Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 21, 2025: Economic Diversification, Social and Cultural Shifts, Global Issues

These sources offer a multifaceted view of Saudi Arabia’s advancements, covering economic diversification efforts such as significant investments in air travel infrastructure and the “Tawakkalna” digital platform for public and private sector integration. They also discuss social and cultural shifts within the Kingdom, including changes in women’s roles and the promotion of traditional arts. Furthermore, the texts highlight international relations, focusing on the deepening strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China, and touch upon global issues like the conflict in Gaza and fluctuations in oil and lithium markets.

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: A Grand Transformation

Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a significant and multifaceted development transformation, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030. This vision is characterized by a strategic shift away from oil dependency towards diversifying national income sources and fostering a prosperous, attractive economy.

Here’s a comprehensive look at Saudi development across various sectors:

• Vision 2030 and Transformational Leadership
• Vision 2030 is described as a new chapter for the nation, building on its historical roots while looking towards a future that is actively shaped rather than passively awaited.
• The leadership, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is characterized by “transformational leadership” that is not merely managing the possible but taking courageous decisions. This includes clear statements against extremism and a drive to move the nation forward.
• The transformation embodies inspiration, motivation, change creation, and empowerment.
• The goal is to foster a national culture where decision-making is not confined to top policymakers but extends to every institution and individual. The Kingdom is undergoing a “soft revolution” in thought, work methods, and the very definition of “decision”.
• Economic & Investment Development
• Overall Project Market: The total value of projects in Saudi Arabia reached approximately $1.98 trillion by the end of June 2025. These projects are distributed across various stages: design ($912.3 billion), execution ($419.3 billion), tendering ($351.1 billion), study ($251.5 billion), and preliminary engineering design ($55 billion).
• Sectoral Shifts: The transportation and energy sectors have surpassed construction in terms of project value. In Q2 2025, the construction sector saw a sharp 59.7% annual decrease in contract value, while the oil sector had no new contracts awarded. Conversely, the chemicals sector was the only one in the GCC to record annual growth in contract value during this period.
• Investment Environment: Saudi Arabia’s location at the heart of three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe) makes it a vital logistical and market hub. The country boasts a stable political and economic environment with a strong financial system, which provides security and trust for investors.
• Reforms & Incentives: The Kingdom has implemented a series of legislative and regulatory steps to create a more attractive and transparent investment climate. The Ministry of Investment was established to promote investment and provide support to both local and international investors. Laws have been updated, including the foreign investment system which allows foreign ownership in many sectors, and new commercial litigation and insolvency systems have been introduced to protect rights and streamline licensing procedures.
• Public Investment Fund (PIF): The establishment of the Public Investment Fund, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally, is key to supporting strategic projects.
• Upcoming Projects: Notable future projects include the CARE atomic and renewable energy reactor project (estimated at $80 billion) and a battery energy storage system (FEED) valued at $10 billion. Saudi Arabia accounts for over 50% of the total value of projects in the pre-execution stage across GCC countries, with approximately $873.2 billion.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity
• Airport Development: King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam is experiencing a significant upgrade to its infrastructure and services. A strategic vision aims to increase its annual capacity to over 30 million passengers and solidify the Eastern Province’s position as a logistics, tourism, and economic hub. KFIA has seen remarkable growth, with passenger numbers rising to 19.3 million (a 100% increase from 2022) and air cargo volume reaching 600,000 tons (a 1000% increase from 2022).
• New National Carrier: A new national “economic carrier” will operate from KFIA, with a fleet of over 40 aircraft serving more than 50 destinations and targeting 10 million passengers annually. This operator is expected to begin operations within less than a year.
• Logistics Hubs: These developments are part of a broader goal to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center.
• Digital Transformation & Innovation
• Tawakkalna Sandbox: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched the experimental “Sandbox” environment for the national “Tawakkalna” application. This initiative strengthens Tawakkalna’s role as a unified digital platform, promoting public-private sector integration. It allows private companies to test digital services with over 34 million users in a secure environment. This initiative contributes to achieving Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals and leverages modern technologies to serve citizens, residents, and visitors.
• AI in Media: Saudi media institutions are exploring the integration of AI in newsrooms to provide personalized, translated, and simplified content, reflecting a commitment to adapting to the evolving digital landscape. This highlights a choice for Saudi media: embrace digital transformation or risk irrelevance.
• Tourism & Cultural Heritage
• Rapid Growth: Saudi tourism has shown significant global progress, ranking first worldwide in the growth rate of international tourist revenues in Q1 of the current year compared to Q1 2019. The Kingdom also surpassed the global average in international tourist arrivals growth, with a 102% increase in Q1 2025. It holds the third global rank in international tourist number growth and second in the Middle East.
• Key Destinations: Places like Al-Radif in Taif are pivotal tourist destinations, reflecting a blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and modern development aligned with Vision 2030. Similarly, the Al-Mismar Castle in Najran, over 300 years old, has been recently renovated, showcasing efforts in cultural preservation.
• Cultural Preservation & Empowerment: Initiatives like the “Al-Qatt Al-Asiri” training program in Asir aim to promote traditional arts and empower national artistic talents, emphasizing their role in enriching cultural identity. The “Al-Sadu” weaving showcase in Al-Baha highlights traditional crafts and cultural heritage. The “Madinah Arts Tell Stories” exhibition promotes local artistic heritage. The “Made in the Museum” summer camp in Riyadh aims to connect youth with national heritage and develop their creative skills through activities inspired by Saudi heritage.
• Human Capital Development
• Youth Empowerment: The STEM Race competition, organized by King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (“Ithra”), supports youth in science and engineering. Four Saudi teams qualified for an international competition, reflecting efforts to motivate youth and develop their scientific skills. Over 280 students participated, gaining practical skills and promoting sustainability through recycled materials.
• Environmental & Urban Development
• Green Initiatives: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is working on projects like removing invasive mesquite trees to protect local vegetation and restore ecological balance, contributing to Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
• Urban Planning & Regulatory Oversight: Riyadh Municipality is intensifying efforts to address urban imbalance caused by unlicensed residential unit divisions, aiming to improve the urban landscape and achieve sustainable urban development. Projects like those in Jouf are enhancing public parks and green spaces to improve resident welfare and visitor experience.
• Agricultural Development
• Date Production: In Madinah, traditional methods like “Al-Tatfeesh” (covering date clusters) are still employed to protect dates from pests and accelerate ripening, ensuring high-quality produce and efficient production.
• Regulatory Oversight
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is actively monitoring and addressing violations in recruitment offices, highlighting ongoing efforts to regulate the labor market and protect rights. Consumer protection against fraudulent claims, such as those regarding electricity-saving devices, also falls under this scope.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s development can be seen as a grand orchestra, with Vision 2030 as the conductor. Each sector, from booming airports to revitalized heritage sites and burgeoning tech initiatives, plays its unique instrument, contributing to a harmonious symphony of progress, all aimed at reshaping the nation’s future on a global stage.

Global Instability: Conflicts and Systemic Decline

The sources indicate that the world is currently experiencing a period of significant geopolitical transformation, leading to numerous regional conflicts and heightened global instability. This period is characterized by a strategic shift in global power dynamics and a perceived weakening of the post-WWII international order.

Here’s a discussion of the regional conflicts highlighted in the sources:

