Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 16, 2025: Economic Developments, Vision 2030, Geopolitical Tensions, Gaza, Cultural and Sports Events.

This compilation of sources provides a multifaceted overview of Saudi Arabia’s current landscape, focusing on its economic developments, including efforts toward Vision 2030 diversification, a robust healthcare expansion with new hospital technologies, and the performance of its stock market. It also addresses geopolitical tensions, particularly the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and its impact on oil markets, alongside a detailed look at the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Furthermore, the texts cover cultural and sporting events, highlighting initiatives related to Hajj pilgrimages, advancements in Arabic linguistic technology, and various sports news concerning local and international teams.

Saudi Arabian Economy: Growth, Inflation, and Investment Outlook

The sources provide a comprehensive overview of the Saudi Arabian economy, highlighting its growth, inflation rates, and response to global geopolitical challenges, alongside specific insights into its stock market and investment landscape.

Saudi Arabian Economic Performance:

• The Saudi economy achieved growth for the fourth consecutive quarter in the current year’s first quarter, driven by an increase in non-oil activities.
• This growth reflects the continued expansion in industrial and service sectors, alongside a recovery in domestic demand, supported by the momentum of projects linked to Vision 2030.
• According to data from the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2025 on an annual basis. This was primarily supported by a 4.9% annual growth in the non-oil sector, which is the highest level recorded in the last three quarters.
• However, oil activities contracted by 0.5% during the same period. This contraction was influenced by OPEC+ production cuts within the framework of their voluntary production agreement, which slowed the pace of growth despite strong performance in other sectors.
• The General Authority for Statistics data indicates a slowdown in Saudi economic growth compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year, which saw a 4.4% GDP growth.
• The Authority announced in May that it updated its GDP estimates to align with international standards.
• The government’s non-oil activities grew by 3.2% in the first quarter, reaching their highest level in three quarters, driven by continued government spending on public infrastructure and services, which contributed to economic activity.
• Most economic activities showed positive annual growth rates, with the wholesale and retail trade, hotels, and restaurants sector recording the highest growth at 8.4% in the first quarter.
• The transport, storage, and communications sector grew by 6%, and financial and business services activities grew by 5.5%.
• The World Bank expects Saudi Arabia’s economic activity to benefit from a gradual increase in oil production planned by the OPEC+ alliance from April 2025 to September 2026. They also emphasize that diversification efforts continue to support the growth of non-oil sectors.

Inflation in the Kingdom:

• Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate remained relatively stable at 2.2% in May 2025, confirming its position among the lowest inflation rates within the G20 countries.
• This stability highlights the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s financial and monetary policies and proactive measures to mitigate price increases amidst the global inflationary wave.
• The monthly statistical report from the General Authority for Statistics attributed the rise in annual inflation to increases in housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel prices (6.8%), food and beverage prices (1.6%), and prices for miscellaneous personal goods and services (4.0%).
• The increase in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel section was mainly due to an 8.1% rise in paid housing rents. This section has a significant impact on annual inflation due to its 25.5% weighting.
• Conversely, transport prices decreased by 0.8%, and clothing and footwear prices fell by 0.9%.
• The consumer price index remained stable in May 2025 compared to April, with a monthly change of 0.1%, indicating a balance between rising housing prices and falling transport prices.
• The General Authority for Statistics noted that inflation rates increased on a monthly basis in Tabuk, Hail, Sakaka, Makkah, Riyadh, and Jeddah, while decreasing in Baha, Najran, Arar, Dammam, Madinah, Buraydah, Taif, and Hofuf.

Geopolitical Risks and Oil Markets:

• Geopolitical risks have returned to oil markets, with Brent crude futures rising to $75 per barrel due to the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
• The Israeli attack on Iran led to a jump in crude oil prices to their highest in five months, raising fears that any further escalation could disrupt navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil consumption passes.
• Analysts expect oil prices to rise further, possibly towards $80 per barrel, with the escalating conflict and increasing fears about Middle East oil exports.
• An opinion piece notes that an increase in oil prices significantly boosts budget surpluses and revenues for Saudi Arabia, allowing the government to expand spending on development and infrastructure projects as part of Vision 2030. However, it also warns that reliance on high oil prices represents a long-term risk due to the global shift towards clean energy.
• The crisis between Iran and Israel threatens maritime navigation security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, which could severely impact global trade, including Saudi exports. Economic reports suggest that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz could raise oil prices to levels of $150 per barrel. While this could bring significant financial gains in the short term, it also increases uncertainty and volatility in financial markets, potentially making foreign investors more cautious.

