Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 23, 2025: Saudi Strategic Directives and Regional Dynamics

This collection of texts from “20827.pdf” provides a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s recent advancements and initiatives. The sources highlight the Kingdom’s success in renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen, and its strategic role in regional economic corridors. They also touch upon social and judicial reforms, such as efforts to improve public services and protect children, alongside reports on international relations and economic developments. Furthermore, the texts cover cultural events, tourism initiatives, and sports news, underscoring the nation’s broad spectrum of activities and its commitment to Vision 2030 goals.

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Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Vision: Progress and Global Impact

The sources provide extensive information on renewable energy initiatives, particularly in Saudi Arabia, highlighting various projects, strategic goals, and broader implications for global energy security and environmental sustainability.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of renewable energy based on the sources:

I. Saudi Arabia’s Vision and Leadership in Renewable Energy

• Strategic Direction: Saudi Arabia is committed to diversifying its energy mix and transitioning towards clean energy sources. This commitment is a core part of Vision 2030, which aims to build a prosperous national economy based on knowledge and human capabilities.
• Ambitious Targets: The Kingdom has set an ambitious goal to generate 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. It also aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 within the framework of the Circular Carbon Economy model.
• Global Competitiveness: Saudi Arabia has achieved significant success in renewable energy projects, securing some of the most competitive prices globally for renewable energy, even lower than China and India.

II. Key Renewable Energy Projects and Initiatives

• Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Production:Saudi Arabia is developing an integrated system to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe. This leverages its strategic geographical location as a link between East and West, enhancing its leading role in international logistical connectivity and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.
• NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is constructing the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant.
• The project involves a total investment of $8.4 billion USD (31.5 billion Saudi Riyals).
• It will be powered by 4 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind energy.
• The plant is designed to produce up to 600 tons of carbon-free hydrogen daily.
• It is expected to export 100% of its produced green hydrogen as green ammonia by the end of 2026.
• First ammonia production operations are anticipated to launch during 2027.
• The project reached 80% completion of its construction work by early Q1 2025.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):The Kingdom is investing in carbon capture and storage technologies.
• Plans include building one of the world’s largest carbon capture plants that will capture approximately 44 million tons of carbon annually by 2035, with operations beginning by 2027 at a capacity of 9 million tons annually.
• Saudi Aramco is developing a carbon capture center in Jubail Industrial City, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 for half of its gas production, with the other half shifting to renewable sources.
• Solar and Wind Energy Projects:Saudi Arabia is actively implementing competitive solar and wind energy projects.
• As of recently, 15 GW of renewable energy projects have been signed.
• There are also ongoing battery projects with a capacity of 48 GW under construction.
• In Al-Bukairiyah, Al-Qassim region, the second phase of a solar energy project was launched in government facilities, aligning with efforts to transition to renewable energy and enhance consumption efficiency.
• Environmental Restoration and Greening Initiatives:The Onizah Forest Park project in Al-Qassim, covering 10 million square meters, includes planting over 120,000 diverse trees to enhance biodiversity and combat desertification. It features two lakes using 84,000 cubic meters of treated water for irrigation. This project is part of achieving the Saudi Green Initiative goals.
• The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification works to establish a prosperous and sustainable vegetation cover across the Kingdom, preserving natural environments and restoring degraded lands.

III. Role in Global Energy Landscape and Addressing Challenges

• Energy Security: Saudi Arabia emphasizes that energy security is a fundamental enabler of economic activity. It highlights the importance of supporting all energy sources, including hydrocarbons, to ensure global energy stability.
• Addressing Energy Poverty: OPEC, of which Saudi Arabia is a member, stresses the urgent need to address energy poverty, noting that 2.1 billion people worldwide rely on polluting fuels for cooking, leading to 3.2 million deaths annually from indoor air pollution.
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is identified as a primary solution to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030.
• OPEC calls for sustained investment in the oil industry to meet rising demand for LPG and other products, estimating a need for $18.2 trillion USD in cumulative investments by 2050.
• Policy and Innovation:The Kingdom advocates for realistic policies regarding emissions reduction, warning against approaches that exclude or ignore investment in major traditional energy sources, as this could disrupt energy markets and disproportionately affect developing nations.
• Saudi Arabia stresses that technology and innovation are key to solving the challenge of emissions and ensuring energy security during the transition to net-zero.

IV. Underlying Principles and Broader Contributions

• Investment in Human Capital: The Kingdom’s focus on renewable energy and sustainable development is deeply rooted in its emphasis on investing in its people, which is considered the most beautiful and effective project for the nation’s future.
• Economic Diversification: The initiatives contribute to diversifying the national economy by fostering investment in strategic sectors, creating diverse job opportunities, and enhancing the local non-oil GDP.

Think of renewable energy development as a marathon, not a sprint. Saudi Arabia is not only participating but also leading the pack, investing heavily in state-of-the-art training and equipment (new technologies, massive projects like NEOM Green Hydrogen) to build a sustainable future while also ensuring that everyone, both at home and globally, has enough water and energy to stay hydrated and powered throughout the entire race (energy security and addressing energy poverty).

Regional Conflicts: A Geopolitical Overview

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, here’s a comprehensive discussion on regional conflicts:

Saudi Arabia consistently emphasizes its commitment to regional peace and stability, advocating for practical solutions and condemning aggression that undermines peace efforts. The Kingdom highlights that energy security is a fundamental enabler of economic activity, and that policies must be realistic regarding emissions reduction, warning against approaches that ignore traditional energy sources as this could disrupt energy markets and disproportionately affect developing nations.

Here are the key regional conflicts and related dynamics discussed in the sources:

• Conflict in Gaza and Israeli Aggression:
• The sources detail the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has led to repeated massacres and a dire humanitarian crisis. The Saudi Council of Ministers welcomed an international statement demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid, reiterating the Kingdom’s call for urgent practical steps against Israeli intransigence that prolongs the crisis and undermines peace efforts.
• There are reports of 20 deaths from starvation in Gaza within a 48-hour period, including four Palestinians and two children, in addition to a baby dying from hunger and lack of milk in northern Gaza, and a 12-year-old child dying from protein, milk, and calcium deficiency. This highlights the catastrophic humanitarian situation, widespread starvation, and drought in the besieged territory.
• The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that hospitals receive around 100 martyrs daily due to direct shelling, not including starvation victims. New diseases are spreading, particularly among children, which cannot be treated.
• UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees) confirmed that the situation in Gaza is “out of control” and that all aid providers are suffering from exhaustion and hunger while performing their duties. The agency reported that over a thousand Palestinians have died of hunger since the end of May.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) accused the Israeli army of direct attacks on its facilities in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, causing severe damage and endangering staff, leading to arrests and detentions of WHO personnel.
• The Palestinian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli actions as “genocide and forced displacement”, stating that the international community’s laxity provides cover for these violations. It urged immediate and binding measures to compel Israel to halt its aggression and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians and their political and humanitarian rights.
• Hamas expressed positive engagement with mediators’ proposals to reach an agreement to halt the aggression, end the genocide, lift the siege, and ensure a dignified life for Gaza’s population.
• Syrian Internal Conflict and Saudi Support:
• Saudi Arabia has consistently affirmed its permanent support and solidarity with Syria and its brotherly people, condemning Israeli attacks on Syrian territories and interference in its internal affairs.
• The Council of Ministers emphasized the content of the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states regarding developments in Syria, underscoring joint efforts to support the Syrian government in rebuilding the country and ensuring its security, stability, unity, and sovereignty.
• A Syrian security source reported that the ceasefire agreement in Sweida is being largely implemented without violations, with efforts to exchange detainees and restore stability. This follows a period of violent clashes in Sweida between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes, which resulted in over 1200 deaths according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
• Saudi Arabia emphasizes its firm stance in supporting Syria and standing by it, rejecting any act that violates civil and social peace. The Kingdom’s policy is to preserve the unity of Syrian territories and the Syrian people, support the political system chosen by the Syrian people, and reject all forms of intervention in Syria’s internal affairs.
• The Kingdom is supporting Syria’s economic recovery, initiating steps to lift international sanctions and calling for Syria’s reintegration into the international community to enable full utilization of economic, industrial, and investment opportunities.
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict:
• The Kremlin stated that no “miracles” should be expected from the third round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. It refused to provide a timeframe for a potential peace agreement to end the war.
• Ukraine’s Defense Minister announced that Ukraine will need $120 billion for defense spending next year. Ukraine is seeking additional military aid and is working with NATO members and the EU to secure it.
• Iran’s Nuclear Program and Regional Tensions:
• Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that Iran “will not abandon” its uranium enrichment program, despite damage from US strikes, calling it a matter of “national pride”. He emphasized that any future nuclear agreement must guarantee Iran’s right to enrich uranium.
• Iran has warned that reimposing UN sanctions would complicate the nuclear issue. This comes as European countries (Britain, France, Germany) threatened to trigger a snapback mechanism for UN sanctions if progress is not made on Iran’s nuclear program by the end of August.
• The sources mention Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, with the US President stating these strikes “completely destroyed” the targeted sites and threatening further strikes if enrichment resumes.
• US Withdrawal from UNESCO:
• The United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, accusing the organization of anti-Israel bias and promoting “divisive” issues. This is not the first time the US has withdrawn, having previously done so in 1984, citing poor financial management and anti-US bias.
• The withdrawal is part of a broader trend by the US President to exit international organizations he criticizes. The US currently contributes about 8% of UNESCO’s budget, down from nearly 20% during the previous US administration.

In essence, regional conflicts, much like complex puzzles, involve numerous interconnected pieces—political intransigence, humanitarian crises, economic impacts, and security concerns. Solving them requires not just addressing individual pieces but also understanding how they fit into the larger geopolitical picture, demanding multilateral cooperation and a commitment to human dignity rather than isolated actions.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation: Vision 2030 in Action

Digital transformation is a pervasive theme across the provided sources, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance various sectors, improve quality of life, and align with Vision 2030 objectives. The discussion revolves around the implementation of digital solutions in government, the economy, media, urban development, and social programs, emphasizing the strategic importance of technology and data.

Here’s a comprehensive look at digital transformation as discussed in the sources:

• Government Services and Public Interaction:
• The Ministry of Justice has undergone a significant digital transformation, particularly through the “Najiz” portal. This portal has enabled the electronic completion of numerous judicial and documentation transactions, significantly reducing the need for personal attendance. This includes the development of mobile documentation services and the adoption of remote litigation sessions.
• Local municipalities are also embracing digital tools for public engagement and service delivery. For instance, the Jeddah Municipality encourages residents to report violations via the “Baladi” application or the unified number (940), promoting community participation.
• In the realm of public safety, the Ministry of Interior promotes the concept that “security is everyone’s responsibility” by encouraging citizens and residents to report suspicious activities via digital channels like the “Baladi” application or the unified number (940), ensuring confidentiality and protection for informants. This shifts security from solely being an institutional effort to a shared community responsibility enabled by digital reporting.
• The General Authority of Civil Aviation issues monthly performance reports for the Kingdom’s airports, based on 11 key performance indicators, leveraging data to improve and enhance service quality for travelers.
• The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched an updated “Unified Transport” platform, allowing pilgrims to pre-book carts for transportation. This platform features a new interface, unified login (Nafath), flexible electronic payment (Apple Pay), support for 7 global languages, and spatial guidance, marking a qualitative leap in facilitating booking procedures.
• Economic Development and Business Environment:
• The sources highlight the critical role of technology in fostering a distinguished business environment. An expert notes that government institutions are striving for advanced rankings in international organizations related to the “ease of doing business”.
• A KPMG report on cybersecurity reveals a significant shift towards reliance on external partners for operational activities, including cloud computing services and software. This transition, however, has led to growing cybersecurity risks from external parties, with 98% of surveyed companies experiencing a cyber breach through a provider.
• The report emphasizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize business processes by automating tasks such as contract review, compliance verification, and threat analysis. AI is expected to enable teams to work smarter, respond faster, and reduce operational costs, making external party risk management a strategic imperative rather than just a technical issue.
• Energy Sector:
• Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Minister of Energy, highlights the Kingdom’s success in developing an integrated system for exporting renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe. This includes the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, which is building the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant, powered by solar and wind energy and utilizing digital systems and advanced technologies.
• Saudi Arabia is also investing in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, including the construction of one of the world’s largest carbon capture plants. The Kingdom’s ambitious goal is to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 within the Circular Carbon Economy framework, emphasizing that technology is the key to solving the energy challenge.
• Media and Culture:
• Al Arabiya Channel has undergone a major digital transformation, completing the transfer of its editorial, administrative, and operational processes to Riyadh. The channel now leverages modern technologies, including AI cameras, virtual and augmented reality, and advanced control rooms for broadcasting and content production. This strategic shift aims to enhance its regional and international presence and capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s developed media infrastructure.
• The Ministry of Culture has launched an electronic website for the historical Jeddah tourist destination, providing a comprehensive digital experience for visitors, and is creating a digital guide for handicrafts to document and preserve traditional crafts.
• The Film Commission is striving to build a critical scene for cinema that incorporates interactive knowledge structures and utilizes modern digital and technical approaches for film criticism and production.
• The acquisition of Saudi Professional League broadcasting rights by “Thamania” company signifies a redefinition of sports media, integrating traditional broadcasting with modern digital experience through satellite channels and a free platform offering 4K quality and interactive features.
• The media landscape is characterized by digital media imposing new laws governed by algorithms that prioritize interaction rates, leading to a decline in trust for political news and a preference for entertainment content. This highlights the ongoing digital transformation in media consumption habits and the challenge of maintaining serious, analytical content in a digitally driven, fast-paced environment.
• Urban Development and Infrastructure:
• The Riyadh Region Infrastructure Projects Center has introduced the “Riyadh Region Infrastructure Projects Code”, which is expected to enhance safety, reduce conflicts, and improve efficiency by organizing 8 project stages from planning to maintenance, relying on technology and data utilization as a guiding principle. This signifies a highly digitized and data-driven approach to urban development.
• Social Programs and Community Engagement:
• The Eastern Region Emirate emphasizes the Kingdom’s initiative on child protection in cyberspace, reflecting a commitment to establishing a safe digital environment for children against electronic risks and violations.
• The Jazan University is implementing an enrichment program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop students’ skills in AI concepts and techniques and enhance their knowledge for interaction with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• The Jazan Water Association launched its first charitable project with support from the “Ehsan” platform, demonstrating the harmony between the charitable sector and government systems in achieving Vision 2030 goals through digital platforms.

