Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 30, 2025: Saudi Arabian Affairs and Global Dynamics

The provided sources offer a multifaceted overview of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, highlighting significant progress in women’s empowerment and economic diversification, particularly within the labor market and investment in advanced technologies like AI. Concurrently, the texts address ongoing geopolitical tensions, detailing the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside its regional confrontations, and the implementation of U.S. sanctions against Sudan. Additionally, the sources touch upon cultural and sporting events within Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the nation’s efforts to promote tourism, preserve heritage, and host international gatherings, even as they report on drug trafficking arrests and an Indian campaign to deport Muslims.

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Rebuilding the Kingdom’s Future

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive project aimed at rebuilding the present and future of the Kingdom, going beyond mere reform or development steps. It seeks to redefine the nation’s identity and ambitions, transforming it from a mere geography into a meaningful entity. The vision emphasizes building a new sense of belonging among citizens and attracting global interest, making people feel part of something larger with a clear project, future, and leadership.

Here are the details about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives across various sectors:

I. Economic Transformation and Diversification

• Expo 2030: The Kingdom is preparing to host Expo 2030, which is described as a strategic leap in the path of development.
• Economic Value: Expo 2030 is projected to generate over 241 billion Saudi Riyals during its development phase and an additional 21 billion Saudi Riyals annually during its operational period, based on Public Investment Fund estimates.
• Job Creation: The project is expected to create over 171,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, empowering national competencies and stimulating private sector participation.
• Location and Scale: The Expo site, located north of Riyadh near King Salman Airport, covers an area of 6 million square meters. It is designed to host over 40 million physical visits and more than a billion virtual visits.
• Sustainable Village: The Expo site will transform into a sustainable global village after the event, powered entirely by solar energy with zero carbon emissions. It will include smart transport networks and over 70,000 new hotel rooms. This village will become residential, commercial, and cultural areas built to the highest environmental and economic standards.
• Company Formation: In June 2025, the Public Investment Fund announced the establishment of the “Expo 2030 Riyadh” company to develop and manage the project until October 2030.
• Economic Growth:
• The Kingdom’s non-oil sector achieved a real GDP growth rate of 4.2% in 2024, driven by private consumption and non-oil investments.
• Preliminary estimates for the first quarter of 2025 show the non-oil sector growing by 4.9% annually, indicating the Kingdom’s success in building an economy resilient to geopolitical and global trade shocks.
• Fiscal Stability: The Kingdom maintains a significant fiscal space, with public debt levels remaining below 26.2% of GDP, among the lowest globally. This robust financial position supports social and economic policies without leading to deficits or financial pressures.
• New Investment Law: A new investment law, effective February 2025, is expected to enhance liquidity and attract foreign investments into Saudi capital markets. The Kingdom is deliberately opening its markets to international investors, reinforcing confidence in its economic structure and regulatory efficiency.

II. Labor Market and Women Empowerment

• Unemployment Reduction:
• The unemployment rate among Saudis reached a historic low of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 7%.
• The overall unemployment rate for the total population in the Kingdom dropped to 2.8% in Q1 2025, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to Q4 2024.
• Women’s Participation:
• The growth rate of employed Saudi women increased by 0.7%, reaching 32.5%.
• The unemployment rate for Saudi women fell by 1.4%, reaching 10.5% in Q1 2025, the lowest historical level. This reflects a profound “cultural and economic” transformation leveraging the energy of all citizens.
• Women’s participation in the labor force has seen unprecedented growth compared to previous decades.
• The female employment rate relative to the population grew to 14.6%, and their labor force participation rate increased to 18.4%.
• Women’s economic participation rate among Saudis (both genders) in the workforce reached 51.3% in Q1 2025.
• This success is attributed to legislative transformations that opened opportunities for women and a strong government commitment to empowering them. Companies are now working to develop flexible and attractive work environments for women.

III. Tourism and Cultural Enrichment

• Tourist Arrivals: The number of international visitors to the Kingdom exceeded 27 million in 2024.
• Tourism Development: Plans to develop tourist destinations like Al-Diriyah and Al-Ula stimulate the tourism sector, creating jobs and contributing to Vision 2030’s goals related to responsible consumption and production by improving resource efficiency.
• Cultural and Sporting Events: Over 4,000 cultural events and more than 70 international sporting events were hosted in 2024. This opens new investment horizons in creative industries, aligning with goals such as reducing inequalities and promoting quality education.
• Jeddah’s Coastal Areas: Jeddah’s beaches are being prepared for the summer 2025 tourist season, aiming to meet the aspirations of residents and visitors and strengthen its position as a major tourist destination in the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s tourism sector development goals and local content enhancement.
• Hail Summer: Hail’s pleasant weather attracts families to public gardens and natural parks, boosting tourism and emphasizing the region’s importance for logistics and tourism services. The city’s municipality organizes summer entertainment festivals, and there are over 400 gardens and green spaces.
• Al-Wajh Waterfront: The Al-Wajh waterfront is a recreational and sporting hub, extending over 17 km along the coast, attracting families and sports enthusiasts. This project is part of development initiatives to enhance quality of life and provide attractive environments, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
• Culture as a Language of the State: Culture is no longer merely a luxury or outward manifestation but has become one of the languages of the state. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized culture, recognizing it as a central component of a holistic national project. This includes supporting Saudi artists, preserving architectural heritage, and promoting Saudi orchestras on international stages.
• Literary Sector Development: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority plays a vital role in strengthening national cultural identity and promoting Saudi literature globally, supporting the comprehensive cultural vision of Vision 2030. The authority launched a “Translation Platform” to support the translation of Saudi literary works into multiple languages and introduce global literature to Arabic readers. They also signed agreements to translate over 100 Chinese and Arabic titles in 2025.

IV. Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Digital Transformation: The percentage of digitized government services reached 97% in 2024, surpassing the G20 average of 85%. This reflects significant progress towards comprehensive digital transformation, ensuring equitable access to services, efficiency, and justice.
• AI Development: The Kingdom is investing heavily in building advanced AI infrastructure and systems to become a pivotal player in AI technologies, shifting from a consumer role to a producer and exporter.
• Investment Goal: The aim is for the AI sector to contribute $130 billion to the GDP by 2030, representing about 12% of the total GDP.
• “Humane” Company: In May 2025, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched “Humane,” a company owned by the Public Investment Fund, to develop AI solutions and invest in the sector.
• Major Partnerships: Investments totaling over $100 billion have been announced for building data centers, including partnerships with leading companies like NVIDIA, IBM, Amazon DE, and AE Services.
• AI Training: The goal is to train 100,000 citizens in AI and cloud computing technologies.
• Industrial AI: AI algorithms are being used to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce waste in materials, energy, and time, and optimize resource consumption. For example, AI can optimize car painting to use minimal material while achieving a uniform exterior finish, reducing chemical waste and environmental impact.

V. Environment and Sustainability

• Saudi Green Initiative: The Kingdom achieved experimental operation of the largest solar energy plant in the Middle East and planted over 65 million trees as part of the “Saudi Green Initiative,” surpassing the global average for tree planting. These efforts demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to climate action and life on land, promoting a circular carbon economy.
• Wildlife Protection: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is implementing efforts to restore natural life and preserve biodiversity, which contributes to achieving Vision 2030’s quality of life goals.

VI. Quality of Life and Community Initiatives

• Healthcare Improvements: The report highlights increased health coverage to 96% and women’s participation in the labor market to 35.5%.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives like the “Princess Seeta bint Abdulaziz Award for Excellence in Social Work” and “Sitathon” aim to promote community initiatives and encourage volunteering and excellence among students.
• Riyadh’s “Rabea Al Nairyah” Festival: This festival highlights popular heritage, preserves national identity, and strengthens belonging, attracting over 370,000 visitors.
• “Qassim Green Land” Initiative: This initiative aims to enhance green cover and combat desertification, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. It has seen over 7.5 million trees planted.
• “Reef Saudi Arabia” Program: This program supports the agricultural sector and rural areas, providing direct support, training, and qualification, benefiting over 87,000 individuals. It aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas and increase the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP.
• Mawhiba Enrichment Program: King Abdulaziz University’s “Mawhiba” enrichment program, in cooperation with King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, involves over 521 gifted students to foster a culture of research and innovation, contributing to the nation’s human potential.
• Islamic Affairs and Energy Efficiency: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance achieved 100% in energy efficiency performance and significant savings in energy consumption for two consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to Vision 2030’s resource optimization and sustainability goals.
• Food Safety Forum: This forum emphasizes food safety as a shared national responsibility, promoting collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure food quality and public health. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for public health and quality of life.

Underlying Principles and Visionary Leadership

• Holistic Transformation: The transformations witnessed in the Kingdom are not merely reforms but a comprehensive project of reshaping reality and the future. The change is measured not just by infrastructure or investment volume but by the ability to attract attention and win hearts, building a new sense of belonging among those who view it from outside.
• Role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is highlighted as the most influential figure in this great transformation. His vision inspires and transforms reality into tangible achievements. He has adopted a policy of genuine construction that allows individuals to feel part of something bigger. His leadership is central to achieving sustainable development and investment, empowering people, and making Vision 2030 a reality.
• Shift from Consumer to Producer: The Kingdom’s plans aim to transform its role from a consumer of advanced technologies to a producer and exporter.
• Global Positioning: The Vision aims for the Kingdom to be not just a part of the world, but at its forefront. It seeks to solidify its position as an economic and social force contributing effectively to the global sustainability agenda.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The Vision demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to balance ambition and realism, innovation and preservation, and national leadership with global openness.

The success of Vision 2030’s initiatives, such as the unprecedented drop in unemployment rates and increased female participation, underscores the effectiveness of government policies, the stimulation of the private sector, and the empowerment of national competencies. The transformation is a result of a comprehensive vision, integrating economic, social, and environmental policies.

Saudi Arabia’s Dual Transformation: Women and Economic Diversification

The sources provide extensive details on both women’s empowerment and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, often highlighting their interconnectedness as key components of Vision 2030.

Women’s Empowerment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has prioritized women’s empowerment as a fundamental element in both economic and social development, leading to significant transformations in the labor market.

Key achievements and aspects of women’s empowerment include:

• Historic Low Unemployment for Saudi Women: The unemployment rate for Saudi women decreased by 1.4 percentage points to 10.5% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 11.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching its lowest historical level. This also represents a 3.7 percentage point year-on-year decrease compared to Q1 2024.
• Increased Participation in the Workforce: The growth rate of employed Saudi women relative to the population reached 32.5%. The overall participation rate in the labor force for Saudi citizens (males and females) increased by 0.2 percentage points to 51.3% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024.
• Cultural and Economic Transformation: The rise in female employment is viewed not just as an increase in numbers but as a deep “cultural and economic” transformation reflecting a genuine desire to leverage the energies of all national citizens.
• Legislative Support: Legislative changes have played a crucial role in opening up wide opportunities for women in the labor market.
• Contribution Across Sectors: Saudi women are now actively contributing to various sectors, including banking, health, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
• Leadership and Flexible Work Environments: There is an emphasis on supporting women in leadership roles and the development of flexible and attractive work environments by many companies. Empowering women is seen as an investment in the nation’s future.
• Entrepreneurship Growth: The entrepreneurship environment has become more accommodating for women, with an economic participation rate (likely referring to the overall labor force participation rate which increased) rising, opening avenues for establishing small and medium enterprises.
• Alignment with Global Goals: The progress in women’s participation aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• Skills Development: There is a recognized need to enhance technical and vocational skills for women to expand their employment options, particularly in specialized sectors like technology, engineering, and energy.
• Impact on Family Stability: Increased women’s work is linked to greater family stability and social empowerment, becoming a fundamental part of the national movement towards sustainable development.

Economic Diversification

The Kingdom’s transformations are described as a comprehensive project to reshape the present and future, extending beyond mere infrastructure and investment to build a new sense of belonging based on vision, values, and ambition. This project is actively transforming Vision 2030 into a tangible reality.

Key aspects and initiatives contributing to economic diversification include:

• Non-Oil GDP Growth: The real non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2% in 2024, driven by private consumption and non-oil investments. This growth continued into Q1 2025, with non-oil activities recording a 4.9% increase year-on-year, showcasing the economy’s resilience to global shocks.
• Shift from Oil Dependence: This sustained growth in the non-oil sector indicates a gradual shift from reliance on oil to a diversified economic model.
• Private Sector Contribution: Privatization programs and partnerships with the private sector have significantly increased its contribution to GDP, reaching nearly 43%, surpassing other oil-exporting nations. This fosters competitiveness and reduces reliance on government spending.
• Tourism Sector Development:
• Jeddah is actively preparing its tourism and entertainment facilities for the summer season, aiming to enhance its position as a major destination on the Kingdom’s tourism map.
• Hail region’s mild climate and attractions (e.g., 400 parks and 3.8 million square meters of green spaces) are attracting tourists, boosting local tourism activity.
• Al-Wajh waterfront serves as a vital recreational and sports outlet, enhancing quality of life.
• Tourist arrivals exceeded 27 million in 2024, contributing to job creation and promoting entrepreneurship.
• Global Events and Investments:
• Riyadh is transforming into a global capital, exemplified by its hosting of Expo 2030. This event is projected to generate over 241 billion riyals in economic value during its development phase and 21 billion riyals annually during operation, creating over 171,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
• The Public Investment Fund’s establishment of the “Riyadh Expo 2030 Company” highlights confidence in national leadership to manage global-scale projects.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enhancement: Saudi Arabia advanced to the 13th rank globally in the IPR Enforcement Index in 2025, up from 27th in 2024, demonstrating integrated efforts to boost enforcement and efficiency.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Growth: Net FDI inflows increased by 44% in Q1 2025, reaching 22.2 billion riyals, with inflows into the Kingdom increasing by 24%. The new investment system, effective February 2025, is expected to further enhance liquidity and attract foreign capital.
• Advanced Technologies and AI:
• The Kingdom is building an advanced AI system, aiming to become a key player in AI technologies, shifting from a consumer to a producer and exporter.
• AI is targeted to contribute up to $130 billion (12%) to the non-oil GDP by 2030.
• This includes the launch of “Humane” by the Public Investment Fund, with over $100 billion in investments for advanced infrastructure and data centers, and partnerships with global tech giants.
• The plan involves training 100,000 citizens in AI, cloud computing, and advanced technologies.
• AI is being integrated into government sectors like health and education.
• The application of AI in manufacturing is already reducing waste and optimizing resource consumption, improving efficiency in local production.
• National Industrial Strategy: Launched in October 2022, this strategy aims to double non-oil industrial exports to 557 billion Saudi riyals by 2030. Cumulative investments in industrial projects are targeted to reach 1.3 trillion riyals by 2030.
• Sustainable Practices: The Kingdom has invested in renewable energy projects and environmental initiatives like the “Green Saudi” initiative, with over 65 million trees planted, surpassing the global average.