Financial Policy and Investment:

• Saudi Arabia’s government continues to pursue a disciplined financial policy despite rising oil revenues, aiming to avoid over-reliance on oil and prevent past market volatility issues. This approach enhances investor confidence in the Saudi economy’s resilience and its reform trajectory.
• Capital Intelligence has affirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-term foreign and local currency credit ratings at “AA-“, with a stable outlook for future ratings. Experts note that this positive rating aligns with other international agencies’ assessments and reflects the strength of the Saudi economy and the effectiveness of its Vision 2030 reforms.
• The rating acknowledges the diversification of the economy into sectors like tourism, industry, and investment, as well as the Kingdom’s ability to manage debt and challenges.
• Saudi Arabia’s foreign reserves increased by 4% to 1721.1 billion riyals by the end of May 2025.
• King Street hedge fund is seeking to enter the Saudi market to capitalize on the growing wave of global investors attracted by the Kingdom’s $2 trillion economic transformation plan.
• The transformation of Saudi ports into strategic platforms for expanding trade and geopolitical influence is a key aspect of Vision 2030, with significant investments in infrastructure and digital transformation.

Stock Market Performance:

• The Saudi stock market’s main index closed slightly lower yesterday, decreasing by 109.35 points to 10731.59 points, with trading values reaching 5.1 billion riyals.
• The total market value of listed shares was about 9141.71 billion riyals at the end of the week ending June 12, 2025, a decrease of 0.25%.
• The value of foreign investor ownership accounted for 4.32% of the total market value of listed shares.
• The parallel Saudi stock index (Nomu) also closed lower.
• Stock markets in the Gulf region closed lower yesterday amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, increasing fears of conflict in the wider Middle East.

Specific Economic News:

• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Jeddah has opened, becoming the largest and most modern private healthcare facility in Jeddah, operating with a fully digital system using AI and IoT.
• The Islamic University in Madinah launched Arabic language courses for non-native speakers, aimed at enhancing the language’s global standing.
• Tabuk Municipality carried out 208 field visits to food establishments during Eid al-Adha, ensuring food safety and compliance with health standards, including inspecting meat freshness and cooking oil quality.
• The “Bahhar” festival in Yanbu, in its second edition, attracts visitors with various artistic, cultural, tourist, and heritage activities, highlighting the region’s marine environment.

Middle East Conflicts and Saudi Arabia’s Stabilizing Role

The provided sources extensively discuss regional conflicts, primarily focusing on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Geopolitical risks have returned to oil markets due to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, causing Brent crude futures to rise to $75 per barrel. The Israeli attack on Iran led to crude oil prices jumping to their highest in five months, raising fears that further escalation could disrupt navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which one-fifth of global oil consumption passes. Analysts anticipate oil prices to climb further, potentially towards $80 per barrel, as the conflict intensifies and concerns grow about Middle East oil exports.

An opinion piece suggests that an increase in oil prices significantly boosts budget surpluses and revenues for Saudi Arabia, enabling the government to expand spending on development and infrastructure projects as part of Vision 2030. However, it also warns that reliance on high oil prices poses a long-term risk due to the global shift towards clean energy. The crisis threatens maritime navigation security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, which could severely impact global trade, including Saudi exports. Economic reports indicate that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices to levels of $150 per barrel, bringing substantial short-term financial gains but also increasing uncertainty and volatility in financial markets, potentially making foreign investors more cautious.