• Syrian Conflict
• Core Issues & Arab Stance: Syria’s unity is presented as a non-negotiable principle, and leaving it vulnerable to regional and international interventions is seen as leading to further chaos and fragmentation in the Arab Mashreq. The Arab world, led by Saudi Arabia, is advocating for an integrated approach that focuses on rebuilding the Syrian state on foundations of citizenship and partnership, rather than replacing one party with another. They believe the solution must emerge from internal Syrian consensus, supported by a unified Arab reference.
• Recent Developments: Fighting in Sweida province stopped following a week of sectarian violence between Druze and Sunni Bedouin groups, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people and the displacement of approximately 87,000 individuals. The Syrian government announced a ceasefire and the withdrawal of tribal fighters from Sweida city. President Al-Shar’a pledged to protect minorities and hold violators accountable, and security forces began deploying in the Sweida countryside. A ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel was reached under US patronage, after Israel expressed concerns about Syrian government forces near its borders and vowed to protect the Druze, following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus. The US also urged Syrian authorities to prevent groups like ISIS from operating in the region and to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable. Humanitarian aid convoys are awaiting entry into Sweida, where a severe shortage of medical supplies persists.
• Gaza/Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Humanitarian Crisis: The sources describe a “war of annihilation” in Gaza, where hunger is the dominant force due to a suffocating Israeli blockade and border closures. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has issued severe warnings about a catastrophic famine, with a significant increase in hunger-related deaths, especially among children. Medical staff and patients in hospitals have gone without food for full days, risking the collapse of the healthcare system. UNRWA confirms that Israeli authorities are “starving a million children in Gaza” and that food aid, though available in warehouses, is not allowed to enter.
• Military Actions & Settler Violence: The Israeli army has ordered new evacuations in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza to expand its ground operations. Between January 2023 and mid-July 2025, at least 2,895 Palestinians from 69 communities in the West Bank were displaced due to settler violence and restrictions on access. Over 30 settler attacks were recorded in a single week in July, resulting in casualties and property damage. An Israeli minister issued a decision to seize Palestinian properties in Bab al-Silsila in Jerusalem’s Old City, near Al-Aqsa Mosque, as part of what is viewed as a colonial plan to alter the city’s identity.
• Peace Efforts & International Response: There have been reports of direct talks between Israel and Hamas to end the war, with Hamas receiving new maps outlining Israeli control areas. Palestinian factions are calling for global movements to pressure for an end to the aggression and siege. The sources lament that the international community, including the UN Security Council, appears incapable of preventing wars or protecting civilians, citing Israel’s perceived impunity, supported by a US veto.
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Ongoing Conflict: The war, which began in April 2023, continues to result in casualties and destruction. Russia has intensified long-range aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, leading to deaths and infrastructure damage. Russia claims to have taken control of a village in Donetsk. Russian air defenses have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones.
• Peace Initiatives: Ukraine’s President Zelensky proposed a new round of peace talks, while the Kremlin stated President Putin is ready for a peaceful settlement.
• International Repercussions: The EU has approved its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting its oil and energy sectors. The G7 has set a price cap on Russian oil exports. Donald Trump has threatened additional US sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days, and has also promised new military aid to Ukraine. However, previous US aid cuts by the Trump administration have halted water and sanitation projects in 21 countries, including Ukraine, and are projected to contribute to 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030 due to medical reasons, illustrating broader consequences of geopolitical shifts.
• Sudanese Civil War
• Conflict & Impact: The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has resulted in tens of thousands killed in the capital, Khartoum, and the displacement of 3.5 million residents. More than 25 million Sudanese suffer from severe food insecurity, and over 10 million have been internally displaced, with 4 million fleeing across borders.
• Reconstruction Efforts: Sudan’s Prime Minister, Idris, has pledged to rebuild Khartoum, with government estimates for reconstruction reaching $700 billion for the entire country, almost half of which is allocated for the capital alone. Efforts include clearing unexploded ordnance, resuming services, and rehabilitating the Galilee oil refinery.
• Iranian Nuclear Program & Geopolitical Tensions
• Negotiations: Iran, along with the UK, France, and Germany (the EU Troika), agreed to hold talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program following warnings from European powers that failure to resume negotiations could lead to the re-imposition of international sanctions. This comes after an alleged American-Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• Iranian Stance: Iran’s Foreign Minister criticized the EU’s “outdated policies of threat and pressure” and the re-imposition of sanctions lacking moral or legal basis.
• Military Aspects: Iran has replaced air defense systems damaged during a past confrontation with Israel, asserting that Israeli air forces had dominated Iranian airspace during the June confrontation. Donald Trump claimed that all three Iranian nuclear sites were “completely destroyed or crushed” by US bombing and that it would take years to restore them.
• Global System in Decline
• The current global order, founded after World War II, is “witnessing its last moments” under profound geopolitical and economic shifts. This raises urgent questions about its ability to endure or if a new, potentially more fragmented or chaotic system will emerge.
• Emerging Powers: China is highlighted as a major competitor, economically integrating with the world through initiatives like the Belt and Road, offering an alternative to Western models. Russia has solidified alliances in the Global South, leveraging anti-Western sentiment.
• Nature of Competition: The competition between these powers is now an overt struggle for influence and interests, often managed through proxy wars and artificial crises, intensifying global instability.
• International Organizations’ Weakness: The sources suggest that international bodies like the UN and its Security Council are increasingly unable to prevent conflicts or protect civilians, sometimes even serving as tools to legitimize selective interventions. The crises in Africa and the Middle East further underscore the UN’s limitations in providing fundamental solutions.
• Broader Impact: This systemic decline extends beyond military conflicts to humanitarian and economic issues, such as food insecurity, inflation, and energy prices, widening the gap between developed and developing nations. Humanity faces a stark choice: establish a new, more just, and multilateral global system, or descend into escalating chaos where only the most powerful dictate terms.

In essence, the world is like a complex tapestry, where each regional conflict represents a fraying thread. While some threads might seem localized, the unraveling of one often puts stress on others, revealing deeper structural weaknesses in the entire fabric of global stability.

Women, Smoking, and the Psychology of Addiction

The sources provide a detailed discussion on addiction issues, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of women’s smoking and its various facets, from psychological underpinnings to social and health consequences.

Understanding Addiction from a Psychological Perspective

According to the psychoanalytic school, addiction is fundamentally rooted in psychological conflicts originating from the need for narcissistic gratification, which is connected to disrupted love relationships and the need for self-assertion and security. Analysts suggest that addiction stems from a continuous feeling of threat and depression caused by past experiences filled with feelings of failure and frustration, which in turn breeds aggression. The individual, failing to resolve these conflicts, resorts to addiction as a means to alleviate pain and an inability to achieve satisfaction through normal channels.

Women and Smoking: A Social and Health Crisis

The sources extensively highlight the growing issue of women’s smoking, especially shisha (hookah), in Saudi society, contrasting it with historical perceptions and analyzing the driving factors and dire consequences.

Historical Context: Historically, in the 1920s, smoking for women was a taboo and faced strong societal criticism, being seen as inappropriate and primarily a male domain. Attempts by cigarette companies to promote smoking among women were largely unsuccessful due to deeply rooted cultural prejudices. The presence of a smoking woman was considered a rare and socially condemned occurrence, often attributed to personal reasons related to her environment, psychology, and culture.

Drivers of Women’s Smoking Today: The increased prevalence of women’s smoking is attributed to several interconnected factors:

• Self-Assertion and Image: Many women smoke as a means of self-assertion or to project an image of a “strong lady”. Some desire to create a false social image, often associating smoking with the financially affluent and socially elite.
• Escape and Stress Relief: It serves as an outlet for recreation, a way to escape daily life pressures, or to express a rejection of their reality.
• Superficial Equality: Some perceive it as a superficial way to achieve equality with men, even if it doesn’t lead to true gender equality.
• Social and Cultural Shifts: The contemporary era in Saudi Arabia has witnessed broadening personal freedoms, economic independence, and the spread of cafes, all contributing to the increased acceptance and uptake of smoking among women. Other factors include a lack of familial intimacy and dialogue, and low self-esteem among some young girls, coupled with increased audacity in others.
• Peer Influence and Modernity: The desire to imitate peers and keep pace with global trends and cultural shifts also plays a significant role.

Health Consequences of Women’s Smoking: Smoking has serious and dangerous health repercussions, particularly affecting women:

• Cardiovascular Health: It severely impacts the heart and arteries.
• Reproductive Health: It increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects (malformed children). It also elevates the risk of ectopic pregnancies.
• Cancerous Diseases: Smoking is linked to various cancerous diseases. Shisha smoking, in particular, increases protein levels, which is a primary catalyst for cancerous tumor formation in the body.
• Other Physical Impacts: It causes severe damage to teeth and lips, and can affect the clarity of a woman’s voice.

Social Consequences of Women’s Smoking: The social studies cited indicate several negative societal outcomes for smoking women:

• Increased Spinsterhood and Divorce: It leads to higher rates of spinsterhood due to many men’s refusal to marry smoking women. There is also an observed increase in divorce rates and marital disputes among married women who smoke shisha or cigarettes.
• Behavioral Changes: Smoking addicts may display aggression and nervousness towards their family, including spouses and children.
• Pathway to Further Deviation: Smoking is considered a gateway to other more serious forms of deviation for women and girls.
• Negative Public Perception: Public opinion polls show that a majority of youth view smoking women negatively, linking them to bad reputations and seeing them as imitating men.

Combating Addiction: A Broader View

While the sources focus heavily on women’s smoking, there’s a brief mention of broader efforts to combat addiction. The fight against narcotics, for example, is aimed at protecting youth. The overall philosophy of combating these issues is not necessarily total eradication, but rather to reduce their spread and mitigate their danger. The suggestion for combating negative social phenomena, like sports fanaticism, is to implement clear regulations and penalties for violators to encourage self-correction and accountability.

In essence, addiction issues, particularly women’s smoking, are presented as a complex social phenomenon, reflecting a shifting landscape of personal freedoms and societal norms. It’s like a slow-burning fuse, where immediate gratification and perceived self-expression ignite a chain reaction of profound health and social consequences that can consume individuals and erode community well-being over time.

AI, Media, and the Human Element in Content Creation

The provided sources offer an insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between media and Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting significant shifts in content creation, news consumption, and the strategic imperatives for media institutions in this new landscape.

The Shifting Media Landscape and AI’s Emergence

The sources indicate a fundamental transformation in how audiences, especially younger generations, consume news. There is a noticeable decline in reliance on traditional media outlets, such as television and news websites. Instead, news consumption is accelerating through social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with 44% of individuals aged 18-24 globally, and a substantial portion of Saudi youth, preferring these platforms for their news. This shift emphasizes a preference for visual and concise content, where local “influencers” often achieve wider reach than established news institutions.

