Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 17, 2025: Vision 2030, Economic Reforms, Environmental Efforts

This collection of texts from “20822.pdf” provides a comprehensive look into various aspects of Saudi Arabia in mid-2025. It highlights the nation’s ongoing economic reforms, showcasing a significant reduction in unemployment and the positive impact of initiatives like the “Aptly Financed Mortgage” program on housing stability. Furthermore, the documents detail the country’s growing prominence in technological and cultural spheres, exemplified by the “Absher” e-platform’s widespread use, the “Aseer Innovates” hackathon, and Riyadh hosting the Electronic Sports World Cup. The sources also touch upon environmental efforts through the “Saudi Green Initiative” and discuss the healthcare sector’s advancements, including new medical technologies and public health campaigns.

Podcast

Saudi Vision 2030: A Kingdom’s Transformative Journey

Saudi Vision 2030 is presented in the sources as a comprehensive national project and a historical turning point for the Kingdom, aiming for a prosperous and bright future. Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it embodies the Kingdom’s ambition to transform and diversify its economy and society.

Key aspects and objectives of Vision 2030, as described in the sources, include:

• Economic Restructuring and Diversification:
• Vision 2030 is described as not just a development plan, but a comprehensive national project that has restructured the national economy.
• It aims to diversify income sources away from near-total oil dependency.
• The Vision has significantly contributed to enhancing sectors like technology, entertainment, tourism, national industries, and renewable energy.
• This has led to increased income, greater private sector contribution, job creation, and high economic growth rates.
• The Saudi Export Development Authority is tasked with setting a sustainable strategic plan supported by modern technologies to support small and medium exporters, aligning with diversification goals.
• The Saudi Investment Authority is to develop an integrated action plan to support national companies in global expansion and measure the impact of events on attracting foreign investment.
• Human Capital Development and Empowerment:
• A central tenet of the Vision is the belief that the most important resource in any nation is its people.
• It places human beings at the heart of the equation, with technology serving as a means for bringing people closer.
• The Abshar platform, a manifestation of digital transformation, facilitates millions of electronic operations for citizens and residents, demonstrating the Saudi mind’s ability to produce solutions for modern needs. This platform is seen as a fruit of a long strategic path towards digitization as a developmental necessity.
• The “Muyassar Mortgage” (facilitated mortgage) program for home ownership is part of the Vision 2030 housing program objectives, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to supporting Saudi families.
• The Social Development Bank’s “Education Financing” product aims to empower students to complete their higher education, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of empowering individuals and investing in human capital.
• The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib College of Knowledge has opened admissions for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, aiming to prepare highly qualified nursing staff and meet national needs for qualified competencies, in line with Vision 2030 objectives in healthcare.
• The World Youth Skills Day highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in and qualifying youth for their pivotal role in comprehensive and sustainable development. The Kingdom offers numerous specialized training programs to equip youth with skills for the labor market, including technical, vocational, and soft skills, and supports entrepreneurship.
• The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the Ministries of Human Resources and Social Development and Education, launched the “One Million Saudi for AI” initiative, a specialized program to equip citizens with AI principles, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of preparing future generations for the digital age. An AI curriculum has also been adopted in general education from 2025-2026.
• Quality of Life and Societal Well-being:
• Vision 2030 aims to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents.
• The medical referral center’s organization is a strategic step to enhance healthcare sector efficiency, support its transformation, and improve patient experience in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
• The Ministry of Culture’s efforts to transform culture into a “way of life” through Vision 2030 aim to enhance taste for beauty, love, and life, contributing to human elevation and coexistence in modern civil societies.
• The Shura Council’s demands for the Ministry of Health to meet patient safety requirements, improve services for the elderly, activate home healthcare, and enhance early cancer detection align with improving quality of life.
• The Shura Council also approved recommendations to intensify oversight on Umrah facilities and encourage non-profit participation to enhance pilgrim services.
• The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies’ participation in international exhibitions and signing MoUs for translation are part of efforts to preserve heritage and enhance national awareness within the Vision 2030 framework.
• Environmental Sustainability:
• The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), a fundamental part of Vision 2030, aims to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and protect the environment.
• It supports the Kingdom’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
• Specific goals include planting 10 billion trees, rehabilitating 40 million hectares of land, improving air quality, and reducing sandstorms.
• The initiative also focuses on developing green infrastructure like the “Riyadh Green” project, increasing green spaces, improving energy efficiency, and protecting wildlife.
• The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture emphasizes integration with military sectors for environmental sustainability and achieving Vision 2030 goals. This includes integrating environmental curricula in military education.
• The development of the livestock sector in the Northern Borders region is aligned with Vision 2030 objectives for sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
• Global Positioning and Innovation:
• Vision 2030 aims to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global center in various fields.
• The hosting of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh is a clear example, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global center for esports, supporting innovation, and empowering young talents. The National Strategy for Gaming and Esports, part of Vision 2030, aims to create 39,000 jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to the national economy by 2030.
• Reachware, a Saudi technology company, is highlighted for its full alignment with Vision 2030 objectives by aiding companies in digital transformation and improving operational efficiency, demonstrating the Vision’s impact on local innovation and global competitiveness.
• The development of the Aseer region as a center for innovation and creativity through initiatives like the “Aseer Tabtaker” hackathon is part of leadership aspirations to achieve Vision 2030.
• The cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop the national atomic energy program supports diversifying the energy mix and achieving sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

Overall, Vision 2030 is consistently portrayed as a strategic framework driving comprehensive economic, social, and environmental transformation in Saudi Arabia, led by its wise leadership, with a strong emphasis on empowering its people and diversifying its economy.

Saudi Vision 2030: A Kingdom Transformed

Saudi Vision 2030 is described as a comprehensive national project and a historical turning point for the Kingdom, aiming for a prosperous and bright future. It has restructured the national economy and is central to the Kingdom’s ambition to transform and diversify its economy and society.

Key aspects and objectives of these economic reforms include:

• Economic Restructuring and Diversification:
• Vision 2030’s core objective is to diversify income sources away from near-total oil dependency.
• This has significantly contributed to enhancing sectors like technology, entertainment, tourism, national industries, and renewable energy.
• These efforts have led to increased income, greater private sector contribution, job creation, and high economic growth rates.
• The National Atomic Energy Program is being developed in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to diversify the energy mix and achieve sustainability, aligning with Vision 2030.
• The Saudi Export Development Authority is tasked with developing a sustainable strategic plan, supported by modern technologies, to support small and medium exporters, which aligns with diversification goals.
• The Saudi Investment Authority is to develop an integrated action plan to support national companies in global expansion and measure the impact of events on attracting foreign investment.
• The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is tasked with developing mechanisms to ensure the use of Saudi products and services in projects, and to coordinate with the Local Content Authority to increase the contribution of local content in Public Investment Fund (PIF) projects, prioritizing national industrial projects in mining sites.
• Employment and Human Capital Development:
• Deep economic reforms have significantly contributed to reducing unemployment rates, with the rate for Saudis falling to 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, a historical low since data monitoring began. The overall unemployment rate was 2.8% in Q1 2025.
• This reduction is a direct result of comprehensive structural reforms that have reshaped the relationship between citizens and jobs, and between the government and private sectors.
• Approximately 143,000 Saudis were employed in Q1 2025, an increase exceeding 90% compared to the same period last year.
• Saudi women’s participation in the labor market has notably increased, exceeding 36%, compared to 19% five years prior.
• This transformation was enabled by smart government interventions such as “Nitaqat” localization programs and direct support from the Human Resources Development Fund (“Hadaf”), which disbursed over 1.8 billion riyals for training, qualification, and employment programs. Qualitative initiatives in vocational education and the expansion of employment-linked training programs have also increased the readiness of Saudi youth for the labor market.
• The Vision believes that the most important resource in any nation is its people, emphasizing human development.
• The Social Development Bank’s “Education Financing” product aims to empower students to complete higher education, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of empowering individuals and investing in human capital.
• The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib College of Knowledge has opened admissions for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, aiming to prepare highly qualified nursing staff and meet national needs for qualified competencies, in line with Vision 2030 objectives in healthcare.
• The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with other ministries, launched the “One Million Saudi for AI” initiative, a specialized program to equip citizens with AI principles, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of preparing future generations for the digital age. An AI curriculum has also been adopted in general education from 2025-2026.
• Quality of Life and Societal Well-being:
• Vision 2030 aims to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents.
• The “Muyassar Mortgage” (facilitated mortgage) program for home ownership is part of the Vision 2030 housing program objectives, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to supporting Saudi families.
• The medical referral center’s organization is a strategic step to enhance healthcare sector efficiency, support its transformation, and improve patient experience in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
• The Ministry of Culture’s efforts to transform culture into a “way of life” through Vision 2030 aim to enhance taste for beauty, love, and life, contributing to human elevation and coexistence in modern civil societies.
• Environmental Sustainability and Green Economy:
• The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), a fundamental part of Vision 2030, aims to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and protect the environment.
• It supports the Kingdom’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 through a circular carbon economy approach.
• Specific goals include planting 10 billion trees, rehabilitating 40 million hectares of land, improving air quality, and reducing sandstorms.
• The initiative also focuses on developing green infrastructure like the “Riyadh Green” project, increasing green spaces, improving energy efficiency, and protecting wildlife.
• The development of the livestock sector in the Northern Borders region is aligned with Vision 2030 objectives for sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
• Global Positioning and Innovation:
• Vision 2030 aims to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global center in various fields.
• The hosting of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh is a clear example, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global center for esports, supporting innovation, and empowering young talents. The National Strategy for Gaming and Esports, part of Vision 2030, aims to create 39,000 jobs and contribute $13.3 billion (or 50 billion riyals) to the national economy by 2030.
• Reachware, a Saudi technology company, is highlighted for its full alignment with Vision 2030 objectives by aiding companies in digital transformation and improving operational efficiency, demonstrating the Vision’s impact on local innovation and global competitiveness.
• The “Abshar” platform, developed by the Ministry of Interior, exemplifies digital transformation, demonstrating the Saudi mind’s ability to produce solutions for modern needs and contributing to development as a strategic necessity.

