Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 27, 2025: International Relations, Oil and Financial Markets, Recreational Projects

The provided sources primarily discuss Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its multifaceted impact, encompassing economic diversification, particularly in the real estate and mining sectors, and social development initiatives like improving quality of life and supporting vulnerable populations. The text also highlights international relations, such as the signing of an investment agreement between Saudi Arabia and Syria, and covers financial news, detailing the performance of Saudi banks and the global oil and financial markets. Additionally, the sources touch upon cultural and recreational projects within Saudi Arabia, alongside grim reports of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and updates on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Podcast

Saudi Real Estate Growth and Investment Outlook

The real estate sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered an exceptional sector that has played a crucial role for many decades. It is a main driver in advancing the national economy and has a strong capacity to attract local and foreign investments. This sector has been instrumental in implementing numerous large projects across the Kingdom and creating diverse real estate products that are essential for the stability and prosperity of Saudi society.

Key Aspects of Real Estate Growth and Development:

• Government Focus and Vision 2030:
• The real estate sector has garnered significant government attention, especially under Saudi Vision 2030.
• Vision 2030 recognized the sector’s importance in facing the growing population increase and providing opportunities for sustainable development.
• A new strategy was activated to regulate the real estate market, stimulate construction, and adopt modern technologies, innovation, and design to ensure the sustainability of the sector’s growth.
• Achievements and Reforms under Vision 2030:
• Over the years of Vision 2030, the strategy has succeeded in developing and modernizing the real estate sector by addressing market challenges and improving the business environment.
• This was achieved through the enactment of advanced regulations and laws that aim to create an exemplary real estate market capable of attracting investments and offering diverse real estate products that adapt to market changes and challenges.
• The strategy has also focused on improving regulatory governance and enhancing transparency for the sector, which includes providing accurate market data to increase market effectiveness and attractiveness.
• A significant outcome has been enabling the private sector to benefit from real estate opportunities that support economic growth, create jobs, and provide various residential and investment options. This is evident in the government’s efforts to increase homeownership rates for citizens.
• To strengthen the pillars of the real estate sector, more than 20 new real estate accelerations have been witnessed during the Vision years.
• A prominent reform is the non-Saudis’ real estate ownership law, which is described as a well-studied regulatory step aimed at achieving multiple developmental and economic objectives, including attracting investments and enhancing the developmental role of the real estate sector.
• This new system aligns with global best practices in foreign real estate investment to ensure a fair, safe, and balanced investment environment.
• Contribution to Economic Diversification:
• The success of the real estate sector in achieving its goals and aspirations is an integral part of Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil.
• This success extends beyond real estate to include many other sectors that Vision 2030 has banked on.
• International Investment and Opportunities:
• The Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum saw the signing of 47 Saudi-Syrian investment agreements with a total value approaching 24 billion Saudi Riyals.
• These agreements cover various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, finance, communications, information technology, energy, industry, health, investment, trade, and tourism.
• The signing of these agreements underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stability and developing bilateral economic and investment relations, contributing to peace, stability, and joint cooperation.
• Specific real estate projects include the Al Fayhaa Cement Company factory (costing 100 million Riyals, producing 150,000 tons annually) and the Al Jawhara Tower project in Damascus (a Saudi-Syrian project with a building area of 25,000 square meters and investments exceeding 375 million Saudi Riyals, comprising administrative offices, commercial shops, and hotel units).
• Another significant agreement will be signed by “Bait Al Abaa” company for a massive commercial and residential housing project in Mahass city.
• The total investments of Syrian investors in Saudi Arabia exceed 10 billion Riyals, with over 2600 investors. These investors are expected to play a pivotal role in the reconstruction and building of Syria’s future.
• Governance and Transparency for Real Estate Investment:
• An expert emphasized that governance and transparency are two fundamental pillars that build a secure bridge for any investment flow, especially in environments like Syria that need to rebuild trust for investors.
• Transparency, in practice, means providing easy access to accurate information about companies, economic data, and investment laws, which reduces ambiguity and risks for investors.
• This includes the availability of updated, digitalized central company registries allowing investors to verify legal status, ownership, and financial history reliably and transparently.
• Governance acts as a protective shield for investors and a cornerstone of accountability. It requires establishing robust governance structures for Syrian companies, such as independent and effective boards of directors and specialized committees (e.g., audit and risk committees).
• Furthermore, strict internal controls must be implemented to prevent mismanagement and conflicts of interest, and clear policies to combat corruption and ensure decisions are made based on the company’s best interests, not personal or family gain.
• The financial and economic institutions in Syria are urged to build a transparent and governed investment environment from scratch, which implies radical legislative and institutional reforms.
• This involves a comprehensive review and update of laws related to investment, company protection, bankruptcy, and ownership to align with international standards and provide legal certainty.
• It also requires enhancing the independence and effectiveness of regulatory bodies, such as the financial market authority and judicial institutions, which must be truly independent and capable of enforcing laws strictly and fairly without interference. This independence is vital to ensuring market integrity and protecting investors from undue influence.
• The consultant also stressed the importance of seriously combating corruption through independent and effective mechanisms for investigation and accountability.
• A “single window” service is crucial for investors, providing a comprehensive center for processing all government procedures efficiently and quickly, away from bureaucracy.
• Developing unified platforms for information and services is also highlighted, offering Saudi investors reliable and easy access to laws, regulations, company data, investment opportunities, and government services.
• Challenges for Real Estate Investment in Syria:
• The absence of an effective financial market, including a stock exchange and financial tools for risk management, poses a significant obstacle.
• The infrastructure remains largely damaged from years of war, which means investors face not only legislative challenges but also financial burdens to secure essential services like energy, water, and communications.
• The mass exodus and brain drain have led to a shortage of local skilled labor, necessitating the recruitment of foreign experts or long-term investment in training, which increases costs and delays project viability.
• The lack of competitive investment incentives, such as tax exemptions or land allocation at encouraging prices, makes it difficult to attract capital.

