Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 24, 2025: Economic and Social Developments

These sources primarily focus on Saudi Arabia’s economic and societal developments, highlighting its Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil, fostering industrial and logistical growth, and promoting cultural and social well-being. Several articles discuss international relations and global economic trends, including trade agreements, geopolitical conflicts, and their impact on commodity markets. Additionally, the texts touch upon regional issues, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the shifting landscape of the petrochemical industry, demonstrating a broad spectrum of topics relevant to the Kingdom and the wider world.

Podcast

Saudi Economic Transformation: Vision 2030 and NDLP Achievements

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing economic diversification, a key objective of its ambitious Vision 2030. This transformation aims to shift the economy from its primary reliance on oil to a more diverse and prosperous base.

A central initiative driving this transformation is the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP), launched in 2019. The NDLP plays a pivotal role in implementing Vision 2030, focusing on strategic industries, mining, energy, and logistics services. It emphasizes local content and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhance added value and broaden the national economy.

The NDLP’s performance report for 2024 highlights significant achievements:

• Non-Oil GDP Contribution: The program’s activities contributed approximately 39% to the non-oil gross domestic product, amounting to 986 billion Saudi Riyals in 2024, an increase from 949 billion Riyals in 2023.
• Overall GDP: The share of non-oil activities in the Kingdom’s overall GDP reached 55%, clearly indicating progress towards economic diversification targets.
• Sectoral Growth:
• Manufacturing industries experienced a 4% growth.
• Mining and transportation and storage sectors each recorded a 5% growth during 2024.
• Non-Oil Exports: The total value of non-oil exports in 2024 reached 514 billion Saudi Riyals, marking a 13.2% growth compared to 2023.
• Job Creation: The program’s sectors employed 2.433 million workers, with over 508,000 new jobs created in 2024. Of these, more than 81,000 new jobs were for Saudis, predominantly in manufacturing, mining and quarries, electricity and gas, and transport and storage.
• Investment:
• Non-governmental investments in program sectors showed an excellent growth of 665 billion Saudi Riyals.
• The cumulative net credit from the Industrial Development Fund reached 198 billion Saudi Riyals.
• Credit facilities from the Export and Import Bank totaled 69.14 billion Saudi Riyals.
• By the end of 2024, there were 12,589 industrial establishments and 1,511 ready factories.
• Total non-governmental investments in industrial cities and private zones cumulatively amounted to 1412.96 billion Saudi Riyals.
• Logistics: The number of logistics licenses reached 1,056, and re-export logistics centers increased significantly to 23 centers from just 2 in 2019. Port utilization rose to 64%, and customs clearance time reduced to 2 hours. Container handling in ports reached 7.5 million containers.
• Strategic Localization: The program surpassed its targets in key areas, such as the localization of military industries, which reached 19.35%, exceeding the 12.5% target. Local content in non-oil sectors achieved 1,231 billion Riyals, surpassing the 1,110 billion Riyals target.

Beyond the NDLP, other sectors are also contributing to diversification:

• Tourism: The Kingdom is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to redefine summer tourism, promoting domestic cities like Abha and Taif as alternatives to international travel. AI tools analyze tourist behavior and interests to create tailored marketing campaigns, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitious investments in technology and tourism.
• Water Management: Saudi Arabia has demonstrated significant progress in integrated water resource management, with its index improving from 57% in 2017 to 83% in 2023, one of the fastest growth rates globally for Sustainable Development Goal 6.5.1. This is supported by substantial financial allocations for water infrastructure.
• Regional Investment: The Saudi Investment Forum 2025 in Damascus is set to explore investment opportunities and facilitate bilateral understandings, with expectations for commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding worth over 15 billion Saudi Riyals in Saudi investments. This includes projects like a cement factory, aiming for a sustainable economic partnership.

These efforts demonstrate that the NDLP has become a major driver of economic development, forming a cornerstone for re-shaping the national economy on robust foundations and progressing faster than initially planned. The Kingdom is solidifying its position as a global industrial and economic power and an advanced investment and logistics hub.

Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 and Regional Economic Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing economic diversification as a central objective of its ambitious Vision 2030, aiming to transition from a primary reliance on oil to a more diverse and prosperous economic base. This transformation encompasses significant regional development initiatives across the Kingdom.

A key driver of this development is the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP), launched in 2019, which plays a pivotal role in implementing Vision 2030. The NDLP focuses on strategic industries, mining, energy, and logistics services, emphasizing local content and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enhance added value and broaden the national economy. In 2024, the NDLP’s activities contributed approximately 39% to the non-oil gross domestic product, totaling 986 billion Saudi Riyals, and the non-oil share of the Kingdom’s overall GDP reached 55%, demonstrating clear progress towards economic diversification targets. The program also significantly contributed to job creation, with over 508,000 new jobs created in 2024, including more than 81,000 for Saudis, predominantly in manufacturing, mining, electricity, gas, and transport/storage sectors. Non-governmental investments in these sectors showed substantial growth, reaching 665 billion Saudi Riyals, and the number of industrial establishments and ready factories increased significantly. The logistics sector also saw remarkable development, with the number of logistics licenses reaching 1,056 and re-export logistics centers expanding to 23 from only 2 in 2019, while port utilization rose and customs clearance time reduced.

Beyond this overarching program, various regions are experiencing targeted development:

• Qassim Region: The Qassim Emirate is actively pursuing economic and tourism development. The Governor of Qassim received the annual report of the Industrial Ras Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its role in supporting the business sector and stimulating investments within the governorate. Additionally, the municipality of Al-Duleimiya, within Qassim, completed an aesthetic structure at its main entrance, a 15-meter tall monument designed to enhance urban beauty and provide a positive impression for visitors, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for vibrant cities.
• Jazan Region: Jazan is a focus for extensive development projects, particularly in the Fifa Governorate. These include a general hospital valued at 137 million Riyals, an electricity network reinforcement project at 159 million Riyals, and a sewage and irrigation system costing 111 million Riyals. The region also has projects for “Nab” farms irrigation and an educational complex. Furthermore, tourism development is underway, with 25 completed projects totaling 174 million Riyals, including municipal improvements and the “Al-Khatam Extension Project” featuring tourist accommodations and recreational facilities. The “Black Mountain” in Jazan is being enhanced with new mountain viewpoints, walking paths, and environmental and cultural information panels to boost its appeal as a tourist destination.
• Najran Region: Najran is leveraging its natural beauty and diverse environment to promote rural tourism, attracting visitors to its charming landscapes and ancient architectural heritage, including historical castles and traditional mud palaces. The King Fahd National Park is highlighted as one of the largest natural parks in the Kingdom, featuring vast green areas and recreational activities. Other parks and valleys, known for their pleasant summer climate, are being developed to support eco-tourism and family tourism. The municipality is actively working to maintain and enhance tourist facilities and public services. The “Our Vacation is Prevention” initiative in Najran aims to raise health awareness in public spaces and recreational areas.
• Makkah Al-Mukarramah: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites launched an economic and social survey to gather data for urban planning, aiming to enhance quality of life and service efficiency for residents. This project seeks to build a precise urban database to guide policy decisions. The General Authority for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque introduced the “Safety Bracelet” service for vulnerable pilgrims (children, seniors, and visually impaired), providing immediate contact information to enhance their safety and convenience.
• Aseer Region (Abha and Al-Taif): The Kingdom is utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to redefine summer tourism, promoting domestic cities like Abha and Taif as attractive alternatives to international travel. AI tools are used to analyze tourist behavior and create tailored marketing campaigns. Prince Sultan National Park in Abha is a prime summer destination offering diverse recreational, adventure, and water activities. Aseer’s indigenous “Al-Qatt” art, deeply rooted in local culture and traditions, is recognized for its historical and aesthetic value, with its inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible heritage list in 2017 boosting its global profile and contributing to Abha’s tourism appeal. Efforts are made to promote this art and other visual arts as part of the region’s living heritage.
• Riyadh Region: The Riyadh Municipality initiated the second round of the “Excellence and Innovation Award” to foster a culture of excellence and innovation among its employees and enhance the quality and efficiency of services provided to residents. The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, is developing a comprehensive national urban policy to ensure balanced and sustainable urban development aligned with Vision 2030. Riyadh is also set to host the Space Debris Conference in January 2026, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in global space sustainability and its position as a key hub for strategic international cooperation.
• Yanbu: The Yanbu General Hospital provided integrated medical services to over 155,000 beneficiaries in the first half of 2025, demonstrating strong healthcare provision in the region.
• Water Resource Management: Nationally, Saudi Arabia has shown significant progress in integrated water resource management, with its index improving from 57% in 2017 to 83% in 2023, one of the fastest global growth rates for Sustainable Development Goal 6.5.1. This progress is supported by substantial financial allocations for water infrastructure. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture extended the deadline for obtaining well water usage licenses to encourage compliance with regulations and ensure sustainability. Locally, Wadi Boa in Al-Taif is noted for its high-quality “Safri” dates and seasonal vegetables and fruits, highlighting regional agricultural production.
• Film Industry Development: The Film Authority launched the second edition of the “Local Film Community Activation” initiative in Riyadh, Al-Ahsa, Hail, and Taif. This program includes workshops and cinematic nights aimed at enhancing the skills of local filmmakers, fostering a vibrant cinematic community, and promoting the industry across different regions.
• Urban Quality of Life: The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing is taking strict measures against unlicensed division of residential units, emphasizing the negative impact of such practices on the quality of life, residential environment, and strain on essential services like electricity, water, and sewage systems. This highlights the government’s commitment to orderly urban development and preserving social fabric.
• External Regional Investment (Syria): Saudi Arabia is also actively engaged in regional economic support for other nations. The Saudi Investment Forum 2025 in Damascus is expected to facilitate bilateral understandings and generate over 15 billion Saudi Riyals in Saudi investments in Syria, including a cement factory project, with the aim of fostering a sustainable economic partnership. This initiative, led by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Faleh, involved a delegation of over 120 investors and aims to explore opportunities and remove obstacles for investors. The Kingdom, alongside Qatar, has also provided joint financial support to public sector workers in Syria.

These efforts collectively demonstrate that Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global industrial and economic power and an advanced investment and logistics hub, progressing faster than initially planned in its regional development initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Vision: Progress and Innovation

Saudi Arabia is demonstrating a significant commitment to healthcare advancement across various regions and through national initiatives, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life and diversify the economy.