Overall, the economic reforms under Saudi Vision 2030 represent a deliberate and comprehensive strategy to move beyond oil dependency, foster diverse economic sectors, empower its human capital, improve living standards, and strengthen its global standing, with tangible achievements and indicators acknowledged internationally.

Saudi Healthcare Transformation Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms under Vision 2030 place a significant emphasis on transforming and enhancing healthcare services to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents. This comprehensive national project aims to create a prosperous and bright future, with a core objective of diversifying the economy and society, which includes robust development in the healthcare sector.

Key aspects and objectives of these healthcare reforms include:

• Strategic Objectives and Transformation:
• The organization of the medical referral center is considered a strategic step to enhance healthcare sector efficiency, support its transformation, and improve patient experience, aligning directly with Vision 2030 objectives. The Ministry of Health emphasizes its commitment to continuing the health transformation and providing high-quality healthcare services to build a vital society with thriving health.
• The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing aims to improve the quality of life, which implicitly includes better access to healthcare, though the primary source focuses on housing.
• The Governor of Taif was briefed on efforts to strengthen public health in the governorate, achieve health transformation, provide health information, prevent diseases, and enhance health security, all in line with Vision 2030.
• Human Capital and Workforce Development:
• The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib College of Knowledge has opened admissions for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, aiming to prepare highly qualified nursing staff to meet national needs for qualified competencies. This initiative directly supports Vision 2030’s goals in healthcare by focusing on human development and investing in human capital.
• The Social Development Bank’s “Education Financing” product aims to empower students to complete higher education, including relevant fields like healthcare, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of empowering individuals and investing in human capital.
• The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with other ministries, launched the “One Million Saudi for AI” initiative, a specialized program to equip citizens with AI principles, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of preparing future generations for the digital age. This can indirectly support innovation in medical technology and services.
• Patient Care and Service Quality Improvement:
• The Al-Qassim Health Cluster launched a non-emergency medical transport initiative to facilitate patient access to healthcare facilities. This service aims to improve home health services by providing free, medically equipped transport for patients to attend follow-up appointments and receive treatment sessions, ensuring continuity of care and patient safety.
• The Shoora Council has called upon the Ministry of Health to achieve the basic requirements for patient safety and improve hospital services based on a defined timeline. It also urged the Ministry to broaden healthcare specialties, expand educational and training programs in areas like genetic diseases and therapeutic nutrition, and study separating cleaning and maintenance contracts to align with international best practices.
• Furthermore, the Shoora Council emphasized improving the quality of services for the elderly, activating home healthcare, and enhancing early detection services for cancer and chronic diseases in primary healthcare centers, aiming to increase screening coverage.
• The Al Ihsan Medical Charitable Society in Jazan provided extensive therapeutic and educational services, benefiting nearly 9,000 individuals in Q2 2025. Their projects include transport for kidney failure and blood disorder patients, surgical procedures, providing medical devices to those in need, operating mobile clinics for primary health and education, and early breast cancer detection services. The society emphasizes reaching beneficiaries in their locations and adhering to the highest standards of institutional performance and excellence.
• Public Health and Environmental Linkages:
• The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved marketing authorization for in-vitro diagnostic medical devices used for precise detection of antipsychotic drug concentrations in blood. This medical advancement aims to improve treatment plans for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression by allowing accurate measurement of drug levels, optimizing therapeutic balance, and minimizing side effects. This approval represents a medical breakthrough for the Kingdom and aligns with the Health Sector Transformation Program and Vision 2030, fostering innovation in healthcare.
• A recent Danish study highlighted in the sources indicates that long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of developing brain tumors, specifically meningioma, one of the most common types of central nervous system tumors. This finding supports the hypothesis that air pollution can affect not only the lungs and heart but also the brain, calling for further studies and preventive measures. This underscores the importance of environmental health for overall public well-being.
• The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), a fundamental part of Vision 2030, aims to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and protect the environment. Its goals, such as planting trees, rehabilitating land, and improving air quality, directly contribute to better public health outcomes.
• The development of the livestock sector in the Northern Borders region aims for sustainable agricultural development and national food security. Ensuring food security is a crucial component of public health.
• Services for Pilgrims and Holy Sites:
• In 2024, 187,698 visitors benefited from comprehensive services at the Prophet’s Mosque service center. These services include loaning carts for people with disabilities, guiding the elderly, providing informative publications, communicating with visitors in various languages, offering bracelets for children, and general services to enrich the spiritual experience of pilgrims and visitors, ensuring their comfort and tranquility.
• The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has identified and taken action against seven Umrah companies for violations, specifically housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations. This highlights the Ministry’s continuous oversight efforts to ensure the quality of services and safety of pilgrims, enforcing strict regulations to uphold the rights of beneficiaries.

Overall, the economic reforms under Vision 2030 are driving a profound transformation in healthcare services, focusing on improving patient safety and experience, developing human capital in the medical field, leveraging technology for advanced treatments, and integrating environmental and food security aspects into a holistic approach to public health.

Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030’s Sports & Entertainment Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms under Vision 2030 are driving a significant transformation in the Sports and Entertainment sectors, aiming for economic diversification, job creation, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and residents. This multi-faceted approach encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from hosting global events to fostering local talent and preserving cultural heritage.

Key aspects of this transformation include:

• Electronic Sports (Esports):
• Riyadh is establishing itself as a global hub for esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2025 for the second consecutive year. This event, running from July 7 to August 24, 2025, is described as the largest of its kind globally.
• It features 25 tournaments across 24 popular games, with an unprecedented prize pool exceeding $70 million. Over 2,000 professional players from more than 100 countries and over 200 global clubs participate.
• The event provides a comprehensive entertainment experience at the “Boulevard City” festival area, including interactive activities, live shows, musical events, fireworks, and games for all family members.
• The World Cup enhances Saudi Arabia’s global influence in esports and supports Vision 2030’s goals of empowering young talent, with programs like “Nomadic Esports World Cup” for content creators. It aims to create 39,000 jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to the national economy by 2030.
• The focus on esports is strategic, given that youth under 35 constitute 63-64% of the Saudi population, and there are 640 million gamers worldwide. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), through its Savvy Games Group, has made substantial investments in this sector, including a $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely and forming the ESL FACEIT Group.
• The Saudi Esports Federation, established in 2017, plays a crucial role in developing the local esports ecosystem, fostering professional players, and attracting local and international investments.
• Traditional Sports (Football):
• There is a strong emphasis on developing Saudi football clubs and the national team. Clubs like Al-Ahli are conducting summer training camps and making high-profile international signings (e.g., Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Édouard Mendy, Merih Demiral, Matthias Ginter) to achieve high physical and technical readiness. Other significant signings include Nader Al-Sharari to Al-Nassr and Christopher Bonsu Baah to Al-Qadsiah, which significantly increased Al-Qadsiah’s market value.
• The Ministry of Sports is actively involved in club management, as seen with the appointment of Khalifa Al-Huwaishan as temporary head of Al-Shabab Club.
• The Saudi national team is preparing for the Asian qualifiers playoff draw for the 2026 World Cup, with Saudi Arabia (along with Qatar) hosting group stage matches.
• The sources also touch on the “Super Cup crisis,” where Al-Hilal sought to withdraw due to continuous tournament participation and a perceived lack of support from the football federation, highlighting the need for player rest and recovery.
• The performance of Saudi clubs, such as Al-Hilal’s strong showing in the Club World Cup in America, is lauded as a “Saudi project” reflecting the leadership’s efforts and the future of Saudi sports.
• Cultural and Heritage Tourism:
• Regions like AlUla are being promoted as unique summer tourist destinations, offering a blend of luxury desert hospitality and stunning geological formations in an environment conducive to contemplation and relaxation.
• Namas Province is hosting “Namas Summer 2025” programs, featuring popular heritage activities and folk performances such as “Al-Madqal,” “Al-Ardah,” and “Al-Laab,” drawing significant crowds and enhancing cultural tourism.
• The “Arts Tell Stories” exhibition in Madinah serves as a cultural platform to showcase Saudi heritage through handicrafts, empowering local artisans, and promoting traditional crafts as part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025”. The Ministry of Culture aims to transform culture into a “way of life,” emphasizing arts and literature to enrich society.
• Literary works and discussions, such as those featured in Al-Faisal magazine, explore themes like the transformative experience of travel and cultural identity. The magazine also highlights cultural events like the “Riyadh Book” at the Alhambra Palace in Spain.
• Initiatives like the documentation of Saudi oral history through the Saudi Memory unit also contribute to cultural preservation.
• Cinema and Arts:
• The Saudi cinema industry is experiencing significant growth, with local productions achieving high box office success. Films like “Youth of the Bomb 2,” “Hobal,” “Eyaa Sahab,” and “Al-Zurfa” have garnered impressive revenues and ticket sales, demonstrating the ability of national productions to attract audiences.
• There is a focus on visual arts, with documented movements like “Saudi Fine Art” in Shaqra, which aims to connect individuals with their cultural environment and supports creative talents.
• Innovative art forms, such as “Bio art”, which merges science and art by using biological elements like bacteria to create artworks, are also being explored, with an Egyptian artist, Heba Aziz, highlighted as a pioneer in the Arab world.
• The release of new literary works, including short story collections, novels, and poetry, further enriches the cultural landscape.
• Religious Tourism Services:
• The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah maintains continuous oversight to ensure the quality of services for pilgrims, taking action against companies found violating regulations, particularly concerning housing in unlicensed accommodations.
• Service centers at holy sites like the Prophet’s Mosque provide comprehensive services to visitors, including assistance for people with disabilities, guidance for the elderly, and informative publications, to enhance the spiritual experience and comfort of pilgrims.
• Broader Quality of Life Initiatives:
• Initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) are fundamental to Vision 2030, aiming to combat climate change, improve air quality, and enhance green spaces across the Kingdom. These efforts, such as planting billions of trees and developing “Riyadh Green” projects, directly contribute to creating better environments for leisure and recreational activities.
• Investment in digital transformation and youth empowerment with AI and digital skills (e.g., “One Million Saudi for AI” initiative) forms a crucial foundation for the innovation and development of tech-driven entertainment and smart services across all sectors. The company “Reachware” is also noted for its role in digital transformation, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, which has broader implications for innovation in entertainment technologies.