Both women’s empowerment and economic diversification are presented as core pillars of Vision 2030, with the increased participation and leadership of women in the workforce directly contributing to the nation’s economic transformation and the success of its diversification goals. The country’s strategic financial stability, with public debt levels at 26.2% of GDP (among the lowest globally), further supports these ambitious plans.

Saudi Arabia’s AI & Tech Transformation: Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in investment in advanced technologies, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a core component of its Vision 2030 for economic diversification. The Kingdom aims to transform its role from a consumer of AI technologies to a producer and exporter.

Key details about investment in advanced technologies include:

• Strategic Ambition in AI: Saudi Arabia is actively building an advanced AI system with the goal of becoming a key player in AI technologies. The ambitious objective is for AI to contribute up to $130 billion (12%) to the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030. This indicates a strategic shift towards a knowledge-based economy and reducing reliance on oil.
• Major Investment Initiatives:
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the launch of “Humane” (هيوماين) in mid-May 2025, a company dedicated to developing and managing AI technology solutions and investing in the sector.
• This new company (Humane) has already committed over $100 billion in investments for building advanced infrastructure and data centers.
• Significant partnerships have been forged with leading global technology companies, including NVIDIA, IBM, and Amazon. These partnerships are expected to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global hub for AI technologies and data centers.
• Human Capital Development: A crucial aspect of this investment is the focus on human capabilities. The Kingdom plans to train 100,000 citizens in AI, cloud computing, and advanced technologies. This highlights the understanding that technological advancement requires a skilled local workforce.
• Integration Across Sectors: AI technology is being integrated into various government sectors, including health and education. This indicates a comprehensive approach to leveraging AI for public service improvement.
• Efficiency and Sustainability: The application of AI in manufacturing is already yielding tangible benefits by reducing waste and optimizing resource consumption (such as metals, water, plastics, and fuel), thereby improving efficiency in local production. This aligns with the National Industrial Strategy launched in October 2022, which aims to double non-oil industrial exports to 557 billion Saudi riyals by 2030 and achieve 1.3 trillion riyals in cumulative investments in industrial projects by 2030.
• Digital Transformation and Infrastructure:
• The digital transformation efforts have led to the digitization of 97% of government services, significantly higher than the G20 average of 85% in 2023.
• There has been an expansion of 5G coverage to 100% in urban areas.
• The Kingdom aims to build data centers with a total capacity reaching 1.9 gigawatts by 2030.
• Riyadh is projected to become a leading market for data center growth in the Middle East over the next three years, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37% until 2027 in megawatt terms, surpassing the UAE’s 15% and global expectations.
• Saudi Aramco is also working on building a digital infrastructure and network to enable industries and leverage the use of wireless technologies in the private sector.
• Attracting Foreign Investment: The new investment system, effective February 2025, is expected to further enhance liquidity and attract foreign capital to the Saudi capital market. Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows increased by 44% in Q1 2025, reaching 22.2 billion riyals.
• Competitiveness and Innovation Hub: The Kingdom’s advancements in AI and digital infrastructure, including the hosting of events like the LEAP 2025 technology conference (which saw nearly $15 billion in investments in AI and technology), reflect its growing status as a hub for innovation and modern technologies. There is a strong emphasis on fostering a continuous cycle of research, development, and innovation to ensure national priorities and aspirations are met in these fields.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s investment in advanced technologies, particularly AI, is not merely about adopting new tools but about fundamentally reshaping its economy, developing its human capital, and establishing itself as a global leader in the digital and AI landscape.

Global Geopolitical Shifts and Regional Conflicts

The sources provide details on several ongoing geopolitical tensions, primarily focusing on conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the civil war in Sudan, along with broader discussions on global power shifts.

Here are the details:

• Middle East Conflicts (Israel-Iran and Gaza):
• The sources indicate that geopolitical disturbances in the Middle East, particularly the events of October 7, 2023 (Hamas’s attack on Israel), and the escalation between Israel and Iran, have had a surprisingly weak impact on global energy markets compared to past major crises. This suggests a transformation in the market’s sensitivity and geopolitical balance for major energy producers and consumers.
• Israel-Iran Confrontation:
• After Israel’s strike on Iran, oil prices saw only a slight increase of 7% in the first week, then decreased in the second week. This muted response occurred despite Iran being the fourth largest oil reserve holder and second-largest producer in the world, and holding the second-largest natural gas reserves globally.
• The conflict’s limited impact on oil markets, even after the US attacked Iranian nuclear sites and Iran retaliated, highlights the global energy market’s increased resilience and stability, partly due to diversification of supplies and strategic reserves.
• The ongoing confrontation between Israel and Iran has established new standards for engagement between regional powers, emphasizing avoiding open escalation and the use of unconventional weapons, and focusing instead on limited, swift conflicts and proxy wars. This new model limits the risk of full-scale explosion but leaves the region in a state of strategic uncertainty.
• Gaza Conflict:
• The Israeli aggression in Gaza is described as continuing unabated amidst the absence of serious international action to stop the genocide targeting nearly two million people in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• As of June 30, 2025, the conflict has continued for 104 days since the resumption of military operations.
• The Israeli army has initiated extensive demolition operations in residential buildings and vast areas in eastern Khan Yunis, exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe amid widespread destruction.
• Medical sources reported the death of 81 Palestinians due to air and artillery shelling in the last 24 hours, including 20 martyrs in two raids on Al-Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City.
• The total number of martyrs since October 7, 2023, has reached 56,412, with over 133,000 injured.
• The humanitarian crisis, especially in health and food, is worsening, with the government media office in Gaza reporting the death of 66 children due to malnutrition.
• Israel issued a new evacuation warning for northern Gaza, urging residents of Gaza City and Jabalia to move south due to an impending “very strong military move”.
• There are increasing pressures on the Israeli government from families of prisoners held in Gaza to push for a prisoner exchange deal.
• The Palestinian Presidency warns of the dangers of Israel’s actions, which entail a new military operation leading to displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, describing it as a prelude to a devastating operation.
• The Palestinian Foreign Ministry calls on the international community to force Israel to cease these threats and achieve a ceasefire and stability in the region.
• Settler violence is also a significant issue, with 6 Palestinian families forced to leave their homes in Samra village due to increased attacks by settlers. Settler attacks have been escalating in the West Bank, increasing by 30% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. These attacks include land confiscation, house demolitions, and violence against Palestinians.
• The overall situation is described as a “systematic liquidation” project by the Israeli government, aiming to undermine the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution, leading to fragmentation and continued instability.
• Sudan Civil War and Sanctions:
• US sanctions against the Sudanese government came into effect following Washington’s confirmation that the Sudanese army used chemical weapons last year in the deadly civil war.
• These sanctions, published in the Federal Register, include restrictions on US exports, arms sales, and financing to the Khartoum government, and will remain in effect for at least one year.
• The US also stated that aid to Sudan would be stopped, “with the exception of urgent humanitarian aid” and partial exemptions for certain essential goods.
• The US urges the Sudanese government to cease using chemical weapons and fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
• The Sudanese army reportedly used chlorine gas at least twice in remote areas during its war with the Rapid Support Forces. Khartoum has denied using chemical weapons.
• The practical impact of these sanctions is expected to be limited, as both the commander of the Sudanese army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy and rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, are already subject to US sanctions.
• Sudanese officials have emphasized their commitment to achieving peace, security, and stability and addressing challenges to protect the economy and national gains.
• Russia-Ukraine War:
• Ukrainian authorities reported on June 29, 2025, that a fighter pilot was killed during a Russian attack involving hundreds of missiles and drones, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West for more support to strengthen the country’s air defenses.
• The attack caused damage to homes and infrastructure and injured at least seven people.
• Ukraine stated it lost three F-16 fighter jets since the war began and that Russia launched 114 missiles and over 1270 drones during the week, along with nearly 1100 glide bombs.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense announced its forces took control of Chervona Zirka village in Donetsk.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the West is realizing it cannot inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, and that the long-standing confrontation with the West continues.
• Global Power Shifts:
• There is a significant and ongoing shift of the global economic center of gravity from the North to the South. This has created challenges for global companies, including major European and American firms.
• Products from new industrial countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America are cheaper and of comparable quality to those from older industrial nations. This drives major companies to relocate production centers to the South, contributing to current trade wars as older industrial nations resist losing their positions.
• This shift is expected to change the ranking of major global companies and even entire nations in the coming 25 years.
• The US and European nations have significantly reduced their reliance on Middle Eastern oil since 2001, diversifying their energy sources. This has made global oil markets more resilient to Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.
• The sources suggest that the Middle East is undergoing strategic transformations and a re-shaping of regional alliances, pushing new geopolitical realities.

Gaza and West Bank: Conflict, Casualties, and Geopolitical Shifts

Based on the sources, here are the details about the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank:

In the Gaza Strip:

• Ongoing Aggression and Humanitarian Catastrophe: The Israeli aggression in Gaza is described as continuing unabated amidst the absence of serious international action to stop the “genocide” targeting nearly two million people in the besieged Gaza Strip. As of June 30, 2025, the conflict has continued for 104 days since the resumption of military operations.
• Military Operations and Destruction:
• The Israeli army has initiated extensive demolition operations in residential buildings and vast areas in eastern Khan Yunis, leading to widespread destruction and exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe.
• The Israeli occupation army states its forces are operating “with very strong force” in these areas to “destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations”.
• Casualties:
• Medical sources in Gaza hospitals reported the death of 81 Palestinians in the last 24 hours due to air and artillery shelling across various areas, including 20 martyrs in two raids on Al-Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City.
• The total number of martyrs since October 7, 2023, has reached 56,412, with over 133,000 injured.
• Additionally, 14 citizens were reported killed since dawn yesterday, including a civilian who was waiting for humanitarian aid.
• Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: The health and food crisis is intensifying. The government media office in Gaza reported the death of 66 children due to malnutrition. The Ministry of Health confirmed that thousands of children in the Strip are at risk of death by starvation due to the prevention of food and medical aid entry and the continued blockade of affected areas.
• Evacuation Warnings: The Israeli army issued a new evacuation warning yesterday for northern Gaza, urging residents of Gaza City and Jabalia to move immediately to the Al-Mawasi area in the southern Strip, citing an impending “very strong military move”.
• Systematic Liquidation Project: The head of the Palestinian National Council, Ruhi Fattouh, described Israel’s actions as a “systematic liquidation” project by the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to undermine the Palestinian Authority and the very idea of a Palestinian state. He stated that Netanyahu’s aggressive vision is supported by extremist ministers and settlers. This involves collective punishments, incitement of settlers, incursions into Palestinian villages, and the complete destruction of cities and infrastructure in Gaza as part of an “ethnic cleansing” plan.
• Prisoner Affairs: The Palestinian Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Commission announced the resumption of visits to prisoners in Israeli occupation prisons, though new coordination is required. Families of prisoners are now allowed to attend extension and pleading sessions in Ofer Military Court, but administrative detainees’ families are still barred from attending court sessions at all levels.

In the West Bank:

• Settler Violence and Displacement:
• Six Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in Samra village in the northern Jordan Valley due to increased attacks by settlers. These families dismantled their homes and tents.
• Settlers, protected by occupation forces, seized more land from citizens in Umm al-Khair village in the southern Hebron region. Residents attempting to confront them were met with tear gas and sound bombs, and some were detained.
• The Israeli occupation army itself acknowledged a 30% increase in settler “terrorist” attacks in the occupied West Bank in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. However, recorded incidents by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority show a much higher number, with 1,691 attacks by settlers and the occupation documented in May alone.
• Nature of Attacks and Casualties: Settler attacks include arson, racist graffiti, stone-throwing, physical assaults, and deliberate killings. Three Palestinians were killed and seven injured in a settler attack in Kafr Malik village last Wednesday. Since October 7, 2023, 26 Palestinians have been martyred by settlers. These acts are often conducted “under the protection” of the Israeli military. An Israeli army officer reportedly warned that settler actions could ignite a “long-term wave of violence in the West Bank”.

Broader Israeli Military Posture and Regional Impact:

• Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities: The Israeli army reportedly attacked military and nuclear sites in Iran to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon. The US joined Israel in targeting three key facilities of Iran’s nuclear program. The Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed “significant” damage to these facilities. The Director-General of the IAEA estimates Iran could resume uranium enrichment within “months” despite the strikes. Germany’s Interior Minister openly supported the Israeli attacks, citing Iran’s destabilizing actions and nuclear program as a threat to Israel and Europe, justifying its destruction.
• New Regional Engagement Standards: The recent confrontation between Israel and Iran has set new standards for engagement between regional powers, characterized by avoiding open escalation and the use of unconventional weapons, focusing instead on limited, swift conflicts and proxy wars. This new model reduces the risk of full-scale war but creates strategic uncertainty.
• Impact on Israel’s Image: The conflict has contributed to the “evaporation of the Israeli myth” and exposed the true reality of Israeli capabilities. The increasing reliance on advanced, destructive, yet cheap weapons like drones raises questions about Israel’s ability to counter such attacks, which expose its cities to significant risks.
• Calls for Balance: Regional countries, particularly the Gulf states, demonstrated their ability to build balances during dangerous junctures, suggesting a shift away from supporting Israeli exceptionalism. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, for instance, called on the international community to force Israel to respect international law and resolutions and impose deterrent sanctions on the settler-colonial system.