Key aspects of healthcare advancement include:

• National and Regional Health Initiatives:
• The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has extended the deadline for obtaining well water usage licenses, emphasizing compliance with regulations to ensure sustainability. This is crucial for integrated water resource management, which has seen its index improve significantly from 57% in 2017 to 83% in 2023, one of the fastest global growth rates for Sustainable Development Goal 6.5.1. Improved water management directly contributes to public health and hygiene.
• The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing is taking strict measures against the unlicensed division of residential units, highlighting the negative impact on the quality of life, residential environment, and strain on essential services like electricity, water, and sewage systems. This directly impacts the health and living conditions of residents.
• In Najran, the “Our Vacation is Prevention” initiative aims to raise health awareness through activities in public spaces, parks, and commercial centers, covering topics like sunstroke prevention, first aid, electronic game addiction, healthy nutrition, and exercise.
• The Qassim Emirate is working to enhance quality of life and public health, with the General Health Authority in the region focusing on preventive health concepts and raising the level of public health.
• The Yanbu General Hospital provided integrated medical services to over 155,000 beneficiaries in the first half of 2025, demonstrating strong healthcare provision within the region according to high standards.
• Healthcare Infrastructure Development:
• In the Jazan Region, specifically Fifa Governorate, significant development projects are underway, including a general hospital valued at 137 million Riyals. Other infrastructure projects like electricity network reinforcement and sewage/irrigation systems also indirectly support health and quality of life.
• The Saudi Program for Yemen Development and Reconstruction (SPYDR) has played a vital role in supporting the health sector in Yemen. For example, Marib General Hospital has been equipped with advanced technologies, including the first MRI machine of its kind in Marib (and the third in Yemen), significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialized care. This project provided integrated medical services to over 155,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries. SPYDR has implemented 265 development and initiative projects across 8 vital sectors in Yemen, including health.
• Technological Advancements in Medical Services:
• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Sahafa (Riyadh) successfully performed a complex abdominal wall repair and hernia treatment using robotic surgery on a woman in her forties. This highlights the hospital’s use of advanced technology and skilled medical teams capable of precise surgical interventions, reducing pain and speeding recovery. The hospital is identified as a “Digital Hospital” that utilizes advanced technologies, AI, and smart systems to enhance the quality of healthcare services.
• Pilgrim Safety and Services:
• The General Authority for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Makkah introduced the “Safety Bracelet” service for vulnerable pilgrims, including children, seniors, and the visually impaired. This smart solution allows for easy identification and contact with their companions in case of need, enhancing their safety and convenience during rituals. This is part of integrated services provided for pilgrims and worshipers, aligning with leadership directives to facilitate their spiritual journey.

These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to healthcare, encompassing infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, public health awareness, and even humanitarian aid to neighboring countries, all aimed at improving the overall well-being and quality of life for residents and visitors.

Saudi Arabia: Preserving Heritage, Fostering Modern Culture

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural preservation is deeply embedded within its national development framework, particularly Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of life and diversify the economy. This commitment is multifaceted, encompassing the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage, fostering cultural values, and promoting modern artistic expressions rooted in national identity.

Key aspects of cultural preservation initiatives include:

• Preserving Authentic Saudi Values and Identity:
• Vision 2030 emphasizes strengthening authentic Saudi values and heritage as fundamental to a vibrant society and economic growth. These values include generosity, hospitality, loyalty (tribal solidarity), tolerance, justice, and adherence to heritage.
• The leadership has transformed the value of generosity into a social policy that strengthens national unity. Similarly, tribal loyalty fosters solidarity and collective action.
• Tolerance and justice are highlighted as cornerstones for a society that fosters peaceful coexistence and reduces crime and violence, aligning with Vision 2030.
• The adherence to heritage does not conflict with progress, with events like the Janadriyah and Riyadh seasons serving as models for integrating traditional folklore with modern arts.
• Safeguarding Tangible Heritage (Arts, Crafts, Architecture):
• Handicrafts and Traditional Arts: The “Made in the Museum” summer camp at the National Museum aims to connect generations and highlight the value of handicrafts, identifying them as a deeply rooted part of Saudi identity. It fosters a love for learning and creativity among youth through practical engagement with traditional crafts.
• Asiri Art and Architecture: The visual arts in the Asir region, particularly the traditional decorative art known as “Al-Qatt Al-Asiri,” are celebrated for their deep roots in rural culture, architecture, and historical memory. Efforts by the Miftaha village and Art Street in Abha have transformed these traditional practices into a “living heritage,” integrating them into contemporary life. The UNESCO listing of “Al-Qatt Al-Asiri” in 2017 further solidifies its international recognition and commitment to its preservation.
• Urban Identity and Quality of Life: Measures taken by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing against unlicensed residential unit divisions aim to prevent negative impacts on the quality of life and urban fabric, implicitly preserving the social character of neighborhoods. Similarly, the Al-Dulaymiyah municipality has undertaken projects, such as an aesthetic monument, to enhance urban beauty and reflect the local identity and urban character at key entrances. The Royal Commission for Makkah City’s socio-economic survey also contributes to smart urban transformation and improving the quality of life in alignment with Vision 2030.
• Agricultural Heritage: The focus on “Wadi Bawa,” known for its “Safri” dates, highlights the preservation of traditional agricultural practices and local products that have historical commercial significance.
• Promoting Intangible Heritage (Practices, Spirituality):
• Pilgrimage Experience: The General Authority for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque provides innovative services like the “Safety Bracelet” for vulnerable pilgrims, ensuring their safety and convenience during rituals. This reflects a dedication to facilitating a spiritually and culturally significant journey for millions of visitors, through comprehensive services and advanced logistics.
• Natural Heritage and Eco-tourism: Parks in Abha (Prince Sultan National Park) and Najran (King Fahd National Park, Prince Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Park) are promoted for their diverse natural environments, offering recreational and adventurous experiences that draw visitors to appreciate the local landscape and provide a setting for family activities. Jazan’s “Black Mountain” also exemplifies this, with its unique geology and surrounding traditional villages attracting eco-tourists and serving as a testament to the local communities’ enduring relationship with their natural environment.
• Fostering Modern Cultural Expressions with Identity:
• Saudi Cinema: The Saudi film industry navigates the challenge of integrating into the global market while maintaining a distinct Saudi identity. The focus is on authentic storytelling that reflects the local environment and culture, rather than merely imitating global trends. The “Activating Local Film Community” initiative fosters a vibrant cinematic community through workshops on various filmmaking aspects, aiming to enhance local filmmakers’ capabilities and raise public awareness of cinema as a cultural tool.
• Contemporary Art Inspired by Heritage: Artists like Hani Rizk showcase how deep cultural roots and ancient heritage can inspire modern artistic expressions, combining poetry and visual art to create works that resonate with profound cultural meanings.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s approach to cultural preservation is holistic, integrating traditional values, arts, and practices with contemporary development and global engagement, all under the overarching vision of fostering a thriving society deeply rooted in its heritage.

Saudi Arabia: A Global Diplomatic and Economic Force

Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in various aspects of international relations, demonstrating its commitment to regional stability, economic cooperation, and humanitarian efforts, largely in line with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. Its foreign policy is deeply rooted in authentic Saudi values such as generosity, hospitality, and loyalty, which emphasize brotherhood, shared destiny, and collective responsibility that transcend geographical boundaries.

Key areas of Saudi Arabia’s international engagement include:

• Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation:
• Syria: Saudi Arabia has shown a significant commitment to supporting the recovery of the Syrian economy and enhancing economic ties. A large Saudi investment delegation, comprising over 120 officials and businessmen, visited Damascus to explore investment opportunities and facilitate bilateral understandings. The “Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum 2025” in Damascus is expected to result in the signing of dozens of commercial agreements and MoUs valued at over 15 billion Saudi Riyals, including a foundational project for a cement factory. This effort also includes joint financial support with Qatar for Syrian public sector employees. Saudi Arabia has actively led diplomatic efforts to call for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria, which was followed by the US President’s announcement to lift American sanctions.
• Russia: The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, received a written message from his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, concerning ways to strengthen bilateral relations across all fields. Discussions were also held between the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador regarding common interests.
• United Kingdom: Prince Faisal bin Farhan also had a phone call with the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, to discuss regional and international developments.
• Yemen: The Saudi Program for Yemen Development and Reconstruction (SPYDR) has been instrumental, implementing 265 development and initiative projects across 8 vital sectors, including health. A notable achievement includes equipping Marib General Hospital with advanced technologies, such as the first MRI machine of its kind in Marib and the third in Yemen, significantly improving diagnostic capabilities for over 57,000 beneficiaries.
• Senegal: The Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region met with the Ambassador of Senegal to discuss friendly relations and mutual interests.
• Egypt: The Saudi leadership sent congratulatory messages to the Egyptian President on his country’s National Day, reaffirming the deep and strong fraternal relations between the two nations and their shared aspiration to enhance cooperation.
• Bangladesh: Condolences were extended by the Saudi leadership to the President of Bangladesh following a military training plane crash.
• Engagement with International Organizations and Global Forums:
• United Nations: Saudi Arabia participated in the 6th Special Event on Water at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, where it showcased its progress in integrated water resource management, improving its index from 57% in 2017 to 83% in 2023.
• UN-Habitat and UNDP: The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing collaborated with these UN programs to develop a National Urban Policy for Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 and international commitments for sustainable urban development.
• UNESCO: While not directly from a Saudi perspective, the sources note China’s regret over the US withdrawal from UNESCO, emphasizing the organization’s role in global heritage and international cooperation.
• Regional and Global Challenges:
• Gaza Conflict: The sources detail the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Israeli forces committing new massacres and intensifying attacks. The population faces severe famine and critical shortages of medical supplies. International efforts, including talks in Doha and a US envoy’s tour, aim for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor. Over 100 international humanitarian organizations have called for immediate opening of all land crossings to Gaza and an end to the blockade. Amnesty International accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war and an instrument of genocide. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli statements regarding the annexation of the West Bank.
• Ukraine Conflict & Sanctions: The conflict in Ukraine has broader international implications, as seen with China’s “solemn protests” to the EU over sanctions imposed on Chinese financial institutions due to their alleged involvement with Russia. The US is considering further sanctions on Russian oil.
• Trade Tensions: The US-Japan trade agreement, reducing tariffs on cars and involving significant Japanese investment, highlights efforts to manage global trade relations. Ongoing US-China trade talks are also mentioned.
• Global Petrochemicals Industry: The European petrochemicals sector is struggling with high production costs and competition, particularly from China, leading to widespread closures and asset liquidations.
• Security and Legal Frameworks:
• Saudi Arabia emphasizes strengthening its legal frameworks to attract foreign investment, citing new laws like the Foreign Investment Law and Commercial Courts Law, which ensure investor rights and facilitate dispute resolution through institutional arbitration or commercial judiciary. It also adheres to international agreements like the New York Convention of 1958, reinforcing the transparency of its investment environment.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s international relations are characterized by a proactive stance in supporting its allies, contributing to humanitarian aid, engaging in global economic discussions, and navigating complex geopolitical challenges, all while strengthening its domestic legal and economic appeal to international partners.

Contemporary Perspectives from Saudi Arabian Columns

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

Column Title: A Word The positions that embody beautiful feelings and loyalty are those in which brotherhood, shared destiny, and collective responsibility are strengthened, especially the circumstances and needs that our countries are going through, our Arab and Muslim brothers, with whom we are bound by ties of kinship, religion, and neighborhood. These positions clearly highlight the role of the Kingdom, and its historical and shining role as a firm and deeply rooted approach that our country’s leadership has pursued since the era of the founding king Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – and this approach and role have continued until our prosperous era under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them.