In summary, Saudi Arabia is actively transforming its sports and entertainment sectors through significant investments, strategic initiatives, and a clear alignment with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, youth empowerment, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Cultural Development and Heritage Revival

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing significant Cultural Development as a core component of Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens and residents. This multifaceted approach encompasses a wide range of initiatives focused on heritage preservation, artistic expression, and cultural tourism.

Key aspects of this cultural transformation include:

• Heritage Preservation and Promotion:
• AlUla is being promoted as a unique summer tourist destination, offering a blend of luxury desert hospitality and stunning geological formations, creating an environment conducive to contemplation and relaxation.
• Namas Province is hosting “Namas Summer 2025” programs, which feature popular heritage activities and folk performances like “Al-Madqal,” “Al-Ardah,” and “Al-Laab”. These events aim to draw significant crowds and enhance cultural tourism.
• The “Arts Tell Stories” exhibition in Madinah serves as a cultural platform to showcase Saudi heritage through handicrafts. This initiative is part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025,” launched by the Ministry of Culture to empower local artisans and promote traditional crafts. The Ministry of Culture aims to transform culture into a “way of life,” emphasizing arts and literature to enrich society.
• In Jazan, the “House of Artisans” (“Beit Al Harafieen”) is actively working to develop the capabilities of Saudi male and female artisans, emphasizing design, marketing, and the preservation of traditional Saudi handicrafts like ” صناعة القعايد” (making seats), “حياكة الطواقي” (knitting hats), and marine shell crafts. This initiative also aims to highlight the beauty of traditional crafts and is part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025”.
• Efforts are also underway to document Saudi oral history through the Saudi Memory unit, a project that seeks to preserve popular heritage by transcribing and archiving recordings.
• Arts and Literature Development:
• The Saudi cinema industry is experiencing significant growth, with local productions achieving high box office success. Films such as “Youth of the Bomb 2,” “Hobal,” “Eyaa Sahab,” and “Al-Zurfa” have garnered impressive revenues and ticket sales, demonstrating the ability of national productions to attract large audiences.
• There is a focus on visual arts, with documented movements like “Saudi Fine Art” in Shaqra, which aims to connect individuals with their cultural environment and support creative talents. Innovative art forms, such as “Bio art,” are also being explored, merging science and art by using biological elements like bacteria to create artworks, with an Egyptian artist, Heba Aziz, highlighted as a pioneer in the Arab world.
• Literary works and discussions are prominently featured in publications like Al-Faisal magazine, which explores themes such as the transformative experience of travel, cultural identity, and the relationship between humans, place, and meaning. The magazine also highlights cultural events like the “Riyadh Book” at the Alhambra Palace in Spain. The release of new literary works, including short story collections, novels, and poetry, further enriches the cultural landscape.
• Cultural partnerships are also key, as exemplified by the agreement between the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Qassim and the Unaizah Theater Association. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation and integration between the two entities in executing cultural and artistic programs, organize workshops, and support creative talents, enriching the cultural scene in the Qassim region.

These initiatives collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem that celebrates its heritage, promotes diverse artistic expressions, and contributes to the overall quality of life and economic diversification goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabian Affairs and Global Insights

Here are the titles of all columns written in the newspaper and their first two paragraphs of detail:

• كلـمة
• This column discusses a phone call between the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Abdullah bin Farhan bin Faisal Al Saud, and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, regarding security developments in the region, including Israeli attacks on the Syrian Arab Republic.
• The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Muhammad Jassim Al Budaiwi, expressed strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on the territories of the Syrian Arab Republic, which he stated constitute a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and international laws and norms, posing a serious threat to regional security and stability.
• »أبشر«.. حكاية وطن
• This column discusses the “Absher” electronic platform, chosen by the Ministry of Interior for its comprehensive services. It describes “Absher” as a name derived from a deep linguistic sense, embodying sagacity and emotional intelligence in selecting a descriptive meaning that has made it an icon for its many services.
• Absher provides grand services to all its users, including citizens, residents, institutions, and various entities. The column states that the name and its expressions recall the finest Arabic vocabulary from memory, promising not only service but also confirming that humans will remain at the heart of the equation, and technology will remain a means for bringing closer, not for alienation.
• وزارة الخارجية يبحث مع نظيره التركي الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية على سورية
• This column, titled “Foreign Minister discusses Israeli aggressions on Syria with his Turkish counterpart,” details a phone call between the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Abdullah bin Farhan bin Faisal Al Saud, and the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where they discussed security developments in the region, including Israeli aggressions on the territories of the Syrian Arab Republic.
• The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Muhammad Jassim Al Budaiwi, expressed strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on the territories of the Syrian Arab Republic, which he stated constitute a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and international laws and norms, posing a serious threat to regional security and stability.
• عبدالعزيز بن سلمان يبحث مع غروسي مستجدات برنامج الطاقة الذرية
• This column notes that His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, received yesterday in Riyadh, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi.
• The meeting discussed topics of common interest, developments achieved in cooperation with the agency, the national nuclear energy program, and ways to enhance technical cooperation and apply the highest international standards for nuclear safety and security.
• الرهن الميسر.. استقرار 114.64 ألف أسرة
• This column states that the Council of Ministers approved the extension of the “Easy Mortgage” program for three years. It praises this decision, clarifying that the program contributes to increasing the value of financing received by beneficiaries to reach 95% of the total price of the housing unit, provided its price does not exceed 800 thousand riyals.
• This allows the beneficiary the opportunity to own a housing unit under construction or a ready housing unit within diverse financing options and solutions that meet their needs and are commensurate with their financial capabilities for ownership.
• الإصلاحات الاقتصادية تعزز خفض معدلات البطالة
• This column attributes the economic reforms implemented by the Kingdom over the past years to a positive outcome that contributed to reducing unemployment rates, which reached 6.3% for Saudis in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2024, according to labor market statistics released by the General Authority for Statistics.
• This decrease is considered a historical achievement for the Kingdom since unemployment rates began to be monitored, with the total unemployment rate reaching 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025.
• سقوط 20 شهيدًا أمام مراكز المساعدات في غزة
• This column reports that field sources stated the martyrdom of 20 Palestinians due to stampedes and suffocation from tear gas grenades during their attempts to reach a humanitarian aid distribution point, adding to the grim record of violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip.
• According to eyewitnesses, citizens rushed from long distances through a narrow corridor yesterday morning as aid distribution began, before American forces closed the gate and fired toxic gas and pepper spray, leading to mass suffocation amidst severe overcrowding.
• عمار أبوشعالة يحي وزنة سعيد الزهراني (This is a list of names, not a column title)
• No specific column details are associated with these names as a heading.
• ثقافة اليوم (This is a section title, not a column)
• No specific column details are associated with this section title.
• ريتشوير »Reachware« ومواءمة كاملة مع مستهدفات الرؤية
• This column quotes Engineer Hamza Abu Setta, co-founder and CEO of Reachware, who affirmed that Saudi Vision 2030, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has been a historic turning point.
• He further explained that Vision 2030 was not just a development plan, but a comprehensive national project that restructured the national economy and freed it from almost complete dependence on oil by diversifying income sources and strengthening sectors such as technology, entertainment, tourism, national industries, and renewable energy.
• المهندس/ حمزة أبو ستة (This is a personal message, not a column)
• No specific column details are associated with this name.
• اإلصالحات الاقتصادية عميقة عززت خفض معدالت البطالة بالمملكة
• This column reiterates that the deep economic reforms implemented by the Kingdom in recent years have yielded positive results, contributing to a reduction in unemployment rates, which reached 6.3% for Saudis in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2024.
• This reduction is considered a historical low for unemployment rates in the Kingdom since data collection began. The overall unemployment rate stood at 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025.
• الرياض عاصمة الرياضات اإللكترونية
• This column highlights that Riyadh, the Saudi capital, is hosting the Esports World Cup 2025 for the second consecutive year. This event is described as the largest of its kind in the history of the growing sector, taking place from July 7 to August 24, 2025, embodying Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforcing its position as a global center for esports.
• The championship is the largest of its kind globally, featuring 25 tournaments covering 24 popular esports games, with an unprecedented prize pool exceeding 70 million US dollars.
• الذهب يستعيد مكاسبه مع تراجع الدوالر
• This column reports that gold prices recovered their gains on Wednesday, recouping some of their losses from previous sessions, supported by a decline in the US dollar and bond yields, while investors absorbed US consumer price data for the past month.
• Spot gold prices rose by 0.5% to reach $3,339.88 per ounce, and US gold futures increased by 0.3% to $3,346.70.
• مجلس التعاون يبحث استكمال مشروع السكك الحديدية الخليجية
• This column states that the GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, confirmed that GCC countries, through their technical committees, are keen to complete the railway project as planned to achieve further development and prosperity for their peoples.
• This came during a meeting yesterday in Riyadh, at the General Secretariat headquarters, to review the developments of the GCC railway project, with the participation of senior officials from the General Secretariat and the Director-General of the Gulf Railway Authority and its team.
• النفط يرتفع وسط آمال تحسن الطلب رغم بطء النمو الاقتصادي
• This column reports that oil prices rose yesterday, Wednesday, supported by expectations of increased summer demand in major consumer countries like the United States and China, despite warnings from analysts about slower global economic growth, which limited gains.
• Brent crude futures rose by 36 cents, or 0.5%, to $69.07 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures increased by 47 cents, or 0.9%, to $66.99.
• المحامي عادل رشيد المالكي (This is a personal signature, not a column)
• No specific column details are associated with this name.
• د. خالد الخضري (This is a personal signature, not a column)
• No specific column details are associated with this name.
• دور الثقافة في الوعي اإلنساني
• This column emphasizes that culture is one of the most important pillars that shape human identity, both individual and collective, and it is the philosophy that builds consciousness. It contributes to a deep reflection on this human phenomenon, its roots, and its impact on shaping thought and knowledge.
• It poses the question: “It does not suffice to describe cultural practices, but rather transcends them to ask: what does it mean to be cultural beings? And how do language, art, customs, and religion influence our worldview?” It highlights that the philosophy of culture emphasizes that culture is not a luxury, but a necessity.
• شباك التذاكر.. حين تروى الحكاية بلهجة سعودية
• This column discusses the strong presence of Saudi cinema at the local box office, with national productions proving their ability to attract audiences and achieve record-breaking numbers.
• The year 2025 saw fierce competition among several Saudi films, led by “Youth of the Bomb 2,” which garnered over 27.2 million riyals in revenue within 14 weeks of its screening, selling over 603,000 tickets, thus maintaining its position at the top of this year’s best-selling list.
• فنـون بصريـة من خـلال ملتقيات شقراء الفنية..
• This column highlights the “Arts Tell Stories” exhibition in Madinah, a cultural platform that narrates authentic stories through Saudi handicrafts.
• This initiative is part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025,” launched by the Ministry of Culture, aiming to empower local artisans and promote traditional crafts.
• محمد الحسيني يوثق »الفن التشكيلي السعودي«
• This column describes a new book by Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Husseini, titled “Saudi Fine Art: Through Shaqra Art Forums,” which documents a unique journey of Saudi fine art that began in Shaqra.
• Al-Husseini’s work compiles unique historical points of Saudi fine art in Shaqra, a city whose cultural and artistic landmarks are drawn on the pages of this book, serving as a witness to and documentation of its continuous creative pulse.
• د. حسان صبحي حسان* »الفن الحيوي Bio art« والتناغم بين العلم والفن
• This column explores modern concepts in art, specifically “Bio art,” which emerged from attempts to present contemporary visions related to culture and identity, rooted in the analysis and exploration of natural phenomena.
• It highlights the convergence of art with scientific advancements in fields like analytical and observational chemistry and physics, and the structures of diverse natural phenomena in terms of form and dynamic interaction, resulting in a harmonious development of the artist’s interaction with their environment.
• مختارات
• This column features a selection of poetic excerpts from various poets, introduced by a personal reflection from the writer.
• The writer explains that the choice to present these selections, which are deeply creative and enjoyable, is not just because it’s summer and they are in a small town enjoying the sea, but because their heart is heavy with worries and sorrows, inviting readers to share in this feeling through the chosen poems.
• قيلولة بيكاسو
• This column discusses the importance of a short nap for human well-being, especially around noon, as it recharges energy, enhances mental alertness, and boosts productivity and creativity.
• It notes that Saudi individuals often fail to take this short nap, which ideally should be around 30 minutes, or less, precisely because the body’s biological clock slows down during this time, often after lunch.
• حياة ذات معنى
• This column explores the ancient yet ever-present human question: what is the meaning of life, and how do we live a purposeful life? It suggests that Benjamin Franklin’s humanistic philosophy provides a practical and realistic guide to the relationship between the individual and their existence.
• Franklin, who lived in the 18th century, was not merely a theoretical philosopher but a creator of life, translating values into daily habits and ideas into actions.
• السرقة العلمية
• This column discusses how Islam, our noble religion, emphasizes the preservation of others’ possessions, both tangible and intangible, and forbids aggression against them.
• It highlights that while physical theft is a serious and forbidden crime, the theft of ideas and intellectual property is even more grave, violating ethical standards and academic integrity.
• التمسك بالتي هي أحسن
• This column asserts that “goodness” is a profound word that captivates its listener, a comprehensive concept that aligns with sound reason, and a lexical root whose derivations all revolve around yielding to it.
• It further states that good morals are commendable legally, rationally, customarily, and systematically; they serve as guidance and deterrence from evil deeds, capable of refining souls and elevating the values of human dignity.
• خالد الربيش عبدهللا الحسين نوال الجبر صالح الحماد عبدالرحمن الدهييم (These are names, not a column title)
• No specific column details are associated with these names.
• الملك سلمان.. ذاكرة الرياض
• This column discusses how Riyadh, the Saudi capital, is witnessing the second edition of the Esports World Cup these days, a global event considered the largest and most prominent of its kind worldwide in terms of participants and prize money.
• The Esports World Cup activities will last for seven weeks, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, with the participation of over 2000 professional players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries.
• فخ التأجيل
• This column explores how individuals often fall into the trap of delaying life, waiting for ideal circumstances, believing that their true lives will only begin and improve when things are perfect and their financial situations are settled.
• It questions whether life truly stops, or if that moment of perfection may never arrive, arguing that the belief in waiting itself is a prison that constrains individuals, wastes the precious present moment, and hinders real living.
• قضايا الاحتيال المالي.. جريمة تتجدد
• This column states that financial fraud has become one of the most dangerous crimes in an era of rapid technological advancements and complex financial transactions, threatening societal trust and draining the national economy.
• Therefore, Saudi systems have responded with advanced legislative and judicial frameworks to confront this crime, adopting a robust regulatory vision that considers both current realities and future prospects.
• الخلافات الزوجية اختبار أم إنذار؟
• This column observes that in the early stages of a marital relationship, everything often appears vibrant and full of hope, characterized by great expectations of intimacy and intense interaction.
• However, many couples are soon met with a series of recurring conflicts, even after just two or three days post-marriage, leading to arguments where voices are raised and expectations are dashed, making it seem as if the relationship is deteriorating before it even has a chance to grow.
• مراعاة المشاعر
• This column states that the Islamic religion encourages kindness, which increases love and affection among people and fosters harmony and understanding between hearts.
• It defines “consideration of feelings” as not intentionally hurting someone’s feelings with harsh words.
• المبادرة السعودية الخضراء
• This column highlights that the Kingdom is undergoing rapid development in all fields towards a bright and prosperous future, achieved through numerous ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
• These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors, from economy and development to environment and society. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz plays a pivotal role in leading the nation’s progress and prosperity.
• الأهلي يالقي تيرول الجمعة
• This column reports on the preparations of Al-Ahli football club’s first team, which are progressing rapidly in the Austrian city of Leogang.
• Star players like Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Édouard Mendy, Merih Demiral, and Matthias Ginter have joined the team in anticipation of the new 2025-2026 sports season.
• النصر يتعاقد مع شراري الشباب
• This column states that Al-Nassr club officially signed a three-year contract with player Nader Al-Sharari, as a free transfer after he entered his six-month free agency period.
• Al-Sharari expressed his pride on his X account, stating, “Oh fans of the Global (Al-Nassr), the Al-Nassr shirt means a lot to me, and you will see nothing from me and my teammates but what pleases you, God willing. I am very proud of this great day and this great entity, and today I am a Nassrawi”.
• وزارة الرياضة تكلف الهويشان برئاسة الشباب
• This column reports that the Ministry of Sports has appointed Khalifa Al-Huwaishan, the current CEO, as the temporary head of Al-Shabab Club until the beginning of the new season, following the resignation of Muhammad Al-Manjem.
• Al-Shabab club issued a statement on X confirming that the Ministry of Sports’ decision to appoint Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Manjem as chairman of the board of directors was based on paragraph (6) of Article (36) of the basic regulations for sports clubs.
• بونسو يرفع القيمة السوقية للقادسية
• This column states that Al-Qadsiah club announced yesterday, Wednesday, the signing of a new contract with Ghanaian player Christopher Bonsu Baah, who arrived from Belgian club Genk, with a contract extending until 2029.
• The market value of player Christopher Bonsu Baah is 7.5 million Euros, which significantly boosts Al-Qadsiah’s market value to over 78 million Euros, an increase of approximately 10 million Euros from its market value last season.
• الخليج يتعاقد مع “بطل الدوري البلجيكي”
• This column reports that Al-Khaleej Club announced yesterday, Wednesday, the official signing with Moroccan player Anouar Ait El Hadj, in a contract extending until 2027.
• Ait El Hadj played 52 matches with Saint-Gilloise club last season, contributing to their victory in the Belgian league title.
• الأخضر يترقب قرعة الملحق الآسيوي اليوم
• This column reports that the Saudi national football team is awaiting the playoff draw for the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place today, Thursday.
• The headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will host the draw for the Asian playoff of the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
• زامر: كرة القدم في ألمانيا فقدت هويتها
• This column quotes Matthias Sammer, a former German national football team star, who stated that football in his country has lost its identity, urging an end to the marketing of average performance as world-class.
• Sammer, who won the European Championship with Germany in 1996 and later worked as a coach in the Bundesliga and as a sporting director for the German Football Association, told “Kicker” magazine yesterday, Monday, that his country no longer benefits from the balance between innovation and ideas that were once the foundation of its football, losing its fundamental strength.
• “فيفا” يسلط الضوء على خمسة لاعبين واعدين في المونديال
• This column reports that the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States concluded after Chelsea won the title for the first time under the new 32-team format.
• Chelsea defeated French club Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final, drawing the curtain on the first edition under the new system, whose second edition will be held in 2029.
• الهلال مشروع سعودي
• This column praises Al-Hilal club, describing it as a “Saudi project” that successfully presented the true image of Saudi football to the world in its most splendid form.
• It celebrates Al-Hilal’s ability to overcome and defeat the biggest clubs in the world, asserting that what the “leader” achieved in America exceeded all expectations and painted a bright present and future for Saudi sports, thanks to the diligent efforts of the wise leadership.
• بالمختصر المفيد
• This column recounts that when summer approaches or arrives, clubs from the Roshen League and even the Yelo League begin to travel to Europe for training camps in preparation for the new season.
• It notes that some teams maintain their previous technical and administrative staff, while others embark on a new experience with a new technical director.
• حسين الحبشي: مرضي أقعدني عن زيارة عصام في المستشفى
• This column features Hussein Al-Habshi’s apology for not visiting his long-time friend Essam after he appeared in a video clip lamenting Al-Habshi’s absence during his illness.
• Al-Habshi explains that their friendship dates back over 40 years, and that upon seeing the video, he visited Essam at home and offered his apologies, explaining that his own health condition, including recent chest problems and surgery, prevented him from visiting.
• الُعال.. سياحة صيفية
• This column highlights AlUla province as a unique summer destination offering visitors a complete tourism experience that combines luxury desert hospitality with the splendor of geological formations.
• It describes AlUla as a natural environment rich in diversity, embodying the ancient civilizations that have succeeded on its land for thousands of years.
• صيف النماص.. أجواء ترفيهية وثقافية
• This column reports that Namas province is witnessing a remarkable influx of visitors and vacationers this season, flocking to its popular traditional events and folklore villages.
• These events are organized as part of the “Namas Summer 2025” programs, offering various performances of ancient folk arts like “Al-Madqal,” “Al-Ardah,” and “Al-Laab” across the province’s tourism sites, amidst entertaining and cultural atmospheres.
• إيقاف سبع شركات عمرة مخالفة لنظام التسكين
• This column reports that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has identified violations by seven licensed Umrah companies related to housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations.
• This is part of the ministry’s ongoing oversight efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims.
• المملكة تسجل سبقًا طبيًا في خطط عالج الذهان
• This column announces that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority has approved the marketing authorization for innovative diagnostic medical devices based on biotechnology.
• These devices are used for precise detection of antipsychotic drug concentrations in the blood, including Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Aripiprazole, Clozapine, and Risperidone.
• الهواء الملوث يزيد خطر اإلصابة بأورام الدماغ
• This column reports on a recent study conducted by Danish researchers which revealed that prolonged exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of developing meningioma, one of the most common types of tumors in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain.
• The specialized journal “Neurology” mentioned that researchers from the Danish Cancer Institute reached this conclusion after analyzing data from nearly 4 million individuals over 21 years.