Overall, the sources highlight Saudi Arabia’s proactive and strategic approach to real estate growth, both domestically through Vision 2030 initiatives and internationally through targeted investments and partnerships. They also emphasize the critical role of strong governance and transparency in fostering a healthy investment environment.

Saudi Investment: Vision, Agreements, and Governance

Investment agreements are a significant focus in the provided sources, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals and its regional partnerships.

Here’s a discussion of investment agreements based on the sources:

• Saudi Arabia’s Role as an Investment Attractor and Investor:
• The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is described as an exceptional sector that has been a main driver in advancing the national economy and possesses a strong capacity to attract local and foreign investments.
• Under Saudi Vision 2030, a new strategy was activated to regulate the real estate market, aiming to create an exemplary real estate market capable of attracting investments and offering diverse real estate products. This strategy also focused on enhancing transparency and providing accurate market data to increase market effectiveness and attractiveness for investment.
• A significant reform under Vision 2030 has been the non-Saudis’ real estate ownership law, which is a regulatory step designed to attract investments and enhance the developmental role of the real estate sector. This new system aligns with global best practices to ensure a fair, safe, and balanced investment environment.
• The success of the real estate sector and the broader Vision 2030 initiatives contribute to diversifying income sources and reducing dependence on oil. Fitch’s confirmation of Saudi Arabia’s credit rating at A+ with a stable outlook reflects the increasing confidence in the Saudi economy, which acts as a catalyst for further investment mobilization and attracting more investors. The positive rating also shows the success of plans to diversify the economy and activate many non-oil sectors.
• Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum and Agreements:
• A key example of investment agreements is seen at the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, which resulted in the signing of 47 Saudi-Syrian investment agreements.
• The total value of these agreements approaches 24 billion Saudi Riyals.
• These agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including:
• Real Estate
• Infrastructure
• Finance
• Communications and Information Technology
• Energy
• Industry
• Health
• Investment
• Trade
• Tourism
• The signing of these agreements underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stability and developing bilateral economic and investment relations, contributing to peace, stability, and joint cooperation.
• Specific real estate projects announced during the forum include:
• The Al Fayhaa Cement Company factory, with an estimated investment cost of 100 million Riyals, and an annual production capacity of 150,000 tons.
• The Al Jawhara Tower project in Damascus, a Saudi-Syrian venture with a building area of 25,000 square meters and investments exceeding 375 million Saudi Riyals. This project will comprise administrative offices, commercial shops, and hotel units.
• An agreement by “Bait Al Abaa” company for a massive commercial and residential housing project in Mahass city with a value in the billions.
• The total investments of Syrian investors in Saudi Arabia exceed 10 billion Riyals, with over 2600 investors. These investors are expected to play a pivotal role in the reconstruction and building of Syria’s future.
• The Saudi-Syrian Business Council has initiated a work plan for 2025-2030 to enhance sustainable economic cooperation, facilitate strategic partnerships, and simplify trade and logistical procedures for Saudi companies exporting to Syria. The plan focuses on enabling the Saudi private sector to invest in reconstruction and sustainable development opportunities in Syria.
• Importance of Governance and Transparency for Investment:
• An expert emphasized that governance and transparency are fundamental pillars for building a secure bridge for any investment flow, especially in environments like Syria that need to rebuild trust for investors.
• Transparency is defined as providing easy access to accurate information about companies, economic data, and investment laws, which reduces ambiguity and risks for investors. This includes updated, digitalized central company registries allowing investors to verify legal status, ownership, and financial history reliably.
• Governance acts as a protective shield for investors and a cornerstone of accountability. It requires establishing robust governance structures for Syrian companies, such as independent and effective boards of directors and specialized committees (e.g., audit and risk committees). Strict internal controls are needed to prevent mismanagement and conflicts of interest, ensuring decisions are based on the company’s best interests.
• Financial and economic institutions in Syria are urged to build a transparent and governed investment environment from scratch, which implies radical legislative and institutional reforms. This includes reviewing and updating laws related to investment, company protection, bankruptcy, and ownership to align with international standards and provide legal certainty.
• Enhancing the independence and effectiveness of regulatory bodies, such as the financial market authority and judicial institutions, is vital to enforcing laws strictly and fairly without interference, ensuring market integrity and investor protection.
• The importance of seriously combating corruption through independent and effective mechanisms for investigation and accountability is stressed.
• A “single window” service is crucial for investors to process government procedures efficiently and quickly, minimizing bureaucracy. Developing unified platforms for information and services is also highlighted to offer Saudi investors reliable access to laws, regulations, company data, investment opportunities, and government services.
• For Saudi capital, which is described as cautious and smart, investment decisions are based on complex evaluation systems that rely on stability, clear legislation, and real guarantees. Transparency and governance are no longer luxuries but a sovereign institutional requirement for any Saudi financial flow abroad.
• Challenges for Real Estate Investment in Syria:
• The absence of an effective financial market, including a stock exchange and financial tools for risk management, poses a significant obstacle.
• Damaged infrastructure means investors face not only legislative challenges but also financial burdens to secure essential services like energy, water, and communications.
• The mass exodus and brain drain have led to a shortage of local skilled labor, necessitating foreign recruitment or long-term training investment, which increases costs and delays project viability.
• The lack of competitive investment incentives, such as tax exemptions or land allocation at encouraging prices, makes it difficult to attract capital.