Column Title: Dividing Residential Units Without a License is a Breach of Quality of Life The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (and municipalities) confirmed the continuous monitoring and treatment of violations related to the unlicensed division of residential properties designated for investment. It emphasized strict measures against illegitimate practices that proceed without obtaining the required municipal licenses, due to the negative impact this has on the quality of residential life and the urban fabric within neighborhoods. A number of specialists confirmed the significant harm resulting from the re-division of units and buildings without obtaining the necessary licenses, which can lead to many negative consequences, including an increased burden on basic services such as electricity, water, and sewage networks, as well as parking spaces, in addition to disrupting the social nature of residential neighborhoods, as it may encourage the growth of bachelor housing amidst families, often resulting in many problems and negative impacts.

Column Title: “Made in the Museum” Instills Creativity in Youth The first period of the “Summer Camp” activities organized by the National Museum is witnessing an educational and interactive atmosphere that seeks to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge. The camp’s role is highlighted as a bridge connecting generations, showcasing the value of handicrafts as a source of national pride and future economic opportunities for youth. The camp’s activities offer an interactive chronological experience, allowing participants to discover the Kingdom’s cultural heritage through hands-on learning and experience, within four scientific and practical craft paths.

Column Title: “Stop Overthinking” A Practical and Realistic Guide The book “Stop Overthinking,” written by Nick Trenton, focuses on the phenomenon of excessive thinking, which many people in the modern era suffer from. This excessive thinking turns into a psychological burden, consumes energy, reduces productivity, and leads to chronic anxiety. The author, Nick Trenton, presents this book as a practical and realistic guide to confront this problem with effective, yet simple, methods, strongly emphasizing that the problem is not thinking itself, but rather overthinking without seeking practical solutions.

Column Title: Saudi Cinema… Between Identity and Global Production In today’s Saudi cinematic scene, movement appears rapid, hopes are escalating, and avenues for achieving ambitions are wide open. Films and festivals are successive, and young people aspire to secure their place in a crowded regional and international arena, with diverse talents from various schools. Yet, amid this frantic activity, a fundamental question arises in the background of every project and critical dialogue: Do we strive to create a Saudi cinema with its own distinct identity, or do we rush towards integration into the global market, even if the price is the dissolution of local character? Since the return of cinematic screenings to the Kingdom in 2018, the Saudi industry has witnessed a radical transformation. The discourse is no longer limited to “the first step,” but we have entered a phase of actual production, screening works in international forums, and entering global broadcasting platforms.

Column Title: A Novel “Bipolar” The novel “Bipolar” by Saudi writer Ghada Abboud was recently released. It tells the story of Karama Abdulwadood, a psychological doctor suffering from bipolar disorder. The events unfold in Jeddah, where Karama navigates between its poor south and affluent north, facing challenges in her professional and personal life due to her illness. The author, Abboud, focuses on the mental illness to present varying possibilities and predictions for the novel’s events, delving deep into the psychological components of this disorder, which is known by several names at the diagnostic level, including: “affective disorder,” “bipolar disorder,” “manic depression,” or “bipolar affective disorder”.

Column Title: “Except Your Grandmother, She Used to Sing” A new novel by Emirati novelist Salha Obaid, titled “Except Your Grandmother, She Used to Sing,” was recently published by Mansourat Al-Mutawassit in Italy. Among what was narrated in the novel… “If the moon waned, then ‘Adheeja’ would sing. If the weather was cloudy, not clear, then she would refuse to sing, otherwise, the offer would end in divorce, an offer that carried something ominous!”

Column Title: “Future Horizons in the Critique of Arab Narratives” A new book by Iraqi writer Nadia Hanawi, titled “Future Horizons in the Critique of Arab Narratives,” was published by Abjad Foundation for Translation and Publishing. Its thesis revolves around the “localization project of the narrative,” and from her perspective as a young Arab researcher, the author noted that critical research has focused on specific cognitive fields, which has led to neglecting or overlooking other areas that seemed significant. The Anglo-American school began to move on multiple critical, cultural, and intellectual levels, achieving progress in opening up literary criticism to various disciplines and integrating with different currents and intellectual schools that reject historical isolation, and believe in the importance of translation as a mediator and bridge for interaction and comparison between literatures, arts, and sciences.

Column Title: “Knock.. Knock” A new novel for young adults by Egyptian writer Najlaa Alam, titled “Knock.. Knock,” was recently published by Ghaya Foundation for Creativity. Najlaa Alam says: “Knock.. Knock” is an adventure novel whose events unfold through a fantastical journey undertaken by a group of boys and girls. They move between different worlds and environments, enduring and overcoming the dangers that threaten them.

Column Title: Elissa and Wael in a Night of Emotion and Techniques Lebanese stars Wael Jassar and Elissa return this evening for a concert at the Abadi Jawhar Arena, as part of the “Jeddah Season 2025” events, organized by “BenchMark”. The two stars are expected to present a selection of their most famous works that have carved their place in the memory of listeners, such as “Biddi Habibi” for Jassar, and “Ala Balik” and “Betwaheshini” for Elissa, in a lyrical performance that will transport the audience back to the era of beautiful lyrical tarab.

Column Title: Visual Arts: Paintings from the Glow of History Our first cry on this earth is the beginning of the battle of life. The paths become difficult for us as the veins of challenges, aspirations, desires, love, and loss become difficult. Life flows through us, taking us through defeats, in a journey of blood flowing through these tangled veins beneath our skin. Where? To where? How? And who is with us? Are we alone? You, O human, who began your first pulse with a cry, you are the one who now determines the nature of this cry: Is it the beginning of life, or an announcement of surrender? The plastic artist alone determines the answer, and determines his path. The plastic artist Zayed Al-Zahrani from Taif, Ibn Al-Zaharain, is an artist who has blossomed with the scent of color and life. His participation has flowed seamlessly through collective exhibitions, embraced triennial exhibitions, and united in a biennial exhibition.

Column Title: Asir.. When Art Becomes Living Heritage High in the Sarawat Mountains, where clouds sleep on the shoulder of the nation, and houses breathe their colors from painted stone, textured wood, and adorned plaster, the arts that originated in the Asir region derived their beauty from a unique geography, the history of women, the wisdom of place, the memory of man, and the depth of art. These decorations that adorned the walls of houses with the art of “Al-Qatt” were not merely visual decor, but a primitive form of art that was intuitively symbolic and abstract before it was theoretically defined in the West.

Column Title: Zero Entities The great German thinker, Jürgen Habermas, sees that when two people sit at a table to converse, each party tries to win, to prove the correctness of his كلام, and to invalidate what the other says as absurd, corrupt, and meaningless, without thinking about the reasons and backgrounds of the other’s sharp and tense stance, and without trying to reach a common understanding. According to Benjamin Brégan, a behavioral perception scientist, he saw in his book that “insults are not meant to insult others, but rather they express overflowing masses of feelings, and complex internal ideas for which the owner does not know a suitable way to express them”.

Column Title: Authentic Saudi Values In the heart of the desert, where sands draw a canvas of patience and the sun creates a challenge, ancient values rooted in Saudi Arabia have historically emerged, forming a social fabric that today, with confident steps, redraws its features within Vision 2030. It proves that profound change does not mean severing roots, but rather strengthening them. What makes a society balanced, weighing between the ancient cultural heritage and the newest, digital innovation, without losing sight of skyscrapers? The answer lies in those values that have been planted to become the cornerstone of a nation that redefines progress without sacrificing its authenticity.

Column Title: Academic Theft (2) Last week, I discussed in my article the topic of academic theft and its dangers in various academic fields. No two people disagree that the massive information explosion after the emergence of AI programs has made academic theft easier than ever before. Despite this, academic institutions continue to fight academic theft with all their might because it undermines their “academic integrity.” Although this type of academic theft, based on AI algorithms, contains a certain “devilish intelligence,” there is another type of academic theft based on what we can call “devilish stupidity”.

Column Title: The Criterion of Acceptance and Rejection The world is a realm of striving and work, where the successful person works for the good of his livelihood and his afterlife, enlightened by what God has bestowed upon him, accepting what benefits him and rejecting what harms him, from the means of guidance to the benefits of both worlds: a conscious mind, straight divine guidance, and a system that regulates affairs and deters some people from others. The successful and the unsuccessful may stumble in their behavior, without the aid of good and knowledge; for one does not accept anything beneficial nor reject anything harmful. The path that a person takes and diligently follows in his afterlife affairs will inevitably lead him to a paradise where he will never suffer, or a hell where its inhabitants will never be happy.

Column Title: Cleaners and Silent Begging At Riyadh’s many intersections, the sight of cleaners in their green uniforms, positioned at traffic lights, has become a striking phenomenon. It is no longer just a part of the daily work cycle, but a disturbing sight that does not resemble the city’s face, as their primary task goes beyond urban appearance. These moments recur: the light is red, and the worker stands near the car window, asking for nothing, saying nothing, but staring intently, sending continuous glances to drivers, as if it is a silent translation of a single question: “Give me something.” He is not begging openly, nor is he oblivious to his stance.

Column Title: Machine Intelligence and the Absence of Man In a world where time itself struggles to keep pace, where steps accelerate to the point that time can barely catch up, artificial intelligence has emerged like a double-edged sword among us, settling as a new engineer of the era from the shadows of scientific fiction. It is no longer just a continuous presence in applications, programming, or smart phones; without realizing it, we breathe artificial intelligence. The artist who paints, the writer who proposes, the doctor who sees maps of our minds from within, the factories that produce before the machine even appears, are now creating without error in minutes and monitoring consumer behavior to reshape thousands of desires in silence.

Column Title: Those Who Passed into the Pit’s Abyss are Gone That place where ends and beginnings intersect; reaching its depth may mean eternal sleep, or it may be a new dawn, as it was with our master Joseph, peace be upon him, when everyone thought he had perished, but he emerged as an old man, surviving, honored, by means of prayers to which the Almighty God responded. On the other hand, there were those whose end in the pit was tragic, as told in the stories we heard through generations, stories that made our hearts ache, although many of them are merely illusions and exaggerations woven by the imagination.

Column Title: Steadfastness on Principle Human moderation is embodied in behavior and conduct according to the multiple and sometimes conflicting attributes one holds. For example, love is countered by hatred, gentleness by harshness, tolerance by extremism, and humility by arrogance. This is part of what a person carries that influences decision-making, which is more like a partnership where the decision must be approved by the board of directors, the thinking mind, acting on recommendations that may affect the active and influential members of the board.

Column Title: The Statement When It Creates Miracles In our lives and in art, there is a single color, as in the painting by the artist “Marc Chagall,” for it is a sincere heart capable of conveying sound and thought, embodying artistic experiences with meanings that require deep contemplation, a cinematic endeavor before the eyes of viewers, and an important motivator for sharpening vision. The visual and poetic language of the artist Hani Rizk, with its unique distinction and rare inclination towards abstract simplification, is that of a poet before he is a visual artist. He weaves his poetic threads that clothe the garment of his idea, nurturing it from the depths to produce sincere and serious artistic works.