Saudi Affairs and Global Concerns

Here are all the headings from the newspaper and their first two paragraphs of detail, as found in the sources:

• Minister of Foreign Affairs discusses Israeli aggressions on Syria with his Turkish counterpart
• His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Farhan bin Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call yesterday with His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. During the call, developments in the region were discussed, including the Israeli aggressions on Syria.
• From his side, His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council, Professor Muhammad Jassim Al-Budaiwi, expressed his strongest condemnation and denunciation of the repeated Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on the lands of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, which represent a flagrant violation of the Republic’s sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms.
• Abshar.. A Nation’s Story
• The Ministry of Interior chose “Abshar,” a name born from a refined linguistic sense, keen intelligence, and emotional wisdom that selected the matching connotation for its numerous services that made it an icon for identity, not just a slogan.
• Is there anyone among us who does not benefit from the great services offered by the “Abshar” platform to all its users, citizens and residents, individuals, institutions, and various entities? The naming and its expressions have brought forth from our Arabic memory the finest of its vocabulary; “Abshar” is not just a promise of service, but a promise that humans will remain at the heart of the equation, and that technology will remain a means for bringing people closer, not for alienation.
• Abdulaziz bin Salman discusses atomic energy program updates with Grossi
• His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, received yesterday in Riyadh the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi.
• During the meeting, they discussed topics of common interest, developments in the national atomic energy program, and what has been achieved in cooperation with the agency.
• The Facilitated Mortgage.. Stability for 114.64 thousand families
• The Council of Ministers approved the extension of the “Facilitated Mortgage” program for a period of three years, appreciating that the program contributes to raising the value of financing obtained by the beneficiary to reach 95% of the total price of the housing unit, provided its price does not exceed 800,000 Saudi Riyals. This allows the beneficiary the opportunity to own a housing unit under construction or a ready housing unit within diverse financing options and solutions that meet their needs and are compatible with their financing capabilities for ownership.
• A number of officials and specialists also confirmed that this decision reflects the keenness of the wise leadership – may God protect it – to support and enable Saudi families to facilitate their journey of owning their first home within supportive programs and diverse financing solutions. The Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, via his verified account on the social media site, said: “The program has eased the burden of the down payment for housing support beneficiaries, and facilitated the ownership of the first home for more than 114.64 thousand Saudi families, as part of the Housing Program’s objectives”.
• Shura Council demands intensified oversight of Umrah establishments
• The Shura Council demanded intensified oversight of Umrah establishments in coordination with relevant internal and external authorities.
• The Shura Council also approved recommendations from its Hajj and Housing Committee, calling for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to intensify oversight of Umrah establishments, both domestic and foreign, in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Economic reforms enhance unemployment rate reduction
• The deep economic reforms that the Kingdom has witnessed over the past years have resulted in positive outcomes that contributed to reducing unemployment rates, which recorded 6.3% for Saudis in the first quarter of 2025, with a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to the first quarter of the same year, according to the labor market statistics revealed by the General Authority for Statistics.
• This decrease is considered a historical low for the Kingdom in unemployment rates since the monitoring of these data began. Furthermore, the overall unemployment rate in the Kingdom reached 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025.
• 20 martyrs fall in front of aid centers in Gaza
• Field sources reported a new crime added to the record of violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip, with the martyrdom of 20 Palestinians due to stampedes and suffocation from tear gas grenades during their attempts to reach a humanitarian aid distribution point.
• According to eyewitnesses, yesterday morning, citizens rushed from long distances through a narrow passage as aid distribution began, before American forces closed the gate and fired poisonous gas and pepper gas bombs, leading to mass suffocation cases amidst severe overcrowding.
• Faisal bin Mishal witnesses signing of cultural agreement
• His Royal Highness Prince Mishal bin Faisal, Governor of Al-Qassim region, sponsored yesterday at his office in the Emirate’s Diwan the signing of a partnership agreement between the Saudi Association for Culture and Arts in Al-Qassim and the Theater Association in Unaizah, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and integration between the two parties in implementing cultural and artistic programs in the region, in the presence of the Governor of Unaizah, Saud Al-Sulaim.
• The agreement was signed by Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Director of the Culture and Arts Association branch, and Ahmed Al-Humaididi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Unaizah Theater Association.
• Review of environment plans before Tabuk Governor
• His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk region, received yesterday at his office in the Emirate, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Musaiteer, and a number of ministry leaders.
• During the reception, the ministry’s plans and ongoing projects in the region were reviewed, along with the services it provides to beneficiaries and other projects currently being implemented.
• Saud bin Nayef praises anti-drug efforts
• His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, honored yesterday at his office in the Emirate’s Diwan, the Director of Drug Control in the Eastern Province, Brigadier General Maqqad bin Faisal Al-Otaibi, and a number of officers and individuals from the directorate.
• This recognition was in appreciation of the distinguished efforts they made and the quality achievements they attained in combating the scourge of drugs during the past period.
• Jazan Governor visits Artisans’ House
• His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jazan region, visited yesterday the Artisans’ House at the headquarters of the Heritage Authority in the governorate. This visit comes within the Authority’s efforts to preserve cultural wealth and develop traditional handicrafts.
• His Highness reviewed various programs and training workshops offered by the Artisans’ House, which aim to develop the capabilities of Saudi male and female artisans, and to highlight the beauty of Saudi handicrafts by training them on how to preserve the authenticity of the crafts themselves.
• Deputy Governor of Riyadh meets Mexican Ambassador
• His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh region, received yesterday at his office in Riyadh, the Ambassador of the Republic of Mexico to the Kingdom, Anibal Gomez Toledo, who came to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his term.
• His Highness thanked Ambassador Anibal Gomez for the efforts he made during his tenure, wishing him success.
• Taif Governor briefed on health efforts
• His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Taif, received yesterday at his office the Executive Director of the General Health Authority in the Western Sector, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saeed Asiri, and a delegation from the General Health Authority in the Western Sector and the General Health Authority office in Taif.
• During the meeting, His Highness was briefed on the efforts of the Authority and its role in enhancing public health in Taif Governorate, and the Authority’s objectives for health protection and improvement, in line with Vision 2030, and providing health information to support achieving health security.
• Saud bin Jalawi briefed on media activities in Makkah Al-Mukarramah
• His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, received yesterday at his office the Director General of the Ministry of Media branch in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, Abdulkhaliq bin Abdullah Al-Zahrani.
• During the meeting, His Highness listened to an explanation about the branch’s work and activities in the governorate. He also reviewed the branch’s efforts to highlight the development and progress witnessed by the governorate in all fields, thanks to the unlimited support from the wise leadership – may God protect it.
• Najran Governor receives Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque
• His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Najran region, received yesterday at his office the Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Abdullah Al-Juhani.
• His Highness welcomed Sheikh Al-Juhani, wishing him success in his visit to the region. From his side, the Imam of the Grand Mosque expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Governor of Najran region for the warm reception, asking Allah Almighty to perpetuate security and safety for this blessed country.
• The Mufti receives Ifta Commissioner in Makkah and a number of officials
• His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, President of the Council of Senior Scholars and the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, received yesterday at the presidency’s headquarters in Taif, the Commissioner for Ifta in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, Dr. Mohammed Bazmool, and the Director General of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta branch in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Shakir Al-Zahrani.
• His Eminence reviewed the works and initiatives implemented by the branch for the past year and received the final report of the branch for the past year.
• Al-Jalajel thanks leadership for medical referrals regulation decision
• His Excellency the Minister of Health, Fahd Al-Jalajel, expressed his gratitude and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers – may God protect them – on the occasion of the Council of Ministers’ decision to approve the regulation of the medical referral center.
• His Excellency explained that this blessed approval comes as an extension of the wise leadership’s keenness – may God protect it – on human health, and an embodiment of its keenness to enhance the efficiency of the health sector and support its transformation journey, which contributes to improving the beneficiary’s experience, facilitating access to services, and raising the efficiency and quality of healthcare, within the objectives of Vision 2030.
• Al-Sudais launches “Meaningful Visit” initiative for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque
• His Excellency the President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, launched yesterday the “Meaningful Visit” initiative, at the branch headquarters in Madinah, in the presence of a number of His Excellency the Scholars and officials.
• This initiative comes under the supervision of the General Department of the Visit, coinciding with the influx of pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques; and aims to enrich their religious experience through guiding and awareness content carefully prepared, taking into account the needs of visitors and contributing to magnifying their rituals.
• Enhancing partnership between Ministry of Environment and military sectors
• The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture emphasized that achieving integration between the “Environment” system and its authorities, and education and training in the military sectors, represents a vital step and a fundamental pillar for environmental sustainability.
• This was stated during a workshop titled “Achieving Integration between the Environment Agency and Military Sectors” organized by the Ministry yesterday in Riyadh, in the presence of the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Dr. Osama Faqih, the Assistant Secretary-General for International Affairs and Climate, and a number of leaders of education and training in the military sectors.
• Shura Council demands Health Ministry to meet basic patient safety requirements
• The Shura Council demanded that the Ministry of Health achieve the basic requirements for patient safety in all its hospitals according to a specified timetable, and raise the level of health services for humans, and expand in health specializations in coordination with the Saudi Health Authority.
• The Council, in the same decision, called on the Ministry to align regulations and bylaws with environmental health practices and waste treatment, demanding that it study the separation of cleaning and maintenance contracts in its facilities according to best international practices.