Digital transformation, in essence, is like upgrading a sprawling metropolis from a traditional, paper-based city to a smart city powered by integrated digital networks. It’s not just about adding new buildings (technologies) but redesigning the very infrastructure and how its citizens interact—from streamlining traffic (government services) and creating new energy sources (energy sector) to broadcasting news (media) and safeguarding homes (public security), all while generating vast amounts of data to continuously optimize and improve every aspect of urban life.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Cultural Preservation

Digital transformation plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s approach to cultural preservation, as evidenced by various initiatives across different sectors. The Kingdom leverages technology to document, restore, promote, and safeguard its rich heritage, aligning these efforts with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Here’s a comprehensive discussion of cultural preservation through digital transformation as highlighted in the sources:

• Urban and Architectural Heritage Revival:
• The “Rehabilitation of Historic Jeddah” project, launched in 2021 as part of Vision 2030, showcases a significant commitment to preserving the region’s cultural and architectural heritage.
• This includes the restoration of 27 historic buildings and the support and rescue of an additional 39 structures, reinforcing the unique architectural value of the area.
• Three heritage hotels have been opened, aiming to blend luxury with an authentic character, as part of a larger plan to rehabilitate 34 heritage buildings into hotels.
• Archaeological excavations have yielded important discoveries, such as wooden pieces from the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Minbar Al-Nabawi) dating back to the first Hijri century (seventh century AD) and a part of a clay vessel from the thirteenth century AD at the Mosque of Uthman bin Affan, highlighting Jeddah’s deep historical and cultural significance as a port and trade hub.
• The Ministry of Culture has also launched an electronic website for the historic Jeddah tourist destination, providing a comprehensive digital experience for visitors [Previous Conversation].
• The Riyadh Region Infrastructure Projects Code utilizes technology and data to guide urban development from planning to maintenance, reflecting a highly digitized approach to managing and preserving urban infrastructure, which implicitly supports the longevity of urban heritage.
• Documentation and Promotion of Traditional Crafts and Arts:
• The Ministry of Culture has published a digital guide for handicrafts, as part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative. This guide aims to define and document traditional crafts, showcasing their types, practices, and styles, thereby preserving them and ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills to new generations. It emphasizes their role in embodying national identity and their economic impact as a driver for development and entrepreneurship.
• The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts was inaugurated to empower young talents and ensure their participation in preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
• A unique “Kintsugi” exhibition in Jeddah by artist Asma Al-Zahrani featured the restoration of classic works with a “Saudi spirit”. This exhibition highlighted the philosophy of appreciating beauty in imperfection and celebrating historical and experiential “cracks” rather than concealing them, reflecting a conceptual approach to preserving heritage through art.
• Digitalization in Media and Arts:
• Al Arabiya Channel’s digital transformation involved moving all editorial, administrative, and operational processes to Riyadh and adopting modern technologies such as AI cameras, virtual and augmented reality, and advanced control rooms for broadcasting. This strategic shift aims to enhance its regional and international presence, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s developed media infrastructure to produce content that projects its identity and values.
• The Film Commission’s Cinema Criticism Conference (under the theme “Cinema: Art of Place”) seeks to build an interactive knowledge structure for film criticism using modern digital and technical approaches. This aims to foster a new generation of critics and writers and strengthen cinematic culture among the audience, viewing criticism as an integral part of industry development.
• The acquisition of Saudi Professional League broadcasting rights by “Thamania” company represents a redefinition of sports media, integrating traditional broadcasting with modern digital experiences through satellite channels and a free 4K platform with interactive features. This showcases the use of digital platforms to enhance the cultural experience of sports.
• Preservation of Social and Community Aspects:
• The “Bait Hail” festival in Hail, attracting over 65,000 visitors, showcases diverse heritage activities, including traditional crafts, folk arts, and ancient Thamudic engravings, preserving popular traditions and local identity.
• The “Al-Ula Pulse” festival focuses on physical and mental well-being activities within the region’s stunning natural landscapes. While primarily a wellness event, it highlights the importance of experiencing and connecting with the natural and historical sites of Al-Ula.
• The “Southern Tourism Road” spanning 190 km links villages and cities, preserving remnants of old villages, traditional markets, and historical dams, and highlighting productive farms. This initiative aims to blend natural beauty with inherited traditions, offering a journey through time and heritage.
• The “Red Lorry,” a historical vehicle, is recognized as a popular cultural symbol in the Gulf and Saudi memory. Its role in facilitating transport and trade, as well as its association with community cooperation and shared experiences, is preserved through narrative and collective memory.
• The story of Abdulaziz Hikmi, an 18-year-old with autism who memorized the entire Quran by listening, exemplifies a unique form of cultural and religious preservation. His journey highlights the power of familial and societal support in enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural narratives. Jazan University also offers an enrichment program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance students’ skills and knowledge for interacting with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, indicating an investment in future human capital that can contribute to cultural and societal advancement.
• Religious and Community Service Enhancement:
• The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched an updated “Unified Transport” platform, allowing pilgrims to pre-book carts for transportation with a new interface, unified login, electronic payment, multi-language support, and spatial guidance. This digital innovation enhances the pilgrim experience, contributing to the seamless observance of religious practices. A children’s hospitality center at the Prophet’s Mosque also ensures a safe and educational environment for children during pilgrimage, supporting families in fulfilling their religious duties.
• Preservation through Literary and Oral Traditions:
• Observations by Western explorer Goray document traditional Saudi hospitality, including detailed rituals of serving coffee and preparing food. These accounts serve as historical records of cultural practices.
• The mention of folk proverbs and poetry (“Sawaf Ma Aaf”) and the inclusion of poetic works and riddles within the sources themselves demonstrate a commitment to preserving and sharing oral and literary traditions as part of cultural identity.

Cultural preservation through digital transformation in Saudi Arabia is akin to building a digital ark. Instead of merely collecting artifacts, it’s about systematically digitizing, documenting, and restoring the blueprints of heritage, from ancient buildings to traditional crafts and even intangible practices. This ensures that the essence of a civilization, much like unique species, is not only saved from oblivion but also thrives, adapts, and becomes accessible to future generations, fostering a living, breathing connection to the past in a technologically advanced present.

Saudi Sports Renaissance: Vision 2030 and Digital Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in a significant transformation of its sports landscape, leveraging digital advancements and substantial investments to enhance various sporting events and related industries, aligning with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Here’s a discussion of sports events based on the provided sources:

1. Major Football League Developments:

• Player Transfers and Club Activities: The Saudi Professional League, known as “Roshen League,” is undergoing a qualitative shift, no longer merely a local championship but a global market.
• Al-Nassr Football Club recently retreated from a deal with Dutch defender David Hankou and saw midfielder Abdul-Malik Al-Jaber leave their camp in Austria due to a knee injury. Al-Jaber, who joined Al-Nassr from Bosnian club Zrinjski Mostar, played 33 matches last season.
• Al-Ahli Football Club secured its first signing for the 2025-2026 season by contracting defender Abdul-Ilah Al-Khaibari from Al-Riyadh Club for three seasons. Al-Khaibari had a strong performance last season, participating in 31 Roshan League matches. Al-Ahli’s team is also undertaking an intensive training camp across Austria, Italy, and Spain, including friendly matches against teams like Ajax or Celtic.
• Al-Ittihad Football Club commenced the second phase of its training camp in Portugal, with new players Predrag Rajkovic, Mario Mitaj, and Hussam Aouar joining the camp. They also unveiled their new kit for the 2025-2026 season and are scheduled for a friendly match against Turkish club Fenerbahce.
• Al-Taawoun Club announced that Bader Al-Ghannam won the club presidency elections, securing 2,384 votes.
• Al-Qadsia Women’s Football Team signed Canadian coach Carmelina Moscato to oversee its technical aspects. Moscato brings extensive experience, including representing her national team in over 90 international matches and at the Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in London 2012. Her appointment reflects the club’s ambition to compete in the Saudi Women’s League.