Sudan Sanctions: Chemical Weapons, Restrictions, and Limited Impact

The United States has implemented sanctions against the Sudanese government, which came into effect recently. These sanctions were imposed after Washington confirmed the Sudanese army’s use of chemical weapons last year during the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

Here are the details regarding the implementation of these U.S. sanctions:

• Reason for Imposition: The sanctions were triggered by Washington’s confirmation that the Sudanese army utilized chemical weapons in the bloody civil war that has been engulfing the country. The “New York Times” reported in January that the Sudanese army used chemical weapons, possibly chlorine gas, at least twice in remote areas during its conflict with the Rapid Support Forces. Khartoum, however, has denied using chemical weapons.
• Scope and Duration:
• The American government announced in a notice published in the Federal Register on a Friday that these sanctions include restrictions on U.S. exports, arms sales, and financing for the Khartoum government.
• These measures are set to remain in effect for at least one year.
• Humanitarian aid, foodstuffs, and other agricultural goods and products are exempted from these restrictions. The U.S. State Department noted that some exemptions were granted as “necessary for U.S. national security interests”.
• U.S. Demands: The U.S. State Department, when announcing the sanctions, called upon the Sudanese government to “stop using all chemical weapons, and to fulfill its obligations” under the Chemical Weapons Convention, an international treaty prohibiting their use, which nearly all countries have signed.
• Practical Impact: In practical terms, the impact of these new sanctions is expected to be limited. This is because both the commander of the Sudanese army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his rival and former deputy, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, are already subject to existing American sanctions.
• Context of Sudanese Leadership: Following the imposition of these sanctions, First Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was sworn in as Minister of Defense in the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, and Lieutenant General Babaker Samra Mustafa as Minister of Interior. The Minister of Defense affirmed his commitment to achieving security and stability in Sudan, stating that the armed forces would work to address vulnerabilities, protect the Sudanese economy, and safeguard national achievements. The Minister of Interior acknowledged that Sudan is currently facing security challenges but asserted the state’s capability to overcome them, praising the armed forces and their supporting units for their victories.

Saudi Arabia: Culture and Sport Reshaping a Nation

The sources provide details on a wide range of cultural and sporting events and initiatives within Saudi Arabia and its international engagements.

Cultural Events

1. Saudi Vision 2030 and Cultural Transformation:

• The Kingdom’s transformation is described as a comprehensive reshaping of its reality and future, extending beyond mere reform or development. This change is not solely measured by infrastructure or investment but by values, vision, and ambition, aiming to attract global attention and foster a new sense of belonging among its citizens and those who choose to affiliate with it.
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement, “I am Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia,” encapsulates the profound meaning of this transformation, where belonging is rooted in belief in a national project, not just birth.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is highlighted as the most influential figure driving this significant change, inspiring and transforming the vision into tangible reality.
• Saudi Arabia is actively rebranding itself through thoughtful social openness, sports, tourism, and culture, aiming to produce its own unique model for the world rather than adopting an imported one, reflecting its renewed national identity.

1. Riyadh Expo 2030:

• Riyadh is preparing to host Expo 2030, an event described as a qualitative leap and a strategic platform in the development pathway, positioning the Kingdom to be at the forefront globally.
• The economic value of Expo 2030 is estimated at over 241 billion Saudi Riyals during the development phase and 21 billion Riyals annually during operation. It is projected to create over 171,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, empowering national competencies and stimulating private sector involvement.
• The Expo site, located north of King Salman Airport, spans 6 million square meters and is designed to host over 40 million physical visits and over a billion virtual visits. It will be a zero-carbon, green village, powered entirely by solar energy, featuring a smart transport network and over 70,000 new hotel rooms. After the Expo, the site will transform into a “global sustainable village” and advanced residential, commercial, and cultural areas.
• A significant sum of $353 million has been allocated to support the participation of nearly 100 developing countries, emphasizing that Expo 2030 is an inclusive global forum, redefining development as a collective responsibility.
• “Riyadh Expo 2030 Company” was established in June 2025 by the Public Investment Fund, with Engineer Talal Al-Maimani leading as CEO and President.

1. Saudi Culture and Arts Initiatives:

• Culture in Saudi Arabia has evolved beyond mere appearances and leisure; it has become one of the state’s languages, especially under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His personal statement, “I adore arts,” reflects a deep commitment to culture as a tool for human development and presenting Saudi Arabia’s image to the world.
• This commitment is evident in the continuous support for various cultural and artistic activities, with works by Saudi artists adorning government offices and a focus on architectural projects that preserve national identity.
• The Saudi orchestra is set to perform on major international stages, signifying the Kingdom’s cultural soft power on a global scale.
• Cities like Riyadh are transforming into vibrant cultural hubs, with initiatives like “Riyadh Art” turning streets into open-air exhibitions, gaining international attention.
• There has been a notable increase in household spending on culture (from 2.9% to 6%) and a target for the cultural sector to contribute 3% to the GDP by 2030, indicating culture’s growing economic significance.
• The Crown Prince’s vision has led to the restoration of over 130 historical sites and traditional markets, integrating them into an urban-cultural philosophy that balances modernity with authenticity.
• The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority is actively involved in promoting cultural exchange globally. It launched the “Translation Platform” to translate Saudi literary works into multiple languages and bring global literature into Arabic. Agreements were announced to translate over 100 titles between Chinese and Arabic in 2025.
• The Authority supports projects that document local oral heritage and dialects, aiming to preserve cultural memory and national identity through initiatives like the “Heritage” project.
• “Search for Mustafa Said”, a new Sudanese novel by Emad al-Bulaik (2025), is a multi-layered narrative that intersects identity, philosophy, and politics, re-examining the character of Mustafa Said from “Season of Migration to the North” in the context of Sudan’s transformations.
• The radio program “A Glimpse from the Shadow” from Jeddah Radio and Television Authority won an award at the 25th Arab Radio and Television Festival, highlighting its inspiring story of youth entrepreneurship in the virtual world. This underlines the role of media in supporting innovation.
• The MiSK Arts Institute continues its artistic residency program in Milan, Italy (May 5 to July 4, 2025), in partnership with Casa Degli Artisti. It supports emerging Saudi artists in visual arts, graphic arts, collage, video art, and multi-media, providing a stimulating environment for creative exchange. Two female artists, Latifah Al-Bukhari and Masawi Al-Quwaiz, were selected for the 2025 program.
• The Red Sea Film Foundation announced its 2025 funding recipients for nine film projects from the Arab world and Asia (including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Turkey, and Tunisia) in the post-production stage. This initiative aims to strengthen regional cinematic voices and help them reach international platforms. The foundation has supported over 280 cinematic projects, including “Hopala,” which sold over 190,000 tickets, and “Si: The Biography of the People of Si,” which opened a previous festival edition and was screened at the Berlin Film Festival 2024.
• The annual “Al-Nairiyah Spring Festival 23” in the Eastern Province focuses on preserving and showcasing popular heritage. It attracted over 370,000 visitors from across the Kingdom and Gulf countries in the winter season, serving as a significant annual cultural and heritage event.
• Jazan honored winners of the “Responsible Citizenship” and “Seytathon” awards, promoting community initiatives and encouraging student excellence.
• Pilgrims to Mecca and Medina are noted for their keen interest in buying Saudi traditional attire, which is seen as representing quality, deep history, and comfort, highlighting a cultural connection through clothing.
• Hail region hosts summer entertainment festivals in over 400 parks and green spaces (3.8 million square meters), attracting families and tourists due to its pleasant weather and natural beauty. It also offers traditional products in markets like “Hail Zaman Market”. These efforts aim to improve the urban environment, quality of life, and promote tourism.
• The King Abdulaziz House launched a digital version of the “Historical Atlas of the Prophet’s Biography” on social media platforms (X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook) to present content on the Prophet’s life in its geographical and temporal dimensions.
• The Medina Research and Studies Center launched a series of “knowledge episodes” highlighting its publications that document the history and scientific heritage of Medina.

Sporting Events

1. Youth Programs and Competitions:

• The Mowhiba Academic Enrichment Program 2025 was launched by King Abdulaziz University in collaboration with “Mowhiba” Foundation. It aims to foster a culture of research and innovation among gifted students, connecting them with research centers and experts. The program integrates academic knowledge with emotional intelligence and national identity, including visits to high-performance computing centers. This year, 521 male and female students are participating.
• KAUST also launched the “Research and Innovation Enrichment Program 2025” for gifted students, focusing on fostering research culture and linking students with scientific research and experts.
• Six Saudi students achieved global success at the 29th Balkan Olympiad for Juniors in Mathematics 2025 in North Macedonia, winning 6 international medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze). This brings Saudi Arabia’s total medal count in the competition to 11 gold, 29 silver, and 24 bronze, demonstrating the qualitative development in the Kingdom’s participation.

1. Football and Club Competitions:

• FIFA Club World Cup 2025:
• Saudi club Al-Hilal is participating in the Round of 16 against English giant Manchester City in Orlando, USA. Al-Hilal qualified after a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid and a 2-0 win over Pachuca. This is Al-Hilal’s first appearance in the expanded 32-team tournament.
• Al-Hilal’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, is leading the team after moving from Inter Milan. His strategic prowess helped Al-Hilal secure a strong position in the group stage.
• Al-Hilal will be without its top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, due to a muscle injury. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is expected to play a crucial role.
• Inter Milan (Italian) will face Fluminense (Brazilian) in the Round of 16. Inter Milan topped its group and is considered a favorite.
• Paris Saint-Germain (French) advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Inter Miami 4-0.
• Chelsea (English) also reached the quarterfinals by beating Benfica 4-1 in a match that was significantly delayed due to a thunderstorm warning, prompting criticism from their coach about the impact on the game.
• Qatar is reportedly interested in hosting the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, possibly in winter like the 2022 World Cup. This has raised concerns among European clubs regarding season disruption and player safety due to summer heat in the US.
• Al-Hilal’s performance in this tournament is seen as a continuation of Saudi football’s remarkable development, following the national team’s surprising win over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.
• Women’s Football: The Saudi women’s national team lost 0-3 to the Philippines in the qualifiers for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. This is their second official continental participation, aimed at gaining experience. They are set to play Hong Kong and Cambodia next.
• Futsal (Mini Football): The Saudi national futsal team has been drawn into Group D of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and Chinese Taipei. Saudi Arabia will host these matches.
• Concacaf Gold Cup 2025: The Saudi national team lost 0-2 to Mexico in the final of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. This marks coach Hervé Renard’s 17th defeat in 55 matches, making him the coach with the most losses for the Saudi team. This loss extends Saudi Arabia’s trophy drought to 21 years. Renard accepted responsibility, noting the valuable experience gained by the players.
• Neom Sports Club announced the termination of its contract with CEO Alex Litau, who was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Saudi Roshn League for Professionals.

1. Other Sporting Venues and Initiatives:

• Jeddah’s Beaches and Corniche: Jeddah is preparing its beaches and corniche with diverse recreational and tourism facilities for the summer season, aiming to meet the expectations of residents and visitors and solidify its position as a major tourist destination in line with Vision 2030. Jeddah’s active tourism is supported by varied activities, including shooting, swimming, and horse riding facilities.
• The Al-Wajh Waterfront serves as a vital recreational and sports area, featuring dedicated tracks for sports, attracting families and athletes.
• Jazan hosted the launch of mini football activities, with the presence of the President of the International Mini Football Federation, highlighting community engagement in sports.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Transformation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undertaking extensive efforts to promote tourism, seeing it as a crucial component of its broader national transformation under Vision 2030. This transformation is not merely about reform or development, but a comprehensive reshaping of reality and the future, aiming to foster a new sense of belonging for both citizens and international observers.

Key aspects of these efforts include:

• Strategic Vision and Goals
• The Kingdom’s transformation is designed to make it a global leader, with tourism playing a central role.
• The vision extends beyond traditional measures like infrastructure or investment size, focusing on attracting global attention, winning hearts, and cultivating a new sense of belonging where individuals choose to be part of the Saudi project.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is recognized as the most influential figure driving this transformation, turning vision into tangible reality and inspiring change.
• The aim is to make the tourism sector one of the primary revenue streams for the national economy, attracting both domestic and international tourists by offering unique experiences that reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity and rich heritage.
• Development of Tourist Destinations and Infrastructure
• Jeddah: The city is actively preparing its coastal and marine facilities, including beaches and entertainment venues, to welcome visitors during the summer season. Jeddah boasts a strategic location on the Red Sea coast and offers family-friendly destinations like Jeddah Corniche, Al-Seif beach, and various resorts in Obhur. It provides integrated facilities such as shaded seating, walkways, green spaces, cafes, restaurants, children’s play areas, and private beaches. Recreational activities are being expanded to include shooting, swimming, and horseback riding, with specialized clubs, academies, and programs for women overseen by certified trainers. Beaches are equipped with safety measures, including qualified lifeguards and rescue chairs. Notable beaches include “Kokean” (24,000 sqm), “Al-Mustaqbal” (17,640 sqm), “Red Sea Zone” (over 730,000 sqm, attracting 55 million visitors annually), “Obhur Al-Bahariya” (205,000 sqm), and “Al-Seif” beach (252,000 sqm).
• Hail: The region’s moderate summer weather attracts families to its public parks, gardens, and natural resorts. Hail Zaman market offers traditional products, reflecting the area’s local appeal. Amanat Hail has developed 400 parks and green spaces covering 3.8 million square meters, some near Mount Aja, and hosts summer recreational festivals for all ages to enhance the urban environment and quality of life for residents and visitors. Hail’s diverse landscapes and climate make it an ideal destination for tourism.
• Al-Wajh Waterfront: This development features a 17-kilometer coastline and a 2-kilometer urban corniche with integrated facilities and safe paths for families and sports enthusiasts. It promotes a healthy lifestyle with areas for walking, cycling, and group exercises, aiming to improve quality of life and create attractive environments.
• Diriyah and AlUla: These are highlighted as examples of the Kingdom’s developed tourist destinations.
• Medina Airport: Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina is facilitating travel for Hajj pilgrims, managing over 402 pilgrimage flights and serving 44 international destinations through 50 airlines. Efforts are in place to simplify travel procedures for pilgrims, including dedicated areas for buses, baggage handling, and guidance to departure lounges.
• Economic Impact and Investment
• The tourism sector is expected to significantly contribute to the national economy.
• The non-oil GDP grew by 4.2% in 2024, driven by private consumption and non-oil investments, with non-oil activities continuing to grow at 4.9% in Q1 2025.
• Expo 2030 in Riyadh is projected to generate over 241 billion Saudi Riyals in economic value during its development phase and 21 billion annually during operation, creating over 171,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. The Expo site will be a zero-carbon village powered by solar energy, with smart transport networks and over 70,000 new hotel rooms, transforming into a sustainable global village post-event.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 44% in Q1 2025, reaching 22.2 billion Riyals.
• The Kingdom is making massive investments, including 1.5 trillion Saudi Riyals (or 1.3 trillion) in industrial and economic development projects by 2030.
• Human Capital Development and Employment
• The unemployment rate for Saudis decreased to a historical low of 6.3% in Q1 2025, surpassing Vision 2030 targets.
• Female unemployment among Saudi women also reached a historical low of 10.5% in Q1 2025, with their participation in the labor force increasing to 35.5%.
• These achievements are attributed to ambitious reforms and policies under Vision 2030, which prioritized women’s empowerment.
• The Kingdom is dedicated to building and qualifying national competencies, especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. There are plans to train 100,000 citizens in AI and cloud computing.
• Soft Power and Global Engagement
• The Kingdom’s image is promoted globally not through force, but through openness, tourism, and culture.
• Saudi Arabia is actively fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening bilateral cooperation with various countries, as seen in the reception of Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to discuss enhancing cooperation in various fields and coordinating positions on regional and international issues.
• The Kingdom is showcasing its experience in building a comprehensive AI system and establishing effective national and international partnerships for sustainable development, as highlighted at the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok.
• The Kingdom’s cultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with a focus on modernizing its image and engaging with global creative communities. This includes supporting Saudi authors and translators to promote Saudi literature globally through initiatives like the “Translation Platform,” which facilitates translation into multiple languages.
• The Kingdom organized over 4,000 cultural events and hosted over 70 major international sporting events in less than a year, signifying its growing influence in cultural diplomacy and the creative economy.
• Riyadh’s role as an influential cultural capital on the global stage is emphasized, aiming to build cultural bridges with other nations.
• The digitalization of government services, reaching 97% completion, and the launch of AI initiatives underscore the Kingdom’s progress towards a comprehensive digital transformation that enhances efficiency and accessibility of services. The goal is for AI to contribute $130 billion to the GDP by 2030.
• The “LEAP 2025” tech conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia, attracted nearly $15 billion in investments, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as a hub for innovation and modern technologies.

These efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy that intertwines economic development, human capital investment, and cultural promotion to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination and a significant contributor to the world stage.

Saudi Arabia’s War on Drugs: Arrests and International Cooperation

The sources provide specific details about efforts to combat drug trafficking, including arrests and seizures within Saudi Arabia and through international cooperation.

Here are the details about drug trafficking arrests:

• Recent Seizures and Arrests:
• The Spokesperson for the General Directorate for Narcotics Control, Lieutenant Colonel Marwan Al-Hazmi, affirmed that the Ministry of Interior, with all its security sectors, is making continuous efforts to reduce the supply and demand for narcotic substances.
• These efforts have yielded results through qualitative operations carried out by the Ministry at both local and international levels.
• One recent operation, announced just days prior, involved thwarting an attempt to smuggle 1.5 million amphetamine pills. These pills were found hidden inside shipments of tables.
• All those involved in this operation were apprehended in the Riyadh and Eastern regions.
• In a separate incident in Jazan, border patrol units in the Al-Ardah sector arrested an Ethiopian national who violated border security regulations. This individual was caught smuggling 99,900 narcotic pills that are subject to medical circulation regulations.
• Preliminary legal procedures were completed against him, and he was handed over to the competent authority along with the seized items.
• International Cooperation and Operations:
• The General Directorate for Narcotics Control continuously coordinates with counterpart agencies in friendly and sisterly countries.
• On June 26, which marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse, an announcement was made about dismantling a criminal network in the Syrian Arab Republic that specialized in producing and smuggling narcotic substances.
• This operation resulted in the seizure of 200,000 amphetamine pills.
• Joint international efforts have also contributed to foiling several smuggling operations outside the Kingdom in countries such as Greece, Malaysia, and Oman. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s seriousness and commitment to combating this scourge globally.
• Command and Control and Public Reporting:
• The Command and Control Center at the General Directorate for Narcotics Control serves as the nerve center for security operations.
• Through this center, reports are received and processed, and coordination is made with various regions to execute arrest operations instantly and with the highest degree of secrecy and accuracy.
• The Ministry of Interior places great importance on reducing the demand for drugs by launching awareness and prevention programs targeting various segments of society.
• These programs include workshops, educational lectures, and awareness exhibitions held in several regions, including Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Al-Baha, Qassim, and Tabuk, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse.
• The national strategy for combating drugs relies on a balance between security enforcement (ضبط) and community awareness (توعية).
• Citizens and residents are urged to report any information regarding drug promoters and traffickers by calling the unified number 995, sending an email to 995@gdnc.gov.sa, or calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern region, and 999 and 994 in other regions of the Kingdom.
• All reports are handled with complete confidentiality and without any responsibility on the part of the informant.
• Punishments for Facilitating Violators:
• The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, transports them within, provides them with shelter, or offers any form of assistance or service, exposes themselves to penalties.
• These penalties can include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a financial fine of up to one million riyals, and the confiscation of the transportation used for shelter, in addition to publicizing the violator’s name.
• Such actions are considered major crimes that warrant arrest and are deemed a breach of honor and trust.

India’s Ethnic Cleansing Campaign

India is engaged in an extensive campaign to deport individuals, primarily targeting Muslims, particularly those of Bengali linguistic background. This effort is described by human rights activists and lawyers as “illegal expulsion” and a form of “ethnic profiling”.

Here are the details of this campaign:

• Target Population
• The campaign primarily targets hundreds of individuals, specifically described as Muslims, with a notable focus on Bengali speakers.
• Many of those affected are low-wage workers.
• There have also been accusations of forced expulsion of Rohingya Muslim refugees, by placing them on navy ships that then drop them off uninhabited islands or off the coasts of other countries.
• The campaign has stirred significant fear among India’s Muslim population, estimated at nearly 200 million people, especially Bengali speakers.
• Government’s Stated Reasons and Rhetoric
• New Delhi’s government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, characterizes those being deported as “irregular migrants”.
• Senior Indian officials have used inflammatory language, referring to them as “termites” and “infiltrators”.
• Methods of Deportation
• Deportations often occur without a judicial order.
• Individuals are forcibly taken to the border with Bangladesh and made to cross, sometimes into swamps in the dark.
• Those being expelled are reportedly threatened with being shot if they attempt to stand or walk during the forced crossing.
• One incident describes police taking a group of five Muslims to the border and compelling them to enter a swamp, warning them not to move or they would be shot.
• Some individuals have been airlifted to border states.
• There are reports of physical abuse, where individuals who asserted their Indian nationality were beaten with batons by border police.
• Recent Incidents and Figures
• Bangladesh has reported that India has pushed over 1,600 people across its borders since May. Indian media has suggested this number could rise to 2,500.
• The Bangladeshi Border Guard has reportedly returned 100 of these individuals, stating they were Indian citizens.
• Following an attack in April that resulted in 26 deaths, primarily Hindu tourists, India escalated its security operations against migrants.
• An Indian state chief minister noted the deportation of over 300 people to Bangladesh.
• A civil engineer, Nazimuddin Mondal (35), described being arrested in Mumbai, airlifted to Tripura (a border state), and then forced into Bangladesh. He recounted being beaten when he tried to show his ID and prove his Indian citizenship.
• Criticisms and Legal Arguments
• Human rights activists and lawyers condemn the campaign as “outside the law”.
• They argue that people cannot be deported if there is no country willing to accept them.
• Critics highlight that Indian law does not permit the expulsion of individuals without due legal process.
• The campaign is seen as an “ideological hate campaign” targeting those identified as Muslims.
• It generates a “sense of existential fear” among Muslims, particularly in eastern parts of India.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Unemployment Reduction and Women’s Empowerment

Saudi Arabia has achieved significant progress in unemployment reduction, reaching historical lows, particularly benefiting its national workforce and women. These achievements are directly linked to the ambitious reforms and policies launched under Saudi Vision 2030.

Here are the details regarding unemployment reduction:

• Overall Unemployment Rate:
• The total unemployment rate for all residents in Saudi Arabia (Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 0.7 percentage point annual decrease compared to the first quarter of 2024, reaching its lowest historical level.
• Saudi Unemployment Rate:
• The unemployment rate among Saudi citizens fell to 6.3% in Q1 2025, which is an improvement from 7% at the end of Q4 2024. This figure has surpassed the targets set by Vision 2030, which aimed to reduce the unemployment rate to 7%.
• Women’s Employment and Participation:
• Unemployment among Saudi women reached a historical low of 10.5% in Q1 2025. This represents a decrease of 1.4 percentage points compared to Q4 2024 (11.9%) and an annual decrease of 3.7 percentage points compared to the same quarter in 2024.
• The growth rate of employed Saudi women relative to the population increased by 0.7%, reaching 32.5%.
• The participation rate of women in the labor force grew by 0.2%, reaching 66.4%.
• The economic participation rate for Saudis (males and females) in the labor force reached 51.3% in Q1 2025.
• The past few years have seen an unprecedented increase in women’s participation rates in the labor market. This is viewed not merely as an increase in the number of female employees, but as a deep “cultural and economic” transformation reflecting a genuine desire to leverage the energies of all citizens.
• Key Strategies and Contributing Factors:
• Vision 2030 Reforms: The achievement is primarily attributed to a series of ambitious reforms and policies launched under Saudi Vision 2030, which explicitly prioritized women’s empowerment as a strategic goal.
• Economic Diversification: The non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) grew by over 5%, and the private sector’s contribution to the GDP increased to approximately 43%. This diversification helps reduce reliance on government spending and stimulates job creation.
• Saudization and Localization Programs: Government efforts include programs for localizing jobs and professions, which has been a significant factor in creating suitable opportunities for citizens.
• Government and Private Sector Collaboration: Continued government spending on major projects and sustained support for the private non-oil sector have been crucial in generating thousands of appropriate jobs.
• Incentives for Companies: Programs that provide support and incentives to companies for hiring Saudis, across both genders, have played a vital role in achieving this reduction.
• Legislative and Regulatory Transformations: Legislative changes have supported women, opening broad opportunities in the labor market.
• Flexible Work Environments: There is a significant focus on developing flexible and women-friendly work environments to boost their participation.
• Investment in National Cadres: Continuous investment in developing national talent, especially Saudi youth, is emphasized. This includes initiatives to train 100,000 citizens in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies, contributing to job creation.
• Societal Acceptance: The reduction in women’s unemployment reflects a growing societal acceptance of women’s work, which is seen as a social development.
• Expert Perspectives:
• Economist Mohammed Al-Qahtani affirmed that these positive results underscore the efficacy of state efforts, sustained government spending, and robust support for the non-oil private sector.
• Dr. Abdulaziz Rumeili highlighted that Vision 2030’s focus on unemployment, combined with the efforts of government and private entities, has successfully generated suitable jobs, attributing success to localization and incentive programs.
• Rima Mohammed, an entrepreneur, expressed pride in these figures, emphasizing that the reduction in women’s unemployment is a direct outcome of clear governmental support and expanding opportunities, especially with increased economic participation fostering small and medium enterprises.
• Masha’el Abdulaziz, an HR Director, noted that the historic drop in unemployment reflects national policies focused on employing Saudis and highlighted the increasing trend among companies to create flexible and attractive work environments for women.
• A public relations official, M. Al-Otaibi, acknowledged the positive impact of legislative changes but stressed the ongoing need for stronger support to overcome lingering reluctance in placing women in leadership roles, asserting that Saudi women are ready for competition.

Saudi Vision 2030: Empowering Women, Transforming Society

Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia has seen significant and unprecedented progress, largely driven by the ambitious reforms and policies outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. This transformation extends beyond mere statistical improvements, reflecting a deep “cultural and economic” shift in the nation.

Key aspects of women’s empowerment discussed in the sources include:

• Remarkable Reduction in Unemployment and Increased Labor Force Participation:
• The unemployment rate among Saudi women has reached a historical low of 10.5% in the first quarter of 2025. This is a substantial decrease of 1.4 percentage points from Q4 2024 (11.9%) and an annual decrease of 3.7 percentage points compared to the same quarter in 2024.
• This achievement has surpassed the targets set by Vision 2030 which aimed to reduce the overall unemployment rate to 7%.
• The growth rate of employed Saudi women relative to the population increased by 0.7%, reaching 32.5%.
• The participation rate of women in the labor force grew by 0.2%, reaching 66.4%. The economic participation rate for Saudis (males and females) reached 51.3% in Q1 2025.
• The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in women’s participation rates in the labor market compared to previous decades.
• Driving Factors and Strategic Initiatives:
• Vision 2030 Reforms: The progress is primarily attributed to a series of ambitious reforms and policies under Vision 2030, which specifically designated women’s empowerment as a strategic priority.
• Economic Diversification: The growth of the non-oil gross domestic product and the private sector’s increased contribution to GDP (around 43%) have stimulated job creation, moving away from reliance on government spending.
• Saudization and Localization Programs: Government efforts include programs for localizing jobs, creating suitable opportunities for citizens, including women.
• Legislative and Regulatory Support: Legislative transformations have opened up broad opportunities for women in the labor market.
• Flexible Work Environments: There is a significant focus on developing flexible and women-friendly work environments to boost their participation.
• Investment in National Cadres: Continuous investment in developing national talent, particularly Saudi youth, is emphasized. This includes initiatives to train 100,000 citizens in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies, contributing to job creation.
• Incentives for Companies: Programs supporting and incentivizing companies to hire Saudis of both genders have been vital.
• Cultural and Societal Impact:
• The increase in women’s participation is viewed not just as a numerical rise but as a deep “cultural and economic” transformation reflecting a genuine desire to leverage the energies of all citizens.
• This reduction in women’s unemployment reflects a growing societal acceptance of women’s work, indicating significant social development.
• Women are now active in various sectors, including banking, healthcare, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. For instance, the Misk Art Institute’s “Casa Degli Artisti” program supports Saudi female artists, enabling them to develop their practices on an international stage.
• The rise of entrepreneurship, particularly among women, is seen as a direct outcome of government support and expanding opportunities, fostering small and medium enterprises.
• Expert Perspectives and Ongoing Challenges:
• Experts like Mohammed Al-Qahtani affirm that these positive results highlight the effectiveness of state efforts and sustained support for the non-oil private sector.
• Mashael Abdulaziz, an HR Director, notes that companies are increasingly focusing on creating flexible and attractive work environments for women.
• While acknowledging the positive impact of legislative changes, some experts, like Aisha Al-Otaibi, stress the ongoing need for stronger support to overcome lingering reluctance in placing women in leadership roles, asserting that Saudi women are ready for competition and that women’s empowerment is an investment in the nation’s future.
• Samia Mohammed, a social researcher, emphasizes that these figures reflect deep cultural transformations within Saudi society, indicating that women’s work is no longer a marginal choice but an integral part of the national development movement.