• Launch of non-emergency medical transport in Qassim
• Al-Qassim Health Cluster launched the non-emergency medical transport initiative for home healthcare beneficiaries, with the aim of facilitating patients’ access to health facilities and providing integrated therapeutic care that meets their needs in their homes.
• Al-Qassim Health Cluster explained that the initiative targets non-emergency patients who are able to use ordinary transport means for their condition, where they are transported by medically equipped vehicles or cars from their homes to hospitals to attend follow-up clinics or scheduled appointments, ensuring the continuity of therapeutic care and their safety.
• 187 thousand beneficiaries from the Prophet’s Mosque services center
• 187,698 visitors from various nationalities benefited from the comprehensive services provided by the Prophet’s Mosque Services Center in its courtyards during 2024, as part of the services provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque to serve worshipers and visitors.
• The comprehensive services centers are considered one of the most prominent initiatives prepared to serve visitors, to achieve direct field communication with visitors in the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque and serve them by providing guidance in their various languages, as part of efforts to improve services and facilities, and develop the environment, human resources, and procedures system, and create a professional work environment that contributes to providing various services to visitors in one location, which enhances and achieves attention to the Guests of Rahman and the highest degrees of satisfaction.
• Launch of Aseer Innovates hackathon
• The Aseer Region Development Authority launched the “Aseer Innovates” hackathon, in partnership with a number of governmental entities, as part of the Authority’s efforts to achieve the objectives of Aseer Region Strategy, and enhance the region’s position as a center for innovation and creativity in various fields.
• The “Aseer Innovates” hackathon aims to invest the energies of youth and national talents in providing innovative digital solutions aligned with the three pillars of the “Qimam” strategy: human, land, and economy, by attracting teams to develop technical projects that contribute to facing challenges and creating a better future for the region.
• Improving the quality of facilities in the Eastern Province
• In a qualitative step that reflects the integration between concerned authorities to achieve sustainable development, the General Administration of Parks and Environmental Architecture at the Ministry’s Real Estate Development Agency held a coordination meeting with the aim of stimulating and developing the proposed residential environment. This comes within the framework of the “Improving Quality of Life” initiative, which aims to improve the environmental footprint and enhance the quality of public facilities within the residential track.
• The meeting was chaired by Eng. Sultan Al-Shatwi, Director General of Parks and Environmental Architecture, in the presence of a number of representatives of the Real Estate Development Agency and specialized work teams.
• Education financing to support students academically
• The Social Development Bank launched the “Education Financing” product, which aims to enable students to complete their post-secondary education through innovative digital financing solutions that contribute to expanding access to knowledge and providing financial support for ambitious students at the diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
• This product comes within the bank’s efforts aimed at achieving integration between educational and financing entities to provide a unified digital gateway for students to complete their procedures and applications with ease and speed. This begins with verifying financial and academic eligibility, leading to direct disbursement of financing to accredited educational institutions.
• Nine thousand beneficiaries from Al-Ihsan Medical in Jazan
• The Al-Ihsan Medical Charitable Association in Jazan provided its therapeutic and educational services during the second quarter of this year 2025 to 8,952 male and female beneficiaries from the association’s main projects.
• The Secretary-General of the association, Ismail bin Muhammad Al-Hazmi, explained that the “Safar” project for kidney disease and blood disease patients carried out 5,487 trips to transport patients from their homes to specialized centers for dialysis and blood diseases. Through the “Shafa’” project, 272 surgical procedures were performed for patients in need. The “Sanad” project provided 116 devices to patients in need in their homes.
• Northern Environment discusses developing livestock
• The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the Northern Borders region held a coordination meeting yesterday with a number of livestock breeders and marketers, in the presence of representatives of the Environment, Water and Agriculture Committee in the Chamber of Commerce in the region.
• The meeting discussed the most prominent challenges facing the livestock sector in the region, in addition to reviewing a number of proposed initiatives that would support local production and enhance the efficiency of markets, in line with Vision 2030 objectives for achieving sustainable agricultural development.
• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib College of Knowledge opens admission for Bachelor of Science in Nursing program starting today
• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib College of Knowledge announced the opening of admission for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for female students through its electronic website, starting today, and receiving applications will continue until the ninth of August 2025.
• His Excellency Dr. Munir bin Marsed Al-Mutairi, Dean of the College, affirmed that all preparations have been completed to receive female students, adding that the college aims to prepare nursing cadres at a high level of scientific and clinical qualification, in line with modern scientific frameworks and national aspirations to provide comprehensive healthcare for the individual and society.
• Youth Skills Day.. Encouragement and Empowerment
• The Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, participates in the World Youth Skills Day, highlighting on this day the importance of empowering youth with the necessary skills for the labor market and entrepreneurship. This day, celebrated annually on July 15, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2014, and the first official celebration began on July 15, 2015.
• The goal is to enhance the capabilities of young people in education, technical and vocational training, and link them with decent work opportunities, as well as highlighting the importance of empowering young people with the necessary skills for employment, and the theme of the 2025 World Youth Skills Day is “Empowering Youth through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills”.
• Reachware: Innovative national solutions support digital transformation and align with Vision 2030 objectives
• In a special interview with Engineer Hamza Abu Sittah, the co-founder and CEO of Reachware, he confirmed that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers – may God protect him – constituted a historical turning point that translates the Kingdom’s path into tangible achievements and development indicators recognized by the international community.
• At the beginning of his speech, Engineer Hamza extended his sincerest congratulations and blessings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on the continuous successes achieved during the past few years, affirming that what has been achieved today indicates a sharp vision and a forward-looking perspective inherited from his grandfather, the founding King Abdulaziz – may God rest his soul – and from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may God protect him.
• Deep economic reforms enhanced unemployment rate reduction in the Kingdom
• The deep economic reforms that the Kingdom has witnessed over the past years have resulted in positive outcomes that contributed to reducing unemployment rates, which recorded 6.3% for Saudis in the first quarter of 2025, with a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to the first quarter of the same year, according to the labor market statistics revealed by the General Authority for Statistics.
• This decrease is considered a historical low for the Kingdom in unemployment rates since the monitoring of these data began. Furthermore, the overall unemployment rate in the Kingdom reached 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025.
• Riyadh, Capital of Esports
• The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is hosting for the second consecutive year the Esports World Cup 2025, the largest event in the history of this growing sector, which will be held from July 7 to August 24, 2025. This event embodies Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthens its position as a global center for e-sports, confirming its commitment to supporting innovation and empowering young talents.
• The tournament is considered the largest of its kind globally, whether in terms of the number of tournaments, which includes 25 tournaments covering 24 official e-sports games, or in terms of the value of financial prizes, which exceed 70 million US dollars, or in terms of the number of players, which includes the participation of more than 2000 professional players from 100 countries representing more than 200 global clubs.
• Mecca Hotels.. The golden segment is busy and shared accommodations are most in demand
• A field survey conducted by “Al-Riyadh” of five hotel locations in Makkah Al-Mukarramah revealed that shared accommodations, known as “hostels” abroad, are the most sought-after hotel option, even before discounted rooms.
• The survey clarified that private rooms are the second option, followed by hotel suites, and then family apartments, with the launch of the Umrah season and the influx of pilgrims from within the Kingdom and Arab Gulf countries.
• Gold recovers gains as dollar falls
• Gold prices recovered yesterday, Wednesday, recouping some of the losses incurred in previous sessions, supported by a decline in the US dollar and bond yields, while investors digested US consumer price data for last month. They are awaiting more clarity on the trade policy of US President Donald Trump.
• Spot gold prices rose by 0.5% to reach $2,339.88 per ounce. US gold futures rose by 0.3% to reach $2,346.70.
• Cooperation Council discusses completing Gulf railway project
• His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States, Mr. Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the Cooperation Council states, through their technical committees, are keen to complete the railway project in the Council states as planned, to achieve more development and prosperity for their peoples.
• This came during His Excellency’s presence at the meeting held yesterday at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh to review the latest developments of the Gulf railway project, with the participation of senior officials from the General Secretariat, the Director General of the Gulf Railways Authority, and its concerned team.
• Oil rises amid hopes of improved demand despite slow economic growth
• Oil prices rose yesterday, Wednesday, supported by expectations of increased summer demand in the largest consuming countries, the United States and China, despite warnings from analysts about broader economic slowdowns that limited gains.
• Prices fluctuated within a narrow range throughout the day as indicators of stable demand for the summer in the northern hemisphere competed with concerns that US tariffs on trading partners would slow economic growth and fuel consumption.
• Adjustment of supply and demand balances with a decrease in OPEC+ crude
• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) adjusted its supply-demand balances yesterday, Wednesday. OPEC+ adjusted its demand for crude oil in June by 0.3 million barrels per day (bpd) down from the previous month, reaching 42.5 million bpd in 2025.
• This is mainly attributed to the upward adjustment in the historical baseline for natural gas liquids. However, OPEC+ crude oil demand growth remained unchanged from last month at 0.4 million bpd, according to OPEC’s oil market report for June released yesterday.
• Massacre of Aid: 20 martyrs in front of distribution centers in Gaza
• Field sources reported a new crime added to the record of violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip, with the martyrdom of 20 Palestinians due to stampedes and suffocation from tear gas grenades during their attempts to reach a humanitarian aid distribution point.
• According to eyewitnesses, yesterday morning, citizens rushed from long distances through a narrow passage as aid distribution began, before American forces closed the gate and fired poisonous gas and pepper gas bombs, leading to mass suffocation cases amidst severe overcrowding.
• Transfer of supervision over Ibrahimi Mosque to settlers
• The head of the Palestinian National Council, Ruhi Fattouh, said that what the Israeli occupation authorities did by transferring the supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from Hebron Municipality to the so-called “Kiryat Arba” settlement religious council is a blatant aggression against the historical, religious, and legal right of the Palestinian people.