Saudi Arabian Affairs and Global Dynamics

Here are the headings from the newspaper and their first two paragraphs of detail, translated into English:

• The Kingdom Supports the Recovery of the Syrian Economy and Damascus Receives the Largest Saudi Investment Delegation1

    ◦ The Kingdom’s role in these situations shines clearly, and its historical role, consistent and rooted in established values, dates back to the era of the founding King Abdulaziz—may God rest his soul—and this approach and role have continued steadfastly until our prosperous era under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—may God protect them. Yesterday, the arrival of a large Saudi delegation of more than 120 individuals, investors, and businessmen from both the government and private sectors, was announced within the framework of strengthening economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic. This visit undoubtedly reflects the Kingdom’s keenness to support the Syrian economy and strengthen economic and historical fraternal ties.2

    ◦ The significance of this visit lies in its embodiment of the spirit of brotherhood and its deep roots among our peoples, especially our brethren who are striving to organize their affairs and overcome the crises they have endured. Our country’s stance is a translation of the feeling of a shared destiny and fraternal responsibility that remain deeply embedded in the Kingdom’s conscience; they affirm the strength of the bonds that transcend geography and kinship that does not break despite circumstances, and has no goal other than for these nations to regain their well-being, security, and stability. Standing by our brethren is an act stemming from an awareness of the value of cooperation and the importance of our countries coming together to overcome their circumstances.3

• Dividing Housing Units Without License Impairs Quality of Life4

    ◦ Jeddah – Mohammed Humaidan. The Ministry of Municipalities, Rural Affairs, and Housing affirmed the continuous monitoring and addressing of violations related to the unlicensed division of housing units intended for investment. It emphasized taking strict measures against non-compliant practices that evade obtaining approved municipal licenses, given the negative impact this has on the quality of residential life and the urban fabric within neighborhoods. A number of specialists confirmed the significant harm caused by re-dividing units and buildings without obtaining the necessary licenses, which can lead to many negative consequences, including an increased burden on essential services such as electricity, water, and communications, as well as parking spaces, in addition to disrupting the social nature of residential neighborhoods, as it may encourage the growth of bachelor housing in family areas, often resulting in many problems and negative consequences.4

    ◦ Not to mention its significant impact on real estate and housing rental and sale prices. The Ministry clarified in a press statement yesterday that the most prominent violations include the re-division of residential units, modifying internal doors, opening smaller exits, and opening parts to external setbacks without obtaining the necessary licenses. It affirmed that these transgressions constitute a breach of public safety and negatively affect municipal and infrastructure services, in addition to their impact on economic and social balance within cities and regions. The Ministry stated that municipalities continue to implement supervisory field tours at the regional level, in addition to digital reports and complaints received through the “Baladi” application, as part of an advanced regulatory system that allows for effective control of violations.5

• Ibn Farhan Receives a Letter from Lavrov and a Call from the British Foreign Minister6

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a written message from His Excellency Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, concerning ways to support and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields. The message was delivered by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, during his reception yesterday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom, Sergey Kozlov. During the reception, bilateral relations between the two countries and topics of common interest were reviewed.6

    ◦ His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also received a phone call yesterday from His Excellency Mr. David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in the United Kingdom. During the call, regional and international developments and topics of common interest were discussed.7

• The Kingdom Supports the Recovery of the Syrian Economy with a Forum Exploring Investment Opportunities7

    ◦ Riyadh – “Al-Riyadh”. In line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers—may God protect him—to strengthen the historical fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic, and within the framework of the Kingdom’s keenness to enhance bilateral relations between the two brotherly peoples and in continuation of the wise leadership’s efforts—may God support them—to support the Syrian economy and its economic recovery, the Ministry of Investment, in coordination with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, organized a high-level working visit to the Syrian Arab Republic with the participation of a number of officials from the public and private sectors. During the visit, the Saudi delegation will work on exploring investment opportunities, facilitating bilateral understandings, and removing obstacles for investors and participating companies in a way that serves the interests of both countries. The Ministry of Investment is also working to enable the private Saudi sector to contribute to reconstruction and development efforts in Syria.7

    ◦ This includes identifying interested companies and organizing a number of investment workshops and introductory events. The Saudi Investment Forum will be held on the sidelines of the visit in the capital, Damascus, where a number of joint projects, investment deals, and memorandums of understanding will be announced, reflecting the seriousness of the trend towards a sustainable economic partnership. A high-level Saudi business delegation, including over 120 investors from various commercial sectors, has headed to Syria, led by the Minister of Investment, Khaled Al-Faleh, in an official visit that is the largest of its kind since the resumption of relations between the two countries. The visit aims to inaugurate a new phase of investment cooperation between the Kingdom and Syria.8

• Summer Umrah.. Spiritual Atmosphere and Organizational Care9

    ◦ Makkah Al-Mukarramah – SPA. In a world with diverse summer destinations, from charming coasts and captivating islands to snowy mountains and dense forests, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, with its spirituality, sanctity, and virtue, has transformed into a global destination, attracting pilgrims from many countries across the continents.10

    ◦ The Grand Mosque courtyards, with their luxurious marble and logistical services, surrounded by opulent hotel complexes, have become open spaces where pilgrims from different cultures, races, genders, thoughts, and languages gather, despite their differences.1011

• American Envoy: What is Required is a Decision from the Lebanese Government to Confine Weapons9

    ◦ Beirut – DPA. US envoy Tom Brak affirmed that what is required is a decision from the Lebanese government to confine weapons and stop aggressions. The National News Agency quoted Brak yesterday, Wednesday, after his visit to Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rai in Bkerke, saying: “The time has come for us to meet together on a complex issue.” He added: “I came on a visit to offer advice; it is a complex path, and I understand the difficulties, and President Trump wants Lebanon to succeed. We do not deal with profit and loss except according to the approach we follow in dialogue.” He continued: “We will resume dialogue, and I will return again to the table, but the government must decide what it wants.”912

    ◦ He also affirmed: “Stability is an essential matter. No one will come to help you confine weapons and implement the law, so the government must decide to confine weapons and stop aggressions, and striking is required for dialogue to continue without losses.” Brak said: “We are trying to be the honest mediator to address the problems.”12

• Gaza: New Israeli Massacre in Tel al-Hawa Neighborhood13

    ◦ Gaza – Nadir Taha. Amid escalating crimes against displaced persons and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, Israeli forces committed a new massacre in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood with a night bombardment that targeted residential homes, coinciding with the shelling of displaced persons in the Al-Shati camp, while warplanes intensified their raids on Deir al-Balah city. These attacks, along with previous massacres, resulted in the martyrdom of more than 80 Palestinians in the past hours, including a journalist and several members of her family.13

    ◦ The residents of the Gaza Strip live between the fires of starvation and shelling, where some are killed while searching for a bag of flour, at a time when hospitals have become unable to accommodate the increasing numbers of wounded amid a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies. Field reports stated that Palestinian resistance operations in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah against the occupation forces resulted in casualties among Israeli soldiers, which indicates the continuation of clashes despite the Israeli air intensity.13

• Prince of Qassim Receives Al-Rass Chamber’s Report14

    ◦ Buraidah – Malfi Al-Harbi. His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal, Governor of Al-Qassim region, received yesterday at his office in Al-Rass, accompanied by the Head of the Governor’s Office, Saud Al-Assaf, and a number of officials from the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Al-Rass Governorate, Faiyz Al-Harbi, the Chamber’s annual report.14

    ◦ During the reception, His Highness received the Chamber’s annual report for 2025, which included a review of the Chamber’s most prominent achievements during the year, and the projects and initiatives launched to support and stimulate investments within the governorate.1415

• Saud bin Nayef: Equestrian Sport is a Historical and Heritage Value in Saudi Society16

    ◦ Dammam – “Al-Riyadh”. His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, sponsored yesterday the closing ceremony of the 2024 equestrian season at Al-Jubail Racecourse, attended by the Governor of Al-Jubail and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Jubail Racecourse, Mansour bin Zaid Al-Dawud.1718

    ◦ The Governor of the Eastern Province praised the attention, care, and support provided by the wise leadership—may God support them—to equestrian sport in various regions of the Kingdom, for what this sport represents of deep-rooted historical and heritage value in Saudi society, affirming that this support contributes to consolidating national identity and enhancing the sports and cultural scene. The General Director of Al-Jubail Racecourse and a member of its Board of Directors, Ahmed Al-Arimiyah, delivered a speech expressing deep gratitude and appreciation to the Governor of the Eastern Province for his continuous support and constant patronage of Al-Jubail Racecourse, affirming that the successes achieved during this season are the fruit of concerted efforts and cooperation among partners in success from governmental and private entities.1618

• The Leadership Congratulates the President of Egypt on His Country’s National Day19

    ◦ Jeddah – SPA. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a congratulatory cable to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. The King—may God support him—expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for His Excellency’s health and happiness, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt. He praised the depth of relations and strong ties between the two brotherly countries, which everyone seeks to strengthen and develop in all fields.19

    ◦ His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, also sent a congratulatory cable to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for His Excellency’s abundant health and happiness, and for the brotherly government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for further progress and prosperity.20

• .. And Condoles the President of Bangladesh20

    ◦ Jeddah – SPA. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to His Excellency President Mohammad Shahabuddin, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, over the victims of a military training aircraft crash at a school in the capital, Dhaka.21

    ◦ The King stated: “We learned with deep sorrow of the news of a military training aircraft crash at a school in the capital, Dhaka, and the resulting deaths and injuries. As we extend to Your Excellency our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, we ask Almighty God to shower the deceased with His vast mercy and forgiveness, to inspire their families with patience and solace, and to grant the injured a speedy recovery, and to protect you from all harm and evil. He is indeed All-Hearing, All-Responsive.”2122

• Prince of Najran Reviews “Our Vacation is Prevention” Initiative23

    ◦ Najran – SPA. His Royal Highness Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Governor of Najran Region, reviewed yesterday at his office the report of the “Our Vacation is Prevention” initiative, which aims to spread health awareness on how to avoid sunstrokes, provide first aid, and emphasize the importance of following preventive and health measures. This came during His Highness’s reception of the Director of the General Health Authority office in the region, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Shaiban.2324

    ◦ Al-Shaiban explained that the initiative targets all members of society through implementing many awareness initiatives in public places, parks, gardens, shopping centers, and governmental and private departments, to raise awareness about the importance of following health and preventive guidelines, by introducing the dangers of electronic game addiction for children, and how to prevent heatstrokes, drowning, scorpion and snake bites, as well as emphasizing healthy nutrition and practicing sports, and avoiding staying up late.23

• Saud bin Talal Praises the Achievements of the Administrative Court in Al-Ahsa25

    ◦ Al-Ahsa – SPA. His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, received yesterday at his office His Excellency Dr. Meshal bin Abdulrahman Al-Zamami, President of the Administrative Court in the governorate.26

    ◦ His Highness commended the support and attention received by the administrative judiciary in the Kingdom from the wise leadership—may God support them—and the swift steps taken by the Administrative Judiciary Council, represented by the President of the Board of Grievances, in keeping pace with changes and taking necessary action regarding the cases received by the court through forming several judicial circuits, which contributed to expediting those lawsuits, achieving the leadership’s aspirations according to Vision 2030, and realizing expedited justice. His Highness also praised what the court has achieved.2526

• Prince of Jazan and His Deputy Inspect Fayfa Projects27

    ◦ Jazan – Mohammed Muhab. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jazan Region, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Nasser bin Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Deputy Governor of the region, inspected development projects in Fayfa Governorate during their inspection tour of the governorate.25