The conflict has seen a new wave of attacks, with Israeli forces targeting “dual-use” fuel sites in Iran. The Israeli army has issued evacuation warnings for Iranians living near weapons facilities. Reports indicate that Iran’s response to an Israeli attack on its nuclear and military infrastructure resulted in rising oil prices, despite no damage to oil infrastructure. The US President Donald Trump believes an agreement can “easily” be reached between Iran and Israel to end the “bloody conflict”. However, the US has also warned Tehran to reach a deal or face “more violent attacks” from Israel. Israel requested US military participation in an attack targeting Iran’s nuclear program, specifically the fortified Fordow facility, due to its own limitations in striking such deep targets. The US, however, showed reservations about direct involvement, fearing a wider confrontation. Iran’s foreign ministry denied sending messages to Israel via a third country.

The war between Israel and Iran is viewed by some as deeper than a mere escalation, potentially leading to the downfall of one of the regimes or a recalculation of the global and regional order. It is seen as a result of years of meticulous planning by Israel, including diplomatic efforts to cultivate relations with regional countries and “clip the claws of Iran’s proxies”. Western and European allies are providing full military, economic, and intelligence support to Israel, in addition to imposing sanctions on Iran. It is noted that Iran has not found effective allies in the region, and its “pragmatic exploitation” of the Palestinian cause has led to a weakening of sympathy for Tehran in its current conflict. The geopolitical consequences of this war could include a reshaping of the region’s geopolitical map, potential internal transformations within Iran due to resource depletion and pressure on the regime, or Iran’s retreat within its geographical borders for several years.

The Gaza War The war on Gaza has entered its 90th day, continuing with massacres against civilians and catastrophic humanitarian conditions. The region faces a complete siege, widespread destruction, near-total collapse of infrastructure, and severe shortages of electricity, water, and health services. Recent Israeli aggression caused a three-day complete outage of internet and communications, which later partially resumed. Relief efforts are severely hampered by acute shortages of basic necessities like food and medicine.

UNICEF reported that Palestinian families in Gaza are struggling immensely to secure even one daily meal for their children, with the volume of bombs and rockets entering Gaza far exceeding the amount of food aid. The situation continues to worsen daily, described as “grim, shattered, and horrifying”. Many families live in tents under tank fire and are forced to repeatedly relocate after losing everything. Gazan families have not celebrated Eid al-Adha for two years, instead mourning their losses, and mothers sometimes go without food for days to feed their children. Children are dying from malnutrition due to easily treatable causes, forming a “deadly cycle” of food scarcity, contaminated water, and lack of basic healthcare. Hospitals are unsafe and lack essential medical supplies.

Aid delivery is critically insufficient, with only about 10% of what people need reaching Gaza effectively. A new aid distribution system, described as “military in nature,” has been criticized for limiting access to specific areas and for intentionally pushing residents from north to south, further undermining effective aid distribution efforts. The Khan Yunis municipality warned of an impending health and environmental catastrophe due to the halt in fuel supply, affecting water and sewage facilities, and preventing the operation of essential services.

The Israeli occupation forces continue arrests, field interrogations, and summary executions in the West Bank, alongside intensified sieges and movement restrictions at checkpoints. There are 898 military checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank, with 146 established since October 7, 2023.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance and Role Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and globally. This role stems from its political, economic, and religious standing, as well as its commitment to the principles of peace and international cooperation.

• De-escalation and Dialogue: Saudi Arabia has consistently condemned attacks, rejected escalation, and called for dialogue to restore balance. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized de-escalation and diplomatic solutions in a call with the Iranian President, underscoring a strategic approach to prevent a wider conflagration.
• Balancing Force: The Kingdom acts as a balancing force, striving to prevent the region from descending into catastrophic scenarios. Its vision for security is rooted in preventing conflict and investing in peace.
• Diplomatic Engagements: Saudi Arabia’s historical efforts, such as the Beijing agreement and attempts to mend rifts in Yemen and Sudan, highlight its crucial role in regional security. The Kingdom mediates and hosts conferences for Palestinian factions, supports the legitimate government in Yemen, and works to stabilize other Arab countries.
• Counter-Terrorism: Saudi Arabia adopts a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, not only through security measures but also through intellectual and cultural strategies. It established the “Etidal” (Moderation) Center to counter extremist thought, reflecting its commitment to protecting societies from extremism. It also participates in international counter-terrorism coalitions and founded the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.
• Humanitarian Aid: The Kingdom is a leading donor country globally, providing humanitarian assistance and supporting millions of refugees and displaced people in Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Yemen.
• Soft Diplomacy: Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia promotes “soft diplomacy,” encompassing culture, education, and knowledge exchange, as means to build sustainable peace.
• Economic Resilience: The Saudi government maintains a disciplined financial policy, even with rising oil revenues, to avoid over-reliance on oil and prevent past market volatility issues, thereby enhancing investor confidence in its economic resilience and reform trajectory. The Kingdom views crises not merely as threats but as opportunities for re-formation and showcasing its economic flexibility and capacity to lead economic and political transformation in the region.