2. Other Sports and Events:

• Volleyball: The Saudi National Volleyball Team is set to face Jordan in a decisive match within the West Asia Cup semi-finals in Bahrain. The Saudi team qualified second in its group and aims for the championship title. Saudi referee Mohammed Al-Hazmi has notably officiated several important matches during the tournament.
• Triathlon: Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Asian Triathlon Union, met with Antonio Armany, President of the International Triathlon Union. Their discussion focused on enhancing cooperation in training, empowering specialized cadres, expanding the base of practitioners, and raising the level of participation in Asian and international championships. The efforts of the Saudi Olympic Academy in developing Olympic sports were also commended.
• Handball: Al-Qarah Handball Club has contracted Egyptian coach Serri Shawkat for its first team.
• Pole Vault: Saudi athlete Hussain Al-Hamad is highlighted as a “champion of gold”. Discovered at age 8, he has achieved significant milestones, including winning gold medals in the Kingdom’s youth championship, Arab Games, Asian Championship, and Islamic Solidarity Games. He recently broke the Saudi record with a jump of 5.72 meters and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics. His success is attributed to the support from the leadership, including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and the Minister of Sports.
• Esports: The “Free Fire” Esports World Cup concluded its second week of competitions at the Qiddiya City Arena, with the Indonesian team EVOS Divine winning the title and a prize of $300,000. This event featured 18 teams globally and highlights the growing prominence of esports in the Kingdom.

3. Role of Digital Transformation in Sports Media:

• The acquisition of Saudi Professional League broadcasting rights by “Thamania” company until 2031 signifies a redefinition of sports media, integrating traditional broadcasting with modern digital experiences [Previous Conversation, 195, 337]. This includes offering high-quality 4K broadcasts, interactive features like commentary choice, and comprehensive analytical coverage through podcasts and shows.
• Sports media is now viewed as a “soft power” pillar for the Kingdom, with the aim to enhance its global sports presence. There’s a focus on developing Saudi media talents to keep pace with the rapid growth in sports broadcasting.

4. Government and Leadership Support for Sports:

• The continuous support from the Saudi leadership for sports and athletes is evident through various initiatives and direct involvement from top officials. Prince Khalid bin Saad, for instance, is praised for his consistent support for former Al-Shabab club players, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of athletes.

5. Challenges and Discussions within Sports:

• Al-Hilal’s Super Cup Withdrawal: The withdrawal of Al-Hilal FC from the Saudi Super Cup sparked significant discussion. While the Ministry of Sports clarified that the decision was within the Saudi Football Federation’s jurisdiction, not an intervention, many expressed regret, emphasizing Al-Hilal’s crucial impact on the tournament’s quality and “flavor”. It was argued that Al-Hilal’s absence underscored the “artificial glow” of other teams. Al-Hilal is described as more than just a club but a “phenomenon,” “school of glory,” and “institution” that operates professionally and does not compromise its principles. The club’s busy schedule, playing over 70 matches in one season across various competitions, was cited as a possible reason for their decision.

The Kingdom’s engagement with sports events is akin to transforming a traditional playing field into a high-tech, multi-sport arena. Each game, whether football, volleyball, or esports, is not merely a competition but a spectacle enhanced by digital innovation, global participation, and strategic vision, all contributing to a vibrant, interconnected sports ecosystem designed to cultivate champions and elevate the national profile on the world stage.

Current Events and Cultural Reflections

Here are the titles of the columns from the newspaper along with their two paragraphs of detail, as requested:

1. column title: word detail 1: the session held yesterday in jeddah was headed by the custodian of the two holy mosques, king salman bin abdulaziz al saud – may god protect him -. the council of ministers was briefed on the message received by the custodian of the two holy mosques – may god aid him – from his majesty king mswati iii of the kingdom of eswatini, and on the content of the phone call received by his royal highness prince mohammed bin salman bin abdulaziz al saud, crown prince and president of the council of ministers – may god protect him – from his excellency president bashar al-assad of the syrian arab republic, during which the kingdom’s permanent positions of support for syria and its brotherly people were affirmed, and israeli aggressions on its lands and interference in its internal affairs were condemned. detail 2: the council of ministers stressed in this context the contents of the joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the kingdom of saudi arabia and a number of brotherly countries regarding developments in syria, and joint efforts to support the syrian government in rebuilding its country and ensuring its security, stability, unity, and sovereignty. the council also followed the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the kingdom to the brotherly syrian people to alleviate their suffering.
2. column title: business environment.. the most important then the important detail 1: many countries suffer from difficulty or poor practices in the business environment, while other countries enjoy a distinct and attractive business environment. in identifying the appropriate environment, its components, and its succession, research methods differ. through my meetings with a number of businessmen of different nationalities and in various sectors, three essential elements forming a pillar in regulation can be identified: system, oversight, and sustainability. detail 2: government institutions concerned with the business environment compete to obtain an advanced evaluation from international organizations relevant to the matter. this is important for ease of doing business economically; it is one of the indicators that – although its reliability sometimes decreases – remains an important indicator that deserves attention, but the most important is the issue of regulation and its elements. the element of the system and its regulations is considered important in terms of its comprehensiveness and thorough study, and surveying the experience that is often called “pilot,” which unfortunately we do not see applied appropriately, especially in a country like the kingdom, which is like a subcontinent with its diverse components and vastness. also important is considering community awareness of the system during implementation, and here i mean the business community, whose opinion i assume was previously surveyed, and observing the timing of its announcement. however, when it goes into effect, it may not be appropriate. for example: some regulations implemented during the coronavirus pandemic may have served as a graveyard for the system or a raging fire on the business community.
3. column title: sports media makes the future detail 1: i can assert that the saudi professional league has witnessed a qualitative leap, not only at the level of stars and deals, but also in the media coverage, which has become part of the league’s identity and image in front of local and global audiences. in light of vision 2030, sports media has become one of the most prominent tools used by the kingdom to strengthen its position on the global sports map. detail 2: the saudi professional league – which is no longer just a local championship – known as “roshen league,” carries a national identity, but has become a global market where prominent names from different continents compete. after clubs signed these global stars, international media attention turned towards saudi arabia, and the league, which began as a local competition, is now broadcast on global screens with technical analyses that have made foreign fans eagerly follow it, just like major european leagues.
4. column title: poet’s publication detail 1: when the explorer gauri visited riyadh in 1935, accompanied by his compatriot minister andrew ryan, his stay in riyadh enabled him to observe some traditions of hospitality of king abdulaziz and the people of the kingdom, as he says. among what he mentioned is that his majesty the king always keeps a number of men waiting at his diwan door, ready for his orders when one of the visitors calls out “ya walad” (oh boy), to which they respond with “sam” (yes), interpreted by gauri as an abbreviation for “sam’an wa ta’ah” (hearing and obedience). gauri believes that the rhythm of the pestle in the mortar when crushing coffee beans delights the arabs. as the coffee maker approaches the end of his work, he increases the vigor between the descending strokes. a full cup of coffee is placed in boiling water in a dallah (coffee pot), which is then set aside to gently boil for three or four minutes. during this time, some cardamom is crushed and half a cup’s worth is placed in another dallah. a piece of palm fiber is then inserted into the opening of the dallah containing the cardamom, and the coffee is poured through it. detail 2: gauri elaborates: in najd, coffee is always poured with the right hand. he believes it indicates strange ignorance when poured with the left hand in other arab regions. the cups are filled to about a quarter, and the server waits for the drinker to empty his cup before proceeding to the next guest. sometimes, devout individuals prefer coffee made from husks instead of strong coffee, believing the prophet forbade it among beverages.
5. column title: popular proverb detail 1: it might be a good or bad description, or good or bad situation. we wanted to describe what makes us happy or what upsets us. this leaves room for imagination, such as “this is all yours.” when we say “this is all yours” or “this is on him,” it doesn’t specify the exact meaning, leaving it to the recipient’s imagination. detail 2: similarly, “he saw what he didn’t dislike” is a popular proverb. although it is a phrase that does not exactly define the suffering, it allows the recipient to imagine the situation. if it is said: “he saw what he didn’t dislike” or “the situation is unsatisfactory,” then the meaning is that people have changed and dislike what they used to like.
6. column title: the riddle detail 1: this week’s riddle was written for the page by poet raja bin adi al-rimal from riyadh, who says: oh my father, take a new and full riddle. its secret, my son, is in the newspaper, then it will be known. the status of the girls is high, and a desired girl, they form, and they deny the first and second letter, and the fourth and third letter is a happy need. detail 2: the correct answer was found by: welcome to those whose meanings distinguish. a poet who knows the price. i will give you the solution to the riddle without argument. if you are determined, take the confirmed news. the scorpion whose star appeared in the sky. glory be to its creator and his servant. the diligent one, mut’ib mudhakkir munir, distinguishes the weight. oh raja, your riddle, my living and beneficial one, is an ancient girl of knowledge. its status is high, with several stars in the sky. your days are beautiful, oh scorpion, happy.
7. column title: has media abandoned its message? detail 1: in past years, newspapers were widely read and eagerly awaited daily fare, far from what is happening now. the focus was on local news, economic and political affairs. today, everything changes; serious content recedes, and media finds itself compelled to adapt its language and approach to the mood of an audience that no longer desires complexity. detail 2: it now focuses on arts, sports, entertainment, and everything that is not serious! digital media has imposed new laws, governed by algorithms that only recognize engagement rates. reports from the “reuters institute” for 2024 indicate that 55% of internet users in the middle east do not trust political news, preferring to stay away from it in favor of sports or artistic content, compared to only 38%. in saudi arabia, a 2019 survey by the “visual and audio media authority” showed that over 64% of followers prefer watching sports and entertainment content over serious news material.
8. column title: security reporting.. community partnership and national responsibility detail 1: every society that seeks stability, prosperity, and security lives in peace. security remains the most important foundation on which a dignified life is built. it is not achieved solely by the efforts of security agencies, but is a shared community responsibility that requires individual awareness and continuous cooperation. detail 2: the concept of “security is everyone’s responsibility” goes beyond being a raised slogan in awareness campaigns; it is a daily behavior and a culture reflected by citizens and residents in their interactions with others. the role of individuals lies in several forms, including adhering to regulations and laws, reporting any suspicious or illegal activities, and spreading awareness about the importance of maintaining security, and avoiding the dissemination of rumors that may cause chaos.
9. column title: the most important investment in the un calendar detail 1: investing in people has been and remains the most beautiful project and the finest dream whose positive returns cannot be measured. it is not just a golden opportunity or an achievement, but an innovation that cannot be paralleled or imitated. from the era of the founder king abdulaziz bin abdulrahman al saud – may god have mercy on him – and up to the era of the custodian of the two holy mosques king salman bin abdulaziz – may god protect him – the kingdom’s immense attention and care for the human being in this dear homeland. detail 2: it has made it a top priority and the first and most important target for all its projects and strategies, and the perfect example of its developmental investment and developmental progress for saudi generations. this cannot be limited to specific sectors, as it has spanned all decades, including education, health, labor, and major national files such as culture and sports, and others, confirming beyond doubt the enormous attention paid to all saudi generations to achieve their ambitions and dreams.
10. column title: when al-hilal is absent.. value shakes and truth appears detail 1: al-hilal is a phenomenon where names change, but the meaning remains. it is the entity that cannot be translated, the entity that cannot be underestimated. if it is late, wait, and the glory that cannot be inherited… if it is present, it amazes… and if it is absent, it spreads! al-hilal withdrew from the super cup, and the usual voices emerged, mocking and ridiculing it. they rejoiced as if its absence made them strong, but it was only because al-hilal was absent. detail 2: they forgot that al-hilal is not measured by presence alone, but by its impact. it is a team without which nothing is complete, without which a tournament cannot succeed, it is only respected. its presence alone is enough to guarantee the success of any tournament, and its absence reveals the fragility of the “artificial glow” that some try to export whenever the opportunity arises.
11. column title: prince of humanity and giving detail 1: this is abu abdullah, prince khalid bin saad, the great man who is a model of loyalty and generosity. his stances are numerous, especially his loyalty to former al-shabab club players who wore their club’s badge and left their mark on the club’s journey. detail 2: indeed, and from the gate of fairness, i must say that your loyalty and good deeds are for everyone. your calls to player essam soufiane when you learned he was hospitalized for treatment, whether financially or morally, are a testament to the value of loyalty and humanity. for this, you deserve gratitude from all al-shabab fans.
12. column title: the super without taste detail 1: to my great regret, al-hilal team withdrew from the saudi super cup, which is scheduled to be held next month, after al-hilal’s withdrawal. the al-hilal fans are convinced of the reasons behind al-hilal’s withdrawal. al-hilal’s withdrawal has a great impact on the tournament and its flavor. certainly, its presence has a great impact on the overall technical level of the tournament, but its absence weakens the overall level. detail 2: al-hilal has a special flavor, and every event it participates in must bear its mark. perhaps its recent participation in the club world cup provides another evidence of its effective participation. its presence gives the event a special and unique charm. i believe that its withdrawal will make the tournament lose a major team with weight and importance.

Saudi Policy, Culture, and Sports Updates

Here are the headings from the newspaper and their corresponding details, presented in English as requested:

the kingdom calls for practical decisions in face of israeli intransigence and undermining peace efforts.. and affirms support for syria the council of ministers, headed by the custodian of the two holy mosques king salman bin abdulaziz al saud – may god protect him – reviewed yesterday in jeddah, during the session, the content of the message received by the custodian of the two holy mosques – may god support him – from his majesty king mswati iii of the kingdom of eswatini, and the content of the phone call received by his royal highness prince mohammed bin salman bin abdulaziz al saud, crown prince and chairman of the council of ministers – may god protect him – from his excellency president bashar al-assad of the syrian arab republic. during the call, the kingdom’s permanent stances of support for syria and its brotherly people were affirmed, and israeli aggressions on its territories and interference in its internal affairs were condemned. in this context, the council of ministers stressed the contents of the joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the kingdom of saudi arabia and a number of brotherly countries regarding developments in syria, and the joint efforts and endeavors to support the syrian government in rebuilding its country and ensuring its security, stability, unity, and sovereignty. the council also followed the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the kingdom to the brotherly syrian people to alleviate their suffering.

