a profound commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services for pilgrims. This includes ensuring pilgrims’ safety and security, providing unique and enriching experiences. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs facilitates the needs of Iranian pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah, providing all necessary services until their safe return home. The Nusuk electronic platform has become the first official platform for planning, booking, and enjoying the Hajj and Umrah experience, offering nearly a hundred services to pilgrims from around the world. There are intensive regulatory tours of hospitality facilities to ensure the highest standards of safety and security. The health sector, as part of the Madinah health cluster, prepared 37 beds specifically for cases of sunstroke and heat exhaustion. These facilities, including Al-Safiya Care Center, Uhud Hospital, and seasonal care centers, are equipped with advanced technology, such as air pressure sprays for body cooling. Over 325 medical staff have been trained to respond swiftly to these conditions, especially given the high temperatures. Pilgrims have expressed deep gratitude for the care, organization, and dedication in service provision, feeling welcomed and honored at every step. This commitment to service, described as “worship,” and hospitality, as an “honor,” is deeply embedded in the Kingdom’s efforts.
2. Blood Donation Initiatives: Saudi Arabia has achieved a global leading position in voluntary blood donation, ranking first worldwide in 2023 for the highest number of donors among 28 countries surveyed, with a 58% participation rate. The Ministry of Health spearheads extensive awareness campaigns to encourage blood donation, emphasizing its humanitarian role in saving lives and supporting the health sector. Efforts aim for self-sufficiency in central blood banks through mobile blood banks in public places and commercial centers. The “Wateen” application is the official blood donation app in the Kingdom, connecting donors with blood banks, facilitating requests, and tracking donation records. The application also raises awareness about the importance of blood donation and organizes regular campaigns. Donors receive various forms of recognition and appreciation certificates that contribute to their moral encouragement, reflecting a culture of giving in society. Blood donation offers proven health benefits to donors, including stimulating blood circulation, renewing red blood cells, reducing excess iron, improving heart health, and providing free health checks before each donation. Donors also experience significant psychological satisfaction from contributing to saving lives.
3. Elderly Care and Protection: The Kingdom places paramount importance on caring for the elderly, viewing it as a religious and national duty aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing the quality of life. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development offers residential care in 12 specialized social care homes across the Kingdom. Services also include financial and in-kind assistance through the Social Security agency and the provision of assistive devices like wheelchairs and medical beds. A home care program provides follow-up visits to ensure their well-being. Saudi Arabia actively participates in the global awareness day against elder abuse on June 15. It condemns any act of abuse towards the elderly, defining it as any singular or repeated act or neglect that causes harm, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, material, abandonment, neglect, or undignified treatment.
4. Advanced Medical Interventions: Saudi medical teams have demonstrated high capabilities in critical care. An instance highlighted is the successful rescue of an Iraqi pilgrim who suffered a severe brain hemorrhage at King Salman Medical City in Madinah. The medical teams, including neurosurgery, intensive care, and interventional radiology, performed a delicate interventional procedure using the Coiling technique to secure the ruptured artery. This case underscores the high readiness and integration of specialized medical fields within the Madinah health cluster, ensuring advanced care even in complex situations. Furthermore, the sources mention the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in highly precise surgical operations, such as eye surgery, with aspirations for AI to enhance accuracy in other medical fields. The Kingdom aims to be among the top five countries globally in AI by 2030.

Challenges and Public Health Perspectives: Despite significant advancements, the sources also discuss challenges in public health, framed as a “health paradox”. While healthy lifestyles and preventive measures are crucial, they can often entail higher immediate costs, leading many individuals to continue unhealthy habits due to cheaper, readily available options. The sources question why the focus often remains on treating diseases rather than addressing their root causes, known as “social determinants of health”. There is an observed increase in lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, driven by changes in lifestyle and the pervasive availability of unhealthy processed foods. The Kingdom has implemented preventive measures like the selective tax on harmful products, but the proliferation of fast-food outlets continues to pose a challenge. The sources emphasize the need for a collective, cross-sectoral effort and policies that actively foster a healthier environment to make healthy choices more accessible and affordable for the community.