In essence, Saudi Arabia is portrayed as a nation growing confidently, building a diverse economy, and balancing its national interests with its regional and international duties, serving as a critical factor in shaping the future amidst ongoing regional and global challenges.

Healthcare Innovations and Challenges

Healthcare advancements are prominently discussed in the sources, particularly through the detailed description of Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Mohammadiyah, Jeddah, which marks a significant leap in the Kingdom’s medical sector.

This hospital is highlighted as the newest and largest private health sector hospital in Jeddah, operating with a fully integrated digital system. It leverages cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to enhance healthcare delivery, diagnosis efficiency, and communication among medical teams. The establishment of its electronic environment and infrastructure was carried out by Cloud Solutions, a leader in information technology.

Key advancements and features of this state-of-the-art facility include:

• Integrated Digital System: The hospital operates as a “DIGITAL HOSPITAL,” providing patients with a seamless, fully digital experience from admission to discharge. This system uses AI and IoMT to streamline operations and improve patient care.
• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: The radiology department is described as one of the most modern diagnostic imaging centers in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of diagnostic services and interventional radiology, utilizing AI for high-precision diagnosis of fractures, tumors, and strokes.
• GE PET/CT OMNI LEGEND 32 cm: This is the first device of its kind in the Middle East for nuclear medicine, boasting 2.2 times higher sensitivity than comparable systems and reducing scan time by 53% with AI-powered performance.
• GE REVOLUTION 512 SLICE APEX CT scanner: Touted as the fastest CT scanner, with a 0.23-second rotation, capable of whole-body imaging in under 5 seconds and cardiac imaging in a single beat, even for children without anesthesia.
• GE MRI SIGNA ARTIST 1.5 T: Offers comprehensive digital coverage, enhances patient comfort, and provides high-quality, precise imaging for all examinations, including those for heavy patients.
• Robotic Surgery System: The hospital is equipped with a Robotic Surgery System, the first of its kind in the Middle East, allowing surgeons precise control over robotic arms and tools with a 3D vision system and a wide range of motion.
• Automated Laboratory and Sample Management: The laboratory features a fully automated system (AUTOMATION LAB SOLUTION) for patient registration and sample handling, from collection to results, with no manual intervention. This ensures patient privacy and enhances diagnostic accuracy through digital pathology and AI for remote disease diagnosis. It also includes a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) for fast and secure transport of lab samples throughout the facility.
• Smart Patient Monitoring and Care:
• CENTRELLA SMART+ BED: Smart beds in recovery rooms enable continuous wireless monitoring of patient location and condition via internet connection.
• Portrait Mobile technology: Provides effective high-fidelity vital sign monitoring for patients post-operation.
• Specialized Units and Facilities: The hospital comprises numerous specialized centers and clinics, including Emergency, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Intensive Care, Orthopedics & Spinal Surgery, Infertility & IVF Unit, ENT, Internal Medicine, Urology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dermatology, and Laser treatment. The dentistry department features advanced equipment like the CENTER U 6000S, PENEFRINA cabins, and CABINET for single-touch access to tools, the first of its kind in the Middle East, which helps reduce the risk of infection.
• Infrastructure and Design: The hospital is built with unique architectural and engineering specifications, following the standards of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to create a conducive environment for patient recovery. It includes 48 elevators for easy patient movement, 14 self-cleaning and sterilizing escalators, and parking for 1547 cars. It also provides training and education facilities, including large lecture halls and a conference hall accommodating over 500 people.