In summary, investment agreements, particularly the recent Saudi-Syrian initiatives, are a strategic tool for Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and regional leadership. The success of these agreements heavily relies on establishing robust governance structures and ensuring transparency to attract and protect investments.

Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Transformation: Vision, Technology, and Public Health

Investment agreements, as discussed, frequently aim to facilitate and regulate various sectors, and healthcare advancement is notably a significant beneficiary within Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives and its Vision 2030 goals. The sources highlight several key areas of healthcare advancement in the Kingdom, driven by technological adoption, quality improvement, and public health initiatives.

Here’s a discussion of healthcare advancement based on the provided sources:

1. Strategic Focus on Quality of Life and Health through Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s overarching Vision 2030 includes a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and residents. This vision aims to build a vibrant society where individuals enjoy comprehensive well-being and to provide diverse recreational and sports activities within safe, urban, and healthy environments. The emphasis on sustainable development, exemplified by the Kingdom’s selection as a global model for water sustainability by the UN, indirectly supports public health by ensuring essential resources.

2. Adoption of Advanced Surgical Technologies: A prime example of healthcare advancement is the integration of cutting-edge robotic surgical technology:

• HUGO™ RAS Surgical Robot: Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Al Takhassusi successfully performed two complex surgical procedures using the latest HUGO™ RAS surgical robot, marking its first use in that hospital. This is lauded as a significant medical achievement and a qualitative leap in services provided to patients. The robot offers numerous advantages, including high precision, reduced pain, minimized blood loss, lower risk of infection, shorter recovery periods, and quicker return to daily life. It also helps in reducing complications during and after surgery and enables smaller surgical incisions. The robot can perform complex operations with extreme precision, flexibility, and control, enhancing patient outcomes. Its system provides a 3D view of the surgical site and mimics the surgeon’s hand movements, capable of performing functions of various surgical tools. This advanced technology’s provision by the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group aims to boost efficiency and quality of care, accelerating the transition towards a more advanced and convenient healthcare system in the Kingdom. This follows its proven success in other group hospitals in Al Faiha, Jeddah, and Al Sahafa, North Riyadh.

3. Innovative Pain Management Techniques:

• Nerve Anesthesia with Ultrasound: Al Mahd Hospital has introduced a specialized medical service aimed at reducing pain and accelerating recovery post-surgery through precise nerve anesthesia using an ultrasound device. This advanced technique is highlighted as a safe and effective alternative that minimizes the side effects of general anesthesia and provides effective pain relief after operations, reducing the need for traditional painkillers. It also contributes to shorter recovery periods, enhanced psychological comfort, and a quicker return to normal life for patients. This initiative underscores the hospital’s efforts to elevate the quality of healthcare and offer optimal treatment options in line with the latest medical standards.