In this evolving environment, AI is emerging as a nascent news source itself. While currently limited, with about 7% global reliance and 15% among youth under 25, its presence is growing.

AI’s Capabilities and Inherent Limitations in Content Creation

The sources delve into AI’s capabilities in content generation, particularly referencing ChatGPT’s potential in creative fields like film writing. AI models like ChatGPT can perform various tasks:

• Generate plots and suggest scenes.
• Analyze character building and even compose music for films.
• Serve as an effective tool for brainstorming (“mental storming”) and accelerating the writing process.

However, the sources emphasize critical limitations that underscore the irreplaceable human element:

• Lack of Genuine Emotion and Experience: Writing, especially for compelling narratives like films, is portrayed as a profound human act stemming from personal experiences, moments of pain, or unforgettable events. ChatGPT, conversely, writes only from what it has “read,” lacking personal experiences, first love, or moments of loss. It “knows how to arrange the story, but it doesn’t know how to ‘feel’ it”.
• True Art is Rooted in Emotion: The distinction is drawn between technically perfect content and content that resonates deeply. True art is built on “raw emotions” that flow from the writer’s heart, not just syntax. It is measured by its honesty, not just technical proficiency, because “genuine emotion is not created by an algorithm, but by a human”.
• Tool, Not Replacement: ChatGPT is acknowledged as a “great tool” in the writer’s hand but “not a substitute”. It can construct sentences cleverly but cannot feel a mother’s pain or understand the meaning of a sad glance; it cannot “steal” what belongs to humanity.

Challenges and Strategic Imperatives for News Media in the AI Era

The integration of AI presents several challenges and necessitates strategic shifts for media institutions:

• Public Perception and Trust: The public tends to view AI-generated news as “less reliable” and “less transparent”. This highlights the crucial need for human editorial oversight to maintain quality and trust, emphasizing that the human editor is the core, not merely a programmer.
• Role of Influencers: While influencers can be primary news sources, they are also identified as potential sources of “misleading information”. Media institutions are prompted to consider them not just as competitors but as potential “smart partners”, providing them with trusted, publishable content to expand reach while preserving institutional credibility.
• Strategic Priorities for Saudi Media: Saudi media institutions face a crossroads and must implement several strategic priorities:
• Investment in Visual Journalism: Rapidly invest in visual content, especially short videos optimized for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, while upholding editorial and professional standards.
• Conscious AI Integration: Employ AI mindfully for functions like instant multi-language translations, personalized summaries, and customized news feeds, ensuring that human editors remain central to quality control and oversight.
• Shift to Interactive Engagement: Move beyond a one-way broadcasting model to foster interactive dialogue with the audience, encouraging comments, polls, and actively monitoring social media trends.
• Sustainable Financial Models: Develop flexible financial models that move past strict subscriptions, possibly integrating information and service.
• Localized Strategy and Data: Responses to global digital challenges must be “locally rooted,” based on a deep understanding of the Saudi cultural and social context. This also includes building knowledge bases that reflect local consumption patterns rather than relying solely on global averages.
• Consequence of Inaction: The sources warn that Saudi media institutions must adapt with smart tools and a clear identity, or they risk becoming “marginalized” and irrelevant.

In essence, the relationship between media and AI is like a highly sophisticated orchestra. AI can play complex parts with incredible precision and speed, even creating novel compositions. However, the conductor (human oversight) is indispensable to infuse the performance with emotion, context, and a soul that truly resonates with the audience, ensuring that the music, while technically brilliant, isn’t just a soulless sequence of notes but a moving experience that connects with the human spirit.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation: Vision 2030 in Action

The provided sources offer a comprehensive look at the economic overview, particularly focusing on the Saudi Arabian economy’s transformation, project landscape, and key sector performance, set against a backdrop of global economic trends.

Overall Economic Outlook in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing major economic and legislative reforms aimed at diversifying its national income sources and reducing its reliance on oil. These efforts are guided by Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a prosperous and attractive investment environment. The country is described as actively reshaping itself with a new will and conscious leadership, moving away from past dependencies and traditional government systems that required increased efficiency and speed. Economic forecasts for Saudi Arabia in 2025 indicate a blend of resilience and momentum stemming from these structural reforms. The Kingdom aims to be a global logistical, tourism, and economic hub.

Project Market and Investment Environment

The total value of the project market in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 1.98 trillion US dollars by the end of June 2025. These projects are distributed across various stages, including design (912.3 billion USD), under implementation (419.3 billion USD), tendering (351.1 billion USD), study (251.5 billion USD), and preliminary engineering design (55 billion USD).

Despite a sharp decline in the total value of awarded contracts across GCC countries in Q2 2025 (down 58.0% to 28.4 billion USD), primarily due to Saudi Arabia and UAE, the outlook for the GCC project market remains positive, with a significant recovery anticipated in the second half of 2025. Saudi Arabia is expected to lead this recovery, driven by large-scale investment initiatives and accounting for over 50% of the total value of anticipated pre-execution projects in the GCC (873.2 billion USD).

To attract investment, the Kingdom has developed a stable political and economic environment supported by a strong financial system and cautious monetary policies. Key initiatives include:

• Establishment of the Ministry of Investment as a unified entity to promote and support local and international investors.
• Updating laws and regulations, such as the foreign investment system allowing foreign ownership in many sectors, and modernizing bankruptcy and commercial judiciary laws to protect investor rights.
• Massive investments in mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea, Qiddiya, and specialized economic zones, alongside continuous development of ports, airports, and transport networks.
• Creation of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, to support strategic projects and stimulate investment.
• Offering tax incentives and exemptions in specific sectors and regions.
• Digital transformation and simplified procedures through platforms like “Invest in Saudi Arabia” and “Maraes,” which have accelerated licensing processes and improved business environment metrics.

Performance of Key Economic Sectors

Several sectors are highlighted:

• Construction: The construction sector has ceded its position as the highest-value sector in Saudi Arabia to transportation and energy, experiencing a sharp annual decrease of 59.7%. In Q2 2025, total construction contracts were 2.3 billion USD, down from 5.8 billion USD in Q2 2024. This decline is influenced by challenges such as rising costs and financing constraints.
• Transportation and Aviation: This sector is a primary focus of economic expansion. The transportation sector topped the list for awarded contracts in Q2 2025, reaching 3.0 billion USD. King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam has seen significant growth, with passenger traffic increasing by over 35% in the past two years and an aim to reach over 30 million passengers annually. KFIA has launched 77 development projects worth over 1.6 billion SAR, including security upgrades, baggage handling, and runway expansion. A new national economic carrier will operate from KFIA, serving over 50 destinations and targeting 10 million passengers annually, starting within less than a year. KFIA also reported a massive 160% growth in air cargo and passenger numbers increasing by 19.3 million (100% growth since 2022).
• Oil and Gas: The oil sector did not see any new contract awards in Q2 2025, a significant drop from 1.7 billion USD in the same period last year. However, Saudi Aramco is reportedly close to a 10 billion USD deal with BlackRock for a stake in the Jafurah gas field, Saudi Arabia’s largest untapped gas field (estimated 100 billion USD cost). Globally, oil markets have intensified due to EU sanctions on Russia, while China’s oil imports increased in June 2025, reaching their highest daily rate since August 2023. However, China’s storage is near 95% of its 2020 peak, which may exert downward pressure on prices.
• Tourism: Saudi tourism is experiencing a clear leap towards global leadership. The Kingdom ranks first globally in the growth rate of international tourism revenues in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2019, surpassing global growth by 102% and the Middle East by 44%. It is the 3rd globally in the number of international tourists and 2nd in the Middle East. Major projects like Raddaf Park in Taif (over 565,000 sqm) are part of enhancing urban infrastructure and tourism, contributing to Vision 2030 goals.
• Real Estate/Housing: Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in real estate marketing campaigns. A public survey revealed that 60% of respondents believe this indicates an impending price decline, while others attribute it to reduced real estate financing or attractive land offers. Riyadh municipality is also intensifying efforts to combat unauthorized subdivisions of residential units, which strain public services and infrastructure.
• Chemicals: The GCC chemicals sector was the only sector to record annual growth in the value of awarded contracts during Q2 2025.
• Water: The water sector recorded a 29.2% annual decrease in awarded contracts, reaching 2.5 billion USD in Q2 2025.

Global Context and Trade

The global economic landscape continues to be influenced by oil market fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty. While global container shipping prices have decreased due to lower demand, China’s exports regained momentum in June, influenced by companies rushing to submit applications before a tariff truce deadline with the US. Brazil is also re-evaluating its oil export markets, potentially shifting away from the US due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The Saudi Arabian economy, in its pursuit of Vision 2030, can be likened to a well-orchestrated symphony. Each sector, from aviation’s high notes of expansion to construction’s changing rhythms and oil’s fluctuating tempos, plays a vital role. The conductor, Vision 2030, guides this complex composition, harmonizing diverse elements (like tourism and new investment initiatives) to create a powerful and resilient economic performance that aims to resonate globally.