The establishment of this hospital is seen as a qualitative addition to healthcare and medical tourism in the Kingdom, serving the needs of patients in the Western region.

While this hospital represents a significant advancement, the sources also touch upon general health services in other contexts:

• The Hajj and Umrah new regulations aim to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims from various countries, which implicitly includes health services as part of their comprehensive care.
• Riyadh Municipality provides medical examination services to pilgrims at various centers, focusing on enhancing their safety during their spiritual journey.
• Tabuk Municipality conducts extensive field visits and lab tests on food establishments to ensure public health and food safety, including testing meat freshness, frying oil quality, and temperature in storage rooms.

In contrast, sources discussing the Gaza War highlight a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with severe shortages of health services, widespread destruction, and hospitals becoming unsafe due to shelling and lack of basic medical supplies and fuel. It is noted that only 19 out of 38 governmental hospitals in Gaza are partially operational, along with 8 private and 11 field hospitals, but aid delivery remains critically insufficient. This portrays a dire situation where existing healthcare infrastructure is collapsing under the impact of conflict, rather than advancing.

Saudi Vision 2030: Healthcare, Heritage, and Arabic Language Flourish

Healthcare advancements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are deeply intertwined with its ambitions in tourism and culture, particularly under the umbrella of Vision 2030, aiming for economic diversification and enhanced global standing.

Medical Tourism and Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure A significant advancement is the Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Mohammadiyah, Jeddah, which is described as the newest and largest private hospital in Jeddah and a “qualitative addition to healthcare and medical tourism in the Kingdom”. This facility is designed as a “DIGITAL HOSPITAL” operating with a fully integrated digital system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to enhance healthcare delivery, diagnostic efficiency, and communication among medical teams.

Key features and advancements at this hospital include:

• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: Its radiology department is one of the most modern diagnostic imaging centers in the Middle East, offering high-precision diagnosis of fractures, tumors, and strokes using AI. Notable equipment includes the GE PET/CT OMNI LEGEND 32 cm, the first of its kind in the Middle East for nuclear medicine, offering 2.2 times higher sensitivity and reducing scan time by 53% with AI-powered performance. The GE REVOLUTION 512 SLICE APEX CT scanner is touted as the fastest, capable of whole-body imaging in under 5 seconds and cardiac imaging in a single beat, even for children without anesthesia. The GE MRI SIGNA ARTIST 1.5 T provides comprehensive digital coverage and high-quality, precise imaging.
• Robotic Surgery System: The hospital is equipped with a Robotic Surgery System, the first of its kind in the Middle East, allowing surgeons precise control over robotic arms and tools with a 3D vision system and a wide range of motion.
• Automated Laboratory and Sample Management: It features a fully automated system (AUTOMATION LAB SOLUTION) for patient registration and sample handling, from collection to results, with no manual intervention, ensuring privacy and enhancing diagnostic accuracy through digital pathology and AI for remote disease diagnosis. A Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) is also in place for fast and secure transport of lab samples.
• Smart Patient Monitoring: Recovery rooms have CENTRELLA SMART+ BEDs for continuous wireless monitoring of patient location and condition, and Portrait Mobile technology for effective high-fidelity vital sign monitoring post-operation.
• Specialized Units: The hospital houses numerous specialized centers and clinics, including a state-of-the-art dentistry department with advanced equipment like the CENTER U 6000S, PENEFRINA cabins, and CABINET for single-touch access to tools, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and helps reduce infection risk.
• Infrastructure: The hospital’s design adheres to American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards, facilitating patient recovery. It includes 48 elevators, 14 self-cleaning and sterilizing escalators, and parking for 1547 cars.
• Specialized Medical Conferences: Riyadh also hosted the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH) meeting, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing medical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and providing advanced patient care in specialized fields.