4. Commitment to Institutional Excellence and Innovation:

• ISO 56001:2024 Certification: The Qassim Health Cluster achieved the international ISO 56001:2024 certification in innovation management systems, becoming the first health entity in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to earn this institutional innovation accreditation. This accomplishment is a testament to the cluster’s dedication to adopting and implementing the best international practices and standards in innovation management, thereby improving operational efficiency and promoting sustainability within the healthcare transformation system. This accreditation reflects the cluster’s commitment to institutional excellence, fostering an innovation culture, and linking innovation to performance and services. This supports the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Health, ultimately aiming to enhance the experience of both beneficiaries and service providers.

5. Comprehensive Public Health and Safety Policies:

• National Drowning Prevention Policy: The Kingdom has proactively adopted a national policy for drowning prevention, with the Council of Ministers endorsing July 25th as the annual World Drowning Prevention Day. This policy showcases Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to water safety and its efforts to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. This initiative has already led to a remarkable reduction in water-related fatalities by over 17% per 100,000 population, which has saved an estimated 800 million Saudi Riyals in economic burden according to local and international reports. The Kingdom is recognized globally for meeting the highest standards of water safety. The comprehensive policy encompasses 12 integrated national initiatives covering various aspects such as updating legislation, training professional rescue teams, launching public awareness campaigns, adopting modern technologies (like sensing devices and smart applications), establishing a unified database for drowning incidents, and integrating water safety concepts into educational curricula and extracurricular activities. The policy’s goal is to unify national efforts to provide safe environments for recreation, tourism, and sports, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives to protect lives and enhance the quality of life.

6. Digital Transformation in Health Services: The broader digital transformation in Saudi Arabia significantly underpins healthcare advancements. This transformation is seen as demonstrating “real respect for human beings, their age, and their ambitions”. The Ministry of Health has introduced digital platforms like “Sehhati” and “Maw’ed” (My Health and Appointment), which enable users to follow up on vaccinations and schedule appointments, eliminating the need for physical visits or paper documents. This exemplifies how technology simplifies access to essential health services and improves efficiency.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare advancements are a multi-faceted endeavor, characterized by a clear strategic vision, significant investment in advanced medical technologies like robotic surgery and innovative pain management, a strong focus on institutional excellence and innovation management, and comprehensive national public health policies that have yielded measurable positive outcomes. This is all integrated within a broader digital transformation that aims to make services more accessible and efficient for everyone.

Saudi Urban Development: Vision 2030 and Quality of Life

Urban development in Saudi Arabia is a multifaceted endeavor, deeply integrated with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to foster a vibrant society and enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents. This strategic focus drives significant advancements across various aspects of urban planning, infrastructure, and public services.

Key areas of urban development highlighted in the sources include:

• Strategic Growth and Quality of Life Initiatives:
• Vision 2030 aims to provide diverse recreational and sports activities within safe, urban, and healthy environments. It emphasizes building a vibrant society where individuals enjoy comprehensive well-being. The Kingdom’s selection as a global model for water sustainability by the UN underscores its commitment to sustainable development, indirectly supporting healthy urban environments by ensuring essential resources.
• The real estate sector plays an exceptional and vital role in driving the national economy and attracting investments, contributing to the development of numerous large-scale projects across the Kingdom. Vision 2030 recognized the sector’s importance in addressing population growth, facilitating sustainable urban development, and encouraging the adoption of modern construction technologies and innovation. This strategy has led to the development and modernization of the real estate market through advanced regulations and systems, aiming to create a model real estate market capable of attracting investments and providing diverse residential and investment options. This directly supports increasing home ownership rates for citizens.
• The concept of “humanizing cities” is a crucial aspect of Vision 2030’s quality of life objective, involving the creation of organized paths for vehicles and pedestrians, and dedicated parking for people with special needs to ensure comfortable access to facilities.
• Development of Recreational and Green Spaces:
• Al-Rimal (The Sands) Park in Riyadh is presented as a prime example, combining the beauty of the desert environment with diverse recreational and sports activities. This project aims to enhance the quality of life and encourage community engagement in sports within a lively and interactive open environment. It features extensive multi-use paths for cycling, mountain biking, jogging, walking, and horseback riding, alongside integrated infrastructure like bicycle rental and maintenance stations and rest areas. The park’s design respects the local identity and integrates with the surrounding natural environment, reflecting a commitment to sustainable environmental planning. It is designed to be a leading model for developing open spaces, supporting a healthy lifestyle, and enhancing Riyadh’s position as a hub for outdoor activities.
• The Jazan Waterfront is highlighted as a magnificent tourist and recreational outlet for residents and visitors, especially during summer. It features wide green areas, a spacious flag square for national events, diverse family beaches, and a 2600-meter long promenade for walking, enhancing the enjoyment of natural beauty. Current development efforts include new sports paths and children’s play areas, reinforcing its role as a leading tourist destination in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
• Al-Nammas Fog Walkway in Aseer region, located over 2400 meters above sea level, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations, offering a moderate climate and panoramic views. It provides extensive walking paths, seating areas, and integrated service facilities, including food carts and stalls offering local handicrafts.
• Najran’s rural tourism showcases the region’s diverse environment, historical architectural heritage, and natural landscapes, offering a unique experience for visitors. The traditional mud palaces, high castles, and farms reflect the cultural and historical identity of the area.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity:
• The inauguration of 13 road projects in Hail with a total length of 358 km and a cost of 47 million Saudi Riyals demonstrates the Kingdom’s significant investment in enhancing its road network. These projects are crucial for facilitating movement and connectivity, adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality.
• In Dair Governorate (Jazan region), the governor oversaw municipal and transport projects valued at over 350 million Saudi Riyals, indicating ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure and services.
• Digital Transformation of Urban Services:
• Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation is described as a “stunning transformation” that reflects “real respect for human beings, their age, and their ambitions”. This transformation has moved service delivery from traditional, time-consuming processes to efficient digital platforms accessible via mobile devices.
• Examples include the “Absher” platform, which offers over 350 government services, removing the need for physical visits or paper documents. The “Baladi” platform has revolutionized municipal services, reducing the time for permits and land-related procedures from weeks to seconds. Such digital integration makes urban services “faster, closer, and more efficient”. The transfer of vehicle ownership to an establishment via “Absher” is another specific example of this digital leap, simplifying bureaucratic processes.
• Commitment to Excellence and Public Safety:
• The Qassim Health Cluster achieved the international ISO 56001:2024 certification in innovation management systems, becoming the first health entity in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to earn this institutional innovation accreditation. This commitment to innovation in healthcare management ultimately aims to enhance the experience of both beneficiaries and service providers, contributing to overall urban well-being.
• The Kingdom’s adoption of a national policy for drowning prevention and the designation of July 25th as World Drowning Prevention Day. This comprehensive policy includes 12 integrated national initiatives focused on updating legislation, training rescue teams, public awareness campaigns, adopting modern technologies (like sensing devices and smart applications), and integrating water safety concepts into educational curricula. This initiative has already led to a remarkable reduction in water-related fatalities by over 17%, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting lives and enhancing the quality of life in both recreational and daily urban environments.

These advancements collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive and ambitious approach to urban development, aiming to create modern, sustainable, and high-quality living environments for its population in alignment with Vision 2030.

Saudi Vision 2030: Economic Diversification and Urban Development

Urban development in Saudi Arabia is intricately linked with the Kingdom’s extensive economic diversification efforts, primarily driven by Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce reliance on oil as a primary income source and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. This strategic shift aims to create new economic sectors, attract investments, and enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents.

Key areas demonstrating this diversification include:

• Real Estate Sector Development: The real estate sector is recognized as an “exceptional and vital” driver of the national economy and a magnet for investments. Vision 2030 understood its importance in addressing population growth, fostering sustainable urban development, and encouraging the adoption of modern construction technologies and innovation. This has led to the modernization of the real estate market through advanced regulations and systems, aiming to create a “model real estate market capable of attracting investments” and providing diverse residential and investment options, directly supporting increased home ownership rates.
• Expansion into Non-Oil Sectors: Fitch Ratings has confirmed Saudi Arabia’s credit rating, noting that the economic and financial reforms implemented under Vision 2030 have played a significant role in improving transparency, increasing efficiency in public debt management, and strengthening the private sector’s role in supporting development. These reforms specifically aim to diversify the economy away from oil by activating numerous non-oil sectors, including tourism, industry, trade, technology, and logistics services.
• Mining as a Third Pillar: The mining sector is highlighted as the “third fundamental pillar” for sustainable economic development. Saudi Arabia possesses vast mineral wealth, including bauxite, phosphates, zinc, copper, gold, and iron. The exploitation of these resources is crucial for adding economic value, creating job opportunities, boosting national exports, and increasing income. Investment in mining infrastructure, such as ports, mines, and processing facilities, supports the development of a strong industrial sector, contributing to overall economic diversification goals.
• Tourism and Entertainment Infrastructure: Vision 2030 aims to foster a vibrant society by providing diverse recreational and sports activities within safe, urban, and healthy environments [Introduction to previous response]. This is exemplified by projects such as Al-Rimal (The Sands) Park in Riyadh, which integrates desert beauty with recreational and sports activities to enhance quality of life and promote a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, the Jazan Waterfront is a significant tourist and recreational outlet with green areas, beaches, and promenades, while the Al-Nammas Fog Walkway offers unique high-altitude tourism. Najran’s rural tourism also leverages its diverse environment and historical heritage to offer unique visitor experiences. These initiatives directly contribute to diversifying income sources through the burgeoning tourism sector.
• Investing in Connectivity and Infrastructure: Significant investments are being made in road networks, such as the inauguration of 13 road projects in Hail totaling 358 km, and municipal and transport projects in Dair Governorate (Jazan region) valued at over 350 million Saudi Riyals. These infrastructure developments are vital for facilitating movement, enhancing connectivity, and supporting the growth of various economic sectors across the Kingdom.
• Digital Transformation of Services: The Kingdom’s “stunning digital transformation” has moved service delivery from traditional, time-consuming processes to efficient digital platforms, accessible via mobile devices. Platforms like “Absher” for over 350 government services and “Baladi” for municipal services significantly enhance efficiency and contribute to an attractive investment and living environment. This digital infrastructure supports the ease of doing business, which is critical for economic growth and diversification.
• Development of the Sports Sector: The Saudi sports sector is undergoing a transformation to become an “attractive professional industry,” built on a strong legal framework. This involves moving beyond traditional fan engagement to include legal and financial aspects, recognizing that sports-related disputes can now involve significant economic implications. This shift supports the broader economic diversification by professionalizing a sector with high growth potential.
• Support for the Non-Profit Sector: The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) is actively working to empower the non-profit sector by enhancing partnerships and providing necessary support. This aims to increase its role in sustainable development and social investment, contributing to a diversified economy and community well-being.
• Strategic International Investments: Saudi Arabia has embarked on significant international economic partnerships, such as the 47 Saudi-Syrian investment agreements valued at approximately 24 billion Riyals, covering real estate, infrastructure, finance, telecommunications, information technology, energy, industry, health, trade, and tourism. These agreements, facilitated by Vision 2030, underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability and comprehensive sustainable development, creating new avenues for economic engagement and demonstrating its growing influence as an economic partner.
• Agricultural Diversification (Coffee): Efforts are underway to boost domestic coffee production, with a target of 10,000 tons annually by 2030 to meet 6% of domestic demand. This initiative, which includes financial support for farmers, highlights a specific agricultural focus within the diversification strategy, aiming for self-sufficiency and potential export.

These comprehensive initiatives collectively underscore Saudi Arabia’s robust commitment to economic diversification as a core pillar of Vision 2030, transforming its economy beyond oil into a multitude of vibrant and sustainable sectors.