amendment to the saudi red sea authority regulation the council approved the amendment to the regulation of the saudi red sea authority, as stated in the decision. (no second paragraph found directly related to the amendment details in the provided source excerpts for this specific heading beyond this statement. the source refers to page 2 for details, but page 2’s excerpt does not contain them.)

saudi welcome for the statement by international partners calling for an end to the war on gaza the kingdom of saudi arabia welcomed the statement issued by a number of international partners on the 26th, which called for an end to the war on the gaza strip, the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and its safe and rapid delivery to the residents of the strip. the kingdom reiterated its call to the international community to quickly take practical decisions and steps in the face of israeli intransigence, which deliberately prolongs the crisis and undermines regional and international peace efforts. the kingdom reiterated its categorical rejection of the israeli occupation authorities’ continued inhumane methodology in preventing aid and targeting civilians as they try to obtain the most basic necessities for survival, such as food, medicine, and water.

the kingdom enhances energy security by exporting green hydrogen to europe abdulaziz bin salman: we started at a high cost and caught up with china the kingdom has succeeded in developing an integrated system for exporting renewable energy and green hydrogen to europe, which confirms the kingdom’s leading role in the economic corridor project between india, the middle east, and europe, based on its strategic geographical location linking east and west. his royal highness prince abdulaziz bin salman, minister of energy, expressed his pride and appreciation for the major successes achieved by the kingdom in renewable energy projects in short periods and at prices considered among the most competitive globally. his highness stated during the international workshop in riyadh: “saudi arabia offers the cheapest prices globally for purchasing renewable energy, and the prices in saudi arabia are cheaper than those in china and india.” his highness added: “everyone has seen the prices that cannot be compared with any country”.

gold retreats as dollar rises and tariff negotiations continue gold prices fell yesterday, tuesday, from their highest level in a month, under pressure from slight dollar appreciation and profit-taking, while investors awaited progress in trade talks before the August 1 deadline. spot gold prices fell 0.3% to $3,384.49 per ounce. earlier in the session, gold prices reached their highest level since june 17. us gold futures also fell 0.3% to $3,397.

opec warns of the serious repercussions of energy poverty and offers solutions oil industry investments to reach 18.2 trillion dollars by 2050 the organization of the petroleum exporting countries (opec) is working to provide solutions to overcome the tragic challenges faced by nearly a quarter of the world’s population, approximately 2.1 billion people, who rely on polluting and inefficient cooking fuels. these fuels pose serious health risks, leading to diseases and an estimated 3.2 million annual deaths from indoor air pollution. in this regard, the secretary general of opec, haitham al-ghaish, said: “these statistics are alarming and shocking, and the solution to overcome this tragic challenge lies in increasing the use of clean cooking fuel.” the world health organization has issued guidelines on what constitutes clean fuel. for cooking, clean fuel is defined as any fuel or technology that achieves levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide recommended by the who for air quality.

the united states withdraws from unesco washington accuses the organization of bias against israel and promoting divisive issues the united states announced yesterday, tuesday, its withdrawal from the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (unesco), accusing it of bias against israel and promoting “divisive issues”. the us state department spokesperson said that “continued participation in unesco is not in the national interest of the united states”. unesco director-general audrey azoulay expressed her regret yesterday, tuesday, over the united states’ decision to withdraw from the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization, while affirming that it was “expected”. azoulay said, “i deeply regret president donald trump’s decision to withdraw the united states from unesco… although regrettable, it was expected, and unesco has prepared for it”.

kremlin: don’t expect miracles in talks with ukraine kyiv needs $120 billion for defense next year the kremlin said yesterday, tuesday, that there is no basis to expect miracles in the third round of direct peace talks between russia and ukraine, and refused to give any time frame for a potential peace agreement to end the war. the ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky stated on saturday that kyiv had sent a delegation to moscow for another round of peace talks and that he wanted to accelerate negotiations in turkey this week to achieve a ceasefire.

culture reviews its achievements to revive historic jeddah last year as an extension of what has been achieved since the launch of the “revitalization of historic jeddah” project in 2021, the historic area witnessed remarkable development during 2024. the ministry of culture announced a series of achievements that reflect its commitment to preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of the area. in the field of heritage preservation, the ministry completed the restoration of 27 historic buildings and rehabilitated 10 others, in addition to supporting and salvaging 39 additional buildings. in a step that offers a unique experience, the opening of three heritage hotels was witnessed last year, as part of a plan to restore and rehabilitate 34 heritage buildings and transform them into hotels.

house of hail enriches the soul the fourth edition of the “house of hail” festival, titled “the house is yours.. after my beloved,” held at aja park, saw the attendance of over 65,000 visitors and tourists of all ages since its launch. the festival included various wings, showcasing traditional popular crafts, handmade goods, traditional foods, and ancient thamudic inscriptions.

guide solidifies handicrafts the ministry of culture issued the “crafts cultural guide” as part of the activities of the “international crafts year 2025” initiative, which the ministry dedicates to celebrating intangible cultural heritage elements in the kingdom. the guide highlights handicrafts as a cultural component and an essential pillar that embodies national identity. the guide aims to introduce and document the content of handicrafts, their types, practices, and methods, which enhances their presence in daily life and contributes to transferring their knowledge and skills to new generations. it also includes a record of craft terms, preserving knowledge in a framework that reflects the historical depth of the craft and its status.

kuwait launches creative book award kuwait launched the “sheikh aisha bint yousef al-eisa book award” to honor and encourage institutions and individuals to publish cultural, literary, and scientific works, and to contribute to enriching the cultural movement at the level of the arab world. the award highlights the most prominent publications in the fields of literature, humanities, and sciences. in its first edition, it includes three branches: literature (novel), historical studies and research, and educational studies and research. buthaina al-eisa, the award’s general secretary, explained that the award will accept all productions in arabic within these fields. she added that the award was launched in cooperation with the national council for culture, arts, and literature in kuwait.

kintsugi.. restoration exhibition in jeddah the artist and researcher asma mohammed al-zahrani reinterpreted the concept of restoring classical works in a “saudi spirit” exhibition titled “kintsugi,” which launched at madad art gallery in jeddah. the exhibition was attended by a number of plastic artists, intellectuals, and art enthusiasts. the exhibition included works by saudi artists that asma contributed to restoring, presenting an artistic experience with a contemplative character. she did not hide the breaks but rather highlighted them, transforming them into a symbol of beauty and high artistic value.

minister of information visits al arabiya after completing the transfer of its operations to riyadh his excellency the minister of information, professor salman al-dossary, visited the headquarters of the al arabiya news channel in the diplomatic quarter in riyadh, following the completion of the transfer of the channel’s digital and media platform operations, as well as all its editorial, administrative, and operational functions. the minister of information affirmed that al arabiya network, since its launch more than 22 years ago, has been able to raise arab awareness with its clear, rational, and professional arab orientation, proving its success and excellence by adopting a discourse far from popular excitement and incitement.

cinema.. art of place slogan of film criticism conference the films authority announced the launch of the third edition of the film criticism conference and its forums, under the slogan “cinema.. art of place,” as part of its efforts to develop the cultural infrastructure for the film industry in the kingdom. this will take place in three cultural stations across the kingdom next august, including the asir region, qatif governorate in october, and concluding in november in the capital, riyadh. the conference reflects the authority’s commitment to building a critical scene that goes beyond the traditional concept of events, establishing an interactive knowledge structure that brings together critics, researchers, and filmmakers, as well as emerging saudi talents. this is achieved through a comprehensive program that includes knowledge sessions, practical workshops, and specialized art exhibitions.