Religious Tourism (Hajj and Umrah) The sources extensively detail the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance services for pilgrims, marking a significant focus on religious tourism:

• New Regulations and Digital Integration: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced new regulations, including mandatory confirmed hotel bookings in Mecca and Medina and electronic approval via the “Nusuk” application for Umrah visa applicants. These measures aim to enhance service quality and streamline the Umrah system for pilgrims globally. The “Nusuk” smart card, alongside smart crowd management and shuttle transport systems (including the Al-Mashaaer train), has significantly contributed to the smooth movement of pilgrims and the prevention of irregular Hajj.
• Comprehensive Services: This year’s Hajj season was noted for its unprecedented success and distinction due to the integrated and advanced system, including digitization, smart management, and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs ensured the departure of 2443 “King’s Guests” pilgrims from over 100 countries after they completed their Hajj rituals and visited the Prophet’s Mosque, all within an integrated service framework. Pilgrims consistently expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive care and facilities provided.
• Local Support and Facilities: Riyadh Municipality provided services to over 29,000 pilgrims across 6 centers, including essential medical examination services to ensure their safety. Border Guards facilitated smooth departure procedures for pilgrims through various crossings like Al-Wadiah in Najran, ensuring efficient security and guidance. Dedicated Hajj cities, such as the one at the Halat Ammar border crossing in Tabuk, offered high-quality services and logistical support to pilgrims, including the distribution of Holy Quran copies as a royal gift. This holistic approach reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims effectively from their arrival until their departure.

Cultural Heritage and Initiatives The Kingdom is actively engaged in promoting and preserving its cultural identity through various initiatives:

• Celebrating National Figures: The Adabi Hail society hosted a cultural forum to review the life and works of the poet Antarah bin Shaddad, highlighting his historical and human significance. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for cultural investment and the importance of documenting heritage.
• Reviving Popular Heritage: The Finsafa Academy’s “After the Cover” program featured a discussion on “Popular Games” by Abdulaziz Al-Mubaddal, emphasizing their role as fundamental aspects of cultural identity. The program underscores the importance of documenting and revitalizing popular heritage through cultural activities and artistic performances.
• International Cooperation for Heritage Preservation: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), based in the Kingdom, plans an international project to revive the tangible and intangible heritage of Aleppo, Syria. This includes restoring historic libraries, manuscripts, and reactivating their scientific role, contributing to cultural preservation efforts beyond Saudi borders.
• Cultural Significance of Hajj and Eid al-Adha: Hajj is portrayed not just as a spiritual journey but also as a global cultural and humanitarian gathering, where Muslims from over 126 countries meet, showcasing the rich diversity within the Islamic nation. Eid al-Adha, intrinsically linked to Hajj, reinforces spiritual and social solidarity across diverse Muslim cultures, with the Kingdom facilitating organized sacrificial animal slaughter for distribution to the needy in over 30 countries.

Linguistic Empowerment and Soft Diplomacy The Kingdom acknowledges the importance of language as a cultural asset and a tool for soft power:

• Global Linguistic Leadership: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a digital cultural force committed to ensuring the Arabic language thrives in the digital age, recognizing that its future depends on integration with AI tools.
• Strategic Initiatives for Arabic: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is redefining the role of linguistic academies as “sovereign platforms” that influence the presence of Arabic globally. Initiatives like the “Arabic Language Index” provide precise data on Arabic’s performance across various sectors, informing policy-making. The “Balsam” initiative evaluates AI models’ ability to handle Arabic, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of Arabic linguistic computing.
• Content Generation and Digital Tools: Platforms such as “Falak” have added over 72 million new words to Arabic content, creating a vast digital resource for AI applications like smart assistants and instant translators. “Suwar” is dedicated to Arabic dictionaries, enriching the industry with linguistic data for developers and programmers. These efforts align with Vision 2030’s national cultural strategy, viewing Arabic as a component of digital sovereignty and a soft power tool in the digital world.
• Blending Authenticity and Technology: The Saudi approach emphasizes blending the authenticity of the language with technological modernity, offering a balanced model that prevents detachment from its roots while embracing the future. The Kingdom’s leadership decisions support Arabic not just as a heritage but as a future project, ensuring its vitality in the age of algorithms.
• Soft Diplomacy: Vision 2030 reinforces “soft diplomacy,” which incorporates culture, education, and knowledge exchange as crucial means to build sustainable peace. The Islamic University in Medina is also contributing to this by offering specialized Arabic language courses for non-native speakers, aiming to promote the global standing of the Arabic language.