Saudi Economic Vision and Societal Evolution

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

• Word (Editorial) The real estate sector has played an important and pivotal role over many decades in driving the national economy forward and attracting investments, through its ability to implement numerous large projects across the country, and create diverse real estate products, which are indispensable for the stability and prosperity of Saudi society. If the real estate sector received great attention from the government in the past period and flourished, it will receive even greater attention under the umbrella of Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which realized the importance of the sector in developing real estate projects to face the growing population, and providing opportunities to ensure sustainable urban development in various cities. The Vision has been keen to activate a new strategy for real estate that contributes to regulating the real estate market, stimulating modern building technologies, and adopting innovation and design; with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of the sector’s growth.
• A Model Real Estate Sector (by Khalid Al-Rubaish) The success of the real estate sector in achieving its goals and aspirations is an integral part of the Kingdom’s Vision, which aims to diversify sources of income and reduce dependence on oil. This success is not limited to real estate alone, but has extended to many other sectors on which the Vision has bet and from which it is reaping. (Note: The source provides only one paragraph for this column).
• Banks between the Glamour of Profits and Interest Rate Pressures.. Who Masters Future Foresight? (by Hussein bin Hamad Al-Rakeeb) The second quarter of 2025 witnessed a complex banking scene characterized by the intertwining of growth and global interest rate pressures. The Saudi banking sector achieved a remarkable 18% increase in its profits compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 22.984 billion Riyals for listed banks, a figure that confirms the resilience and strength of the banking sector in facing economic challenges and its rapid adaptation to local and international market changes. In a volatile financial environment, this positive performance stands out as evidence of the banks’ success in their effective financial strategies and management. This clearly indicates a rise in banks’ appetite for risk and their shift towards financing in various economic sectors to meet the increasing demand for financing. However, this growth is accompanied by a significant challenge in the necessity of careful liquidity management and diversification of its sources to avoid risks associated with interest rate fluctuations and ensure growth sustainability.
• Building a Transparent Syrian Investment Environment Enhances Saudi Investments (by Layla Qudsi Dr. Nouf Al-Ghamdi) Layla Qudsi, an international arbitrated legal and financial consultant in commercial law and financial markets, stated that in light of the completion of signing a group of Saudi investment agreements with Syrian institutions and bodies, governance and transparency are the two main pillars in the Syrian interior that build the safe bridge for the flow of any investments, especially in an environment like the sisterly Syrian Republic, which needs to rebuild trust, as the Saudi investor, like others, seeks safety and clarity. She added, “Practically, transparency is a system and an early warning for the investor. When the investor can easily access accurate information about companies, economic data, and investment laws and decision-making processes, it reduces ambiguity and risks.” She continued, “This means that there should be central company records, updated and digital, so that the investor can search for any Syrian company, verify its ownership, legal status, and financial history in a reliable and transparent manner”.
• Between Cinema and Reels, Soft Power is Drawn (by Abdullah Mughram Dr. Ziyad bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh) In this era, political influence is no longer measured only by military power, but also by alliances or productions between states, which have emerged as the strongest forms of diplomacy. The face of soft power is drawn today through cinematic mega-productions that rewrite history, and short video clips (reels) produced in seconds and consumed in moments, with an unprecedented visual and narrative impact. Human arts are no longer merely a space for individual expression or entertainment industries, but have transformed into strategic tools within the fields of communication, culture, and politics. This is where audiences build their first impressions of countries through what they watch on screens, whether in a long dramatic format or short content on social media. Moreover, short video clips, despite their simplicity, have a faster impact on the recipient.
• The 100-Meter Runner in the Cross-Country Marathon (by Dr. Badr bin Saud) The Greek philosophers, led by Aristotle, despised manual labor, while Islam sees dignity for humans in manual labor, and Allah and His Messenger love it. The paradox is that the West, which belongs to Greece and its philosophy, adopted manual craftsmanship and developed the relationship between mind and hand, creating industrial civilization and motivating individuals and institutions at the individual and societal levels through manual craftsmanship. Meanwhile, our Arab culture remained in craftsmanship merely slogans, except for those whom my Lord had mercy upon, and the idea of the craftsman was not beloved in the societies of the Arabian Peninsula, except for rare instances in all places and times of Islamic civilization, so their names were not documented, and it is rare for their crafts to be written about. During my studies in Britain, I noticed that most neighbors converted their garages into workshops for innovation, where the mind works and the hand works. I did not find this phenomenon in our society because the matter needs persistence and habituation from an early age. It is not possible for Saudi families to enroll their children in university studies, as they have no other option. Their children master only this craft, which is not necessarily what will lead to a job in the future.
• The Phenomenon of Admission: Searching for Other Options (by Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman Al-Ajjaji) At this time of year, people’s conversations focus on two topics. The first is the heat of the weather, as some say: “This summer is very hot, the weather was unbearable, as if it was moderate in previous years and a thermal boom happened this year.” In every gathering and every office, you will hear the same phrases about the weather, and its difficulty. For some, the other topic, and its difficulty, and I mean here university admission. Every year, many friends and relatives contact me to enroll their children in university, and usually their weighted averages do not match the requirements. I try to explain to them that it is no longer in our hands, as there is a system that everyone is subject to. Some people think that the problem is that I do not want to help them. I have tried to explain and clarify to them, but they only see that their children’s future is at stake. I have written a lot about admission and mentioned that it will become a “social phobia” in the future, and here we are living this “phobia” which will escalate with the lack of any other options for young men and women. The matter requires a strategic plan that works on what we can call “restructuring community forces and dynamics,” which represents one of the factors of change and restructuring for any society.
