Al-Riyadh Newspaper, July 31, 2025: Rapid Development and Global Engagement, Technology and Infrastructure

The provided texts offer a multifaceted view of Saudi Arabia’s rapid development and global engagement, particularly highlighting its Vision 2030 initiatives. Several articles detail strategic collaborations in technology and infrastructure, such as the “Mer” platform’s expansion into Saudi Arabia’s geographic information sector and the kingdom’s significant investments in smart cities. The collection also underscores Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic aspirations, showcased by its burgeoning e-sports industry, major sporting events, and efforts to boost tourism in various regions. Furthermore, the sources touch upon social welfare programs, environmental sustainability, and the broader impact of technological advancements on the economy and daily life.

Podcast

Saudi Arabia: A Global Expansion Journey

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing global expansion across multiple sectors, driven by its Vision 2030 and a clear strategy to become a leading international player in various fields. This expansion is characterized by strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and a focus on human capital development.

Here are key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s global expansion efforts:

• “Mar” Company’s Global Journey
• Ambitious Vision: The Saudi company “Mar” is leading an ambitious journey towards globalization, armed with a clear vision and accumulated technical expertise. Its strategic vision is “From Saudi Arabia to the World”.
• Strategic Partnerships: “Mar” focuses on building long-term, practical partnerships that achieve mutual development. It considers its advanced technical expertise in digital engineering and geospatial services a core specialization, making it a “leading multinational technical force” and a “trusted strategic partner for Chinese needs”.
• Digital Platform for International Cooperation: At the heart of “Mar’s” operations is its digital platform, which acts as an integrated ecosystem connecting Saudi and Chinese companies in engineering and surveying. This platform serves as an incubator for innovation and cross-border cooperation, facilitating regular face-to-face interaction between Chinese and Saudi teams to solve problems and enhance efficiency, thereby helping ambitious companies expand globally.
• Competitive Advantages: “Mar” benefits from Saudi Arabia’s strategic resources and markets, which are advantageous for Chinese companies seeking to expand externally. The Kingdom’s infrastructure plan, valued at $27 trillion, creates “huge investment opportunities for international partnerships”.
• Strategic Hubs: “Mar’s” official establishment in Deqing (Huzhou) City for Geographic Information was a deliberate move, serving as a strategic launching point for expansion into the Asian market. This city’s advanced industrial cluster, comprising over 400 specialized companies, provides a beneficial ecosystem for “Mar” to enhance its capabilities and expand its partnership network. Deqing is even described as an “aircraft carrier leading many small ships to sea,” illustrating its role in facilitating global expansion for specialized companies.
• Overcoming Challenges: While internationalization for geospatial data in Zhejiang faced challenges like information security and policy restrictions, cooperation with “Mar” “opens a new path for global expansion”.
• Exporting Expertise: “Mar” is not merely contributing to local transformation but is also exporting Saudi expertise to the world, affirming the ability of Saudi companies to compete globally and offer advanced technical solutions that meet diverse market needs. The company plans to expand beyond China to more countries, leveraging its acquired expertise. The model is expected to be scalable, with Deqing introducing over ten international partners annually.
• Saudi Arabia’s E-sports and Digital Economy Global Footprint
• Global Leadership in Interactive Entertainment: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of the global e-games and e-sports industry, aiming to be the “first global platform” for innovations in gaming technologies and a “global center for specialized education” in the field. This is viewed as a redefinition of interactive entertainment, leading to economic, educational, and cultural transformation.
• Significant Growth and Investment: The e-games sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow by a 23% compound annual growth rate until 2027, reaching over $1.1 billion, driven by local demand and investments in events and infrastructure.
• World-Class Events: Riyadh’s hosting of the World E-Sports Cup exemplifies its growing status as a comprehensive global destination that blends digital culture with global tourism. This event, featuring over 2000 global players and broadcast in over 35 languages to more than 140 countries, attracts thousands of players, journalists, and fans, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s image as a global hub that embraces diversity. The 2024 edition attracted over 500 million hours of global viewership and generated media value exceeding $1.2 billion, establishing it as one of the largest sports and media events worldwide.
• Youth Empowerment and Job Creation: The e-sports initiatives are aligned with Vision 2030, enhancing cultural, sports, and tourism sectors, supporting the local economy by increasing spending, and creating both direct and indirect job opportunities, empowering youth in promising sectors like technology and gaming.
• Broader Economic Diversification and International Investment
• Strong Credit Rating and Attracting Foreign Investment: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ‘A+’ long-term credit rating with a stable outlook, attributing it to the Kingdom’s strong financial position, significant foreign reserves, and commitment to economic diversification. The agency anticipates further progress, including opening land ownership to non-Saudis and implementing a new investment law, which will enhance the Kingdom’s appeal for foreign direct investment and accelerate economic diversification. Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its credit and economic standing regionally and internationally, attracting more direct and indirect foreign investments.
• Investment in Human Capital: Vision 2030 extends its focus to investing in human minds, as exemplified by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business, which aims to graduate leaders capable of making a real global impact. The Kingdom’s investment in human capital is seen as a benefit to the entire world.
• International Aid and Reconstruction Efforts: Saudi Arabia actively participates in international efforts, such as leading the reconstruction of Syria. The Kingdom has signed agreements worth over 24 billion SAR for economic cooperation, including funding for new cement factories and collaboration in IT, digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI, programming, and agriculture (modern farming, grain production, organic products, food supply chains). These investments aim to stimulate Syria’s economy, create jobs, and establish new companies, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting sisterly countries.