    ◦ His Highness reviewed a visual presentation on Fayfa Governorate, listening to an explanation about the development projects approved for the governorate in various fields, with a total value of (495,267,432) riyals. The most prominent of these projects include the construction of Fayfa General Hospital at a cost of (137) million riyals.2528

• Deputy Governor of Riyadh Meets Senegalese Ambassador27

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, received yesterday at his office His Excellency Mr. Ambanik Biram Diagne, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to the Kingdom. During the reception, friendly conversations and topics of common interest were exchanged.2127

• Secretary of Riyadh Sponsors “Excellence and Creativity” Ceremony29

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ayaf, Secretary of Riyadh Region, sponsored the awards ceremony for the second edition of the “Excellence and Creativity” award and honored 39 winners in various security and institutional excellence tracks, who contributed to enhancing services and achieving qualitative achievements at the institutional level. His Highness also honored the technical and verification committee for the award, in appreciation of their efforts in the success of the second edition of the award.3031

    ◦ His Royal Highness the Secretary affirmed in his speech his happiness with the launch of this award and the significant momentum it has created in Riyadh, which is undergoing a major transformation journey. He offered congratulations to the winners of the second edition of the award for their efforts and excellence in this edition, wishing them continued excellence and creativity.31

• The Kingdom Participates in the Sustainable Development Forum in New York32

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reviewed its key lessons learned from its experience in enhancing water security and sustainability in a region suffering from severe scarcity of natural water resources. These lessons include: political will and commitment at a high level, designing strategies with clear roles and measurable objectives, involving the private sector as a partner in providing services and infrastructure, benefiting from innovation and data to enhance water governance, and building partnerships and international cooperation. This came during the Kingdom’s participation in the Sixth Special Event on Water on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 22, 2025, in light of the Kingdom’s selection by the United Nations Committee as one of the countries that have achieved clear and tangible progress in the integrated water resources management indicator.2933

    ◦ This is part of the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals. The head of the Kingdom’s participating delegation and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Water, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, reviewed the means to accelerate the achievement of the indicators. He launched a report on the Kingdom’s experience in water management during the special event on water, which includes success stories for countries in accelerating the achievement of the sixth goal, and which is issued by the United Nations Committee on Water. The Kingdom was chosen as a success story in this acceleration within integrated water management as an indicator for achieving the sixth target.33

• “Municipalities and Housing” Enhance Efforts to Develop Riyadh Urban Policy with the United Nations34

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), organized a workshop to launch the work of formulating the national urban policy in the Kingdom. This workshop saw wide participation from representatives of governmental and private entities, academic institutions, and international partners.3235

    ◦ This workshop comes as part of the policy development, reinforcing the first steps towards a comprehensive national urban policy that aligns with balanced and sustainable urban development, in conformity with the goals of Vision 2030 and relevant international commitments.35

• “Human Rights” Visits the Social Observation Home36

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. Within the framework of the field visits program implemented by the National Human Rights Association, aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in accordance with the regulations in force in the Kingdom, a delegation from the association visited the Social Observation Home in Riyadh.3437

    ◦ The delegation included Dr. Wafia Al-Tayeb, Deputy Head of the Association for Family Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Bin Saif Al-Yadaini, a member of the Association, and Abdulkhaleq Aal Abdulhay, also a member of the Association, in addition to several staff members from the Association. They were received by the Director of the Home, Mr. Zaid Al-Otaibi, and a number of the Home’s staff.37

• Makkah City Authority Launches Socio-Economic Survey Works36

    ◦ Makkah Al-Mukarramah – SPA. The Royal Commission for Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Holy Sites launched the socio-economic survey for the residents of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, which will continue until next October. This initiative is part of its efforts to enhance sustainable urban planning, improve the quality of life, and raise the efficiency of services.3839

    ◦ The survey aims to conduct direct field interviews with a wide range of citizens and residents, covering all residential neighborhoods in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.39

• Grand Mufti of the Kingdom Receives Head of “Hayat” Association40

    ◦ Taif – SPA. His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, President of the Council of Senior Scholars and General President of Scientific Research and Ifta, received at the Presidency’s headquarters in Taif, the President of “Hayat” Association for Marriage and Family Development in Taif Governorate, Engineer Turki Al-Humaidi and the accompanying delegation.3640

    ◦ Al-Humaidi reviewed the projects, programs, and plans presented by the association and the goals it seeks to achieve. His Eminence the Mufti praised the association’s efforts and urged them to cooperate in piety and righteousness, and to continue giving.40

• The Kingdom Enhances Marib Authority Hospital Capabilities with Advanced Technologies41

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. The project to equip the Radiology and MRI Department at Marib General Authority Hospital is considered a pioneering achievement that enhances medical services in Marib Governorate and neighboring areas. This vital project, supported by the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, involved comprehensively equipping the department with the latest medical devices, including the MRI machine, which is the first of its kind in Marib and the third in Yemen with its advanced technologies.42

    ◦ The project was not limited to providing devices; it also included comprehensive rehabilitation of the site, including construction work, dedicated isolation rooms, air conditioning, and electrical installations. Waiting rooms for patients and companions were also equipped, and the project included training technical staff on how to utilize the MRI machine to its full potential, in order to achieve high-quality services for patients. The project significantly contributed to improving the quality of medical services and accelerating accurate diagnosis of cases.4243

• Riyadh to Host Space Debris Conference Next January44

    ◦ Riyadh – SPA. The Saudi Space Agency announced the organization of the second edition of the Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on January 26 and 27, 2026, with wide participation from space agency leaders, experts, and specialists from various countries and international space organizations.45

    ◦ The organization of this conference comes within the framework of the Saudi Space Agency’s efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s leading role in global initiatives for space sector sustainability and affirm its position as a pivotal center for strategic cooperation in facing current orbital challenges.45

• 155 Thousand Beneficiaries from Yanbu Hospital Services46

    ◦ Madinah – SPA. Yanbu General Hospital provided services to over (155,884) beneficiaries during the first half of 2025, as part of the hospital’s efforts to provide comprehensive medical care to the residents of the governorate and its affiliated centers according to the highest standards.4647

    ◦ The Madinah Health Cluster explained that according to statistics, the emergency department received (66,298) patients, while outpatient clinics received (89,586) patients, bringing the total number of patients to (155,884).46

• 50 Thousand Volunteer Hours for the Red Crescent in Eastern Province48

    ◦ Dammam – SPA. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority announced its volunteering statistics for the Eastern Province for the first half of the current year 2025, where volunteer hours reached (49,877) hours through (684) diverse volunteer initiatives across the cities and governorates of the Eastern Province.4649

    ◦ The number of male and female volunteers participating in these initiatives, which were launched by the Authority through the Saudi Red Crescent volunteer platform, reached (8,454) male and female volunteers.49

• Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Sahafa Performs Precise and Successful Robotic Surgery to Repair Abdominal Wall and Complex Hernias10

    ◦ Riyadh – “Al-Riyadh”. Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Sahafa successfully performed advanced robotic surgery on a woman in her forties who suffered from a large hernia in the abdominal wall and separation of its muscles, causing chronic health problems that significantly affected her daily quality of life.4850

    ◦ Dr. Fahd Al-Madi, head of the medical team and consultant general and robotic surgery, explained that the patient came to the hospital complaining of a visible bulge and recurrent pain in the abdomen, especially when standing, coughing, or bending. After conducting a comprehensive clinical evaluation and a series of accurate examinations, including abdominal ultrasound and CT Scan, the results showed a noticeable hernia with muscle separation in the abdominal wall.50

• Prince Sultan Park in Abha.. Nature and Entertainment51

    ◦ Abha – SPA. Prince Sultan National Park in Al-Far’aa—located 30 kilometers southeast of Abha—is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Asir region during the summer season, as it offers diverse experiences that combine recreation, leisure, and adventure amidst a unique natural environment.51

    ◦ The park features vast areas of green cover, in addition to dedicated areas for families and children where recreational and service activities vary, making it a preferred destination for visitors during weekly holidays inside and outside the region, especially during tourist seasons.5152

• Najran.. Destination for Peace Lovers53

    ◦ Najran – SPA. Natural parks in Najran region constitute prominent tourist destinations that attract all segments of society, residents and visitors alike. They stand out for their diverse environment and unique natural characteristics, reflecting the beauty of nature, making them a preferred destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility and serenity.54

    ◦ Najran region is distinguished by its wonderful natural diversity that combines majestic mountains, vast plains, and beautiful valleys. Najran city hosts one of the largest natural parks in the Kingdom, King Fahd National Park in Saqam, which is considered a symbol of natural tourist destinations and a preferred destination for visitors from inside and outside the region, for what it contains of giant trees and green carpets stretching like a rug, in addition to recreational activities and events that suit families and children.5455

• Black Mountain in Jazan.. Embracing the Sky56

    ◦ Jazan – Mohammed Muhab. Amidst the valleys and mountains of the southern Tihama mountain range, belonging to the Rayth Governorate in Jazan, “Black Mountain” stands tall, like a guardian of time and a mirror of wild beauty.53

    ◦ The mountain is famous for its dark appearance due to its ancient volcanic rock formations, which gave it this distinctive name, making it one of the most prominent mountainous landmarks and natural icons in the Kingdom.5357

• Artificial Intelligence in Summer 202558

    ◦ Digital Marketing by Ali bin Mohammed Al-Ghamdi. Artificial intelligence is no longer exclusive to production, research, and work environments; rather, it has become an integral part of daily life, even during leisure and relaxation times. In the summer of 2025, AI has infiltrated every step of the summer experience, transforming vacation from mere rest into a smart, integrated experience.59

    ◦ In the past, planning for travel used to take hours of searching and comparing. Today, however, users can obtain a comprehensive travel program in minutes through virtual assistants powered by artificial intelligence, who can suggest the best destinations, flights, and hotel bookings in accordance with the user’s budget and interests, and even suitable recreational activities and preferred restaurants, all through a simple conversation.5960

• Gold Retreats with US-Japan Trade Deal and Dollar Rebound61

    ◦ Jubail Industrial City – Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi. Gold prices retreated yesterday, Wednesday, as risk appetite improved after US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Japan ahead of the impending deadline for customs tariffs, while the dollar and US Treasury yields rebounded from pressure.61

    ◦ Spot gold prices fell by 0.2% to $3,423.08 per ounce, after hitting their highest level since June 16 earlier in the session. US gold futures also fell by 0.2% to $3,435.90.6162

• Oil Stabilizes After Tariff Agreement and Improved Global Trade Confidence63

    ◦ Jubail Industrial City – Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi. Crude oil prices stabilized yesterday, Wednesday, after falling for three consecutive sessions, as the tariff agreement between the US and Japan boosted global trade confidence.6364

    ◦ Brent crude futures fell by 0.03%, reaching $68.57 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also fell, reaching $65.29 per barrel. Both benchmark crude oils fell by about 1% in the previous session after the European Union announced that it was considering retaliatory measures against US tariffs, amidst fading hopes of reaching an agreement before the August 1 deadline.64

• European Petrochemical Industry Struggles with “Years of Losses” 40% of EU Ethylene Capacity at Risk of Closure65