Chronicles of Progress: A Collection of Insights

Based on the provided sources, here are the titles of the columns found in the newspaper along with their first two paragraphs of detail, presented in English:

• Developmental Cooperation and Exceptional Relations Syria, which was the heart of the Levant, its institutions transformed over the years and emptied by capitals, is contested by delayed conflicts, and its people and decision are disputed. The latest statement issued by the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Arab and Gulf support, was not an ordinary statement that offered space, but rather a decisive political signal to the archive of declarations. Syria’s unity is not a negotiable file, but a non-negotiable principle. This statement, even if not the first in its timing or language, comes today loaded with a different meaning. The Arab world, led by the Kingdom, realizes that leaving Syria subject to regional and international pulls will only lead to further chaos and division in the Arab Levant.
• Reading The author Mark Manson mentions in his book “Disaster…” that women did not smoke in the 1920s, and if they did, they would be severely criticized, and it was almost forbidden. At that time, people believed that smoking should be limited to men, like studying at university or running for Congress! This was a problem for cigarette manufacturers, as half of the population did not smoke because it was unusual or considered a lack of etiquette. However, companies tried to promote smoking among women, but this endeavor seemed unsuccessful. The deeply rooted cultural prejudice against women smoking was very profound.
• The Article The latest tourism figures in the Kingdom point towards global progress, and this reflects the tremendous efforts made in developing the sector and preparing its infrastructure and capabilities, until the Kingdom transforms into a global attraction point in a short period of time. The first quarter of the current year gives us a positive impression of the progress achieved in the sector, as the Kingdom is the first globally in the growth rate of international tourism revenues compared to the same period in 2019, according to the World Tourism Barometer report, which highlights the acceleration of performance and confirms the success of the adopted strategy for sector development within the objectives of Vision 2030.
• Tools for Reducing Electricity Bills and Misleading the Consumer E-marketing or e-commerce has become one of the most astonishing phenomena produced by advanced technologies in our modern era, which takes place in what is now known as the World Wide Web (Internet) through social communication channels for users, so that any user can find everything they are looking for and need in terms of products or services, and evaluate them, compare between them, and pay their value without having to leave their home. Therefore, e-marketing through internet networks has become a widely used and popular choice in all countries of the world, due to its simplicity and flexibility. E-marketing via the internet combines comfort and ease when buying what we need from anywhere and at any time without having to leave our homes and endure the hardship of distances and travel for that purpose.
• A Leader Makes the Future In an era of great transformations, decision-making is no longer merely a bureaucratic procedure or a luxury, but a necessity for survival and advancement. Nations that hesitate freeze, and leaders who compromise on time and difficulties are defeated, dissolving in the shadows of others. In the heart of this reality, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands out as a model today, having decided not to wait for anyone, but to reshape itself according to a new will and conscious leadership that knows where it is going and why. The Kingdom has always had a rich political, economic, cultural, and religious heritage, possessing components that made it a regional and international center of gravity. However, with the increasing challenges and changes in the world, continued reliance on oil and stagnation in vital economic sectors became unacceptable, and the gap widened between youth and their aspirations on one hand, and the labor market requirements on the other, in addition to traditional government systems that needed efficiency and speed.
• Tourism.. Qualitative Leaps These indicators undoubtedly confirm that the Kingdom is coming as an active force in directing the global tourism helm towards new promising regions, as the size of the achievement since the launch of tourism visas in 2019 until our current year 2025 shows the existence of a clear strategy, cross-sectoral work between government and private entities, and integration in building the tourist experience from the moment the visitor arrives until their departure. The Saudi tourist destination offers a diverse option that meets the interests of visitors of all categories, adding a new dimension to the scene in terms of the quality and diversity of experiences, in light of product coordination and facilitation that works to develop a tourism product and make it easier to access through advanced infrastructure and continuous marketing initiatives, and in the coming years, we will witness the doubling of visitor numbers to the Kingdom and the utilization of massive tourism projects whose completion pace is accelerating.
• Investment in the Kingdom: An Attractive Environment and Promising Opportunities The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the most prominent investment destinations today in the Middle East and the world, thanks to the fundamental economic and legislative reforms it has undertaken, which have supported the business environment and provided diverse and growing investment opportunities. It is moving with confident steps by focusing on diversifying national income sources and reducing reliance on oil, within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers – may God protect him. The Kingdom has paid great attention to attracting investments, both local and foreign, through developing infrastructure, improving the regulatory environment, and offering attractive incentives to investors. The Kingdom is located in the heart of three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe, which makes it a vital logistical and market hub, especially with the focus on developing the transport and logistics services sector. The population of the Kingdom exceeds 35 million, most of whom are young, which provides a huge and active consumer market and supports expansion and growth opportunities in various sectors.
• The Unseen Success I recall here the saying of the French thinker Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” Yes, there is a kind of success that is not celebrated at its beginning and not captured by human lenses, but rather is born within the individual, accumulates silently, and forms quietly away from the glare of applause until it reaches a point of luminous explosion one day. Cumulative success is not an event but an extended phenomenon that is not measured by speed, but by stability, like water carving into rock every day, drop by drop, until the day comes when the path is carved within it. The American Navy’s 1964 study on probability offers a mathematical model to understand this meaning: the more attempts, the higher the probability of achieving the goal until it becomes a mathematical certainty. The message is that organized repetition does not betray those who believe in it, even if achievement is delayed, for accumulation itself is an inner guarantee that arrival is inevitable.
• Trumpism: American Politics in Confrontation with the World A book was published for me, one of the most important political phenomena in the modern world, which deals with the phenomenon of Trumpism, which is directly attributed to the American President Donald Trump, and it is the first book in Arabic about this phenomenon. Trump entered the political arena in the greatest democracies in the world, and was able to establish a political phenomenon that has become the talk of the world. Trump was able to build a special political personality, making it a محور around which American politics revolves, and Trumpism’s behavior can be interpreted during its first and second periods according to many conflicting realities with what the world knows. The most important question has been about whether Trumpism contradicts democracy in its theoretical and applied concept that America witnessed for over two centuries. Therefore, Trump’s ascent to the American political scene was neither traditional nor coincidental.
• How Do Artificial Intelligence Technologies Reshape the News Environment? In a time when political transformations intersect with economic turmoil and rapid technological developments, the Reuters Digital News Report 2025, issued by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, places us, journalists and media professionals, before the mirror of the changing reality in the media environment, and the report also reveals that in 48 markets, representing more than half of the world’s population, traditional media outlets and influencers are no longer alone in the field, but are now shared by video platforms, podcasts, and artificial intelligence itself. The report confirms that reliance on television and news websites is in continuous decline, while the pace of news consumption through social platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and particularly among younger age groups, is accelerating. In reality, 44% of the 18-24 age group worldwide prefer to get news from these platforms, compared to only 20% who prefer news websites.
• The Relationship Between the Politician and the Media.. Trump as a Model! With every battle between an influential and prominent politician and an influential and dominant media, we enjoy the mutual attack between the two sides spontaneously, and we wonder who will win, the media or is it just a flexible tool in the hands of whoever pays more or shouts louder? In the West, the relationship between the politician and the media is different and studied, as both sides know that they cannot do without the other, but they do not trust each other. The politician needs the media to shape his image, and the media needs the politician to explain his decisions that are not open for discussion. The politician also needs the journalist to increase readership and viewership of the media site and attract hope for him, but the matter turns red if one of them crosses the line and the game ends and the war begins!
• Combating Sports Fanaticism Every negative phenomenon, when it spreads, becomes difficult to control and extends beyond borders. The matter is similar to smokers who became numerous, and after a while, campaigns were invented to combat it, to explain its harms, and to urge people to quit for better health. This work succeeded with a few and was effective for them, but mostly, attempts failed with them! The same thing applies to drug users; awareness campaigns rarely succeeded with them from these dangerous poisonous traps until anti-drug efforts aimed at fighting what destroys a segment of youth emerged. However, this problem still exists and has not been completely eliminated!
• A New Season and a Fierce Battle The past football season has concluded with all its merits and fluctuations, initiating a new journey of preparation for local sports clubs, working on preparations in all their forms, reflecting on past mistakes, thoroughly examining files, organizing many training camps, and completing the transfer process and selecting players, coaches, and administrative and technical staff involved. Clubs that were unable to fulfill their fans’ hopes carry great ambitions to regain their balance across all levels that they lost, and to focus clearly on sports reform as a priority for the upcoming phase, reflecting on the reality for the future, and planning for the new season’s available options and their team, away from grand dreams and big wishes.
• Al Hilal: A Global Saudi Brand The Club World Cup has ended, but Al Hilal’s mark will remain imprinted in memory for years, after it stood shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s giants, drawing with Real Madrid and defeating City in a night that shook all of Europe as they watched that epic presented by Al Hilal, and their unspoken words were, ‘Where did this giant come from?’ The message was painful and clear that night in Europe: there is a team in Asia that can overthrow the giants of Europe. Al Hilal presented a pristine image of Saudi football in the current global football discourse and proved that it is the spearhead of the Saudi football project. Al Hilal is no longer just a football team; it is a luxurious Saudi brand presented to the world with pride, under the title of Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal did not need a Category A star to gain a global standing, but what it presented in global tournaments has captured attention and captivated the world, raising the ceiling of ambition for other Saudi clubs.
• Bravo Eight After a company won the exclusive broadcasting rights for Saudi local football competitions starting from this sports season 2025/2026 until the 2030/2031 season, the company began intensive movements to sign agreements and partnerships with expert and specialized entities in the field of television and digital broadcasting to transmit matches. In a significant strategic move, Eight company entered a prominent partnership with the Spanish League Association (‘La Liga’), which was signed under the patronage of ‘Riyadh Season.’ The agreement focused on La Liga’s role as a technical consultant to Eight, to provide technical consultations aimed at improving the quality of audio-visual production, including broadcasting according to Spanish League standards, sound quality, camera angles, stadium lighting, and a complete technical guide for television directing.