Hajj Management: A Digital and Humanitarian Triumph

Saudi Arabia’s approach to Hajj management is a cornerstone of its national development under Vision 2030, transforming the sacred pilgrimage into a highly organized and digitally integrated experience that also serves as a significant cultural and humanitarian gathering. This year’s Hajj season was marked by unprecedented success and distinction due to an integrated and advanced system.

Key aspects of Hajj management include:

• New Regulations and Streamlined Procedures: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has implemented new regulations for Umrah visa applicants, including mandatory confirmed hotel bookings in Mecca and Medina and electronic approval of bookings via the “Nusuk” application. These measures require the booking dates to match the pilgrim’s entry and exit timings in the Kingdom, and hotels must be licensed by the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Tourism. These steps are part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the quality of services and streamline the Umrah system for pilgrims worldwide, ultimately benefiting the pilgrims.
• Digital Integration and Smart Management: The Kingdom has heavily invested in digital solutions to manage the massive influx of pilgrims. The “Nusuk” smart card, alongside smart crowd management and shuttle transport systems like the Al-Mashaaer train, has significantly contributed to the smooth movement of pilgrims and the prevention of irregular Hajj. The “Nusuk” smart card particularly aided in streamlining services and connecting pilgrim data within a unified system, reducing waiting times at entry points.
• Comprehensive Services and Infrastructure Development: Hajj management focuses on providing extensive services to pilgrims from their arrival until departure. This includes:
• Royal Guest Programs: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs facilitated the departure of 2,443 “King’s Guests” pilgrims from over 100 countries, providing them with integrated services after they completed their rituals and visited the Prophet’s Mosque. Pilgrims consistently expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive care and facilities provided within this framework.
• Logistical Support and Facilities: Riyadh Municipality alone provided services to over 29,000 pilgrims across 6 centers in its governorates, offering essential medical examinations to ensure their safety. This involved the participation of 82 governmental and private entities and over 2,029 volunteers. Services included distributing over 18,000 meals, 84,450 kg of dates, 6,329 liters of water, and 52,043 gifts.
• Border Operations: Border Guards at various crossings, such as Al-Wadiah in Najran, worked to facilitate smooth departure procedures for pilgrims, ensuring efficient security and guidance. Hajj cities, like the one at the Halat Ammar border crossing in Tabuk, offered high-quality services and logistical support, including the distribution of Holy Quran copies as a royal gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
• Pilgrim Satisfaction: Egyptian Hajj mission officials noted that this year’s Hajj was among the “most successful and distinguished seasons,” praising the high level of organization, tranquility, and spirituality. Pilgrims recounted a smooth experience from arrival to farewell, expressing no fatigue due to the excellent organization and facilities.
• Enhancing Pilgrim Experience: The new regulations are expected to lead to increased competitiveness among Umrah companies and higher transparency in transactions. This is projected to improve the overall experience for pilgrims, despite potential increases in package prices due to heightened costs. The focus is on offering high-quality services to justify additional expenses and to block the path of unauthorized companies.
• Cultural and Humanitarian Dimension: Hajj is not merely a spiritual journey but also a global cultural and humanitarian gathering, where Muslims from over 126 countries meet, showcasing the rich diversity within the Islamic nation. The Kingdom’s efforts in managing Hajj reaffirm its role as a global hub for all Islamic nations, embodying generosity, organization, and mutual respect. Eid al-Adha, intrinsically linked to Hajj, reinforces spiritual and social solidarity across diverse Muslim cultures, with the Kingdom facilitating organized sacrificial animal slaughter for distribution to the needy in over 30 countries.
• Leadership Oversight and Vision 2030 Alignment: The success of Hajj is attributed to the continuous follow-up and directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. These efforts align with Vision 2030’s objectives, which include elevating the level of life quality and providing a flourishing and sustainable city environment. The Kingdom’s role in Hajj management is a clear demonstration of its “soft diplomacy”, leveraging culture, education, and knowledge exchange to build sustainable peace.

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

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