Gaza Conflict: Escalation, Casualties, and International Reactions

The Gaza conflict, as described in the provided sources, is characterized as an ongoing and escalating humanitarian catastrophe marked by severe Israeli aggression and widespread destruction.

Nature and Scale of the Conflict:

• The Israeli aggression in Gaza continues without respite, described as “collective extermination”.
• The military operations include the destruction of residential buildings and widespread devastation.
• The conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, leading to a severe food and health crisis. Aid entry is being denied, and the sector remains besieged.

Human Cost and Casualties:

• As of the first quarter of 2025, the conflict has been ongoing for over 100 days since military operations resumed.
• Casualties are extensive: In a 24-hour period, 81 Palestinians were martyred due to aerial and artillery shelling.
• The total number of martyrs has exceeded 56,412, with over 133,000 injured since October 7, 2023.
• Tragically, 14 civilians were martyred while waiting for humanitarian aid.
• The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the death of 66 children due to malnutrition, with thousands more at risk of starvation.

Israeli Actions and Warnings:

• The Israeli army has issued new warnings for the evacuation of northern Gaza, cautioning residents of Gaza City, Jabalia, and surrounding areas about an “imminent military move”.
• Residents have been called to “immediately” move towards the Al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza.
• These operations are aimed at “destroying the capabilities of terrorist organizations,” according to the Israeli army.

Palestinian and International Reactions:

• The Palestinian presidency, through its official spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh, has warned of the dangers of a new, devastating military operation in Gaza, viewing it as a prelude to a new displacement.
• There are increasing pressures on the Israeli government from the families of prisoners held in Gaza, who have met with the US Secretary of State, demanding a prisoner exchange deal.
• Former US President Donald Trump has called for “ending the Israeli war of extermination” and urged a deal to free hostages.
• The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities under international law and resolutions to halt crimes against Palestinian civilians, secure a ceasefire, and implement relevant UN resolutions, especially Resolution 2334.
• The Ministry highlighted the nature of settler attacks, describing them as “collective crimes” and a clear division of roles between settlers and the Israeli army.
• The Palestinian National Council has affirmed that Israel is fighting “the idea of a Palestinian state with sovereignty” and is attempting to create a new reality to make a political solution unattainable.

Broader Context and Related Violence:

• The conflict is occurring amidst broader regional geopolitical shifts, with initial indicators of a “fundamental transformation” in the nature of the regional conflict.
• There’s also documented escalation of settler violence in the West Bank, with the Israeli army itself acknowledging a 30% increase in settler terrorism in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This includes land seizures, forced displacement of families, burning, racist graffiti, and even killings of Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance:

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is characterized by stability and wisdom, adhering to principles of respect for state sovereignty and rejection of violence and extremism.
• Regarding the Israeli-Iranian confrontation, which is part of the broader regional context, Saudi Arabia has called for de-escalation, denounced military aggressions, and emphasized the necessity of respecting state sovereignty and avoiding escalation.
• The Kingdom has also refused the use of its territory or airspace in any regional conflict.
• In general, Saudi Arabia consistently supports peaceful solutions to conflicts, calls for dialogue, and has engaged in mediation efforts, such as the release of prisoners of multiple nationalities.

Saudi Vision 2030: Economic Transformation and Growth

The Saudi Arabian economy is undergoing a significant and unprecedented transformation, primarily driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. This vision is not merely about reform but a “comprehensive reshaping project” that extends beyond internal changes to influence its international standing, aspirations, and self-perception. This strategic shift aims to create a resilient economy resistant to geopolitical shocks and external market fluctuations.

Here are the key aspects of the Saudi economy based on the provided sources:

1. Economic Performance and Growth:

• Non-Oil GDP Growth: The real non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) achieved a growth rate of 4.2% in 2024, driven by private consumption and non-oil investments. Preliminary estimates for the first quarter of 2025 show a 4.9% expansion in non-oil activities year-on-year. This reflects a gradual transition away from oil dependency towards a diverse economy.
• Private Sector Contribution: The private sector’s contribution to GDP has increased to approximately 43%, which signifies a reduced reliance on government spending and fosters a more competitive environment.
• Unemployment Rates:
• The overall unemployment rate among Saudis reached a historic low of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing Vision 2030’s target of 7%.
• Specifically, unemployment among Saudi women dropped to a historic low of 10.5% in Q1 2025. This is a significant decrease from 11.9% in Q4 2024 and 14.2% in Q1 2024, representing a 3.7 percentage point annual decline. This achievement is seen as a deep “cultural and economic” transformation reflecting a genuine desire to utilize all national energies.
• The participation rate of women in the labor force grew by 0.2%, reaching 66.4%, and for Saudis (male and female combined) reached 51.3% in Q1 2025, with some sources citing 68.2%. These figures represent an unprecedented increase compared to previous decades.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Net FDI flows saw a 44% increase in Q1 2025, reaching 22.2 billion Saudi Riyals compared to the same period last year. This indicates growing investor confidence and the effectiveness of policies designed to attract investment.
• Public Debt and Financial Stability: The public debt remains low at 26.2% of the GDP, which is among the lowest rates globally. This robust financial position, coupled with secure government reserves, enhances investor confidence.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement: Saudi Arabia achieved a notable rank of 13th globally in the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Index within the 2025 Global Competitiveness Yearbook, moving up from 14th place. This progress is attributed to improved litigation efficiency, expedited judicial procedures, comprehensive awareness campaigns, and enhanced coordination between governmental and private entities.

2. Diversification and Key Sector Development:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology: The Kingdom aims for AI to contribute $130 billion to its GDP by 2030, representing about 12% of the total. Initiatives include training 100,000 citizens in AI and cloud computing technologies, building advanced data centers, and forming partnerships with leading global technology companies like Nvidia, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and IBM. Riyadh is projected to become a leading market for data center growth in the Middle East. Saudi Aramco is also building a digital network to empower industry.
• Tourism: The sector saw over 27 million international visitors in 2024. Major projects like Diriyah and AlUla are part of strategic plans to boost tourism. Coastal areas such as Jeddah are being developed with comprehensive tourist and recreational facilities, and Hail is enhancing its summer tourism attractions.
• Industry: The National Industrial Strategy, launched in October 2022, aims to double non-oil industrial exports to 557 billion Saudi Riyals by 2030. The sector saw the issuance of 1,346 new industrial licenses in 2024, indicating strong activity.
• Culture and Arts: The cultural sector is becoming a fundamental “language of the state” rather than just a leisure activity. Initiatives like Riyadh Art and the Misk Art Institute support local artists. Household spending on culture has significantly increased from 2.9% to 6%.
• Fashion: The Saudi fashion sector is experiencing substantial growth, with an estimated market value of $116.26 billion in 2025, projected to reach $32 billion by 2026.
• Agriculture (Rural Development): The “Reef Saudi Arabia” program has benefited over 87,235 individuals, promoting agricultural crafts and supporting productive families. This program aims to improve rural living quality and increase agriculture’s contribution to the national product.
• Healthcare and Emergency Services: The Kingdom has developed digital solutions like “Is’afni” and “Tawakkalna” for emergency response. There are also experiments with drone technology for medicine delivery to remote areas, reducing delivery times.
• Nuclear Energy (Global Context): While not explicitly stating Saudi adoption, the World Bank and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have partnered to support the safe and affordable use of nuclear energy in developing countries. This is viewed as a stable source of electricity that enhances grid stability and creates high-skilled jobs, stimulating broader economic growth.

3. Driving Factors and Government Initiatives:

• Vision 2030 Reforms: The economic progress is primarily attributed to ambitious reforms and policies under Vision 2030, which designated women’s empowerment as a strategic priority.
• Flexible Work Environments: There is a significant focus on developing flexible and women-friendly work environments to boost female labor force participation.
• Investment in National Cadres: Continuous investment in developing national talent, particularly Saudi youth, is emphasized.
• Incentives for Companies: Government programs support and incentivize companies to hire Saudis of both genders.
• Digital Government Services: The Kingdom has achieved 97% digitalization of government services, compared to an 85% average among G20 countries.
• New Investment System: A new investment system, implemented in February 2025, aims to enhance liquidity and attract foreign investment to Saudi capital markets.

4. Social and Cultural Impact:

• The rise in women’s participation is seen as a profound cultural and economic transformation. Women are now active in diverse sectors, including banking, healthcare, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
• The significant social development is reflected in the growing societal acceptance of women’s work.

5. Future Outlook and Challenges:

• While progress is evident, some experts note the ongoing need for stronger support to overcome lingering reluctance in placing women in leadership roles.
• There is a recognized need to further enhance vocational and technical skills, particularly for women, in specialized sectors like technology, engineering, and energy.
• Challenges include ensuring continued adoption of advanced technologies (Industry 4.0) across all sectors.
• The Kingdom is also navigating a global shift of economic power from the North to the South, which influences its strategic positioning and partnerships.

Overall, the Saudi economy, under the guidance of Vision 2030, is demonstrating remarkable growth and diversification, driven by strategic reforms, significant investments, and a strong focus on human capital development, particularly women’s empowerment.

Saudi Arabia’s War on Drug Trafficking

The Saudi Arabian economy, within the framework of its ambitious Vision 2030, places a significant emphasis on combating drug trafficking as part of its efforts to ensure security and stability. This issue is addressed through a multifaceted national strategy that balances stringent security measures with comprehensive community awareness campaigns.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s approach to drug trafficking include:

• Proactive Security Operations The Ministry of Interior, through its various security sectors, and specifically the General Directorate for Narcotics Control (GDNC), exerts continuous efforts to reduce both the supply and demand of narcotic substances. This involves conducting proactive strikes against drug traffickers. The Operations and Control Center at the GDNC serves as a critical hub for these security operations, handling incoming reports and coordinating immediate and discreet seizure efforts across different regions.
• Significant Seizures and Foiled AttemptsRecently, authorities successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.5 million amphetamine pills that were concealed within table shipments, leading to the arrest of all individuals involved in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
• On June 26, coinciding with the World Anti-Drug Day, a criminal network in the Syrian Arab Republic specializing in the production and smuggling of narcotic substances was dismantled, and an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine pills was thwarted.
• In the Jazan region, specifically the Aredhah border sector, patrols apprehended an Ethiopian national for trafficking 99,900 narcotic pills regulated for medical use.
• International Cooperation Saudi Arabia’s commitment extends beyond its borders, as the GDNC continuously coordinates with counterpart agencies in friendly and sisterly countries. This international cooperation has been instrumental in foiling several drug smuggling operations outside the Kingdom, including in countries like Greece, Malaysia, and Oman. Such efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s serious dedication to combating this global menace.
• Community Awareness and Prevention Beyond enforcement, the Ministry of Interior heavily invests in reducing the demand for drugs. This is achieved through the launch of awareness and prevention programs targeting various community groups. These initiatives include workshops, educational exhibitions, and awareness lectures conducted in multiple regions across the Kingdom, such as Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Al-Baha, Qassim, and Tabuk. These programs align with global anti-drug campaigns, emphasizing the collective effort required to break the cycle of organized crime.
• Legal Ramifications and Public Reporting The national strategy places importance on community involvement, urging citizens and residents to report any information related to drug trafficking or promotion. All reports are handled with complete confidentiality and ensure anonymity for the informant. Penalties for facilitating the entry, transport, sheltering, or providing any assistance to border security violators or drug traffickers are severe, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a financial fine of up to one million Saudi Riyals, confiscation of the transport vehicle and housing used for the crime, and public defamation. These acts are considered major offenses that warrant immediate arrest and are viewed as dishonorable and a breach of trust.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision: Transformation, Growth, and Global Standing

Here are the column titles found in the newspaper, along with their first two paragraphs of detail:

• كلـمة (Word/Editorial) The transformations witnessed by the Kingdom are not merely reform or development steps, but a comprehensive reshaping project for the present and future. This change is not only measured by infrastructure or the volume of investments but also by the Kingdom’s ability to attract attention, win hearts, and build a new sense of belonging among its citizens and those who see it from abroad and choose to belong.
• االنتماء الجديد (The New Belonging) In this context, Cristiano Ronaldo’s words, “I am Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia,” are more than just a statement; they encapsulate the deep meaning of what is happening here, as belonging is no longer tied to birth but to belief in a project. Ronaldo further emphasized this by saying, “The Crown Prince is doing a wonderful job, and he is the most influential personality in this great change,” adding a global voice to what the Kingdom knows about itself and what observers do not know about Mohammed bin Salman, who not only leads the vision to reality but also inspires and transforms.
• المقال (The Article) (Author: تهاني عبدالله الخيال) Can a land that was once described as barren become a capital to which people flock for innovation? And can Riyadh, at the heart of the world, inspire a dream to turn into a project for a nation that knows no impossible, and every project turns into a future written today, not by war, but by work, vision, and will. Riyadh, the capital, rises to write a new chapter among the ambitious national chapters by hosting Expo 2030.
• إكسبو 2030 (Expo 2030) This global event is not merely a transient international exhibition but a qualitative leap that reflects a strategic vision and a platform for development, part of the Kingdom’s ambition not just to be part of the world, but to be at its forefront. The economic value of Expo 2030 is estimated at over 241 billion Saudi Riyals during the development phase and 21 billion Riyals annually during the operational period, according to Public Investment Fund estimates.
• المملكة على خريطة الاستدامة العالمية (The Kingdom on the Global Sustainability Map) (Author: د. عايض بن علي القحطاني) In a new step towards the future, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2024 Vision 2030 achievements report revealed positive messages about the accelerating national transformation and structural progress across economic, social, and environmental sectors, precisely aligned with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. What has been achieved is not merely figures, but deep indicators that suggest Saudi Arabia has become a model whose vision can be read in the language of comprehensive sustainability.
• الثقل الاقتصادي ينتقل للجنوب (The Economic Center of Gravity Shifts to the South) (Author: إبراهيم الغامدي) Despite expectations, recent geopolitical upheavals in the Middle East—especially the events of October 7 and the escalation between Iran and Israel in 2023—did not deal a severe blow to global energy markets. Compared to previous regional or major global crises like the war between Russia and Ukraine, the impact was surprisingly weak. This clear inability of oil-rich Middle Eastern countries to use their oil political leverage suggests a deeper shift in global dynamics, encouraging Western-allied countries to confidently pursue political and economic transformation in the region, according to an early PwC report.
• المقال (The Article) (Author: د. عبدالله بن عبدالمحسن الفرج) In a new literary adventure where identity intersects with philosophy, and literature with the present, and the past with politics, “The Search for Mustafa Said”, a novel by Sudanese writer Emad Al-Bleik, recently published by “Ibiedi” publications in Egypt, attempts in its first edition for 2025 to delve into the impact of the central character Mustafa Said from Tayeb Salih’s immortal novel “Season of Migration to the North”. It does so not by rewriting the text, but by contemplating the shadows it left behind and observing whether this character can be resurrected in a time when Sudan is exploding on multiple levels.
• على البال (On My Mind) (Author: محمد الرشيدي) In the new Saudi landscape, culture and arts are no longer mere manifestations of luxury; they have become one of the state’s languages. With the eighth allegiance pledge to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the outlines of a transformative project are becoming clear, one that has not only redrawn the map of the economy and politics but has also restored dignity to identity, beauty, and public taste, serving as soft power tools that are no less important than other tools of influence.
• مسار (Track) (Author: د. علي الخشيبان) In a world where the pace of work accelerates and definitions of professional performance and success are redefined, organizations today face a silent but extremely dangerous challenge: the departure of competencies is no longer considered a failure for the organization, but a market for better opportunities. Some work environments have transformed from internal cultures that exhaust the soul, hinder appreciation, and lose meaning, into arenas of relentless competition where those who survive are rewarded, not those who innovate, and where the voice of those who conform is heard, not those who add.
• مسار (Track) (Author: د. أريج الجهني) It is not common for International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports to carry the intensity and clarity of the concluding statement, as was observed in the praise and satisfaction regarding the Article IV consultation mission with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2025, or the warning. However, this time, these reports, which usually adopt a reserved tone and leave room for concern, seemed like an international certificate affirming the depth of the transformation and the seriousness and solidity of our country’s vision, despite the global upheavals and challenges it faces.
• مواقف المملكة الثابتة (The Kingdom’s Firm Stances) (Author: د. فايز بن عبدالله الشهري) The foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by steadfastness and wisdom, relying on deeply rooted principles such as respect for national sovereignty, rejection of violence and extremism in all its forms, support for legitimacy, and constant pursuit of peaceful solutions to conflicts. Over decades, the Kingdom has proven its strength as a voice of reason in a turbulent world, contributing to regional and global stability.
• اقتصاد مقاوم للصدمات الجيوسياسية.. سطور من صندوق النقد الدولي (Economy Resilient to Geopolitical Shocks… Lines from the International Monetary Fund) (Author: خالد بن علي المطرفي) It is not common for International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports to carry the intensity and clarity of the concluding statement, as was observed in the praise and satisfaction regarding the Article IV consultation mission with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2025, or the warning. However, this time, these reports, which usually adopt a reserved tone and leave room for concern, seemed like an international certificate affirming the depth of the transformation and the seriousness and solidity of our country’s vision, despite the global upheavals and challenges it faces.
• تطور هائل (Massive Development) (Author: د. مقبل بن جديع) Anyone who has witnessed Al-Hilal’s matches in the Club World Cup, and remembers the Saudi national team’s performance in the 2022 World Cup, will realize that Saudi football has transformed to a higher technical level than before. Previously, our national team and clubs played with the conviction that we were technically inferior to European teams and clubs, lacking the confidence to possess the ball.

Saudi Transformations and Global Engagements

Here are the column titles found in the newspaper, along with their first two paragraphs of detail, extracted directly from the provided source:

• كلـمة (Word/Editorial) The transformations witnessed by the Kingdom are not merely reform or development steps, but a comprehensive reshaping project for the present and future. This change is not only measured by infrastructure or the volume of investments but also by the Kingdom’s ability to attract attention, win hearts, and build a new sense of belonging among its citizens and those who see it from abroad and choose to belong.
• االنتماء الجديد (The New Belonging) His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Farhan bin Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received yesterday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti, Mr. Abdulqader Hussein Omar. During the reception, they reviewed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to discussing a number of issues and topics of common interest.
• انخفاض البطالة لمستوى تاريخي (Unemployment drops to historic low) The Labor Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2025 CE showed positive and record-breaking results, reflecting the continued growth and expansion of the labor market in attracting national cadres. Labor market indicators in the Kingdom achieved a historic low in the unemployment rate among Saudis and an annual increase in the overall unemployment rate among the total population. The unemployment rate for Saudis decreased to its lowest historical level in the first quarter of this year (2025) at 6.3%, compared to 7% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, thus surpassing the Vision 2030 targets which aimed to reduce the unemployment rate to 7%.
• خالد بن سلمان يبحث مع موسوي جهود الحفاظ على االستقرار (Khalid bin Salman discusses with Mousavi efforts to maintain stability) His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, received a phone call yesterday from Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the call, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries in the defense sector, and discussed regional developments and efforts exerted to maintain security and stability.
• االحتالل يمهد لعملية عسكرية جديدة في غزة (The Occupation paves the way for a new military operation in Gaza) The Israeli aggression continues unabated on Gaza, amidst a lack of serious international action to stop the genocide against nearly two million people in the besieged strip. With the entry of the 104th day since the resumption of military operations, the Israeli army began carrying out widespread demolition operations of residential buildings in eastern Khan Yunis, which exacerbates the humanitarian tragedy amid widespread destruction.
• بدء سريان العقوبات األميركية على السودان (US sanctions on Sudan take effect) US sanctions on the government of Sudan came into effect after Washington confirmed the Sudanese army’s use of chemical weapons last year in the deadly civil war engulfing the country. The US government announced in a notice published Friday in the Federal Register that the sanctions, which include restrictions on US exports, arms sales, and financing for the Khartoum government, will remain in effect for at least one year.
• المملكة في المرتبة 13 عالميًا في مؤشر إنفاذ حقوق الملكية الفكرية (Kingdom ranks 13th globally in intellectual property rights enforcement index) The Kingdom achieved a new qualitative achievement by advancing to the 13th position globally from the 14th position in the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Index, within the annual Global Competitiveness Yearbook for 2025, issued by the World Competitiveness Center of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), which is considered one of the main competitiveness reports followed by the National Center for Competitiveness in coordination with relevant government entities. This significant progress embodies the great efforts made by the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority in leading the enforcement system and developing and enhancing its efficiency, as the Kingdom advanced from the 27th position in the 2024 edition to the 13th position among 69 countries in this year’s report.
• تدفقات االستثمار األجنبي تقفز 44 % في الربع األول (Foreign investment flows jump 44% in Q1) Net foreign direct investment (FDI) flows for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 44% to reach 22.2 billion Saudi Riyals, compared to the same quarter last year, while recording a 7% decrease compared to the previous quarter of 2024. The General Authority for Statistics’ bulletin on direct foreign investment flows for the first quarter of 2025 showed that the value of outgoing foreign direct investment flows from the Kingdom’s economy amounted to about 1.8 billion Saudi Riyals during the first quarter of 2025, with a decrease of 54% compared to the same quarter last year, and recorded a 7% increase, while the value of foreign direct investment flows into the Kingdom’s economy reached about 24.0 billion Saudi Riyals during the first quarter of 2025, recording a 24% increase compared to the same quarter last year, as it then amounted to about 19.4 billion Saudi Riyals, compared to a 6% decrease from the previous quarter of the same year.
• أداء مطار حائل على طاولة عبدالعزيز بن سعد (Hail Airport’s performance on Abdulaziz bin Saad’s table) His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Hail region, received yesterday at his office the CEO of the second airports cluster company, Eng. Mohammed bin Ali Musrahi, and a number of the company’s leaders, in the presence of Eng. Khalid bin Yahya Al-Saif, CEO of Northern Airports. During the reception, His Highness reviewed the annual report on Hail International Airport’s performance for 2024 CE, which included the most prominent indicators of operational performance and developments in the airport’s efficiency, controlling passenger flow, flight schedules, and efforts to improve infrastructure and service quality.
• أمير جازان يكّرم الفائزين بجائزتي المواطنة المسؤولة و”صيتاثون” (Jazan Emir honors winners of Responsible Citizenship and “Sithathon” awards) His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed, Emir of Jazan region, honored yesterday at the Emirate’s headquarters, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Jalawi, the winners of the Responsible Citizenship and “Sithathon” awards. These awards come within the preliminary qualifiers for the national program to enhance community initiatives, as part of the initiatives of Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, dedicated to students of public education and its affiliates in all regions of the Kingdom. This came during His Highness’s reception of His Royal Highness Prince Fahad bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Princess Seetah Award and a member of the Executive Committee, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud bin Mohammed bin Salman bin Saud, a member of the Executive Committee and Secretary of the Grand Board of Trustees.
• أمير القصيم يشيد بزراعة 7.5 ماليين شجرة (Al-Qassim Emir praises planting of 7.5 million trees) His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud, Emir of Al-Qassim region, received at his office yesterday the General Manager of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Qassim, Eng. Salman Al-Suwainie, and the Director of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development in Al-Qassim, Sulaiman Al-Kreisan. His Highness received a report on the “Green Qassim” initiative and reviewed during the reception the most prominent achievements of the initiative across its 15 stages, as the number of planted trees exceeded 7,521,000 trees. This is part of continuous efforts to enhance vegetation cover, combat desertification, and achieve environmental sustainability targets in the region, in alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative.
• أمير الشرقية يكرم الداعمين والمشاركين في »ربيع النعيرية« (Eastern Province Emir honors supporters and participants in “Rabee Al-Nairiyah”) His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Eastern Province, honored yesterday at his office in the Emirate’s court the supporters and participating entities in the “Rabee Al-Nairiyah 23” festival, in the presence of the Eastern Province Municipality Secretary, Eng. Fahad Al-Jubairi. The Emir of the Eastern Province emphasized the importance of organizing such heritage events that embody the popular heritage and preserve it, noting that preserving national identity and pride in customs and traditions is a necessary means that contributes to enhancing community responsibility and instilling values of belonging and cultural awareness among generations.
• سعود بن بندر يستقبل مديري “صحة الشرقية” و”وقاية” (Saud bin Bandar receives directors of “Eastern Health” and “Wiqaia”) His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of the Eastern Province, received yesterday at his office in the Emirate’s court, Dr. Ayesh bin Fares Al-Hamzani, General Director of the Ministry of Health branch in the region, on the occasion of the end of his tenure, accompanied by Dr. Abdulrahman bin Saeed Abu Dahish, Executive Director of the General Health Authority branch in the Eastern Sector (Wiqaia), on the occasion of his appointment. His Royal Highness the Deputy Emir of the region praised Dr. Al-Hamzani for his efforts during his tenure, wishing him continued success, and also wished Dr. Abdulrahman Abu Dahish success in his future duties.
• نائب أمير الرياض يطلع على منجزات »األحوال الشخصية« (Deputy Emir of Riyadh reviews achievements of “Personal Status”) His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of Riyadh region, received yesterday at his office in Al-Hukm Palace, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Saud, Head of the Personal Status Court in Riyadh. His Highness listened to a presentation about the works and achievements of the Personal Status Court in Riyadh.
• رئيس الشورى يبدأ زيارة رسمية إلى كمبوديا (Shura Council Speaker begins official visit to Cambodia) His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council, began an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia leading a delegation from the Council, in response to an official invitation received from the President of the Senate in the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen. The visit of the Speaker of the Shura Council to the Kingdom of Cambodia comes within the framework of the wise leadership’s keenness and interest in supporting bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and raising them to the highest levels, as well as supporting and enhancing parliamentary cooperation in various fields.
• استعراض منظومة الذكاء االصطناعي في المملكة على منصة منتدى عالمي (Review of AI system in the Kingdom on a global forum platform) The Kingdom, represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), reviewed its experience and efforts in building a comprehensive artificial intelligence system to harness its capabilities and establish effective national and international partnerships, and to employ AI to serve sustainable development and achieve societal and economic impact. This comes within the activities of the Third Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, organized by UNESCO in the Thai capital, Bangkok, from June 24 to 27, 2025 CE.
• المملكة تواصل ضرباتها االستباقية ضد المخدرات المقدم الحازمي: جهودنا ال تتوقف وخطتنا تشمل الضبط والتوعية (Kingdom continues its pre-emptive strikes against drugs Al-Hazmi: Our efforts do not stop and our plan includes control and awareness) The official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Lieutenant Colonel Marwan Al-Hazmi, affirmed that the Ministry of Interior, with all its security sectors, is making continuous efforts to reduce the supply and demand for narcotic substances, stating that the qualitative operations carried out by the Ministry have yielded fruit, thanks to God, at both the local and international levels. He reviewed some of the most prominent security operations that have been carried out recently, including a recent operation to thwart an attempt to smuggle 1.5 million amphetamine pills, which were hidden inside table shipments, and all involved were arrested in the Riyadh and Eastern regions.
• انطالق أعمال »المؤتمر الدولي للصيدلة السريرية« بحائل (Launch of “International Clinical Pharmacy Conference” in Hail) Under the patronage and interest of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Hail region, the activities of the International Conference on Clinical Pharmacy titled “Towards a Promising Future in Primary Healthcare” were launched in Hail. The conference is organized by the Hail Health Cluster with the aim of proposing innovative solutions to enhance the quality of healthcare and align it with global developments, with the participation of more than 700 health practitioners, international experts, and specialists in health and pharmaceutical fields. The conference, which is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, discussed the latest developments in virtual health and research, in addition to reviewing experiences in benefiting from the drug journey and exploring future systems to expand pharmaceutical services.
• الجامعة اإلسالمية تدعم األبحاث المتميزة (Islamic University supports distinguished research) The Islamic University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah launched the “Distinguished Research Support after Publication – Fourth Edition” initiative, which aims to motivate faculty members to publish in high-quality international journals and raise the level of scientific output published in the name of the university. The Deanship of Scientific Research at the university clarified that registration for the initiative will continue until November 30 of this year, targeting researchers who have published scientific research in journals with impact factors, indexed within one of the two databases: Web of Science or “Scopus,” where the support value is determined based on the researchers’ performance, increasing the number of researches published in the name of the university, in addition to promoting and supporting distinguished and innovative research with clear scientific impact.
• تدشين برنامج جيل البحث واالبتكار اإلثرائي (Launch of “Research and Innovation Generation” Enrichment Program) The “Research and Innovation Generation Enrichment Program 2025” was launched in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), organized by KACST in cooperation with Mawhiba (King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity Academy 32), with the participation of more than 90 gifted male and female students from all over the Kingdom. The enrichment program aims to enhance the culture of research, innovation, and development among gifted students by introducing them to scientific research and its importance, connecting them with research centers, strengthening their relationships with researchers, scientists, and specialists, developing and refining their skills in research, innovation, and development fields through practical application and skills, in addition to motivating them to contribute to enriching local content.
• »اإلسالمية« تحقق 100 % في كفاءة الطاقة (Islamic Affairs achieves 100% in energy efficiency) As part of a series of consecutive achievements by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance at the national level, the Ministry achieved 100% in the energy efficiency performance card, in addition to achieving savings in energy consumption for two consecutive years. This accomplishment reflects its commitment to applying rationalization and raising operational efficiency standards according to technical specifications and engineering standards.
• ندوة »سالمة الغذاء« تشخص التحديات وتستعرض الحلول (Food Safety Seminar diagnoses challenges and reviews solutions) Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Eng. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Jubairi, Secretary of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the “Food Safety” symposium in Khobar Governorate. The event was attended by Eng. Hamad bin Shamlan Al-Mowaffaq, Secretary of Tabuk region, Eng. Khalaf bin Yousef Al-Yousef, Deputy Secretary of Hafr Al-Batin Governorate, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Hleyl, Assistant Minister for Public Health, and directors of environmental health departments in the Kingdom’s municipalities. The Secretary of the Eastern Province welcomed the participants from public and private entities in his opening speech, noting that food safety represents a shared national responsibility that requires the integration of roles between government and private sectors to protect society and achieve the highest quality standards in the food chain and compliance.
• باحثان سعوديان يقدمان مشروعًا وطنيًا لالستجابة إلى الطائرات (Two Saudi researchers present a national project for drone response) Two Saudi researchers presented a project in the “Naql Hackathon” organized by the Transport Authority, which won third place. The project involves employing artificial intelligence in emergency services aboard aircraft. This is achieved by identifying medical conditions that occur during the flight and the possibility of deciding to land, which costs approximately 100-300 thousand dollars from the carrier. They are currently seeking to obtain intellectual property rights for this project.
• أكثر من 87 ألف مستفيد من »ريف السعودية« (Over 87,000 beneficiaries from “Saudi Rural”) The Assistant Undersecretary of the General Security for “Saudi Rural” Program, Majed Al-Rabekan, affirmed that the program’s noble support from the wise leadership, has contributed to expanding the base of beneficiaries and achieving tangible results on the ground. He added that this achievement comes as a culmination of the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to support the agricultural sector and advance rural areas. He further stated that the program works on several main axes, including developing agricultural and animal production, empowering rural women, and supporting small fishermen, focusing on enhancing the value-added to products and improving quality.
• انطالق برنامج موهبة اإلثرائي األكاديمي بجامعة المؤسس (Launch of Mawhiba Enrichment Academic Program at Founder’s University) King Abdulaziz University launched the activities of the Mawhiba Enrichment Academic Program 2025, one of the most prominent academic programs organized by the national body concerned with giftedness and creativity, in cooperation with King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (“Mawhiba”). This year, 521 gifted male and female students from various regions of the Kingdom are participating in the program, including 192 male students and 329 female students, driven by the desire to explore new horizons of knowledge and employ giftedness in serving the nation.
• شواطئ جدة تتزين لعش البحر (Jeddah beaches adorned for sea lovers) Jeddah Governorate’s beaches are preparing with their diverse facilities to welcome visitors and tourists, and recreational facilities for the summer season. This is achieved by preparing its public and recreational facilities, fulfilling the aspirations of residents and visitors, and enhancing its position as a major destination on the tourism map in the Kingdom, as part of Vision 2030 targets for tourism sector development and local content enhancement. The tourism sector in Jeddah is witnessing an expansion in providing unique tourism experiences, including shooting, swimming, and horse riding facilities, all offered according to high standards to suit various age groups. In the field of shooting, there are several clubs and academies that provide shooting experiences with traditional arrows and weapons for children, among others, and special programs for women with certified female trainers under private supervision.
• المقال (The Article) (Author: تهاني عبدالله الخيال) Can a land that was once described as barren become a capital to which people flock for innovation? And can Riyadh, at the heart of the world, inspire a dream to turn into a project for a nation that knows no impossible, and every project turns into a future written today, not by war, but by work, vision, and will. Riyadh, the capital, rises to write a new chapter among the ambitious national chapters by hosting Expo 2030.
• إكسبو 2030 (Expo 2030) The economic value of Expo 2030 is estimated at over 241 billion Saudi Riyals during the development phase and 21 billion Riyals annually during the operational period, according to Public Investment Fund estimates. The project is also expected to contribute to creating more than 171 thousand direct and indirect job opportunities, empowering national competencies, and stimulating private sector participation, which represents an economic boost that shapes the future. The exhibition site, located north of the capital, next to King Salman International Airport, spans an area of two million square meters, and is preparing to welcome more than 40 million physical visits and more than a billion virtual visits.
• خطط رؤية 2030 تسرع خفض البطالة إلى مستوى تاريخي (Vision 2030 plans accelerate unemployment reduction to historic low) The labor market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a qualitative transformation in empowering and employing women in recent years, a reality supported by the latest figures and policies. Today, Saudi women stand at the forefront of the workforce, actively participating and contributing in various sectors, from banking to healthcare, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. According to the labor market bulletin issued by the General Authority for Statistics for the first quarter of 2025, and as a result of initiatives to empower women and support their economic participation, the labor market in the Kingdom continues to achieve historic levels in women’s employment. The unemployment rate among Saudi women decreased to its lowest historical level, reaching 10.5%, a reduction of 1.4 percentage points in the first quarter of 2025, and an annual decrease of 3.7 percentage points compared to the same quarter of 2024.
• توظيف المرأة.. نجاح ترسمه الخطط وتدعمه األرقام (Women’s employment… success drawn by plans and supported by numbers) Regarding this, Ms. May Al-Otaibi, an official in Public Relations, said: “The legislative transformations have supported women and opened wide opportunities for them in the labor market, but we still need stronger support in granting women leadership positions that suit some organizations that still hesitate to grant Saudi women, who are ready for competition, the opportunity, affirming their efficiency. She added: “Developing flexible and women-friendly work environments has become a priority to increase their participation, for true empowerment begins with confidence in women’s ability to lead, as it is not a reward but an investment in the future that drives the national economy and reduces unemployment in general”. Ms. Masha’el Abdulaziz, Director of Human Resources, also confirmed that the historical decrease in the unemployment rate to 2.8% reflects the effectiveness of national policies focused on employing Saudis in both public and private sectors. She added: “The most beautiful thing is that this expansion included women increasingly; we are now witnessing a trend among many companies to develop flexible and attractive work environments for Saudi women. There is no doubt that achieving an unemployment rate of 6.3% among Saudis means that we are close to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets, and we must continue to invest in developing national cadres, especially young Saudi women”.
• المقال (The Article) (Author: د. عبدالله بن عبدالمحسن الفرج) Among them are global companies such as LVMH, chaired by the French billionaire Bernard Arnault, which face many problems. The head of this group, who was once at the top of the list of the richest people in the world, is now forced to lose his position. This group, which controls many famous global brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton, is currently experiencing a difficult situation, and therefore its head has become the ninth richest businessman in the world, not the first.
• الثقل الاقتصادي ينتقل للجنوب (The Economic Center of Gravity Shifts to the South) Despite expectations, recent geopolitical upheavals in the Middle East—especially the events of October 7 and the escalation between Iran and Israel in 2023—did not deal a severe blow to global energy markets. Compared to previous regional or major global crises like the war between Russia and Ukraine, the impact was surprisingly weak. This clear inability of oil-rich Middle Eastern countries to use their oil political leverage suggests a deeper shift in global dynamics, encouraging Western-allied countries to confidently pursue political and economic transformation in the region, according to an early PwC report.
• سوق الطاقة العالمي األكثر إحكامًا واستقرارًا »بقيادة المملكة« (Global energy market, most stringent and stable “led by the Kingdom”) The International Bank Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement to work together to support the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries. The agreement was signed by the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, and the Agency’s Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, giving official character to the multiple interactions between the two institutions over the past year, in the first tangible step taken by the World Bank Group to re-engage in the field of nuclear power in decades. The agreement also comes within the framework of the World Bank Group’s new broader approach to energy transition, by prioritizing access to affordable and reliable electricity, and managing emissions responsibly.