• He added in a statement yesterday that this step constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, the Hague Conventions, and UNESCO and Geneva resolutions, confirming the historical and legal status of the Ibrahimi Mosque as an exclusively Islamic endowment.
• US President: No rush to talk to Tehran
• US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran hopes for talks with the United States, but he is in no hurry to speak with them. Trump told reporters, “I am not in a hurry to talk because we destroyed their sites,” in reference to the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites last month.
• From his side, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday that the Israeli attacks last month, which lasted 12 days, aimed to weaken the Islamic Republic’s regime and provoke unrest to overthrow it.
• Salam: We renew our commitment and insistence on reform
• Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed yesterday, Wednesday, the efforts to rally Arab and international support to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories and stop its aggressions. The National News Agency quoted Mikati as saying, during a speech in the Council of Representatives: “I listened to the opinions and interventions of the representatives and will take into account all criticisms”.
• He added: “We renew our commitment and determination to reform and rescue, and we will spare no effort to rally Arab and international support to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories and stop its aggressions”.
• Drones attack three Iraqi oil fields
• The Kurdistan region of Iraq announced on Wednesday the registration of drone attacks on three oil fields in Dohuk Governorate, after a series of similar attacks targeted energy facilities last week. This means that five oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan have been subjected to drone attacks this week.
• The attacks came a day after an attack on an oil field managed by an American company in Erbil Governorate, which led to the suspension of operations there. The Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Service said on Wednesday morning: “A drone attack by two explosive drones targeted the oil field belonging to the independent Norwegian company ‘DNO’ in Bashiqa, Zakho administration, in Dohuk Governorate in northern Iraq”.
• The role of culture in human consciousness
• Culture is considered one of the most important pillars that form human identity, both individual and collective, and it is a philosophy for building human awareness. Deep contemplation in this human phenomenon is essential for understanding its roots and its impact on shaping thought and knowledge.
• It does not suffice to describe cultural practices, but rather transcends them to ask: What does it mean to be cultural beings? And how do language, art, customs, and religion affect our worldview?
• Arts tell Saudi heritage stories
• The “Arts Tell Stories” exhibition in Madinah region is considered a cultural platform that narrates authentic stories through Saudi handicrafts. It comes within the initiatives of “Saudi Handicrafts Year 2025,” launched by the Ministry of Culture.
• The exhibition features a diverse collection of craft creations that express the local heritage identity and embody the features of Saudi society, such as handcrafted palm products, including baskets and incense burners, and artistic and decorative motifs that tell the historical relationship between humans and palm trees in the Madinah environment.
• Al-Faisal magazine explores the relationship between man and place
• Al-Faisal magazine, in its combined issue (585-586) for Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH – Muharram 1447 AH (July – August 2025), opens a comprehensive file on travel, exploring its mental and spiritual dimensions, and its role in reshaping the relationship between humans, place, and meaning.
• Through its file titled “Travel… The Unveiling and Manifestation of the Image,” the magazine presents a vision that goes beyond the stereotypical notion of travel as a mere physical movement, offering it as a profound experience that only through it can the self be unveiled.
• Box office.. When the story is told in a Saudi dialect
• Saudi cinema continues to register a strong presence at the local box office, with national productions proving their ability to attract audiences and achieve record numbers. The year 2025 witnessed fierce competition among a number of Saudi films, topped by the film “Shabab Al-Bomb 14,” with revenues exceeding 27.2 million riyals during its first two weeks of screening, after selling more than 603,000 tickets, thus maintaining its position at the top of the best-selling list for this year.
• The film “Hobal” also approached the top, achieving more than 24.6 million riyals during 15 weeks, with 587,248 tickets sold. Meanwhile, the film “Is’af” emerged as one of the Saudi works that combined comedy and excitement, recording revenues of 18.69 million riyals in just 12 weeks, with 389,318 tickets sold.
• “I Walk and Salma Walks Beside Me”
• A collection of short stories titled “I Walk and Salma Walks Beside Me” by the Saudi writer Hassan Ali Al-Batran was recently published by Nadia Publishing and Distribution House.
• This collection belongs to the genre of very short stories and contains 65 very short stories, divided into sixteen sections, each named “Narrative Walk” (Masara Qasasi), and each section contains four very short stories.
• “Gangrene”
• The novel “Gangrene” by Saudi writer Talal Al-Tuwairqi was recently published by Rasm Publishing and Distribution House.
• In his novel, the writer weaves an imagined biography of a vibrant Hejazi neighborhood where the ancient houses and alleyways transform into living characters.
• “Fasten Your Seatbelt to the Vein”
• A poetry collection titled “Fasten Your Seatbelt to the Vein” by Iraqi poet Dr. Ismail Ali Muthanna was recently published by Mosaic House for Studies and Publishing.
• The collection, comprising 92 pages of medium size, featured a variety of poems, combining classical vertical poetry and free verse, imbuing it with a unique and special sense and emotions.
• “The Dead Offer Condolences”
• A collection of short stories titled “The Dead Offer Condolences” by Egyptian writer Dr. Muhammad Khassr Ali was recently published by Al-Badeea Arab House for Printing and Publishing.
• In the collection, we see the complex and accidental paradoxes of life that change everything and the destinies that disrupt dreams. In (Aida’s Cardboard) and (Hearts the Dead Harmed), we see through the experience of death how it turns into a joyful event, and in hearts, in the end, in Aida’s cardboard, death becomes a postponed shock and a difficult event that makes us suspect the dead.
• “First of Forgetting”
• A book titled “First of Forgetting” by Moroccan writer Muhammad Al-Maazouz was recently published by The Cultural Center for Books, Dar Al-Bayda Publishing and Distribution, Beirut.
• On the book cover, it states: “Hope is only hope, not a path for us. Our lofty dreams remain high, and the world created by the low and hypocritical remains low and similar to them. We are among those who have transcended this world, for we are not of it, nor of its air. Trees no longer die standing in it, a world whose joints are affected by the disease of idleness, and whose trunks are broken by parasites of the mind and conscience”.
• Explorers’ literature documents the beginnings of Saudi oil
• The Literary Society in Hail organized a literary evening titled “Literature of Explorers” presented by Saudi researcher Aqeel Muhsin Al-Anzi, a researcher in the history of Saudi oil, at the Literary Club headquarters.
• The evening touched upon the role of explorers of Saudi oil in documenting the moments of major transformation from desert to civilization. Al-Anzi explained that these literary narratives revealed King Abdulaziz’s wisdom and genius – may God have mercy on him – in dealing with the issue of natural resources and the importance of oil.
• Mohammed Al-Hussaini documents Saudi Plastic Art
• Al-Hussaini highlighted a continuous and enhanced movement in the events of this book, and how Vision 2030 worked to make it a continuous and enhanced movement. It reflects the connection of man to his place and cultural environment in a context of artistic outputs and the participation of participants.
• It also highlights the role of the city of Shaqra as a creative and developmental base, with a distinctive interaction between its artistic heritage and the aspirations of the new Saudi generation. The formation of the cultural, creative, and artistic scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dates back to historical stations.
• English Artist Adrian Lane
• The English artist Adrian Lane (born 1969) produces mixed media works on various materials such as wood or canvas, and works consisting of various materials such as fabric, wood, glue, sand, paper, wood varnish, oil paints or acrylics.
• The paintings may sometimes appear dark but represent hope and inner light. In darkness, the work aims to create a sense of balance. This balance is very important: the balance between light and darkness, and order and chaos.
• Bio art and the harmony between science and art
• In attempts to present contemporary concepts and visions related to culture and identity, bio art, which relies on analyzing phenomena and examining their essence, seeks to delve into aspects of the self. It is the convergence of the artist with the breakthroughs of analytical sciences, observation, chemistry, physics, and biological systems in terms of form and dynamic interaction, resulting in a sublime and growing interplay.
• It is like the development of the artist with his environment, and the diversification of his expressive materials, to invest creative faculties in this inspiring marriage, swimming through the spaces of inspiring imagination as a main axis of creativity and inspiration. It establishes an intellectual and sacred creative imprint that roots human values and the unique message for its state and private identity.
• Picasso’s nap
• The Spanish painter Pablo Picasso was a fan of napping in the afternoon for no more than ten minutes, and he was a genius in his field. To wake up at the appointed time, he would hold a spoon in one of his hands, and if his muscles relaxed and the spoon fell, he would wake up to its sound.
• This is a remarkable way to set the timing, because relaxation does not happen before the end of the ten minutes he specified, which they call a coffee nap or power nap. In this, a person drinks a cup of coffee in one sip, then takes a twenty-minute nap, and then wakes up refreshed, because the stimulating effect of coffee does not work until after this period.
• Life with Meaning
• The contemporary human searches for an old yet new question: What is the meaning of life? And how do we live a purposeful life? Here, the human philosophy of “Benjamin Franklin” – the famous American politician, inventor, and thinker – guides us to a concept that becomes a practical and realistic beacon for the relationship between the individual and his existence.
• Franklin, who lived in the eighteenth century, was not a theoretical philosopher, but rather a life-maker who translated ideas into actions and values into daily habits. His ideas confirm that “life with meaning” is not a vague goal, but a path built with awareness and determination.
• Academic Plagiarism
• Our righteous religion, Islam, came to preserve people’s possessions, whether tangible or intangible, and prevent aggression or encroachment upon them. While the physical theft of tangible things, no matter how small, is forbidden, criminal, and dangerous, the issue of intellectual theft of people’s ideas and the product of their minds is even more sacred and dangerous.
• This involves violating ethical standards and academic integrity. Academic institutions have addressed this issue by criminalizing “plagiarism,” which is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without attributing the original author and preserving their rights.
• Adhering to what is best
• The word “goodness” is a blessed word whose derivations revolve around everything that conforms to reason and brings comfort to the soul. It is a lexical material that denotes virtue, goodness, and what benefits the doer and others in both worlds. Even those who commit evil deeds try to give the impression that they are virtuous.
• Good manners are praised by Sharia, reason, and custom. Sharia guidance focuses on good deeds, elevating the values of character, and refining souls from moral impurities, as indicated by the hadith of Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – who said: “The Messenger of Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – said: ‘I was sent to perfect noble manners’” (narrated by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, and authenticated by Al-Albani).
• King Salman.. Riyadh’s Memory
• In the major cities of the world, you will find someone who narrates its story by its name, rearranges its details, and restores its memory, just as Riyadh. The city did not look for someone to restore its voice; it was waiting for Salman. When the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – is mentioned, what comes to mind is more than the leader of the nation, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the King of Resolve and Renaissance, but another title quietly precedes him, befitting “The Historian King”.