Saudi Affairs and Regional Developments

Here are the headings from the newspaper and their corresponding details in English:

developmental cooperation and exceptional relations Syria, which was the heart of the Levant, its institutions have been emptied for years and capitals have been vying for it, and its people and decision. The latest statement issued by the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council was not an ordinary statement, but a decisive political signal with Arab and Gulf support, and a wide scope. Syria’s unity is not a negotiable file, but an uncompromisable principle. This statement, even if not the first in its timing or language, carries a different significance today. The Arab world, led by the Kingdom, realizes that leaving Syria subject to regional and international attractions will only lead to the production of more chaos and division in the Arab Levant.

custodian of the two holy mosques receives a message from the king of eswatini His royal highness, the custodian of the two holy mosques, king salman bin abdulaziz al saud – may god protect him – received a written message from his majesty king mswati iii, king of the kingdom of eswatini, concerning the bilateral relations between the two countries. The message was received by his excellency the deputy minister of foreign affairs, engineer waleed bin abdulkarim al-khereiji, during his reception yesterday at the ministry’s headquarters in riyadh, for his majesty king mswati’s member of parliament, lindani. During the reception, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop joint cooperation in various fields were reviewed.

a new economic carrier aims to transport 10 million passengers annually His excellency the minister of transport and logistics services, engineer salah al-jasser, confirmed that king fahd international airport in dammam is witnessing a qualitative leap on the level of infrastructure and services, pointing out that the airport’s traffic recorded growth exceeding 35% during the past two years, in addition to a remarkable expansion in the number of international and domestic destinations. The minister clarified in a press statement for “al-riyadh”, during his attendance at the inauguration and signing ceremony of the master plan for king fahd international airport, which was sponsored yesterday by his royal highness prince abdulaziz bin nayef bin saud, governor of the eastern province, that this step comes within a strategic vision aimed at raising the airport’s capacity to more than 30 million passengers annually, and enhancing the position of the eastern province.

iranian talks with the european troika regarding the “nuclear program” Tasnim news agency, a semi-official iranian agency, reported that iran, britain, france, and germany agreed to hold talks on tehran’s nuclear program next tuesday, following warnings on sunday from the european troika that failure to resume negotiations would lead to the re-imposition of international sanctions on iran. The agency quoted a knowledgeable source as saying that “an agreement was reached on the principle of the talks, but consultations are ongoing regarding the date and location where the talks may be held” within a few days. This report about the potential talks comes days after the foreign ministers of the european troika and the eu foreign policy chief held their first phone call with iranian foreign minister abbas araqchi since the american-israeli attack on iranian nuclear facilities last month.

1.98 trillion dollars total value of projects market in the kingdom Economic forecasts for saudi arabia for 2025 reflect a mix of flexibility and economic momentum for reforms in the medium term, in addition to adverse effects resulting from structural changes, uncertainty, and fluctuations in global oil markets and geopolitical events. According to meed magazine, the total value of projects in the kingdom reached approximately 1.98 trillion us dollars by the end of june 2025. This value was distributed as follows: 912.3 billion us dollars in the design phase, 419.3 billion us dollars for projects under execution, in addition to 351.1 billion us dollars for projects in the tender phase, 251.5 billion us dollars in the study phase, and 55 billion us dollars in the preliminary engineering design phase.

syria: fighting stops in sweida The syrian government announced on sunday a halt to fighting in sweida city with druze groups regaining control of the city and the redeployment of syrian government forces in the region after a week of sectarian violence that resulted in about a thousand deaths. The acts of violence that erupted between druze and sunni bedouins in july in sweida province in southern syria led to the killing of 940 people, according to the syrian observatory for human rights, which is based in london and relies on a network of sources inside syria.

gaza.. hunger is the master of the situation The bodies of gazans fall one after another, some succumbing to hunger, and others collapsing under direct shelling and targeting by the israeli army, in what has become known as the war of extermination, now in its 653rd day. amidst the deadly scenes of hunger that continue to unfold in the gaza strip, the falsity of the humanitarian slogans repeated by the distraught world is exposed. Under the suffocating israeli siege and the closure of crossings since early march, hunger has become the dominant force in the strip, with an increasing number of deaths due to systematic starvation.

the leadership congratulates the president of colombia on his country’s anniversary His royal highness, the custodian of the two holy mosques, king salman bin abdulaziz al saud, sent a congratulatory cable to his excellency president gustavo francisco petro urrego, president of the republic of colombia, on the occasion of his country’s independence day. His majesty the king expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for health and happiness to his excellency, and for the government and friendly people of the republic of colombia for continued progress and prosperity.

fahd bin sultan praises the work of “promotion of virtue” His royal highness prince fahd bin sultan bin abdulaziz, governor of tabuk region, received yesterday in his office at the emirate’s headquarters the director general of the general presidency for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice branch in tabuk region, ibrahim bin mohammed al-atiq, who came to greet his highness on the occasion of his appointment to head the authority’s branch in the region. His highness the governor of tabuk congratulated al-atiq, wishing him success and guidance in his work duties, noting his highness’s interest – supported by god – in the شعيرة (ritual/duty) of promoting virtue and preventing vice, and affirming the great importance of the work and duties carried out by the general presidency for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice.

governor of eastern province inaugurates projects in the aviation sector worth 1.6 billion riyals His royal highness prince saud bin nayef bin abdulaziz, governor of the eastern province, sponsored yesterday the inauguration ceremony of the new identity and the master plan for king fahd international airport, in addition to the master plans for al-ahsa international airport and qaisumah airport in dammam. His highness also inaugurated strategic airports. The governor of the eastern province inaugurated a package of integrated developmental projects whose total value exceeded 1.6 billion riyals, and included the implementation of 77 developmental projects for infrastructure development and improving passenger experience, and during the ceremony, a new national economic carrier launching from king fahd international airport in dammam was announced, with flights to 24 domestic destinations and 57 international destinations.

governor of qassim receives “kleeja” report His royal highness prince faisal bin mishaal bin saud, governor of al-qassim region, received yesterday in his office the president of al-qassim chamber of commerce and industry, ali al-muqbil, accompanied by the executive director of the kleeja festival, nayef al-manshalah, and the secretary general of the chamber, mohammed al-hanaya. His highness received the final report of the kleeja festival, which was organized by the chamber during the past period, and reviewed the most prominent results and outcomes of the festival, where sales exceeded 11 million riyals, with the participation of more than 230 productive families, which reflects the festival’s effective role in supporting and enhancing their opportunities for economic empowerment.