• اتفاقات لدعم استخدام »الطاقة النووية« بطريقة آمنة وتكاليف معقولة (Agreements to support the safe and affordable use of “nuclear energy”) The International Bank Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement to work together to support the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries. The agreement was signed by the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, and the Agency’s Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, giving official character to the multiple interactions between the two institutions over the past year, in the first tangible step taken by the World Bank Group to re-engage in the field of nuclear power in decades. The agreement also comes within the framework of the World Bank Group’s new broader approach to energy transition, by prioritizing access to affordable and reliable electricity, and managing emissions responsibly.
• المملكة على خريطة االستدامة العالمية (The Kingdom on the Global Sustainability Map) (Author: د. عايض بن علي القحطاني) In a new step towards the future, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2024 Vision 2030 achievements report revealed positive messages about the accelerating national transformation and structural progress across economic, social, and environmental sectors, precisely aligned with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. What has been achieved is not merely figures, but deep indicators that suggest Saudi Arabia has become a model whose vision can be read in the language of comprehensive sustainability. Among the most prominent indicators highlighted in the report is the growth in non-oil GDP exceeding 5%, compared to the global growth rate for emerging economies of about 3.9% according to World Bank data, which reflects the gradual shift from reliance on oil to a diversified economic model.
• نمو قطاع الأزياء السعودي.. ودعوات لإنشاء معاهد تدريب ومعارض دولية (Growth of Saudi fashion sector… and calls for establishing training institutes and international exhibitions) In the markets of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, among hundreds of fashion designs, the African pilgrim Muhammad Rafe’ witnessed the purchase and wearing of the Saudi thobe and agal, while his wife was busy acquiring Saudi women’s abayas and clothes. The scene witnessed by “Al-Riyadh” in the Um Al-Qura market from the African pilgrim and his wife, who consider Saudi clothing to be the most important souvenirs of the Umrah journey, is a picture that millions of pilgrims and worshipers are keen to buy, as the seller Omar Mujib told “Al-Riyadh” that they are keen on buying Saudi fashion with various designs and colors.
• المملكة تنافس لرفع إسهام الذكاء االصطناعي في الناتج المحلي لـ 130 مليار دوالر (Kingdom competes to raise AI’s contribution to GDP to $130 billion) The Saudi Arabia is in a race against time, aiming to build an advanced artificial intelligence system and establish its position in this field, as well as in technology and innovation, as part of its plans to diversify the economy. This includes investing in artificial intelligence through its sovereign fund and attracting international companies. The Kingdom’s plans in this regard aim for it to become a pivotal player in artificial intelligence technologies, moving from the role of a consumer to a producer and exporter of these advanced technologies.
• وزيرا الدفاع والداخلية يؤديان اليمين أمام البرهان (Ministers of Defense and Interior take oath before Al-Burhan) This led to the First Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, and Lieutenant General Hassan Daoud Al-Kayyan, being appointed Minister of Defense, and Lieutenant General Mustafa Bakri Samra as Minister of Interior, according to the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA). Following the constitutional oath ceremony, the Minister of Defense affirmed his keenness to achieve security and stability in Sudan, stating: “We will work with all state agencies, in coordination and cooperation, to achieve peace and defend the sovereignty of Sudan and meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people”.
• إسرائيل تغتال مسؤول صواريخ في »حزب الله« (Israel assassinates Hezbollah missile official) The Israeli army announced the elimination of Hassan Muhammad Hammoudi, a missile official in Hezbollah in the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon, following an attack by an anti-armor drone belonging to Hezbollah in the town of Konin. An Israeli army spokesman said in a statement that Hassan Muhammad Hammoudi, a missile official in Hezbollah in the Bint Jbeil area, was eliminated, adding that “during the war, Hammoudi directed many anti-tank missile launches towards Israeli territory,” according to the Israeli Yediot Aharonot newspaper.
• هجمات روسية عنيفة على أوكرانيا (Violent Russian attacks on Ukraine) Ukrainian authorities said on Sunday that a fighter pilot of an F-16 jet was killed during a Russian attack that included hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, as Moscow intensifies its nightly air raids in the fourth year of the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to provide more support to strengthen his country’s air defenses, after the attack which local authorities reported caused damage to homes and infrastructure and injured at least seven people.
• طهران تلوح بنقل مخزونها من اليورانيوم إلى دولة أخرى (Tehran hints at transferring its uranium stockpile to another country) The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, predicted that Iran might be able to start producing enriched uranium “within months”, despite the damage to its nuclear facilities due to American and Israeli attacks. What he stated to “CBS News” on June 13, and what Israel launched on Saturday, a series of attacks on military and nuclear sites, aiming to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon, despite Iran’s repeated denials of this ambition.
• القضاء التركي يبت اليوم في مصير »مؤتمر حزب الشعب الجمهوري« (Turkish judiciary rules today on the fate of “Republican People’s Party conference”) The Turkish judiciary is likely to rule today, Monday, on the cancellation of the Republican People’s Party conference, the main opposition party, in an attempt to pressure the party, which has called for widespread protests against the government. The cancellation of the conference will lead to the appointment of the party’s former leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to lead it, succeeding Ozil, after his loss in the 2023 presidential elections against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• الهند تشن حملة ترحيل للمسلمين (India launches deportation campaign against Muslims) India has deported hundreds of people to Bangladesh without a court order, according to officials from both sides, in what activists and lawyers have described as illegal deportation operations based on ethnic profiling. New Delhi says the deportees are undocumented migrants, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government pursues a strict immigration policy, especially towards those coming from neighboring Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
• رواية جديدة.. تفكيك أيقونة الطيب صالح في »موسم الهجرة« (New novel… deconstructing Tayeb Salih’s icon in “Season of Migration”) In a new literary adventure where identity intersects with philosophy, literature with the present, and the past with politics, Sudanese writer Emad Al-Bleik’s novel “The Search for Mustafa Said”, recently published by “Ibeidi” publications in Egypt in its first edition for 2025, attempts to delve into the impact of the central character Mustafa Said from Tayeb Salih’s immortal novel “Season of Migration to the North”. It does so not by rewriting the text, but by contemplating the shadows it left behind and observing whether this character can be resurrected in a time when Sudan is exploding on multiple levels.
• “الدارة” تفّعل أطلس السيرة النبوية “رقمّيً ا” (Al-Darah activates the “Digital Atlas of the Prophet’s Biography”) King Abdulaziz Darah (House/Institute) launched the “Historical Atlas of the Prophet’s Biography” digitally on social media platforms: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook; with the aim of presenting content that reviews the Prophet’s biography in a clear manner across its geographical and temporal dimensions. The accounts focus on the Atlas, which is considered one of the most prominent knowledge projects in the field of documenting the Prophet’s biography, as it combines field accuracy, scientific research, and human techniques, contributing to facilitating the understanding of the biography, and the sequence of its events, linking them to place and event.
• عبداللطيف الواصل: الرياض عاصمة ثقافية مؤثرة في العالم (Abdul Latif Al-Wasil: Riyadh, an influential cultural capital in the world) In this context, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Authority, stressed the importance of cultural exchange as a bridge for human dialogue and enhancing identity. He stated during the Kingdom’s participation in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair 2025: “We are working to continue the creative dialogue among peoples, affirming the Kingdom’s global cultural role, and establishing Riyadh’s position as an influential literary capital on the global stage”. He added that the Authority gives special attention to qualitative participation in cultural events and aims to convey a contemporary image of Saudi culture through diverse means, and to enhance interaction with creatives around the world.
• على البال (On My Mind) (Author: محمد الرشيدي) In the new Saudi landscape, culture and arts are no longer mere manifestations of luxury; they have become one of the state’s languages. With the eighth allegiance pledge to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the outlines of a transformative project are becoming clear, one that has not only redrawn the map of the economy and politics but has also restored dignity to identity, beauty, and public taste, serving as soft power tools that are no less important than other tools of influence. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, from the very first moment, did not treat culture as a marginal sector or a ceremonial extension for occasions. Rather, he treated it as a central component in a comprehensive national project. Perhaps his famous phrase in one of his monthly meetings with Western media, “I adore arts,” was not just a description of a personal taste, but a deeper understanding of his approach to building the Saudi individual, and presenting the Kingdom’s image to the world.
• “إشراقة من الظل” يحصد جائزة المهرجان العربي في تونس (“A Glimmer from the Shadows” wins Arab Festival award in Tunisia) The program “A Glimmer from the Shadows,” produced by Jeddah FM Radio, won an award at the 25th Arab Radio and Television Festival, affiliated with the Radio and Television Authority, in the youth programs category. The festival is organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in the Republic of Tunisia, with wide participation from Arab media institutions, focusing on virtual work and opportunities.
• “مسك للفنون” يكشف عن المشاركتين في إقامة إيطاليا (“Misk Art” reveals two participants in Italy residency) Misk Art Institute, affiliated with the Mohammed bin Salman Non-Profit Foundation “Misk”, continues the Casa Degli Artisti artistic residency program in Italy, which the institute organizes in partnership with Casa Degli Artisti, from May 5 to July 4, 2025, in Milan, Italy. This is part of the institute’s commitment to supporting Saudi artists and enabling them to develop their artistic practices on the international stage.
• “البحر األحمر” يكشف قائمة الفائزين في المنح التمويلية (“Red Sea” reveals list of grant winners) The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the list of projects winning funding grants for 2025, in its first round dedicated to supporting film projects in the post-production phase. The winning projects included narrative stories from the Arab world and Asia, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to supporting emerging cinematic voices.
• ديانا حداد: مهرجان “موازين” عال العال (Diana Haddad: Mawazine Festival is great) From the very first moment she ascended the Nahda Theater stage to begin her concert at the Mawazine Festival in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, the Moroccan audience received star Diana Haddad with a storm of applause and cheers that carried expressions of love and passion. She reciprocated their love with even greater affection and offered them a night full of art and surprises, so much so that even the Moroccan press described her night at the festival as exceptional, witnessing a record attendance in this edition.
• الوالدات اإلعجازية في الحكايات الخرافية الشعبية (Miraculous Births in Popular Folk Tales) In Saudi popular folk tales, there are many accounts of miraculous or extraordinary births, where a woman may suddenly become pregnant after consuming a plant or a magical fruit, or give birth without contact with any man. She might have given birth to a strange creature unlike other children; and often the arrival of such a child is preceded by despair, followed by rushing to God – glorified be He – for the fulfillment of procreation, even if the newborn is of a non-human species, such as an animal, a plant, or a ghoul, or a deformed creature.
• أمس العصر مّريت سوق الثَمّيم (Yesterday afternoon I passed by Al-Tamim market) Yesterday afternoon, I passed by Al-Tamim market. I don’t know what brought me to it, and I don’t know it, except that it is a dilapidated place from the passage of time. If I wasn’t from Tharmada’, I wouldn’t have known it.
• الشرق الأوسط ما بعد الحرب الإيرانية الإسرائيلية (The Middle East after the Iran-Israel War) The Middle East region is currently undergoing a phase of strategic transformations and the gradual reshaping of the regional alliances map, influenced by the interaction of many equations inside and outside the region, which may create a new geopolitical reality. The initial indicators of the recent swift confrontation between Israel and Iran suggest fundamental transformations in the nature of the regional conflict, where the Iranian presence shows signs of declining direct and indirect capabilities, while Israel – despite achieving tactical victories – faces a clear strategic setback despite its clear military superiority.
• مسار (Path) (Author: د. علي الخشيبان) In a world where the pace of work accelerates and definitions of professional performance and success are redefined, organizations today face a silent but extremely dangerous challenge: the departure of competencies is no longer considered a failure for the organization, but a market for better opportunities. Some work environments have transformed from internal cultures that exhaust the soul, hinder appreciation, and lose meaning, into arenas of relentless competition where those who survive are rewarded, not those who innovate, and where the voice of those who conform is heard, not those who add.
• مسار (Path) (Author: د. أريج الجهني) It is not common for International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports to carry the intensity and clarity of the concluding statement, as was observed in the praise and satisfaction regarding the Article IV consultation mission with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2025, or the warning. However, this time, these reports, which usually adopt a reserved tone and leave room for concern, seemed like an international certificate affirming the depth of the transformation and the seriousness and solidity of our country’s vision, despite the global upheavals and challenges it faces, as well as the cohesion of financial performance and implementation.
• اقتصاد مقاوم للصدمات الجيوسياسية.. سطور من صندوق النقد الدولي (Economy resilient to geopolitical shocks… lines from the International Monetary Fund) (Author: خالد بن علي المطرفي) The content of this article is identical to the one under the heading “مسار” by Dr. Areej Al-Juhani.
• مواقف المملكة الثابتة (The Kingdom’s Firm Stances) (Author: د. فايز بن عبدالله الشهري) The foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by steadfastness and wisdom, relying on deeply rooted principles such as respect for national sovereignty, rejection of violence and extremism in all its forms, support for legitimacy, and constant pursuit of peaceful solutions to conflicts. Over decades, the Kingdom has proven its strength as a voice of reason in a turbulent world, contributing to regional and global stability.
• أخضر السيدات يخسر من الفلبين (Women’s Green loses to Philippines) The Saudi women’s national team lost to its Filipino counterpart (0-3) during their match at the National Olympic Stadium in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, as part of the qualifiers for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. These qualifiers mark the national team’s second official continental participation, and its first participation in the Women’s West Asian Championship 2024.
• الزعيم في مواجهة نارية أمام السيتي (The Leader in a fiery confrontation with City) At 4:00 AM on Tuesday, Saudi time, all eyes will turn to the fiery match between the nation’s representative, Al-Hilal, and the English giant, Manchester City, as part of the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup currently held in the United States. The “Camping World” stadium in Orlando will host the anticipated match between the 2021 Asian champion and the 2023 European champion, which will be of great importance, given the great ambition of Al-Hilal stars to go far in the tournament, which is being held for the first time with the participation of 32 teams.
• نيوم ينهي عالقته مع ليتاو (Neom ends relationship with Litau) Neom Sports Club announced the termination of its contractual relationship with CEO Mr. Alex Litau, based on a mutual agreement between both parties and in a framework of mutual respect and appreciation. Mr. Litau’s leadership period constituted a pivotal station in the club’s journey, as he tangibly contributed to achieving qualitative transformations, most notably the historic achievement of the club’s promotion to the Roshn Saudi League for Professionals.
• سان جيرمان يكتسح إنتر ميامي برباعية (Saint-Germain overwhelms Inter Miami with four goals) Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup after overwhelming Inter Miami 4-0 yesterday, Sunday, in the Round of 16 of the competition. Paris Saint-Germain took the lead in the sixth minute through Joao Neves, before the same player added the second goal in the 39th minute.
• إنتر في اختبار صعب (Inter in a difficult test) Inter Milan faces a new difficult test in the Club World Cup, currently held in the United States, as they face Brazilian Fluminense today, Monday, as part of the Round of 16 matches in the tournament. Inter Milan had qualified for the Round of 16 as the group leader with seven points collected from five in the tournament, including a 1-1 draw with Mexican Monterrey, a 2-1 win over Japanese Urawa Reds, and a 2-0 win over Argentinian River Plate.
• قطر تريد استضافة مونديال الأندية 2029 (Qatar wants to host Club World Cup 2029) The current edition of the tournament in the United States faces criticism due to the long distances between stadiums, as well as high temperatures and storms that led to the suspension of many matches, in addition to the condition of the pitch. Qatar is characterized by high temperatures in summer, which means that the tournament, if chosen to be hosted, would be held in December (winter), as Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup between November and mid-December.
• إينزاغي يقود الهلال إلى أولى محطات نجاح الموسم الجديد (Inzaghi leads Al-Hilal to first stations of new season’s success) After a difficult season in which he lost the league title and was eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals by Al-Ahly, his compatriot, Italian Simone Inzaghi, led his new team, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, to the first stations of the new season’s success by reaching the Club World Cup quarter-finals. Al-Hilal is one of the most prominent teams nominated to win the title.
• رينارد: أتحمل الخروج من الكأس الذهبية (Renard: I take responsibility for exiting the Gold Cup) Herve Renard, the coach of the Saudi national team, said in a press conference yesterday, Sunday, after the match against the Mexican team in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup currently held in America: “I take responsibility for the loss, as I did not make the right decisions at difficult times, but this is football sometimes, and there might be regret, but it’s too late”. He pointed out that the national team players gained experience from this tournament and learned about a new style of football different from Asian football. He said: “There are gains achieved from this participation that the players will benefit from before the upcoming competitions, and the importance of competing in this stage before entering the Asian play-offs next October”.
• انطالق أنشطة كرة القدم المصغرة بجازان (Launch of mini-football activities in Jazan) The Mini Football Committee in Jazan region held a ceremony yesterday at the Chamber of Commerce Theater in Jazan, marking the launch of its programs, activities, and events. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al-Dossary, President of the International Mini Football Federation, along with a number of sports and community figures, and a gathering of interested men and women in mini football. The ceremony included visual presentations introducing the association and the committee in the region, in addition to a speech by the President of the International Federation, a performance by a number of male and female students, and a sports operetta presented by the popular arts troupe in the region.
• تطور هائل (Huge Development) (Author: د. مقبل بن جديع) Anyone who has witnessed Al-Hilal’s matches in the Club World Cup, and remembers the Saudi national team’s performance in the 2022 World Cup, will realize that Saudi football has transformed to a higher technical level than before. Previously, our national team and clubs played with the conviction that we were technically inferior to European teams and clubs, lacking the confidence to possess the ball.
• القرعة تضع أخضر الصاالت مع العراق وباكستان وتايبيه (Draw places Futsal Green with Iraq, Pakistan, and Taipei) The draw ceremony for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers was held at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. The draw resulted in the national futsal team being placed in Group D, alongside the teams of Iraq, Pakistan, and Chinese Taipei. These qualifiers will be held from September 20 to 24, 2025, and qualify teams for the continental finals scheduled in Indonesia in 2026.
• أرقام صادمة بعد هزيمة »الأخضر« أمام المكسيك (Shocking numbers after Al-Akhdar’s defeat to Mexico) The Saudi national team lost to its Mexican counterpart by two clean goals in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025, which is hosted by the United States. The match, held on Sunday, June 29, was the first defeat for the Saudi national team against Mexico in its history.
• إنجاز عالمي.. طلبة المملكة في أولمبياد البلقان للرياضيات (Global achievement… Kingdom’s students in Balkan Mathematics Olympiad) Six students from the Kingdom achieved a new global accomplishment by winning 6 international medals in the 29th edition of the 2025 Balkan Junior Mathematics Olympiad, held in North Macedonia from June 24 to 29, with the participation of 135 male and female students from 23 countries around the world. The Kingdom’s students won two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals, reaffirming their competitive scientific ability at the international level.
• ضبط 13532 مخالفًا للإقامة والعمل وأمن الحدود (Arrest of 13532 violators of residency, labor, and border security laws) Currently, 11,908 foreign violators of residency, labor, and border security laws are undergoing legal procedures, including 10,783 men and 1,125 women. Additionally, 6,225 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions, and 2,072 violators were referred to complete travel arrangements and obtain travel documents, while 9,479 violators were deported.
• إنقاذ مواطنين من الغرق في القحمة (Rescue of citizens from drowning in Al-Qahma) Search and rescue teams of the Border Guard in Al-Qahma rescued two citizens from Aseer region whose boat broke down in the middle of the sea, and assistance was provided to them. The General Directorate of Border Guard urged adherence to maritime safety instructions and ensuring the safety of vessels before sailing.
• الـورل الصـحـراوي (The Desert Monitor) The Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus) is considered one of the largest reptiles living in the deserts of the Kingdom, and one of the most adaptable to the desert environment. It is widely found in various areas of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, and plays a significant and important role in maintaining environmental balance. It is characterized by its large body, which can reach over one meter in length, its strong adorned head, slender tail, and strong teeth, which it uses for defense.

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

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