    ◦ Jubail Industrial City – Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi. The European petrochemical industry is struggling to survive and remain resilient after years of losses and a wave of plant closures amidst rapid expansion of production capacity, led by China. High production costs and aging plants have led to the suffering of European producers, increasing the region’s reliance on imports of primary chemical materials such as ethylene and propylene, which are basic materials for plastics, medicines, and countless industrial goods.6566

    ◦ Jim Ratcliffe, founder of INEOS, the world’s fourth largest chemical producer, stated: “While the rest of the world is building new cracking units, Europe is heading towards industrial decline unconsciously.” He, along with other industry leaders, criticized the lack of political action.66

• Dividing Housing Units Without License Increases Burden on Essential Services67

    ◦ Jeddah – Mohammed Humaidan. The Ministry of Municipalities, Rural Affairs, and Housing affirmed the continuous monitoring and addressing of violations related to the unlicensed division of housing units intended for investment. It emphasized taking strict measures against non-compliant practices that evade obtaining approved municipal licenses, given the negative impact this has on the quality of residential life and the urban fabric within neighborhoods. A number of specialists confirmed the significant harm caused by re-dividing units and buildings without obtaining the necessary licenses, which can lead to many negative consequences, including an increased burden on essential services such as electricity, water, and communications, as well as parking spaces, in addition to disrupting the social nature of residential neighborhoods, as it may encourage the growth of bachelor housing in family areas, often resulting in many problems and negative consequences, not to mention its significant impact on real estate and housing rental and sale prices.6869

    ◦ The Ministry clarified in a press statement yesterday that the most prominent violations include the re-division of residential units, modifying internal doors, opening smaller exits, and opening parts to external setbacks without obtaining the necessary licenses. It affirmed that these transgressions constitute a breach of public safety and negatively affect municipal and infrastructure services, in addition to their impact on economic and social balance within cities and regions. The Ministry stated that municipalities continue to implement supervisory field tours at the regional level, in addition to digital reports and complaints received through the “Baladi” application, as part of an advanced regulatory system that allows for effective control of violations, with the taking of legal measures against those responsible.6970

• “NDLP” Boosts Industry’s Contribution to Our Economy71

    ◦ The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP), one of the ambitious Vision 2030 programs, continues its unprecedented, distinguished, and even exceptional performance in supporting the Kingdom’s GDP through the growth of non-oil GDP.72

    ◦ The NDLP’s annual performance report for 2024 reflected the level achieved by the program, revealing a series of unprecedented achievements in the industrial and logistics services sectors, which are considered key drivers for achieving the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform from a rentier economy primarily dependent on oil to a diversified and prosperous economy based on economic diversification.7273

• The Kingdom: An Attractive Legal Model for Foreign Investors74

    ◦ Riyadh – Nayef Al-Harbi. The lawyer and legal consultant, Mr. Mishaal Al-Jaryan, a member of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, called for continuing to strengthen legal partnerships with foreign investors, emphasizing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a global model in developing an attractive legislative environment that aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, especially in the corporate sector and cross-border contracts.75

    ◦ Al-Jaryan told “Al-Riyadh” that the continuous meetings with representatives of major Chinese and global companies reflect a noticeable increase in confidence in the Saudi system of commercial justice. He added that the most important catalyst for this confidence is the Kingdom’s economic growth rate, which is considered among the fastest globally, in addition to the stability of the regulatory environment and its alignment with international standards.7576

• “Hunger Creeps into Gaza”.. and “Israel” Tightens the Noose; Aid Workers Now Stand in Food Queues77

    ◦ Gaza – Nadir Taha. Amid escalating crimes against displaced persons and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, Israeli forces committed a new massacre in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood with a night bombardment that targeted residential homes, coinciding with the shelling of displaced persons in the Al-Shati camp, while warplanes intensified their raids on Deir al-Balah city. These attacks, along with previous massacres, resulted in the martyrdom of more than 80 Palestinians in the past hours, including a journalist and several members of her family.7477

    ◦ The residents of the Gaza Strip live between the fires of starvation and shelling, where some are killed while searching for a bag of flour, at a time when hospitals have become unable to accommodate the increasing numbers of wounded amid a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies.77

• Trump Announces “Huge” Trade Deal with Japan78

    ◦ Tokyo, Washington – AFP. US President Donald Trump announced a “huge” trade deal with Japan yesterday, representing a significant breakthrough for the United States’ main trading partners at a time when they are trying to finalize agreements before the end of the month. In an attempt to reduce his country’s massive trade deficit, the US President pledged to impose punitive customs duties on dozens of countries if they fail to reach agreements with Washington by August 1. Japan is now the fifth country to conclude an agreement with Washington, after Britain, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, after Trump pledged in April that he would reach an agreement “within 90 days.” He wrote on his platform, “Truth Social,” that “we have completed a huge agreement with Japan, perhaps the largest agreement ever based on my directives.” He stated that Japan “will invest $550 billion in the United States, which will receive more than 90% of the profits.”7980

    ◦ He did not provide traditional details but said it “will create hundreds of thousands of jobs.” Japanese exports are primarily subject to 10% customs duties, which would have increased to 25% if the two parties had not reached an agreement by August 1. There were already 25% duties on Japanese cars, a sector that accounts for eight percent of jobs in Japan, in addition to 50% on steel and aluminum.8081

• Beijing Criticizes US Withdrawal from UNESCO78

    ◦ Beijing – AFP. China expressed its regret yesterday, Wednesday, over the United States’ decision to withdraw from UNESCO. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiacun, stated: “This is not an act carried out by a major responsible country.” He added: “China has always supported UNESCO’s work.”7882

    ◦ The United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO yesterday, Tuesday. The organization is known for its important role in establishing a list of world heritage sites, but Israel views it as “controversial and biased against Israel.” The withdrawal decision will come into effect in December 2026. Meanwhile, China sought to present itself as a responsible power by expressing its support for the United Nations and other international bodies. Guo told reporters on Wednesday: “This is the third time the United States has withdrawn from UNESCO, and it has long delayed paying its membership fees.” He added: “We call on all countries to affirm their commitment to multilateralism and take tangible steps to support the international system and at its core the United Nations.”82

• Beijing Seeks to Enhance Trade Cooperation with Washington83

    ◦ On another note, China announced yesterday, Wednesday, that it seeks to “enhance cooperation” with the United States during the trade negotiations scheduled for next week in Stockholm. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiacun said that “China always calls on all parties to resolve economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation on an equal footing, to maintain a good environment for international, economic and trade cooperation.”8283

    ◦ US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that he would meet his Chinese counterpart in Stockholm next week for talks on tariffs, signaling a possible extension of the August 15 deadline for reinstating higher tariff levels. Mnuchin told Fox Business Network that he would speak with Chinese officials in the Swedish capital on Monday and Tuesday to hold a third round of high-level negotiations, aiming to reach what he described as a possible deadline postponement.83

• “Israel” Hints at Renewing Campaign Against Iran84

    ◦ Tehran – Reuters, DPA. Israeli Defense Minister Kats Israel said on Tuesday that there is a possibility of renewing the campaign against Iran. His statements came during a comprehensive assessment of the situation with a number of senior Israeli military officials, including the Chief of Staff. Kats emphasized, in a statement issued by his office, the need to prepare an effective plan for the future to ensure that Iran does not resume its nuclear program.84

    ◦ Amnesty International for Human Rights also called for an investigation into an Israeli attack on Evin Prison in Iran, which occurred about four weeks ago, describing it as a potential war crime. In a report published on Tuesday, the organization stated: “It is a war crime under international humanitarian law if Evin Prison, or any detention facility, is presumed to be a civilian target, and there is no reliable evidence in this case that Evin Prison constitutes a legitimate military target.”8485

• Beijing Protests European Sanctions Targeting Moscow86

    ◦ Beijing – AFP. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao lodged “official protests” with the European Union yesterday after the bloc imposed sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, Beijing announced.86

    ◦ The Chinese Ministry of Commerce explained in a statement that “Wang lodged official protests regarding the inclusion of two Chinese financial institutions in the eighteenth package of sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia” during talks with EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Tuesday.8687

• Britain Punishes Human Smugglers87

    ◦ London – Reuters. Britain announced yesterday, Wednesday, sanctions on 24 individuals and one company, indicating their involvement in human smuggling, as part of efforts aimed at reducing the number of migrants arriving on small boats.87

    ◦ Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to “crack down on the gangs” behind illegal immigration when he took office last year. However, the government stated that the number of migrants increased in the first six months of 2025. The new sanctions system, first introduced in January, aims to target those who provide boats and funding for small boats and transfer money through informal payment systems known as “hawala” and forge documents. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated in a statement: “From Europe to Asia, we are fighting human traffickers who facilitate illegal immigration, and we will target them wherever they are in the world and make them pay for their actions.”8788

• Hackers Launch Cyber Attack88

    ◦ Redmond – DPA. Cyber security experts at Microsoft and Mandiant (owned by Google) confirmed the involvement of several hacker groups linked to China in exploiting a security vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint server software. This vulnerability, discovered early this week, allows attackers to steal private encryption keys and publish malware, and access sensitive data across networks from afar. Microsoft attributed the attacks to three groups linked to China: Linen Typhoon, Violet Linen, and Storm-2603. Linen Typhoon specializes in stealing intellectual property data, while Violet Linen focuses on espionage. Storm-2603, which remains mysterious, has previously been linked to ransomware operations.88

    ◦ Evidence indicates that this vulnerability may have been exploited since July 7th.89

• South Korea: Rise in Birth Rate89

    ◦ Sejong – DPA. Government data showed a 4% increase in the number of births in South Korea in May compared to the previous year, marking the largest increase recorded in May in 14 years. Yonhap news agency reported that data from Statistics Korea showed 20,309 births in May, up 3.8% from 19,567 in May last year.89

    ◦ This is the largest annual increase recorded in May since 2011, when the birth rate rose by 5.3%. May is also the second consecutive month in which the number of births exceeded 20,000. An official at Statistics Korea said: “It seems that the increase in the number of births is due to the continued rise in marriage rates and the increasing number of women in their early thirties.”7889

• Watergate of the Twenty-First Century90

    ◦ Since the announcement of President Donald Trump’s victory in his first presidential term until today, the issue of Russian collusion in the 2016 elections has occupied the American street, between those who believe and those who deny this hypothesis. Anyone who follows and understands the American presidential election system—which is a complex and unique system in the United States—knows that direct interference in its results and guidance is extremely difficult for several reasons.90

    ◦ Among these reasons, for example, but not limited to, is that the American voter votes according to a system where they vote for delegates in the state, and these delegates, in turn, vote for a candidate from one of the two parties, which is complex. Voters only cast their ballots in person within narrow limits and according to specific criteria.9091

• “Made in the Museum”.. Cultivating Creativity in Youth92

    ◦ Riyadh – Culture Today. The first period of the “Summer Camp,” organized by the National Museum, features educational and interactive activities that aim to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling participants to explore the Kingdom’s cultural heritage through hands-on learning and experience, within four scientific and practical craft tracks. The camp targets age groups from 10-12 years old.9293