Saudi Arabia’s Tech Ascent: Vision 2030 and Global Innovation

Saudi Arabia is demonstrating a strong commitment to technological innovation across various sectors, recognizing it as a pivotal driver for its global expansion and the realization of Vision 2030. This commitment is evident through strategic investments, advanced digital solutions, and a focus on human capital development.

Key areas showcasing Saudi Arabia’s technological innovation include:

• Digital Engineering and Geospatial Services:
• The Saudi company “Mar” is leading an ambitious journey toward globalization with a clear vision and accumulated technical expertise in digital engineering and geospatial services.
• “Mar” operates a digital platform that serves as an integrated ecosystem, connecting Saudi and Chinese companies in these fields. This platform fosters innovation and cross-border cooperation, facilitating direct interaction to solve problems and enhance efficiency, thereby helping companies expand globally.
• Their advanced technical expertise is highlighted as a core specialization, positioning “Mar” as a “leading multinational technical force” and a “trusted strategic partner” for international needs.
• The strategic establishment of “Mar” in Deqing, China, is intended as a strategic launching point for expansion into the Asian market, leveraging advanced industrial clusters there. This cooperation is seen as “opening a new path for global expansion” in geospatial data, overcoming challenges like information security and policy restrictions.
• “Mar” aims to export Saudi expertise globally, affirming the capability of Saudi companies to compete and offer advanced technical solutions, with plans to expand beyond China to other countries.
• E-sports and Interactive Entertainment:
• Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as a global leader in the e-games and e-sports industry, aiming to be the “first global platform” for innovations in gaming technologies and a “global center for specialized education” in the field.
• The e-games sector in Saudi Arabia is projected for significant growth, driven by local demand and investments in events and infrastructure, including cloud gaming.
• Initiatives like “Ignite” focus on digital media, including a specialized hub for e-games to train and qualify talent and localize knowledge.
• The Saudi e-sports academy, founded by the Saudi Esports Federation, builds strategic partnerships with global tech entities like Gen.G Global Academy and GGTech to offer specialized courses that enhance graduate competence.
• The World E-Sports Cup in Riyadh embodies this, showcasing the Kingdom as a comprehensive global destination that blends digital culture with global tourism, attracting thousands of players and fans, broadcast in multiple languages globally.
• Smart Cities and Urban Development:
• Vision 2030 initiatives, such as “The Line” in NEOM, aim to create advanced urban models that prioritize human well-being and nature over traditional urban issues like noise, pollution, and traffic. “The Line” envisions a city without cars or emissions, powered by 100% renewable energy, optimizing human life for ease, longevity, and health.
• Smart home technology is rapidly growing, especially in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, with devices like Amazon Alexa showing high adoption rates and AI capabilities for localized Arabic dialects. These smart homes leverage AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, IoT, augmented and virtual reality, and robotics to enhance life quality and reduce energy consumption (e.g., 40% reduction in electricity bills).