911 report on the desk of deputy governor of riyadh His royal highness prince mohammed bin abdulrahman bin abdulaziz, deputy governor of riyadh region, reviewed the annual report of the unified security operations center (911) in the region, which included its operations. This came during his highness’s reception yesterday at his office in al-hakam palace for the director of the unified security operations center (911) in the region, colonel engineer ahmed bin hamdan al-ghamdi, and a number of the center’s personnel. His highness listened to an explanation about the center’s security and service entities and accurate indicators and graphical representations of the center’s operations based on quality foundations and standards; to raise the quality and outcome level of work towards optimal performance in line with the kingdom’s vision 2030.

governor of madinah briefed on product safety indicators His royal highness prince salman bin sultan bin abdulaziz, governor of madinah region, received yesterday in his office at the emirate’s headquarters the governor of the saudi standards, metrology and quality organization, dr. saad bin othman al-kasabi. During the meeting, his highness was briefed on the most prominent efforts of the authority and its activities in the field of enhancing product safety, in addition to reviewing the conformity indicator of goods and products in madinah region, and the mechanisms for monitoring them to protect the consumer, in accordance with the requirements of technical regulations and standard specifications.

mohammed bin abdulaziz receives education report His royal highness prince mohammed bin abdulaziz bin mohammed bin abdulaziz, governor of jazan region, received yesterday in his office the comprehensive report on the performance of the general directorate of education in jazan region and its future plans, during his highness’s reception yesterday. This report includes performance indicators, educational programs, and plans linked to the strategic goals of the ministry of education, reflecting the administration’s commitment to raising the quality of education and achieving institutional performance. His highness the governor of jazan region directed to continue efforts made in the education sector, noting the great support it receives – may god support it – from the wise leadership.

development cooperation and exceptional relations On july 21, 1990, the people’s republic of china and the kingdom of saudi arabia established diplomatic relations, and over 35 official years, the two countries have always adhered to the basic principles of diplomatic relations, characterized by mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation under the strategic leadership of the leaders of both countries. The practical cooperation between them has flourished greatly, and human and cultural exchange has become closer, embodying a beautiful example of solidarity and mutual benefit for developing countries. Sino-saudi relations are based on a solid foundation, as they are close and friendly partners characterized by equality and mutual trust. Bilateral relations have witnessed continuous development in a smooth and healthy manner since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and both countries firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns. In 2016, chinese president xi jinping visited saudi arabia, where he announced with the custodian of the two holy mosques king salman bin abdulaziz al saud the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, which propelled bilateral relations to a new stage.

sdaia launches the experimental environment for the “tawakkalna” application The saudi data and artificial intelligence authority (sdaia) announced the launch of the experimental environment (sandbox) for the national comprehensive application “tawakkalna”, and the start of receiving requests to join the first group of private sector companies, in accordance with specific standards and controls, to provide integrated digital services in a safe and controlled environment that supports innovation and enhances partnership between the public and private sectors. This initiative aims to enhance tawakkalna’s role as a unified national platform that supports integration between government and private entities, by providing a flexible regulatory framework subject to supervision, enabling companies to test their services with real users in a secure technical environment. This comes in response to the increasing interest from private sector companies in providing their digital services through “tawakkalna”.

vegetation enhances efforts to remove mesquite trees The national center for vegetation development and combating desertification signed a cooperation agreement to implement mesquite invasive tree removal operations in a number of targeted locations and utilize the waste resulting from their removal in an environmentally friendly way. This step aims to protect local vegetation and support national efforts to preserve the environment. The agreement aims to apply effective programs and mechanisms to dispose of mesquite trees, as they are invasive plant species that pose a threat to local biodiversity and negatively affect ecosystems, vegetation cover, and green quality.

food and drug receives external participations in regulatory research The saudi food and drug authority announced on sunday the start of receiving scientific participations in regulatory research for its fifth edition, which is scheduled to be held on monday, november 3rd of the current year, at the authority’s main headquarters in riyadh. It clarified that the participations target human and veterinary medicines and herbal products, food and feed products, pesticides, medical devices and supplies, and cosmetic products. The “food and drug” called on researchers to participate with their scientific posters that contribute to achieving the goal of evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of products, and measuring the effectiveness of regulatory procedures and decisions, within the framework of supporting and developing the regulatory system.

riyadh municipality intensifies enforcement against violations of dividing rental units Riyadh region municipality intensifies its wide campaign to curb violations of dividing residential units in buildings and villas by exceeding the number of units approved by building permits, as part of its efforts and commitments to improve the urban landscape. The campaign came after an increase in violations that even affected villas’ annexes and upper floors within neighborhoods, transforming them into multiple rental units without proper licenses or compliance with regulations, which caused clear urban imbalance and placed a burden on infrastructure and public services.

deputy governor of riyadh performs funeral prayer for al-waleed bin khalid bin talal His royal highness prince mohammed bin abdulrahman bin abdulaziz, deputy governor of riyadh region, performed yesterday, after asr prayer, the funeral prayer for his royal highness prince al-waleed bin khalid bin talal bin abdulaziz – may god have mercy on him – at imam abdullah bin turki mosque in riyadh. His highness performed the prayer alongside his royal highness prince mansour bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince saud bin saad bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince abdulrahman bin saud al-kabeer, his royal highness prince abdullah bin mutab bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince faisal bin khalid bin abdulaziz, advisor to the custodian of the two holy mosques, his royal highness prince al-waleed bin talal bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince saud bin talal bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince musaab bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince hamoud bin abdulrahman bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince abdulaziz bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince turki bin abdullah bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince mohammed bin abdullah bin abdulrahman, his royal highness prince turki bin mohammed bin saud, his royal highness prince talal bin bader bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince faisal bin turki bin abdulaziz, advisor at the royal court, his royal highness prince abdulaziz bin abdullah bin abdulrahman, his royal highness prince meshal bin bader bin saud bin abdulaziz, commander of the royal saudi air force, his royal highness prince meshal bin mohammed bin saud bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince dr. nayef bin thanyan bin mohammed, his royal highness prince khalid bin abdulaziz bin ayyaf, his royal highness prince bandar bin saad bin khalid, his royal highness prince saud bin abdullah bin mohammed bin abdulrahman, his royal highness prince sultan bin mohammed bin saud, his royal highness prince bandar bin faisal bin mohammed bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince fahd bin abdullah bin mohammed, his royal highness prince nahar bin saud bin abdulaziz, governor of taif, his royal highness prince mohammed bin nahar bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince abdulaziz bin turki bin talal bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince bandar bin faisal bin bandar bin abdulaziz, assistant head of general intelligence, his royal highness prince abdulrahman bin talal bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince khalid bin al-waleed bin talal bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince khalid bin mohammed bin fahd bin abdulaziz, his royal highness prince saud bin khalid bin talal bin abdulaziz, and his royal highness prince mohammed bin khalid bin talal bin abdulaziz.

women smoking… extinguishes femininity Mark manson, in his book “the subtle art of not giving a f*ck”, mentions that women did not smoke in the 1920s, and if they did, they would be severely criticized. It was considered almost forbidden, as people at that time believed that smoking should be restricted to men, like studying at university or running for congress!. This was a problem for cigarette companies, as half the population did not smoke because it was uncommon or considered uncouth. However, companies tried to promote smoking among women, but that endeavor seemed unsuccessful, as the ingrained cultural prejudice against women smoking was deeply rooted.

hidden diseases behind soft smoke.. women in the danger zone Addiction among women to smoking leads to an increase in spinsterhood rates. Some girls see smoking as a way of self-assertion.. and this is a mistake. This failure that causes the addict to fall into addiction is due to the psychological disorder and lack of self-development, feeling of helplessness and negativity. To avoid this, the addict will resort to stabilizing instinctive energy in the oral zone, and the inability to bear psychological stress, pain, and frustration, considering the drug as a solution for his inability to achieve satisfaction through normal channels.

changing thought Psychological and social studies agree that smoking is one of the most important reasons that push many girls to smoke cigarettes and shisha, mostly for experimentation and entertainment, in addition to finding it as a pastime. They also see self-financing as a way for women, especially working women, to keep up with appearances of modernity and global changes. The changes that society is currently undergoing in the kingdom, and its impact by global variables, also play a major role, such as the increase in individual freedom and economic independence, and the increase in modernity rates.

multiple cultures In its reading, “al-riyadh” newspaper addresses the problem of girls using all types of smoking. The scene points to the attraction of women to all types of smoking and the increasing number of cafes that attract their patrons. As we mentioned earlier, it was a problem between the two sexes. We must admit the problem of addiction. In the past, some girls’ use of shisha or electronic cigarettes in the kingdom was done discreetly because the act of women using shisha or smoking was linked to the legal prohibition for women to use shisha openly in public places.

an ethical perspective for families On the aspect related to families, if the news of a female smoker’s addiction to smoking spread, it would be considered a dangerous problem for some families, to the extent that it leads to not marrying the female smoker. The judgment on a woman, when it comes to smoking or addiction, is more complicated and harsher from the perspective of society, morals, and religion. The judgment is based on traditions and customs deeply rooted in the collective and family consciousness, far from linking it to economic, global, or health variables or the rate of urbanization. The judgment on the female smoker is made from an ethical perspective, considering her as rebellious against religious and social morals, and an acknowledgment of her failure in her leadership role as a mother or wife, or sister.

increase in spinsterhood Among the social effects confirmed by most studies related to women’s issues is that women’s addiction to shisha leads to an increase in spinsterhood rates among women due to many men refusing to marry female smokers. Studies also indicated an increase in divorce rates and marital disputes among married women addicted to shisha and smoking. Studies indicated that shisha smoking may lead to addiction to cigarettes and hashish! Studies also showed that shisha smokers exhibit nervousness towards those around them, including family, husband, and children. Social studies and research confirm that smoking is a path to deviation for women or girls towards more dangerous things.

anyone who realizes the danger of smoking will quit immediately The parks, gardens, and recreational areas of al-jouf region are witnessing a large turnout of visitors from various segments and ages, coinciding with the mild weather, especially during the evening when temperatures drop and cool breezes blow in open areas. The green spaces that al-jouf municipality has worked to prepare and increase in area have contributed to attracting visitors and have become a favorite place for young people to spend their evenings.