Saudi Vision 2030: Economic Diversification and Growth

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a comprehensive economic diversification strategy, primarily driven by its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to significantly reduce the national economy’s reliance on oil. This ambitious framework seeks to transform the Kingdom into a more balanced and integrated society, enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and residents.

Key sectors targeted for diversification and growth include:

• Tourism and Entertainment: A major focus is placed on enhancing the experiences for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, with initiatives like the Nusuk electronic platform offering nearly a hundred services for planning and booking. Beyond religious tourism, the Kingdom is investing in a burgeoning entertainment sector, exemplified by events such as “Cirque 1903” shows in Jeddah. Efforts also extend to cultural industries, including an initiative to adapt Saudi novels into films, which is expected to yield substantial cultural, economic, and social benefits, creating new jobs within the “creative economy” sector. Culinary arts are also being showcased internationally to promote Saudi culture.
• Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Saudi Arabia aims to rank among the top five countries globally in AI by 2030. The establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and significant investments in AI by leading national companies like Aramco and SABIC underline this commitment. The potential applications of AI are envisioned across various fields, including highly precise surgical operations.
• Healthcare: The Kingdom is focusing on strengthening its healthcare capabilities, as demonstrated by successful critical interventions like brain hemorrhage surgeries. Initiatives to promote voluntary blood donation and achieve self-sufficiency in central blood banks also reflect efforts to bolster the health sector and public health awareness.
• Infrastructure and Real Estate: The expansion of Saudi banks into real estate financing is recognized as playing a “pivotal role in the urban transformation journey” aligned with Vision 2030’s large-scale projects. However, there is also an acknowledged need to diversify investments beyond an excessive reliance on real estate into other vital sectors such as technology, industry, renewable energy, and direct healthcare investments.
• Industry and Logistics: These sectors are highlighted by the World Bank as fundamental drivers for economic growth, reflecting the broader economic reforms designed to expand the non-oil economy.

The diversification strategy is supported by several enabling factors and initiatives:

• Women’s Empowerment: A core element of Vision 2030 is increasing women’s participation across economic, cultural, and social domains. This has seen their labor market participation rate rise from 19.3% in 2016 to 35.4% by Q2 2024, exceeding the 2030 target. This is facilitated by government support for employment, specialized education, and easier business establishment.
• Sound Financial Policies and Structural Reforms: The World Bank advises Saudi Arabia to maintain financial resilience by mobilizing non-oil revenues and strategically allocating investment spending. Crucial structural reforms are also in place to support long-term economic growth, focusing on improving the business environment and attracting private sector investments.
• Enhanced Governance: New governance systems for establishing government-owned companies aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in financial decisions, thereby underpinning overall economic development.

Overall, the World Bank provides a positive yet cautious outlook for the Saudi economy, anticipating continued growth primarily driven by the expansion of the non-oil sector. This positive trajectory is expected to be sustained by the Kingdom’s ongoing reformist approach and sound financial policies, despite global economic challenges such as slowing growth, inflation, and geopolitical tensions.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Social Well-being and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s approach to social well-being is multifaceted, reflecting a deep commitment to its citizens, residents, and visitors, guided by religious values and the transformative goals of Vision 2030. This commitment extends to fostering community solidarity, strengthening family bonds, promoting inclusion, enriching cultural life, and addressing various social challenges.