• The “Muttal” project in Medina is another example of a comprehensive tourism destination that incorporates modern design standards to enhance the city’s aesthetic identity and provide diverse entertainment options, showcasing adherence to global standards.
• Healthcare Technology:
• Hospitals like Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib are adopting cutting-edge surgical robotics, such as the Hugo™ RAS surgical robot, which offers high precision, flexibility, 3D vision, and full control over surgical tools. This technology significantly reduces complications, shortens recovery times, and minimizes tissue damage, representing a qualitative technological leap in healthcare services.
• Future visions extend to smart homes where integrated health clinics (e.g., in bathrooms) could analyze biological waste to detect health issues, identify deficiencies or infections, and recommend doctor visits, potentially enabling early detection of serious diseases like cancer.
• Saudi Arabia’s “Hevolution” initiative, a non-profit organization established in 2018, is a global leader in funding research to extend healthy human lifespan, aiming to develop advanced treatments and vital technologies that are accessible and affordable worldwide.
• Government Operations and Digital Transformation:
• The Ministry of Interior is enhancing digital transformation in region governorates, implementing technical solutions and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve readiness and develop strategic technological visions.
• A developed version of the “Sadaya” system has been launched to enhance digital integration platforms for national identity document issuance, supported by smart processing tools and integrated with national platforms like “Tawakkalna”.
• The Kingdom has also made significant strides in the digital economy, with its size reaching 495 billion riyals in 2024, representing 15% of the GDP. It ranks second among G20 countries in telecommunications and technology sector regulations, reflecting the robustness of its digital infrastructure and regulatory environment.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is leveraging smart regulatory tools and proactive methodologies to enhance compliance and establish governance rules in workplaces, leading to a rise in compliance rates to 94% in the first quarter of 2025.
• Strategic Role of AI and Challenges:
• AI is seen not as a threat but as an opportunity to create new job opportunities and enhance the economy. The National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence emphasizes building a robust digital economy and equipping national competencies with advanced AI and big data analysis skills.
• Economists highlight the tangible impact of AI strategies on reducing unemployment rates among Saudis, contributing to a competitive and attractive labor market aligned with Vision 2030.
• However, the sources also acknowledge challenges, particularly concerning data security and privacy in smart home devices due to constant internet connection, raising concerns about potential breaches and the need for robust legal frameworks and secure designs. The internationalization of geospatial data also faced challenges related to information security and policy restrictions, which “Mar” aims to overcome through cooperation.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Growth and Transformation

Saudi Arabia is demonstrating a significant and multifaceted commitment to economic growth, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030. This vision aims to transform the Kingdom into a pioneering and successful global model across all sectors, emphasizing economic diversification, human capital development, and leveraging advanced technology.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s economic growth strategy include:

• Robust Digital Economy and Infrastructure:
• The size of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy reached 495 billion riyals in 2024, accounting for 15% of the total GDP.
• The Kingdom ranks second among G20 countries in telecommunications and technology sector regulations, reflecting the strength of its digital infrastructure and regulatory environment.
• There is a strong focus on digital transformation in government operations, with the Ministry of Interior implementing technical solutions and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance readiness and develop strategic technological visions. A developed version of the “Sadaya” system has also been launched to enhance digital integration platforms for national identity document issuance, supported by smart processing tools.
• Strategic Investments and Partnerships:
• Saudi Arabia is undertaking a massive infrastructure plan valued at $27 trillion, which opens vast opportunities for specialized companies in engineering and geospatial services.
• The Saudi company “Mar” is a prime example, aiming for globalization by leveraging its accumulated technical expertise in digital engineering and geospatial services. Its digital platform connects Saudi and Chinese companies, fostering cross-border cooperation and facilitating global expansion. “Mar” seeks to export Saudi expertise globally, affirming the Kingdom’s capability to offer advanced technical solutions. This internationalization effort has faced challenges like information security and policy restrictions, which “Mar” aims to overcome through cooperation.
• The Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development are partnering to empower beneficiaries of social security, providing integrated rehabilitation services to help them integrate into the labor market and enhance their economic independence. This includes providing free sites at fuel stations for permanent sales outlets for productive families.
• Diversification and Non-Oil Sector Growth:
• Fitch Ratings affirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-term credit rating at ‘A+’ with a stable outlook, citing the Kingdom’s strong sovereign financial position, supported by large financial reserves and rising net foreign assets.
• Fitch projected real GDP growth of around 4.3% in 2025, rising to 4.7% in 2026, primarily driven by increased oil production.
• The non-oil sector is expected to remain strong, contributing to economic diversification. The contribution of the non-oil private sector increased by 28% in 2024, now accounting for about 56% of the GDP.
• The Kingdom is implementing a new investment law to enhance its attractiveness for foreign investment and accelerate economic diversification.
• The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has executed strategic projects exceeding 230 billion riyals, including planting over 150 million trees and increasing strategic water storage capacity by 600%. The Kingdom has achieved self-sufficiency in dates, milk, and table eggs, and is now the world’s leading exporter of dates.
• The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with international tourism revenues increasing during the first quarter of 2025. Initiatives focus on developing diverse tourism destinations, such as “Muttal” in Medina and promoting regions like Al-Baha and Asir for their natural beauty and sustainable rural tourism.
• Human Capital and Job Creation:
• The unemployment rate among Saudis saw a notable decrease in 2024, reaching 7.7%, its lowest level in over a decade. This is attributed to a package of programs and initiatives aimed at direct employment and training, such as the “Tamheer” program.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s strategic presence in the labor market has led to a rise in compliance rates in workplaces to 94% in Q1 2025 through smart regulatory tools and proactive methodologies.
• Artificial intelligence is viewed as an opportunity to create new job opportunities and boost the economy. The National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence focuses on building a robust digital economy and equipping national competencies with advanced AI and big data analysis skills.
• The e-games and e-sports industry is a significant growth area, projected to reach over $1.1 billion by 2027 with a 23% compound annual growth rate. Initiatives like “Ignite” and the Saudi Esports Academy focus on training talent and localizing knowledge in digital media and gaming technologies. Saudi Arabia aims to be the “first global platform” for innovations in gaming technologies.
• Smart City Development:
• Projects like “The Line” in NEOM envision advanced urban models that prioritize human well-being and nature, with 100% renewable energy and optimization of daily life.
• The rapid growth of smart home technology in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region is noted, with devices like Amazon Alexa showing high adoption rates. These technologies, powered by AI, big data, cloud computing, and IoT, are expected to enhance quality of life and reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.
• Healthcare Technology:
• Hospitals are adopting cutting-edge surgical robotics, like the Hugo™ RAS system, which enhances precision, flexibility, and reduces recovery times.
• Future visions include smart homes with integrated health clinics that could analyze biological waste for early disease detection.
• The “Hevolution” initiative, a non-profit organization established in 2018, is a global leader in funding research to extend healthy human lifespan, aiming to develop advanced, accessible, and affordable treatments and vital technologies worldwide.

While the sources highlight significant advancements and positive economic outlook, they also touch upon challenges, particularly concerning data security and privacy in smart home devices due to their constant internet connection, emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks and secure designs.

Saudi Vision 2030: Social Development and Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing social development as a cornerstone of its ambitious Vision 2030, aiming to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. This involves significant investments in human capital, quality of life initiatives, social welfare, and cultural enrichment, alongside economic diversification.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s social development strategy include:

• Human Capital Development and Employment:
• The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development are collaborating to empower social security beneficiaries by providing integrated rehabilitation services to help them enter the labor market and enhance their economic independence. This includes providing free sites at fuel stations for permanent sales outlets for productive families.
• The unemployment rate among Saudis significantly decreased in 2024, reaching 7.7%, its lowest level in over a decade. This is attributed to a package of programs and initiatives focused on direct employment and training, such as the “Tamheer” program.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s strategic presence in the labor market has led to a rise in compliance rates in workplaces to 94% in Q1 2025 through smart regulatory tools and proactive methodologies.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed as an opportunity to create new job opportunities and boost the economy. The National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence focuses on building a robust digital economy and equipping national competencies with advanced AI and big data analysis skills.
• The e-games and e-sports industry is a significant growth area, with initiatives like “Ignite” and the Saudi Esports Academy focusing on training talent and localizing knowledge in digital media and gaming technologies.
• Taibah University has opened distance learning programs to provide flexible education opportunities, targeting high school graduates and public/private sector employees.
• Enhancing Quality of Life:
• The Quality of Life Program, a key component of Vision 2030, has shown impressive achievements in 2024, with 7 indicators reaching 100% completion and 23 exceeding their planned targets. It aims to improve lifestyles, expand cultural, recreational, and sports options, and empower communities.
• The Riyadh Award for Excellence was launched to enhance competitiveness and leadership across government sectors, non-profits, and individuals in Riyadh, aligning with Vision 2030 and contributing to improved quality of life.
• The Amanat Al-Sharqiya (Eastern Province Municipality) collected over 1.1 million tons of waste and trained over 16,500 individuals in public health during the first half of 2025, emphasizing its commitment to providing a clean and sustainable environment and improving urban quality of life.
• Projects like “Al-Mutal” in Medina are developing comprehensive tourist destinations, improving quality of life and offering diverse recreational experiences.
• The “Masar Al-Takhassusi” project in Medina, which is 80% complete, is developing recreational and environmental infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing green spaces, pedestrian paths, and facilities for physical activities.
• Al-Khobar municipality has undertaken over 80 development projects in the first half of 2025, including infrastructure upgrades, neighborhood rehabilitation, and street humanization, all contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 for quality of life.
• The rapid growth of smart home technology is noted for its potential to enhance quality of life and reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.
• Healthcare and Well-being Initiatives:
• Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is rooted in the principle of “prevention before cure”, a concept highlighted by the establishment of the Public Health Department in Mecca in 1925.
• The healthcare focus has evolved from infectious diseases to addressing chronic lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and obesity.
• The average life expectancy has increased to 75 years, with healthcare spending reaching 9% of the budget. However, challenges remain with 23% of adults affected by diabetes and high obesity rates, underscoring the ongoing need for population health initiatives.
• An independent agency for population health has been established within the Ministry of Health, signifying a shift towards proactive and impactful health strategies.
• Hospitals are adopting cutting-edge surgical robotics, like the Hugo™ RAS system, which enhances precision, flexibility, and reduces recovery times.
• Future visions include smart homes with integrated health clinics capable of analyzing biological waste for early disease detection, offering a significant leap in preventive healthcare.
• The “Hevolution” initiative, a Saudi non-profit organization established in 2018, is a global leader in funding research to extend healthy human lifespan, aiming to develop advanced, accessible, and affordable treatments and vital technologies worldwide.
• Social Welfare and Humanitarian Aid:
• The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has provided over 30 billion riyals in aid to 108 countries globally. This includes over 4.27 billion riyals for 265 projects and initiatives in Yemen and over 230,000 surgical operations worldwide.
• Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its continuous support for the Palestinian cause, signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in areas of human capital development, curriculum development, and telecommunications, information technology, and digital transformation. These MOUs aim to empower the Palestinian society and support its resilience.
• Seven new Saudi aid trucks, carrying food supplies, crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, as part of the ongoing popular Saudi campaign to support the Palestinian people.
• Community and Cultural Initiatives:
• The Al-Ula Astronomy Club organized the “Wonders of Al-Ula Sky” event to promote scientific culture and connect the local community with space sciences.
• The Cultural and Arts Society in the Northern Borders Region plays a vital role in showcasing local cultural and popular heritage, establishing creative incubators, and providing platforms for artists to express their talents.
• The Buraidah Dates Carnival in Al-Qassim region is a major seasonal, agricultural, and economic event that promotes agricultural tourism and preserves cultural heritage.
• The Medina International Book Fair 2025 aims to enhance cultural awareness, support the publishing industry, and foster intellectual dialogue, attracting over 300 publishers and offering a rich program for all ages.
• The Prince Salman bin Mohammed Royal Reserve has inaugurated its first team of female marine environmental inspectors, with women constituting 34% of the reserve’s environmental inspection force, significantly exceeding the global average of 11%. This highlights efforts in women’s empowerment and environmental preservation.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s social development efforts under Vision 2030 demonstrate a comprehensive approach that prioritizes human well-being, economic empowerment, and cultural enrichment, aiming to create a balanced and prosperous society.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Cultural Preservation and Enrichment