al-radf.. the fragrance of history Taif receives visitors and tourists as an indispensable destination for a pleasant summer vacation in its charming environs. The governorate abounds with many places that represent an attraction factor due to its unique historical and cultural heritage, and al-radf is considered a must-visit for those seeking historical and natural origins. Al-radf is just one of the most attractive destinations in taif that enjoys an exceptional location and a very special status as the oldest summer resort in the kingdom. It reflects the true meaning of tourism most clearly, giving the visitor an opportunity to connect with nature, feel the spirit of history, and discover the ancient inscriptions and artifacts that provide a glimpse into its deeply rooted cultural heritage.

a leader makes the future In a time of great transformations, decision-making is no longer a mere bureaucratic procedure or a luxury, but a condition for survival and advancement. Nations that hesitate freeze, and leaders who bargain over time and do not possess the courage to make decisions are defeated and dissolve in the shadows of others. In the heart of this reality, the kingdom of saudi arabia stands out today as a model for a state that decided not to wait for anyone, but to reshape itself under a conscious leadership that knows where it is going and why. The kingdom has always had a rich political, economic, cultural, and religious heritage, possessing the components that made it a regional and international heavyweight. However, with the increasing pace of global change and challenges, it was no longer acceptable to continue relying solely on oil, stagnation in vital economic sectors, and a growing gap between youth and their aspirations on one hand, and the labor market requirements on the other, in addition to traditional government systems that needed efficiency and speed.

al-riyadh poll reveals the secret of real estate campaigns.. 60% believe “a downturn is coming” The real estate marketing campaigns (villas and apartments) for real estate in saudi arabia witnessed a remarkable upward trend during the recent weeks, which prompted “al-riyadh” newspaper to conduct an interactive poll on its “x” platform (formerly twitter) to survey citizens’ opinions about the reasons behind this increasing marketing activity. The results of the poll, which was viewed by nearly a quarter of a million people, and in which 1,592 people participated, showed that 60% of the participants believe that all the proposed reasons combined explain this real estate advertising boom, while 22% believed that the intensive marketing comes in anticipation of a potential drop in prices, and 11% saw that real estate financing plays a pivotal role, and 7% believed that offers to sell land at 1500 riyals per square meter are the main driver.

oil markets intensify and fears of supply reduction russian oil pricing at the start of today’s trading Oil markets intensified and prices rose after the european union approved the eighteenth package of sanctions against russia, which it announced on friday, but the effectiveness of these sanctions has not yet become clear. The continuous rhythm of russian sanctions announcements keeps brent crude futures around $70 a barrel, with the european union and its concept of a floating price cap for russian oil prices taking center stage at the start of this week’s trading, today, monday. This momentum was further enhanced by the possibility of saudi drone attacks on kurdish oil fields in iraq, which led to the destruction of all main production assets in less than a week, suggesting that baghdad’s commitment to the opec+ agreement will improve in the coming weeks.

tourism.. qualitative leaps The latest tourism figures in the kingdom point to global progress, and this reflects the efforts made in developing the sector and preparing its infrastructure and capabilities, until the kingdom transforms into a global attraction point in a short period of time. The first quarter of the current year gives us a positive impression of the progress achieved in the sector. The kingdom is the first globally in the growth rate of international tourist revenues compared to the same period in 2019, according to the world tourism barometer report, which highlights accelerated performance and confirms the success of the adopted strategy for sector development within the objectives of vision 2030.

stability of chemical tanker shipping prices with the fading of geopolitical concerns Chemical tanker shipping prices in america stabilized despite continuing to face downward pressures on many trade routes, especially between the united states and asia, where there is downward pressure on prices. Charterers remain in a state of anticipation and waiting amidst hopes of fading geopolitical concerns. In addition to contractual shipments, no significant activity is noted in the market, and customs tariffs continue to create uncertainty, which pressures shipping spot prices.

tools for reducing electricity bills and misleading the consumer Electronic marketing or e-commerce has become one of the amazing phenomena produced by advanced technologies in our modern era, which takes place in what is now known as the world wide web (internet) through social communication channels for users, so that any user can find everything they are looking for and need from products or services, evaluate them, compare them, and pay their value without having to leave their home. Therefore, e-marketing through internet networks has become a widespread and preferred method in all countries of the world due to its simplicity and flexibility. E-marketing via the internet combines comfort and ease when purchasing what we need from anywhere and at any time without having to leave our homes and endure the burden of distances and travel for that purpose.

gulf chemical sector recorded growth annually The total value of project awards in the gcc countries declined in the second quarter of 2025, after five of the six countries recorded a year-on-year decrease in project awards, with a sharp contraction in total contract values awarded by 58.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 28.4 billion us dollars, which is the lowest level recorded in four quarters, compared to 67.7 billion us dollars in the second quarter of 2024. This sharp decline is mainly attributed to the contraction in project awarding activities in saudi arabia, accompanied by weak performance in the uae. On the half-year level, the value of contracts awarded in gcc countries in 2025 decreased by 38.9% year-on-year, reaching 86.0 billion us dollars compared to 140.7 billion us dollars in the first half of 2024, due to the sharp decline in saudi project activities in particular.

saudi contract values retreated The total value of awarded contracts in saudi arabia sharply decreased by 72.5% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 9.8 billion us dollars compared to 35.6 billion us dollars in the second quarter of 2024. This significant decline led to a reduction in the kingdom’s contribution to the total value of gcc projects to 34.5% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 52.6% in the second quarter of 2024. This sharp decline is attributed to the ongoing challenges faced by the construction sector in saudi arabia, whose fluctuating performance was affected by the slowdown in awarding residential and hospitality project contracts.

construction sector relinquished its position as the highest sector in value On the sector level, the construction sector relinquished its position as the highest sector in terms of value to the transport and energy sectors, after it recorded a sharp decrease of 59.7% on an annual basis. The total value of contracts awarded within the construction sector reached 2.3 billion us dollars, compared to 5.8 billion us dollars in the second quarter of 2024. In contrast, the oil sector did not witness the awarding of any new contracts during the second quarter of 2025, recording a sharp decline from 1.7 billion us dollars in the same period last year.

announcements of individuals Abdullah bin saleh bin saud al-alyawi of saudi nationality announces the loss of his graduation certificate in public administration, issued by king faisal university, with certificate number (1094714829). Anyone who finds it is kindly requested to hand it over to its issuer. Thank you very much. Zahem ayed of iraqi nationality announces the loss of his iraqi passport, issued from iraq. Anyone who finds it is kindly requested to hand it over to the nearest police station or to the iraqi embassy in riyadh. Thank you very much.

syria: calm returns to sweida, security forces deploy in the countryside, and medical and food aid provided The syrian government announced on sunday a halt to fighting in sweida with druze groups regaining control of the city and redeploying government forces in the area, after a week of sectarian violence that left about a thousand dead. The acts of violence that erupted between druze and sunni bedouins on july 13 in sweida province in southern syria resulted in the killing of 1017 people, according to the syrian observatory for human rights in a new toll announced on sunday morning.

france: lebanese george abdallah released after 40 years in prison French justice ordered on thursday the release of lebanese activist georges ibrahim abdallah, who was sentenced in 1987 for the assassination of an israeli diplomat and an american in paris. He is considered one of the oldest prisoners in france. Abdallah will be released on july 25 of the current month after spending forty years behind bars. The appeals court issued its decision in a closed session at the palace of justice in paris in the absence of georges ibrahim abdallah, 74, imprisoned in lannemezan in the hautes-pyrénées department in southern france.

sudanese prime minister: khartoum will return as a proud national capital Sudanese prime minister kamal idris pledged on saturday to rebuild khartoum during his first visit to the capital since taking office, which was devastated by more than two years of war since may. During an inspection tour that included the devastated city’s airport, water stations, and bridges, the prime minister announced new and comprehensive projects for the return of residents who fled the violence, at least some of them.

gaza suffocates from hunger under siege The bodies of gazans are falling one after another, some succumbing to hunger, and others collapsing under direct shelling and targeting by the israeli army, in what has become known as the war of extermination, now in its 653rd day. Amidst the deadly scenes of hunger that continue to unfold in the gaza strip, the falsity of the humanitarian slogans repeated by the distraught world is exposed. Under the suffocating israeli siege and the closure of crossings since early march, hunger has become the dominant force in the strip, with an increasing number of deaths due to systematic starvation.

medical staff and patients in hospitals have not eaten a single meal for an entire day The ministry of health in gaza renewed a severe warning about the catastrophic repercussions of the famine that is ravaging the population, confirming a significant increase in the number of deaths resulting from hunger. The ministry added that medical staff and patients in hospitals have not eaten a single meal for an entire day, which threatens the collapse of the health system and exposes the wounded and sick to imminent death.