karaoke in arabic.. enhances the beauty of language and music the abu dhabi arabic language center recently concluded the “karaoke in arabic” event, dedicated to children and youth, as part of its “our summer in arabic” initiative. the event, held on july 10 and 17, included a variety of artistic, linguistic, and recreational activities that combined the beauty of music, knowledge, and creativity. the event, hosted by saadiyat island, saw the participation of over 20 children, in cooperation with the “anghami” platform. they interacted with the rich entertainment and cultural content provided, having the opportunity to re-perform some songs in classical arabic. participants also learned the basics of music, such as musical scales, rhythms, and melodies, as well as the main and sub-arabic musical maqamat and instruments.

the legal gaze/viewing there is no excuse for our universities to not research the real reasons why young men and women abstain from marriage. i propose that the research should be based on the needs of society, and we must strengthen oversight of the academic work to ensure the veracity of the results. furthermore, the research should be purely national, with no role for foreign researchers, because “no one can scratch your skin like your own fingernail,” and “no one can truly understand your research except you.” therefore, you must handle everything yourself. (second paragraph from next page as there is no second paragraph for this heading on the same page and the content starts with “also in our generation” which points to a continuation. I will pick a subsequent paragraph that still discusses the core topic.) in our generation (mid-eighties), king fahd bin abdulaziz – may god have mercy on him – issued an order to pay fifty thousand riyals to every university graduate as a grant after graduation. there is no doubt that this was an important factor for the young man’s life circumstances after graduation. the amount was disbursed to every graduate after 1400 ah, except that the discretion or stubbornness of the director of employee affairs at one of the universities at that time made him decide on his own that the amount was a housing allowance for the teaching assistants whom he considered working under him. and indeed, he applied his discretion, so we were deprived of what our colleagues who graduated with acceptable grades and were appointed in other places received, as we were not forgiven for his stubbornness.

the kingdom rejects harming syria’s security and unity when a positive transformation occurred in the syrian state with the establishment of a new political system, as chosen by the syrian people on december 8, 2024, the kingdom of saudi arabia stood at the forefront of major international countries that supported this positive and constructive transformation. this was affirmed in an official statement broadcast by spa on december 8, 2024, which read: “the kingdom of saudi arabia followed the accelerating developments in syria with satisfaction for the positive steps taken to secure the safety of the brotherly syrian people, prevent bloodshed, and preserve the institutions and capabilities of the syrian state. the kingdom affirms its support for the brotherly syrian people and their choices in this pivotal stage of syrian history, and calls for concerted efforts to preserve syria’s unity and cohesion, protecting it – by god’s will – from sliding into chaos and division. the kingdom also reaffirms its support for all that would achieve syria’s security, stability, unity, sovereignty over its territories, and independence.

security reporting.. community partnership and national responsibility security and stability remain a blessing and the most important pillar upon which a dignified life is built. they are not achieved by the efforts of security agencies alone, but are a shared community responsibility that requires the awareness and continuous cooperation of individuals. the concept of “security is everyone’s responsibility” goes beyond being a mere slogan in awareness campaigns; it is a culture, a daily behavior, and a reflection of the citizen and resident in their interactions with those around them. the role of individuals manifests in several ways, including adhering to regulations and laws, reporting any suspicious or illegal activity, and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining security, while avoiding the spread of rumors that could cause unrest.

the most important investment in the un calendar investing in people remains, and will continue to be, the most beautiful real project, the most wonderful dream, and the greatest innovation whose positive returns and record profits cannot be measured. it is an innovation that cannot be matched or even approached by any other. the kingdom, since the era of its founder, king abdulaziz bin abdulrahman al saud – may god have mercy on him – and up to the era of the custodian of the two holy mosques, king salman bin abdulaziz al saud – may god protect him – has placed human beings at the forefront of its priorities, with utmost care and attention. this focus extends to all its projects and strategies, serving as the primary and most important target for all its transformative investments and developmental efforts across all generations.

has media abandoned its mission? in past years, newspapers did not deviate much from their actual content; they were a daily meal that we eagerly awaited, especially the evening news from the editorial. the focus was on local news, economic affairs, and politics. today, everything changes. serious content is declining, and media finds itself forced to adapt its language and approach to suit the mood of an audience that no longer seeks depth, but rather focuses on arts, sports, entertainment, and all that is not serious. digital media has imposed new laws, governed by algorithms that only recognize interaction rates.

al-nassr withdraws from hanco deal.. and loses al-jaber al-nassr’s management withdrew from negotiations with dutch defender david hanco. global media outlets reported al-nassr’s withdrawal at the last minute, despite an agreement on all financial terms and contract duration. in other news, al-nassr announced the departure of midfielder abdulmalik al-jaber from the team’s training camp in austria after he suffered a knee injury. he said on his x account: “the team’s coach jorge jesus approved captain abdulmalik al-jaber’s departure to riyadh to undergo further medical examinations after suffering a cartilage injury in his knee”.

al-khaibari is al-ahli’s first deal al-ahli club has officially finalized its first signing for the new 2025-2026 season by contracting with defender abdulelah al-khaibari, coming from al-riyadh club. al-ahli’s media center stated that the contract with player al-khaibari extends for three seasons. al-khaibari is expected to join the team’s ongoing preparatory camp for the new season. al-khaibari drew attention last season with al-riyadh, participating in 31 matches in the roshan league during the 2024-2025 season, with a total of 2624 minutes played, averaging approximately 85 minutes per match.

green volleyball faces jordan the saudi national volleyball team will play a crucial match today, wednesday, against its jordanian counterpart in the men’s west asia cup tournament, hosted by the kingdom of bahrain at sheikh issa bin rashid hall in riffa, with the match kicking off at 1:00 p.m.. the green falcons qualified after finishing second in their group, behind the qatari team. the team seeks to confirm its presence and continue its journey towards the title. the strong stars of the national team realize the difficulty of the match, which requires focus, avoiding mistakes, and showing the same fighting spirit that was present in the oman match, which ended with a clean sweep of three sets for saudi arabia, providing a strong morale boost before facing jordan.

al-ghannam to head al-taawoun the general committee for sports club elections announced the victory of badr al-ghannam’s list for the presidency of al-taawoun club, as stated by al-taawoun club’s media center. al-taawoun club stated in a post on its official x social media account: “the general committee for sports club elections announces the victory of badr bin hassan al-ghannam’s list after receiving 2384 votes, compared to abdulaziz bin mohammed al-hassoun’s list which received 5 votes”.

ibn jalawi meets with international federation president his royal highness prince fahd bin jalawi, vice president of the saudi olympic and paralympic committee and president of the saudi triathlon federation, met yesterday with antonio armani, president of the international triathlon union. this meeting took place during armani’s visit to riyadh to participate in the olympic studies diploma program organized by the saudi olympic academy in cooperation with the saudi olympic and paralympic committee and the international triathlon union. the meeting also discussed future partnerships for triathlon and efforts to coordinate with the asian federation to expand the base of practitioners in the region, and raise the level of participation in continental and international championships.

raykovic, mitaj, and aouar enter al-ittihad camp al-ittihad team began the second phase of its preparatory camp for the upcoming sports season in the algarve region of portugal, which will continue until august 8. the team’s delegation had arrived in portugal after completing the first phase of the physical conditioning camp in spain, which was dedicated to rehabilitation and physical preparation. upon the delegation’s arrival, the team conducted its first training session under the supervision of french coach laurent blanc, who met with the players and explained the training program, instructions, and guidelines they must follow during the camp.