• All Roads Lead to My Mother (by Al-Jazi bint Mansour Al-Otaibi) I cannot write without my mother appearing before my fingers, nor can I utter jasmine without my mouth overflowing with its nectar, pomegranates, and mulberries, and I cannot recall it without a thousand doves landing on the wall of my memory… a thousand doves… and they fly away, Nizar Qabbani. It is my mother, Nouf Al-Atawi, in my moments of brokenness and in the hustle of life, I find myself alone, looking for my mother… with her smile, her fragrance, her beauty, her solace, with her presence and her absence, and her chants. She is not just the one who gave birth to me, but she is the small homeland I wandered from whenever I felt lost, the security without identity, the comfort that nothing can surpass. You are the one who glimpses my pain before my tongue speaks, and you extend your hand with a word: “Mother, what’s wrong with you?” In you is all the talk… and in your prayer lies what every difference between brokenness and victory could not achieve.
• Be Your Nation’s Ambassador (by Mohammed Faya) When a person travels to another country, he does not leave alone, but his culture, ethics, upbringing, and national identity travel with him. He is an unofficial representative there, conveying through his words and actions, either an impression that is not good about him and his society, or a good one. Travel is not just leisure, but an ethical and cultural responsibility, manifested in the visitor’s respect for laws, adherence to public etiquette, and positive interaction with others. It is unfortunate that some inappropriate behaviors may leave a negative impression on the person and the country they belong to.
• 2030: A Roadmap for Youth (by Fahad Saud Al-Sakhri and Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman Al-Ajjaji) This era is the Saudi era, which supports and stands out every day. There is something new, diligent work, great ideas, and creativity and innovation led by an inspiring and influential figure, executed by the sons and daughters of the nation, and spread by its people, a great people who love their homeland and support it, and adopt its ideas. These are the Saudis. Do you want to see? Come closer and welcome to Saudi Arabia. Yes, the Kingdom is experiencing a different and distinguished phase under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may Allah protect them. With their wise directives, we are all heading on an extraordinary journey, whose core is dedication and devotion, and whose goal is achievement and innovation. The arena is open for everyone to offer what they have to raise the nation to the top.
• The Mining Industry in the Kingdom (by Dr. Mashari Al-Nuaim) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the countries with an ancient history and great ambitions in diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil as a primary source of income. Among the fundamental sectors that play a pivotal role in achieving this goal is the mining sector, which is considered one of the basic pillars for national economic development and achieving sustainable development. The mining sector plays an important role in diversifying sources of national income, as the Kingdom contains enormous mineral wealth, including various mineral raw materials such as bauxite, phosphates, zinc, copper, gold, iron, and other minerals.
• The Kingdom Strengthens Syria’s Stability (by Mufdhi bin Radhi Al-Khamisani) Since Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shareh officially assumed his duties, Saudi-Syrian relations have witnessed a clear strategic transformation that can only be read within the context of the profound changes sweeping the regional scene. The Kingdom, which has long adopted a rational approach based on moderation and openness, is now moving within a comprehensive vision aimed at supporting stability in the region and empowering Arab states by reconnecting what was severed, transcending the phase of division and fragmentation. This transformation does not come from nothing, but reflects a growing Saudi conviction in the necessity of restoring Syria to its Arab position due to its history and geographical depth. It is not an option for Arab action to remain outside its circle, nor can it be left as an open arena for non-Arab interventions to decide its future.
• Listing Companies in the Stock Market (by Dr. Ahmed Abdulqader Al-Mohannadis) Dear company owners.. the decision to list a company in the stock market is not just a financial step, but a comprehensive strategic decision that changes the nature of the company’s operations and its decision-making system. By making this decision, you transition from a closed internal model to a model based on transparency and accountability before the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and financial authority, and according to the requirements of governance, disclosure, and continuous oversight. Listing means that you have obtained funding from new investors who look forward to achieving returns on their capital, and it necessarily means adhering to their expectations in terms of profit growth, quality of performance, and vision.
• Administrative Disputes and Turning Them into a Driving Force (by Dr. Mashari Al-Nuaim) Disputes are considered an integral part of administrative institutions within the work environment, and the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is a natural reflection of human and professional cultural differences among employees. Although these differences may seem an impediment to workflow, in essence, they can be a stimulating factor for development and improvement, provided they are dealt with consciously and professionally. Successful institutions are not those that are free of disputes, but rather those that manage them well and utilize them to serve the product and the general vision. The existence of conflict between administrators or the exchange of opinions and discussion does not necessarily mean something negative, but can be an indicator of a dynamic work environment, full of interaction, and striving for the best. Differences give rise to new ideas, reveal previously unseen angles, and contribute to improving administrative decisions.
• Digital Saudi Arabia: A Stunning Transformation (by Abdullah bin Yusuf Al-Othman) The change we have witnessed in our daily lives was not merely an update of systems or the launch of applications, but a quiet and profound transformation in the way we organize our daily lives and perceive “service” and “time.” In the past, we were concerned about visiting a government office, waiting in line, and perhaps delaying our errands to complete a signature or a stamp. Today, it is enough to move our fingers on a small screen for a complete system to operate and integrate in the background, reaching us without noise, which has contributed to improving the quality of life for society. This is not just a technical facilitation, but a true respect for the human being, for his age, and for his priorities. The digital transformation led by Saudi Arabia was not an administrative luxury or a superficial development, but born out of necessity. It is a vision that tolerates no laxity, has decided not to accept outdated experiences. A vision that wanted to redefine the relationship between the citizen and the service, by making it faster, closer, and more efficient.

Download PDF Newspaper

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

Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!