hamas receives new maps from mediators showing areas of israeli control A palestinian source reported that hamas has received new maps from mediators showing israeli control areas within the gaza strip and has begun studying them within its leadership bodies, while the movement is holding consultations with other palestinian factions to determine how to deal with the proposed offer. The israeli occupation army warned yesterday of evacuating new areas in deir al-balah in the central gaza strip, in preparation for expanding the scope of the genocide war by carrying out a ground operation in the area.

iranian talks with the european troika.. within days: nuclear facilities completely destroyed Tasnim news agency, a semi-official iranian agency, reported that iran, britain, france, and germany agreed to hold talks on tehran’s nuclear program next tuesday, following warnings on sunday from the european troika that failure to resume negotiations would lead to the re-imposition of international sanctions on iran. The agency quoted a knowledgeable source as saying that “an agreement was reached on the principle of the talks, but consultations are ongoing regarding the date and location where the talks may be held” within a few days. This report about the potential talks comes days after the foreign ministers of the european troika and the eu foreign policy chief held their first phone call with iranian foreign minister abbas araqchi since the american-israeli attack on iranian nuclear facilities last month.

the kremlin: putin is ready to move towards a peaceful settlement. kyiv proposes peace talks with moscow next week Ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky announced that kyiv has proposed a new round of peace talks with moscow next week, hours after a russian shelling that caused more casualties. Two rounds of talks between moscow and kyiv in istanbul failed to achieve any progress towards a ceasefire, and only resulted in an agreement on large-scale prisoner exchanges and military casualties. In his televised speech, zelensky said that national security council secretary oleksiy danilov reported that he proposed holding a meeting with the russian side next week, adding that “the momentum for negotiations must be strengthened.” The president also reaffirmed his readiness to meet russian president vladimir putin face-to-face, saying: “there is no alternative to a meeting at the leadership level to ensure true and lasting peace”.

reduction of us aid threatens millions of lives A reuters poll found that the us president donald trump’s administration’s decision to cut all foreign aid has led to the near halt of all us water projects across the world, which were meant to provide clean drinking water and safe sanitation facilities to millions of people, but are now left unfinished. According to reuters, after speaking to 17 sources familiar with infrastructure plans and reviewing internal documents, the cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding since january left excavation work unfinished and construction materials unsecured.

“worth” and “al-souda” launch a training program for the art of asiri cat The royal institute of traditional arts (“worth”), in cooperation with al-souda development company, announced the opening of registration for a specialized training program in the art of “asiri cat”, during the period from july 27 to 31, in aseer region, as part of joint efforts to enhance culture and heritage in al-souda tourism project. This program comes within the institute’s continuous education initiatives, aiming to introduce participants to the history of “asiri cat” art, its aesthetic components, and its techniques inspired by the natural environment, and geometric patterns for wall decoration, in addition to providing practical training on making natural colors and traditional techniques used in this art.

“ithra” announces four teams win in the “stem” race competition King abdulaziz center for world culture (“ithra”) concluded yesterday, wednesday, the national stem race competition, with the victory of four teams out of twenty participating teams from saudi arabia, qualifying them to compete in the global competition to be held in singapore next september. This comes as an extension of the center’s vision and its interest in developing the cultural scene by offering cultural and educational programs in multiple fields, aimed at motivating youth and discovering their scientific skills. The ceremony, held on the stage of ithra, in the presence of the acting ceo of king abdulaziz center for world culture (“ithra”), andrew denford, began with a speech by al-sha’aran, who expressed the central role the center seeks to establish in society, which leads to creating a positive impact and pioneering thought for youth; as they are the nucleus of the future for distinguished scientific and professional competencies, and this is in line with the efforts made by the kingdom of saudi arabia in supporting and empowering them.

“sadu weaving” highlights the depth of cultural heritage in al-baha Al-baha artisans forum witnessed yesterday, in 2025, a heritage atmosphere filled with cultural beauty, and a wide turnout of visitors to the “sadu weaving” corner, one of the most prominent stations of the forum, due to its deep cultural and aesthetic meanings. Saudi female artisans showcased exquisite artistic creations with skill and authenticity. The corner featured the participation of artisan saleha al-ghamdi, who attracted visitors by presenting live traditional weaving, demonstrating over 20 years of experience and skilled practice in this authentic heritage field, and providing an introduction to sadu techniques, the materials used, and how to transform them into various products.

“madinah arts” “tells stories” The saudi arabian society for culture and arts in madinah region organized yesterday, sunday, the activities of the “madinah arts” exhibition, which “tells stories”, during the period from july 20 to 22, at the society’s headquarters, with the participation of a selection of craft artists in the region. The exhibition included a number of new craft arts, including: leather and metal crafts, embroideries, jewelry, and arts of binding and gilding, in addition to supportive handicrafts; with the aim of highlighting the beauty of traditional crafts and introducing local artistic heritage in a contemporary way.

“made in the museum” launches at the national museum in riyadh The national museum today organized the introductory forum for the third edition of the summer camp, which launches under the slogan: “made in the museum”. It is one of the cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection of youngsters with national heritage and developing their creative skills in an interactive educational environment at the national museum headquarters in riyadh. The camp consists of two periods: the first runs from july 21 to 31, and the second takes place from august 4 to 14. The camp targets participants aged 10 to 12 through a rich program of educational and handicraft activities, distributed across four main tracks: pottery crafts, wood crafts, fiber crafts, and metal crafts.

the relationship between politician and media.. trump as a model! In a time of intersecting technology and creativity, a stimulating question arises: can artificial intelligence, specifically chatgpt, steal the spotlight in filmmaking? And will it have a future in writing and directing films that touch emotions and remain immortal in memory?. What was considered science fiction a few years ago has become a reality today in the form of a language model capable of generating and formulating plots, suggesting scenes, and even analyzing and building characters. This ability to generate content has led many filmmakers to experiment with it, either out of curiosity or as a tool to speed up the writing process. But is that enough to be a “true writer”?.

al-khodari, member of the jury of “desert film” Dr. Khalid al-khodari, a colleague and media personality, was chosen as a member of the jury for screenplays in the 19th edition of the international desert film festival, which will be held from october 5 to 10, 2025, in zakoura, morocco. In addition to his role as a jury member, al-khodari will present a workshop on saudi cinema, focusing on “the most important transformations witnessed by cinema, and the extent of attention the cinema sector receives under saudi vision 2030”.

transformations of saudi drama from “tash al-basata” to depth! Saudi drama has witnessed a qualitative development in recent years, reflecting the cultural and social scene in the kingdom, where roles are no longer confined to the traditional قالب (mold), but have become a space for reshaping national identity through models that express the diversity of society, its debates, and the aspirations of its individuals, which reflects a growing awareness among content creators of the importance of presenting contemporary roles and reshaping the relationship between the screen and the viewer in a more truthful and profound way. Years ago, roles tended to reflect life in different environments within the kingdom, with various styles that reflected the social reality in that period. Today! With the accelerating pace of local drama production, the magnitude of change in the scene, and the nature of roles and presentation styles, has become striking, moving from stereotypical models to diverse models that reflect our geographical, cultural, and social diversity.

“arts of the north” organizes “the shepherd” play The saudi arabian society for culture and arts in the northern borders region will organize a theatrical performance titled “the shepherd” next wednesday, october 20, 2025, at prince abdulaziz bin musaed theater hall for celebrations in arar city. The play will be held at exactly 9:00 pm and aims to enhance cultural and artistic activity, provide diverse recreational content for community members. The society clarified that the play comes within its summer programs for this year, which aim to enrich the cultural and artistic scene in the region, noting that entry is free, with a designated area for families and women, and prizes and gifts for the audience.

preserving morals and values is the goal of poets It is known that the poetry diwan forms a container for its content and a link between generations. This link is linguistic, historical, and consists of values, customs, and morals. It selects and preserves the best and finest of them. Poetry distinguished itself when it was good, and it was influential for the recipient. The recipient also has an interest in it, as it is considered one of the ways of education and provides guidance for thought and expression.

the poet muhammad al-othaim – may god have mercy on him – a talent that combined writing poetry and prose He excelled in journalistic writing and excelled in theater with the artist hamad al-tayyar in a number of works, including “the sun’s light shone” and its lyrics say: “the sun’s light shone for the beautiful ones / if it weren’t for the beautiful ones, the lamp would have gone out in the world”. “My longing tortures me, but in it there are wounds / except for a heart that loves to burn / i complain of a love that keeps me distant and close / i sit on the path of my beloved and wait for my time / until fate comes and the world is kind to him / and i wish for someone who digs a grave and sprinkles dust on me / let them write on the tombstone: “he died and had a need for you” / oh moon, your light reminds me and makes me cry / oh sun, my heart is surprised by the beautiful one”.

the second dhofar festival starts In a wonderful cultural event where craft blossoms into passion, and poets and vocalists weave poems and dreams.. The second dhofar poetry festival will be held in salalah city, sultanate of oman, from july 22-27, 2025, with the participation of a selection of poets and media personalities from the arab world and the gulf. The head of the second dhofar poetry festival, ms. Hanaa salim, pointed out that: We continue

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By Amjad Izhar
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