    ◦ The camp’s role stands out as a bridge connecting generations, showcasing the value of handicrafts as a source of national identity and pride, and offering future economic opportunities. The camp activities give participants an interactive, temporal experience through hands-on learning and practical experience, within four scientific and practical craft tracks.92

• “Stop Overthinking” A Practical and Realistic Guide94

    ◦ Riyadh – Al-Thaqafi. The book “Stop Overthinking” focuses on a phenomenon many in the modern era suffer from: excessive thinking that transforms into a psychological burden, consumes energy, reduces productivity, and leads to chronic anxiety.95

    ◦ The author, Nick Trenton, presents this book as a practical and realistic guide to confronting this problem with effective, yet simple methods, strongly emphasizing that the problem is not thinking itself, but rather overthinking without realistic solutions.95

• Saudi Cinema.. Between Identity and Global Production96

    ◦ In the Saudi cinematic scene today, the movement appears rapid, aspirations are great, and the doors to achieving ambitions are wide open. Films and festivals are rolling out, and young talents aspire to secure their place in a crowded regional and international arena, with various talents and experiences. Yet, amidst this frenetic pace, a fundamental question remains central to every project and critical discussion: Do we strive to create a Saudi cinema with its own special identity, or are we racing towards integration into the global market, even if the price is the dissolution of local character?9497

    ◦ Since the return of cinematic screenings to the Kingdom in 2018, the Saudi industry has undergone a radical transformation. The discourse is no longer limited to “the first step”; rather, we have entered a phase of actual production, screening works in international forums, and entering global streaming platforms.97

• Novel “Bipolar”96

    ◦ The novel “Bipolar” by Saudi writer Ghada Abboud was recently released. It tells the story of Dr. Karma Abdalwadoud, a psychiatrist suffering from bipolar disorder. The events unfold in Jeddah, where Karma navigates between its poor south and affluent north, facing professional and personal challenges due to her illness.9698

    ◦ The writer Abboud focuses on mental illness to present contrasting possibilities and event expectations. She delves deeply into the psychological components of this disorder, which is known by several names at the diagnostic level, including: “bipolar disorder,” “mood disorder,” “manic depression,” “affective disorder,” or “bipolar affective disorder.” The outcome of all these terms is a description of a psychological state characterized by alternating periods of depression with periods of unnatural euphoria, leading the person to engage in irresponsible and reckless actions at times.98

• “Your Grandmother, She Used to Sing”99

    ◦ A novel by Emirati novelist Saleha Obaid, titled “Your Grandmother, She Used to Sing,” was recently released by Mansourat Publishing, Italy.9899

    ◦ Among what was written in the novel: “If the moon was eclipsed and the air was cloudy, Athisah would sing, but if the moon was prominent and the sky clear, she would refuse to sing, otherwise it would end in divorce, an offer that carries something of bad omen!” She carries her traditions and her voice from one offer to another; whenever she sang, no one could help but listen to her with attention. She came from a lineage that inherited singing.99

• Future Horizons in the Critique of Arab Narratives100

    ◦ A new book by Iraqi writer Nadia Hanawi, titled “Future Horizons in the Critique of Arab Narratives,” was published by Abjad Foundation for Translation and Publishing.100

    ◦ Its thesis revolves around the “regionalization project according to its authorship.” The author noted that “the Arab critical research work stopped at certain cognitive fields, which caused the abandonment or neglect of other areas that seemed important. The Anglo-American school began to move on multiple critical, cultural, and intellectual levels, until it achieved steps in opening up literary criticism to various disciplines and integrating with different currents and intellectual schools that reject isolation from history, and believe in the importance of translation being a mediator and a means of interaction and comparison between literature, arts, and sciences.”100101

• Tok.. Tok102

    ◦ A new novel for young adults by Egyptian writer Naglaa Alam, titled “Tok.. Tok,” was recently released by Gaia Foundation for Creativity.102

    ◦ Naglaa Alam says: “”Tok.. Tok” is an adventure novel whose events take place in a fantasy world, where a group of boys and girls embark on it, moving between different worlds and multiple environments amidst steadfastness, and they can overcome the dangers that threaten them.”102

• Elissa and Wael in a Night of Emotion and Technology103

    ◦ Riyadh – Culture Today. The Lebanese stars Wael Jassar and Elissa return this evening for a concert at Abadi Jawhar Arena, as part of the “Jeddah Season 2025” events, organized by “Benchmark.” This concert is expected to be one of the most prominent musical events of the season.103

    ◦ The two stars are expected to perform a selection of their most famous works that have carved their place in the memory of listeners, such as “Bedi Mithlak Habibi,” “A’a Doub,” and “Betwahashini” for Elissa, and Jassar will return the audience to the era of beautiful lyrical tarab.103104

• Asir.. When Art Becomes Living Heritage105

    ◦ In the heights of the Sarawat Mountains, where clouds rest on the nation’s shoulder, and houses breathe their colors from the colored stone and patterned wood, in the Asir region, a unique geography emerged that shaped the Abha artistic movement, the history, the wisdom of the place, the memory of man, and the depth of women who adorned the walls of homes with “Al-Qatt” art. These decorations were not just visual decor, but a primitive form of art that was abstract, symbolic, and innate before it was theoretically defined in the West.105106

    ◦ Roots of the Movement: From Homes to Galleries. The seeds of the artistic movement in Asir trace back to visual traditions rooted in rural culture, especially in architecture and carvings on wooden doors and locks, and the colorful Al-Qatt decorations, and the intricate weaving and fashion arts of Asir, where Southern men and women practiced art as an aesthetic, family, and vital necessity.106

• Visual Poems and Poetic Verses Saturated with Metaphors107

    ◦ In our lives, there is a color of love, as is the case in a painting by the artist Mark Chagall, for he has a sincere heart capable of conveying the voice and expressing creative experiences with meanings that require contemplation and deep thought, like a cinematic pursuit before the eyes of recipients, a significant catalyst for the poet Hany Rizk, who possesses a unique poetic and visual language with a unique tendency towards reductionist simplification, a poet before he is a visual artist. He weaves his poetic threads that clothe the garment of his idea, nourishing it from pure worlds that he carefully selects with the microscope of seriousness and sincerity, to create contemporary formations, and he shines and innovates more with the idea and art, freeing himself from the chains of reality, with conceptual starting points, with aesthetic celebrations that rise from the clutches of reality. The artist’s imagination generates scenes that capture and distort excess details, revealing their deeper psychological essence for the reality of their presence through the zeroing of harmonic elements, according to the requirements of artistic and philosophical concepts.107108

    ◦ His artistic compositions are not confined to the tangible reality that forms part of the objective environment, nor do they merely represent visible objects; rather, they are rapid artistic improvisations that emulate the real world. The artist Hany Rizk, from the early stages of his artistic journey, aimed to present emotions and unknown elements, breaking the viewer’s expectations and building his own unique narrative, embodying his passion and shaping his identity, which has been nurtured by the essence of poetry, emerging from dreams to cut all ties with superficial, apparent reality, to achieve a poetic approach rooted in ancient aesthetic obsessions and patterns of poetic systems that align with literary trends and expressive feelings.108109

• Small Details110

    ◦ My friend, the producer and director Suha Samir, whose paintings I saw and on which I am working, makes you feel how much she cares about something in her beautiful way. So, I suggested that we visit some galleries in Zamalek, and she agreed. I feel lucky to have her as a colleague. It was extremely hot in Cairo during the summer, so we had to open the car windows and turn on the air conditioning before we could even sit in the seats. We were in Zamalek, and if it had been winter, we might have walked. Our first stop was El-Nil Gallery, a gallery in an old building where we went up in a charming old elevator. It housed a beautiful exhibition by the artist Hussein Deheun. His works relied on collage in an impressive way. We left the gallery and got into the car, heading to another gallery. When I looked at the map, I suggested to Suha that we walk, as the place was close, and since we were near the Nile, the weather wasn’t that bad; in fact, walking in the streets of Zamalek near the Nile was enjoyable, despite the heat.110111

    ◦ We arrived at Musee Gallery, which contained paintings by different artists. We started looking and pointing at the paintings we liked. The gallery manager told us that it was the end of the season and that the new season would start in September. The gallery is located directly on the Nile, and the view was magical. I imagined what it would be like if I held an exhibition there. Being in such a location would be enjoyable, even without an exhibition or visitors.111

• Zero Creatures112

    ◦ In the heart of the desert, where sands draw a canvas of patience and the sun forges a torch of challenge, ancient values grew, forming a social fabric that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today redefines with confident strides as part of Vision 2030, a profound change accompanied by vision and modernity. This is evident in the imagination and modernization that accompanies profound change. What makes a society balanced, weighing the authentic cultural heritage against the newest innovations and the wisdom of digital innovation, without losing the skyscrapers that define it? The answer lies in those values that were instilled to become the cornerstone of a nation that redefines progress without sacrificing its authenticity.112113

    ◦ Generosity is considered one of the most prominent Saudi values, and it is not limited to hospitality for strangers; rather, it extends to respecting humans regardless of their location. The famous Arab proverb says: “If people ask you about the generosity of a people, say: they are those who feed before the dew.” This idea of warm welcome is deeply rooted in Saudi society, where opening the door to a host or someone in need is considered a moral duty. It suffices to mention the words of King Abdulaziz Al Saud when he said: “We do not differentiate between one citizen and another, for all are our children and our country is one.” The leadership has transformed this value into a social policy that strengthens national unity.113114

• Academic Plagiarism (2)115

    ◦ Hanaa Hijazi. Last week, I spoke to you in an article about academic plagiarism and its dangers in various fields. No two people disagree that the major information explosion after the emergence of AI programs has made academic plagiarism much easier than before. However, academic institutions continue to combat academic plagiarism with all their might, because these institutions are at risk of losing “academic integrity.” And while this type of academic plagiarism, based on AI algorithms, contains “devilish intelligence,” there is another type of academic plagiarism based on what we can call “devilish stupidity,” one of its manifestations being the blatant appropriation of a published scientific product by one of the affiliates, presenting it as their own!!!116117

    ◦ This is where the poet’s saying applies: “If you fear not the Lord of creation, nor are ashamed of what you do, then all that is in your heart of harm and evil will appear.” Here begins the story of my scientific research, titled: “The Development of Religious Thought in the Arabian Peninsula Before Islam: A Critical Historical Study,” published in the Arab Journal of Human Sciences, Kuwait University, in 2013. It was truly a gift from God to present this original research, as it has long been a subject and a topic of contention among scholars: which is older, monotheism or polytheism? Where the diagnosis of the current scientific research and debate on this issue, and its starting points, relied on the scrutiny of religious evidence and the knowledge of various historical theories known to us. This is not an easy matter, and it requires its author to be knowledgeable of the books of modern history, not only, but also of archeology and inscriptions. Therefore, this research gained widespread acceptance and was approved as a reliable scientific reference for postgraduate students in some departments, praise be to God.115117