• King Salman grew up with this title without fanfare in the fortress of Riyadh, and he read it as manuscripts are read, not as seen from the windows of speeding cars. He was not merely a ruler over it, but a trustee of its memory, checking and collecting what was documented in its history and what was between the documents. King Salman remained asking, writing, and reading the notebooks of travelers.
• The Delay Trap
• Often, individuals fall into the trap of waiting for ideal circumstances, believing that their real life will only truly begin and improve when their financial situation is perfect. But does life stop, or will that moment never come? The belief in waiting for that moment is itself a prison that binds individuals, stealing the precious present moment and depriving them of genuine living.
• These questions pinpoint the essence of a stifling crisis that many live: some are stuck in the past, with its memories, pains, and regrets, while others are immersed in excessive aspirations for the future. Between these two, the precious moment of living “now” is lost silently.
• Financial Fraud Issues.. A crime that renews itself
• Financial fraud has become one of the most dangerous crimes that threaten the national economy, erode community trust, and complicate transactions in an era of accelerating technology. Therefore, Saudi regulations have come with advanced legislative responses to confront this crime, forefront among them comprehensive regulations and a regulatory vision that considers both the present and the future.
• Legally, fraud is defined as: “the appropriation of another’s money without right using methods such as deception, deceit, or falsehood,” as stated in Article (1) of the Anti-Financial Fraud Law. This definition expands to include other forms such as forgery, breach of trust, fraud in financial markets, manipulation in bankruptcy, electronic fraud, or engaging in unclear investments or promises of quick profits.
• Marital disputes: A test or a warning?
• In the early stages of a marital relationship, everything seems full of hope, brimming with great expectations for a new beginning, deep closeness, and intense interaction. However, some couples are soon surprised—even after entering marriage, or sometimes after only two or three days—by a series of recurring disagreements, leading to a conflict where voices are raised.
• Expectations are dashed, and it seems as if the relationship is eroding before it even grows. The echo of questions begins to resonate: Is this relationship capable of continuing, or is separation the inevitable outcome? Was my choice correct, or did I rush to reconsider? Here, we need to read marital disagreements not merely as a fleeting misunderstanding, but as a mirror reflecting something of your own truth—O contemplating partner—whether this pain manifests as anger, sadness, or anxiety.
• Considering Feelings
• Our pure religion urged us to uphold a good quality that increases love and affection among people and cultivates harmony and peace among them, and brings hearts together. I mean “considering feelings,” which means that you hurt someone’s feelings in your life by harming them with harsh words.
• And I believe, in my opinion, that kind words uplift the soul, remove boredom, and make life beautiful. So choose your words carefully before speaking them, lest you hurt the feelings of others.
• The Saudi Green Initiative
• Our dear country is undergoing rapid development in all fields towards a bright and prosperous future, through the launch of a large number of ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors, from economy and development to environment and society.
• His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, plays a pivotal role in leading our country’s progress and prosperity. What I want to talk about in this article is an ambitious national initiative launched by the Crown Prince in 2021, “The Saudi Green Initiative” (SGI).
• Mahrez and Kessie ignite Al-Ahli training
• The first football team in Al-Ahli Club is progressing rapidly in its preparations in the Austrian city of Leogang, with the joining of stars Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie, Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Merih Demiral, ahead of the new sports season 2025-2026. This is under the supervision of the German technical director and the assistant technical staff.
• The team is preparing to play its first friendly match against Austrian club Tirol tomorrow, Friday, before heading to Italy to participate in the Como Cup.
• Al-Nassr signs with Al-Shabab’s Sharari
• Al-Nassr Club announced yesterday, Wednesday, signing an official three-year contract with player Nader Al-Sharari, in a free transfer deal after entering his six-month free period.
• For his part, Al-Sharari affirmed on his account on the X platform, saying: “Al-Nassr fans, the global club, what means a lot to me is the slogan of Al-Nassr, and you will not see from me and the rest of my teammates except what will make you happy, God willing. I am very proud of this great day and this great entity, and today I am a Nassr player”.
• Ministry of Sports assigns Al-Howaishan to head Al-Shabab
• The Ministry of Sports tasked Khalifa Al-Howaishan, the current CEO, with heading Al-Shabab Club until the end of the current season, after the resignation of Mohammed Al-Manjem, who was elected president about two years ago. This was reported by the media center of Al-Shabab Club.
• Al-Shabab Club stated in a statement via the “X” platform: “The Ministry of Sports issued a decision to dissolve the Board of Directors of Al-Shabab Club chaired by Mr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Manjem, following the resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, in accordance with paragraph (6) of Article (36) of the basic regulations for sports clubs”.
• Al-Khaleej signs with “Belgian League champion”
• Al-Khaleej Club announced yesterday, Wednesday, that it officially signed with the striker Anthony Mory, on a contract extending until 2027.
• Mory played for Belgian club Saint-Gilloise last season in 52 matches, contributing to the team’s victory in the Belgian League title.
• Bonsu raises Al-Qadsiah’s market value
• Al-Qadsiah Club’s market value recorded a new leap after signing a formal contract yesterday with the Ghanaian player Christopher Bonsu Baah, who joined from Genk, extending until 2029.
• The market value of player Christopher Bonsu Baah is 7.5 million Euros, which raises Al-Qadsiah Club’s market value to more than 78 million Euros, an increase of approximately 10 million Euros from its market value last season.
• The Green Falcons await Asian play-off draw today
• Our national football team is awaiting today the draw for the Asian play-off qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
• Six of the eight direct slots allocated to Asia have already been decided, after the third round of qualifiers ended last month, which included three groups, each with six teams.
• Sammer: Football in Germany has lost its identity
• Former Germany national football team star Matthias Sammer said yesterday, Monday, that football in his country has lost its identity, calling for an end to marketing average performance as a world-class level.
• Sammer, who won with Germany in Euro 1996 and later became a coach in the German league (Bundesliga) and also worked as a sports director for the German Football Association, told “Kicker” magazine on Monday that his country no longer benefits from achieving a balance between innovation and traditional ideas.
• FIFA highlights five promising players in the World Cup
• The FIFA Club World Cup competitions in the United States concluded after Chelsea won the title for the first time under the new system with the participation of 32 teams. Chelsea defeated French club Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the tournament final, bringing down the curtain on the first edition under the new system, which will see its second edition in 2029.
• With the end of the first edition, the official website of the International Football Association (FIFA) highlighted five promising players who shone in the tournament. Among them was Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid, Spain), a 21-year-old player who was one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament.
• In the Net
• As soon as summer approaches or arrives, Roshn League and Yelo League clubs begin to travel to Europe for training camps in preparation for the new season.
• Some teams settle on their previous technical and administrative staff, while others embark on a new experience with a new technical director. Therefore, teams try to camp abroad in search of cold weather away from the summer heat, and also to provide training tools, capabilities, and equipment for physical preparation that are not available here.
• Al Hilal: A Saudi Project
• The Al Hilal team’s participation in the Club World Cup in America exceeded all expectations, drawing a bright present and future for Saudi sports, and demonstrating that, thanks to the diligent efforts of the wise leadership, it is on the right track.
• In the coming years, it will be at the forefront of sports, not only in England, Spain, and Italy, but globally. It was not a fantasy for Al Hilal to compete with the biggest international teams and succeed in defeating them, despite all the circumstances that affected it before and during the participation.
• Gangrene cost Essam Sufian his leg but not his smile
• Essam Sufian, a former Al-Shabab and national team player, is going through difficult health conditions these days due to his struggle with diabetes, which led to gangrene and then the amputation of his left leg.
• After a week of undergoing the operation, the honorable Al-Shabab star left the hospital patiently, resigned to God’s will, with strong faith, and his tongue constantly praising and thanking God Almighty for what befell him and what was destined for him.
• AlUla.. Summer Tourism
• The AlUla Governorate represents a unique summer destination that offers its visitors a complete tourism experience, combining the luxury of desert hospitality and the magnificence of geological formations, in a natural environment rich in diversity and embodying the antiquity of civilizations that have succeeded on its land for thousands of years.
• The towering mountains and amazing rock formations add an aesthetic and environmental character, providing shade and warmth to the place and contributing to moderating temperatures, which makes AlUla an ideal refuge for those who wish to reconnect with the beauty of nature away from urban hustle, in an atmosphere that promotes contemplation and relaxation.
• Al-Namass Summer.. Recreational and cultural atmospheres
• The Governorate of Al-Namass is witnessing a remarkable presence of visitors and vacationers these days who flock to the sites of heritage and popular events, which are organized as part of the “Al-Namass Summer 2025” programs.
• Folkloric groups present a number of performances in the governorate’s tourism sites, offering a glimpse of the southern popular heritage amidst recreational and cultural atmospheres.
• Suspension of seven Umrah companies violating housing regulations
• The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah identified violations by seven licensed Umrah companies, which involved housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations, a clear violation of approved regulatory controls. This comes as part of its continuous oversight efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the guests of Rahman.
• The Ministry explained that these violations are considered serious transgressions that affect the safety and comfort of pilgrims, indicating that it immediately initiated legal procedures against the offending companies, in preparation for applying the prescribed penalties.
• Kingdom registers medical breakthrough in psychosis treatment plans
• The General Food and Drug Authority approved the marketing authorization for innovative diagnostic medical devices based on biotechnology, used for precise detection of concentrations of antipsychotic medications in the blood. These include: Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Aripiprazole, Clozapine, and Risperidone.
• The Kingdom is considered among the first countries globally to grant approval for this type of device, after it met the requirements of a comprehensive scientific evaluation conducted by the Authority. This evaluation included reviewing technical and clinical files and clinical trial reports, under the supervision of expert specialists, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the devices.
• Polluted air increases risk of brain tumors
• A recent study conducted by Danish researchers revealed that long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of developing meningioma, one of the most common types of brain tumors in the central nervous system.
• The specialized journal “Neurology” stated that researchers from the Danish Institute of Cancer and Tumors reached this conclusion after analyzing data from approximately 4 million individuals over a period of 21 years.

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

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