Community Support and Solidarity: The Kingdom places a strong emphasis on collective welfare and humanitarian efforts. This is evident in:

• Comprehensive Hajj and Umrah Services: Saudi Arabia provides extensive healthcare and logistical support to millions of pilgrims, ensuring their safety, security, and an enriching spiritual experience. This dedication is seen as an act of “worship” and “honor”, fostering a sense of welcome and care among pilgrims, who often express “deep gratitude”. The success of the Hajj season, characterized by “innovative and sustainable solutions” and a “culture of compliance,” highlights effective management of large human gatherings.
• Leading in Blood Donation: The Kingdom holds a global leading position in voluntary blood donation, driven by extensive awareness campaigns that emphasize its “humanitarian role in saving lives” and supporting the health sector. This initiative fosters a “culture of giving in society”, providing donors with “moral encouragement” and “psychological satisfaction” from contributing to saving lives.
• “Thulth Al-Adahi” Initiative: This program, dedicating one-third of sacrificial meat to the poor and needy, exemplifies organized community solidarity. It has seen increased participation, providing essential food resources and contributing to “food stability” for beneficiaries while reducing waste. This initiative also has an “educational dimension,” instilling a “culture of giving” and promoting “community participation” among new generations.

Family and Interpersonal Relationships:

• Strengthening Family Bonds: The tradition of Hajj gifts is highlighted as a means for pilgrims to express joy and strengthen “family bonds” and “love” upon their return.
• The Sanctity of Marriage: Marriage is described as a “sacred bond” essential for building a “stable family” and a “strong society” rooted in “love, mercy, respect, and tolerance”. The sources emphasize mutual support, communication, and compromise over conflict, asserting that “the highest marriages are those who do not deny kindness and affection, even in the midst of conflict”.
• Promoting Reading in Children: The “Child Reads” initiative aims to instill a love for reading in children and reinforce “family bonds” through shared reading experiences and interactive sessions. This contributes to early childhood development and strengthens familial ties.

Inclusion and Empowerment:

• Women’s Empowerment: A core element of Vision 2030 is increasing women’s participation across economic, cultural, and social domains. Their labor market participation has significantly risen, exceeding Vision 2030 targets. This empowerment, supported by government programs for employment and education, contributes to “social justice” and a “sense of belonging and responsibility” within the community.
• Elderly Care and Protection: The Kingdom prioritizes caring for the elderly as a “religious and national duty”. Services include residential care in specialized homes, financial and in-kind assistance, assistive devices, and home care programs. Saudi Arabia actively participates in global awareness against elder abuse, condemning any act of physical, sexual, emotional, financial abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The sources acknowledge the global challenge of an aging population and the “dire need for a comprehensive systematic correction” in care systems to ensure the dignity and rights of older persons.

Cultural and Intellectual Enrichment:

• Literary and Cultural Engagement: The “Literary Partner” initiative transforms cafes into vibrant “forums for thought and dialogue”, promoting reading and cultural activities, which fosters a dynamic cultural scene and intellectual exchange.
• Developing Creative Industries: Investments in adapting Saudi novels into films are expected to yield “cultural, economic, and social benefits,” creating jobs in the “creative economy” and fostering a distinct national narrative. Similarly, showcasing Saudi culinary arts internationally promotes cultural identity and exchange.
• Preserving Heritage: The intricate “inscriptions and calligraphy” on the walls of the Prophet’s Mosque are celebrated as a unique blend of “artistic beauty and Arabic language eloquence,” embodying a rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.

Addressing Social Challenges:

• Moral Crisis of Negative Talk: The sources identify negative talk about others as a “moral crisis” that corrodes the soul and hinders trust, emphasizing the importance of good character, kindness, and self-reflection for a healthy social environment.
• “Health Paradox”: While not solely a social issue, the discussion of the “health paradox” highlights the societal challenge of lifestyle-related diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, tooth decay) driven by the pervasive availability of unhealthy processed foods. The sources advocate for a “collective, cross-sectoral effort” and policies to create a healthier environment, making healthy choices more accessible and affordable, indicating an awareness of social determinants of health.
• Combating Fraud: While primarily economic, the discussion on fraud notes its significant financial and psychological impact on victims, highlighting the need for vigilance and caution in financial dealings to protect individuals from harm. The fact that the most vulnerable populations are targeted for specific scams (e.g., the elderly with “magic medicines”) underscores the social aspect of this issue.

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

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