al-qarah signs with egyptian souka al-qarah club signed with egyptian coach mohamed shouka to oversee the technical duties of the first handball team at the club. this marks souka’s first experience in the kingdom, having previously coached al-mohandesin club in the egyptian premier league, and sumouha, bani yas, and kazma clubs in the uae and kuwait in previous periods. the coach expressed his happiness to coach al-qarah, wishing for success and positive results with the team.

al-qadsiah signs with carmelina to coach women’s football team al-qadsiah club’s management signed a contract with canadian coach carmelina moscatto to assume the technical supervision duties of the women’s football team at the club. this step reflects the aspirations of al-qadsiah to enhance its presence and compete in the saudi women’s league. coach carmelina is a canadian former football player who previously represented her country. she is considered one of the most prominent names in women’s football, possessing extensive experience, having participated as an international player in over 90 matches, including the world cup and the 2012 london olympics, where she won a bronze medal.

free fire esports world cup.. indonesian wins title the second week of the free fire world cup competitions concluded, and the indonesian team evos divine was crowned champion after 5 days of competition. the tournament saw the participation of 18 teams from around the world, competing for a total prize pool of $1 million. the matches were held at the qiddiya arena hall in boulevard city, riyadh. team evos divine managed to overcome 12 teams in the grand final, which included 10 intense matches. the top of the leaderboard saw continuous changes, but the indonesian team successfully snatched the title after scoring 170 points in the final, in addition to a $300,000 prize and 1,000 points in the clubs world cup ranking for esports.

sports media creates the future i assert that the saudi professional league witnessed a qualitative leap not only in the level of stars and deals, but also in the media coverage that became an integral part of the tournament’s identity and image before local and international audiences. in light of vision 2030, sports media has become one of the most prominent tools the kingdom uses to enhance its position on the global sports map. the saudi professional league – which is no longer just a tournament – now carries the name “roshan league,” a national brand. it has become a global market where shining stars from different continents, such as cristiano ronaldo, karim benzema, ruben neves, and evan toni, compete. international media attention has shifted towards saudi stadiums, as the league, which began as a local competition, is now broadcast on global screens with technical analyses that have made foreign audiences eagerly follow it, just like major european leagues.

prince of humanity and giving this is prince abdulaziz bin saad (abu abdullah), who exemplifies loyalty and giving. his actions, especially his care for former players who wore al-shabab club’s jersey and left their mark on the club’s journey, are numerous. yes, and from the gate of fairness and truth, your loyalty and support for everyone is evident, whether moral or financial. when you learned that player osama sufyan was ill and hospitalized, your phone call with him truly embodied the value of loyalty and humanity. so, from all al-shabab fans, we extend our thanks and gratitude to you.

the super cup without taste unfortunately, al-hilal team withdrew from the saudi super cup, which was scheduled to be held next month after al-hilal’s withdrawal. al-hilal fans are convinced of their reasons for this withdrawal. al-hilal’s withdrawal has a profound impact on the tournament and its flavor. undoubtedly, its presence has a significant impact on the tournament’s overall technical level, but its absence weakens the overall level. al-hilal has a special flavor, and every event it participates in must leave its mark. perhaps its recent participation in the club world cup provides another proof of its effective presence.

golden champion hussain al-saudi, the saudi track and field champion, revealed his talent in pole vault at the age of 8, following in his father’s footsteps, a track and field coach in al-asari. “like father, like son,” as the saying goes. the son of al-jubail achieved his first accomplishments at the age of 11 when he won the kingdom’s junior championship. he began to grow in the arena of local, regional, and asian achievements, winning more medals and setting records in pole vault for the saudi national track and field team.

when al-hilal is absent.. value shakes and truth emerges al-hilal is a world where names change and fortunes turn, but the meaning remains. it is the entity that cannot be translated… the entity that cannot be erased. it is glory that cannot be inherited. if it is late, wait. if it is present, it amazes. if it is absent, it spreads. al-hilal apologized for the super cup, and the usual voices of ridicule and mockery emerged, as if they rejoiced in its absence and spread across it, as if they were strong because al-hilal was absent. they forgot that al-hilal is not measured by attendance alone, but by its impact.

alula pulse alula will once again open its doors to visitors for the “alula pulse” festival, from october 24 to november 1, 2025. the festival will host a wide range of physical and mental wellness experiences amidst the stunning natural landscapes that embrace the governorate. the theme “alula pulse” reflects the comprehensive nature of this year’s festival, as it combines diverse wellness activities, endurance and fitness programs, and mindful experiences, offering a balanced mix of collective meditation and individual experiences in a unique natural environment.

southern tourist road 190 km of natural beauty and heritage between towering mountain peaks and sloping slopes, covered in greenery from juniper trees, and giant valleys with difficult geography, the tourist road linking maysan with al-baha city, passing through dozens of villages and hamlets nestled in the green mountains, overlooking valleys that retain remnants of summer rains these days, and surrounded by cool breezes, forms scenes that inspire pride and appreciation for such qualitative projects that have connected cities and villages and achieved sustainable development. three hours passed between complete and perfect cities and villages, connected by a road extending over 190 km. it exhibits a clear state of movement due to tourist vehicle convoys of citizens and tourists from gulf arab countries.

application of infrastructure projects code in riyadh august 7 the riyadh region infrastructure projects center announced that the “infrastructure projects code” will come into effect on august 7, covering an area of approximately 400,000 square kilometers in the riyadh region, including the capital riyadh, in addition to 22 governorates, along with all the roads and their extensions that connect them. the code covers various types of roads (express, arterial, collector, and local) and provides precise guidelines for work management in sensitive areas, including underground utilities, which enhances the safety of residents and workers and reduces breakdowns and conflicts between projects.

kingdom’s airports.. competitive in passenger services the general authority of civil aviation issued its monthly report yesterday on the performance of the kingdom’s international and domestic airports for june 2025, in application of 11 key performance indicators aimed at improving the quality of services provided to passengers and enhancing their experience at the kingdom’s airports. king khaled international airport in riyadh, king fahd international airport in dammam, abha international airport, al-qurayyat international airport, and arar international airport achieved advanced ranks in the report. airports were divided into five categories. king khaled international airport in riyadh achieved first place in the category of international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with a commitment rate of 82%. king abdulaziz international airport in jeddah came in second with a commitment rate of 73%.

the red lorry.. a vehicle that lived in the gulf memory the “red lorry” vehicle formed one of the traditional symbols that settled in the popular memory of saudi arabia and the gulf, due to its role in facilitating movement and connecting villages with cities, during the period from the 1940s to the 1970s of the last century, at a time when transportation options were limited and travel conditions were difficult. historian abdullah al-zahrani explained that locals relied on the “lorry” for their movements, and it contributed to providing a great deal of comfort for families and pilgrims during what used to be long journeys, noting that it represented a qualitative leap in transportation at that time.

as an analogy, consider the newspaper as a grand tapestry, where each heading is a distinct thread, weaving together a story or a piece of information. just as a weaver carefully selects threads to create different patterns and images, the newspaper’s headings introduce specific topics, and the paragraphs that follow are the intricate designs that reveal the details, explanations, and insights, making each part of the tapestry coherent yet individually significant.

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

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