• The Criterion of Approach and Avoidance118

    ◦ Dr. Badr bin Saud. This world is a house of striving and action, in which the successful person works for what benefits his livelihood and his afterlife, enlightened by what God has bestowed upon him and his destination, accepting what benefits him and turning away from what harms him, relying on means of guidance to the interests of both worlds, from a discerning mind, upright religious guidance, and a system that regulates affairs and deters some people from others. The successful and unsuccessful person may falter in good conduct, for he does not accept what is beneficial nor turns away from what is harmful. The path that a person chooses and strives to follow in matters of his afterlife will inevitably lead him to a paradise where he will never suffer, or a hell where its inhabitants will never be happy, just as the path he takes in matters of his livelihood and relationships is either positive or negative. If he accepts the positive path, it will lead him to praiseworthy outcomes whose fruits he reaps, and they may remain fruitful for his descendants, and their benefit may even extend to the rest of humanity if it was a cognitive achievement or a civilizational one. And if he accepts the negative path, it will bring him troubles and burdens, and its harm may extend to others. There are pauses with the criterion of approach and avoidance:115

    ◦ First: The general criterion for approach and avoidance is that each of them should be based on insight, so one should be among those who approach their benefits and turn away from what harms them. Therefore, he must differentiate between good and evil, and between good and bad. The commentators said: {And We guided him to the two paths} [Quran 90:10], meaning: We guided him to the path of good and the path of evil. Differentiating between these two paths or seeking guidance from an expert is only possible through knowledge. One cannot differentiate between ambiguities unless they possess knowledge. But merely knowing the difference between these matters is not enough, for its effect only appears when it is translated into practical behavior. So, he accepts—according to his effort and ability—what is beneficial and good, and turns away from what is harmful and bad. And if he strives greatly in that, then he is worthy of being praised for his knowledge, unlike the one who does not benefit from his knowledge, for he remains accepting of what is harmful and turning away from what is beneficial. As for the ignorant person, he may be excused in religious terms, but he will be held accountable for his actions due to his negligence. However, the knowledgeable person who deliberately violates his knowledge is not excused. Therefore, every person must know—even generally—what to accept and when to accept it, and what to avoid and when to avoid it.115…

• Preserving Blessings in Wedding Halls121

    ◦ In every wedding hall I enter, every occasion I attend, the scene repeats before me: lavish tables, and countless varieties of food that delight the heart and worry the mind, often ending up in garbage containers. There, blessings are discarded carelessly, as if we don’t realize that in nearby neighborhoods, families go to bed hungry, and in our remote villages, someone longs for a piece of bread that would fill their hunger. In our blessed country, which God has honored with bounties and blessed with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such phenomena should not pass unnoticed. First, we must thank Almighty God, preserve His blessings, and use them wisely, not boast about them and then waste them. From this standpoint, and based on social, religious, and national responsibility, I propose a comprehensive regulatory system.122123

    ◦ This proposal obliges all wedding halls, event venues, or any establishment to formally contract with licensed entities specialized in collecting, packaging, and distributing surplus food, or to conclude a documented agreement with a licensed charity or company that specializes in collecting, packaging, and distributing surplus food. This will be linked to the regulatory permits issued by the municipality, and no event will be allowed without providing this. Also, field teams affiliated with or in partnership with municipalities will be formed to follow up on the implementation of this requirement and document the extent of commitment, and penalties will be imposed on violators, while honoring compliant entities according to standards that preserve dignity and encourage initiative. This, in turn, will stimulate the labor market and create job opportunities, not only addressing food waste but also stimulating the local economy and creating new job opportunities for unemployed youth by employing them in several areas such as driving vehicles for food delivery, supervising food collection and packaging, and working as field supervisors and inspectors within companies or implementing charities, in addition to providing training programs for youth that qualify them to work in areas related to food safety and food preservation, which contributes to raising their efficiency and enabling them to stable and decent jobs. Among the important benefits that are clear to many is the religious and cultural awareness of society, from the procedures that we do not see in food halls, the guiding signs, so it is recommended to oblige placing awareness signs bearing prophetic sayings about the importance of preserving blessings, such as: “Indeed, God is pleased with His servant who eats a meal and praises Him for it, or drinks a drink and praises Him for it,” as well as important and proposed matters: “A people were deprived of a blessing, so they did not give thanks.” A guiding manual should be issued for food, which includes a guide for quantifying amounts of food for event organizers to help them estimate appropriate food quantities according to the number of guests, along with suggestions for presenting food in an elegant manner without extravagance, and encouraging them to provide surplus food through approved official channels.123…

• Sanitation Workers and Silent Begging126

    ◦ In the many intersections of Riyadh, the sight of sanitation workers in their green uniforms has become a disturbing, rather than a normal part of daily life. They are stationed at traffic lights, clearly resembling a problematic urban phenomenon that goes beyond their basic task of hygiene.121127

    ◦ These moments repeat: the light turns red, and the worker stands by the car window. He asks for nothing, he says nothing, but he stares for a long time, sending continuous glances to the drivers, as if it is a silent translation of one question: “Give me something.” He is not overtly begging, nor is he oblivious to the effect of his stance. It is only the language of the eyes, and in it there is enough clarity.127

• Machine Intelligence and the Absence of Man128

    ◦ Majid Ayed Al-Anzi. In a world where footsteps quicken to the point that time itself can barely keep up, artificial intelligence has emerged as a sword among us, stepping out from the shadows of science fiction, an engineer and orator of the age. It is no longer just a matter of concepts, but continuous applications in software or smart phones. We breathe artificial intelligence without realizing it. The painter sees within us, the doctor writes, and the writer suggests. Our minds’ maps compete with the word, the image contends for space, and the voice struggles to express itself. Artificial intelligence has become a space we live in, and in our faces, factories complete thousands of tasks in minutes without error, and it monitors consumer behavior to shape their desires in silence. This is a transition in the very structure of power, from human expertise to precise algorithms. And if this new “power” was dazzling, it opens doors to tension. Whoever owns the algorithms, whoever programs them, and on what ethical basis do they operate? It is not enough to be accurate; they must be fair, and this is what numbers alone cannot guarantee. Even education, which was always considered a space for human interaction, is now managed by algorithms that monitor student performance and allocate appropriate content to them, but at the same time, they instill in them what cannot be said: that knowledge can be customized like advertising. This is what artificial intelligence predicted. Thinking can be re-thought, and learning itself can be reshaped. It does not just know, but it programs perception from within. The most dangerous thing is that these systems learn from data full of biases, so they reproduce injustice and produce discrimination in scientific language, as if “the machine said” it was neutral. In the realm of art, paintings started to amaze us, texts and music that seemed to be the product of a brilliant, contemplative genius, but the reality is more unsettling.126…

    ◦ Has creativity lost its meaning when we live in a time when art is automated? Has expression become capable of automatic generation? What is produced today is not the product of an artist, but rather a reflection of the disappearance of meaning. It is not that the machine has become creative, but rather that human beings themselves have retreated and settled for translating their senses into digital symbols that algorithms then reconstruct.130

• The Passersby Departed into the Pit131

    ◦ Najla Al-Maliki. That place where endings and beginnings intersect, reaching its depth could mean a fresh dawn, as it was for our master Joseph—peace be upon him—when everyone thought he was gone, but he emerged as an honorable elder, alive, blessed by prayers, and God, the Almighty, answered his good expectations.128132

    ◦ In contrast, there are those whose end in the pit was tragic, as told in the stories we heard across generations, those terrifying ones that made our hearts ache, though many of them were but illusions, exaggerated by the imagination of poets. This is our world, and this is our reality.132

• Steadfastness on Principle133

    ◦ Hessa bint Abdulaziz. Moderation in humans is embodied by behavior and conduct in accordance with what they inherently possess. For example, love is countered by hatred, gentleness by harshness, and tolerance by rigidity. This part of what they possess influences them. A decision is subject to the board of directors’ approval; it is like a partnership, where the mind is the driving force behind recommendations that may affect the decision-making process for active and influential members of the board. At the same time, it is like the heart; if the heart rejects a certain decision, the mind cannot approve it without delving into the details of its secrets and workings. There can be no increase in evil and its workings, or good and its workings. The believer strives for certainty, so he does not embark on an action without utmost caution regarding its consequences, especially since he fully realizes that everything is accounted for. Allah Almighty says: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” [Quran 99:7-8] The matter of scrutiny, verification, and confirmation is of utmost importance. The heart, bearing this immense responsibility, performs its role with extreme precision, as scholars have deliberated. It is connected to the thinking mind, which is the primary guiding element, and its intricate complexities have not only reached the freedom of scholars but have also reached the point of astonishment due to their complex structures, “So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators.” [Quran 23:14] Moderation never departs from the framework of these two important elements in a person’s life. As for the other limbs that a person uses to strike or walk, even if these limbs have their effectiveness and necessities, in reality, they cannot move independently of the mind that grants them the ability to initiate, and based on the recommendations of the rest of the limbs, and at their forefront, the heart. This is where the stage of influence and being influenced begins. For if God grants a person space to rectify any wrong he has done, there is a designated space before remorse sets in. This space allows the contemplative person to investigate, to be patient, and not to rush, lest he finds himself between the hammer of impulsiveness and the anvil of bad deeds. Since humans possess numerous characteristics, perceptions, feelings, and emotions that are not tangible, like the limbs themselves, but rather unseen qualities within the body, these characteristics are closer to action and affect, such as rage, harshness, and recklessness. The more these quantities and qualities are precisely mixed in proportion to each other, the more they contribute to building a balanced personality based on faith, leading to equilibrium, without excess or deficiency.131134

    ◦ The engineer calculates his designs on paper according to scientific theories, and then imposes them on the ground through application, while man remains subject to a more complex engineering process; because the materials and quality are limited in front of the quantity used by the engineer, and the qualities that man possesses are estimative, and how to adapt to the requirements of the stages he goes through and the sifting of concepts from time to time so that the personality remains coherent, away from the roughness of the paths and falling into the path of destruction. The mind works on analyzing derivation and forming the appropriate pattern and adapting to conviction, while the matter of taming thought is an imperative necessity to limit the penetration of deviation leading to obsessive thoughts and hateful doubts. One should not underestimate the value of thought in man as an energy center and its influence, whether through incapacitation or misguidance. Rather, this situation must be dealt with with great objectivity regarding confusion and turmoil resulting from the weakness of transmission methods in the face of the power of influence and the intertwining of form and content. Perhaps one of the most prominent reasons for the ineffective transmission of influence is the containment system that lacks transparency, flexibility, and effectiveness. Every transgressor has within him a good seed that hates error and needs care, development, and motivation to face the power of desire. When a person strives to plant a specific plant, he cares for it, and if he over-waters it, he will destroy it. Furthermore, he observes it and protects it from the wind and rains. Therefore, caring for the seed that sprouted in a good environment will be more persistent. The bitterness of transgression is fruitless as much as weakness and heedlessness contribute to this matter. Rectification and contributing to the improvement of societies also require skills such as communication and understanding the level of psyches and dealing with them professionally according to the varying levels, whether in terms of understanding, age, or gender. In addition, correcting deviation and repairing transgression and motives will not yield fruit unless the details are fully grasped. The transgressor will not remain and will accept advice because the principle is that if the conviction has not reached him, he will always revert to his feelings and emotions, and that the value of abandoning the transgression or the motive is a beautiful place, and its beauty lies in the peace of the conscience and the tranquility of the soul.134135

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By Amjad Izhar
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https://amjadizhar.blog

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