Saudi Arabia, as part of its comprehensive Vision 2030, places significant emphasis on cultural preservation and enrichment, viewing it as integral to building a vibrant society and a thriving economy. This commitment is demonstrated through various initiatives that aim to safeguard and promote the Kingdom’s rich heritage, integrate it with modern development, and enhance cultural awareness among its citizens and visitors [Conversation History, 103, 290].

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s cultural preservation efforts include:

• Dedicated Cultural and Heritage Initiatives:
• Festivals and Events: The Buraidah Dates Carnival in Al-Qassim region is highlighted as a major seasonal, agricultural, and economic event that actively preserves cultural heritage. Similarly, the Medina International Book Fair 2025 is designed to enhance cultural awareness, support the publishing industry, and foster intellectual dialogue by offering a rich program of literary, poetic, and intellectual sessions. It also includes an interactive children’s area to cultivate a love for reading and creativity from a young age.
• Cultural Societies: The Cultural and Arts Society in the Northern Borders Region plays a vital role in showcasing local cultural and popular heritage. This society works to establish creative incubators, provide platforms for artists to express their talents, and document traditional crafts and ideas. It transforms local heritage into contemporary cultural products, illustrating the diversity and richness of the Saudi north, and teaches the philosophy of heritage and how to interpret time through it.
• Preserving Intangible Heritage through Art and Tradition:
• Arabic Calligraphy: The work of Abdulrazzaq Khoja exemplifies the preservation of Arabic calligraphy as a fundamental aspect of national identity. Khoja’s calligraphic art was featured on Saudi currency, official documents, and royal signatures, making him a “partner in the making of the state” and solidifying his legacy as part of the national fabric. His style is noted for its precision, simplicity, and unique Saudi character, seamlessly blending traditional elements with local aesthetic sensibilities.
• Culinary Heritage: The World Cup for Electronic Sports in Riyadh, while a modern technological event, notably integrates cultural elements by featuring a popular foods festival that showcases Najdi heritage dishes. This highlights the preservation of traditional culinary practices and their contribution to the region’s cultural identity, demonstrating how new platforms can be used to promote traditional values.
• Integrating Culture with Tourism and Environmental Initiatives:
• Cultural Tourism: Regions like Al-Baha are presented as key tourist destinations that combine natural beauty with ancient heritage. The area’s rich cultural heritage includes traditional farming, specific agricultural products, and various folk arts such as “Al-La’b,” “Al-Masahbany,” and “Al-Ardah”. Similarly, Aseer’s berry farms are highlighted for blending environmental and agricultural diversity with sustainable rural tourism, preserving and promoting agricultural heritage through interactive visitor experiences. The Khamas Valley in Taif is also recognized for its rural beauty and deep historical significance, offering a cultural and recreational experience.
• Scientific Culture: The Al-Ula Astronomy Club actively promotes scientific culture through events like “Wonders of Al-Ula Sky,” connecting the local community with space sciences and highlighting the importance of observation in a naturally unpolluted environment.
• Environmental Preservation with Cultural Ties: Initiatives like the “Saudi Green Initiative” and the establishment of the Prince Salman bin Mohammed Royal Reserve emphasize the preservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and green spaces. While primarily environmental, these efforts contribute to safeguarding the natural heritage that often holds significant cultural value and is intertwined with traditional ways of life.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s approach to social development, as articulated in Vision 2030, includes a robust strategy for cultural preservation. It focuses not only on direct conservation but also on integrating heritage into modern economic and social sectors, using both traditional and innovative means to foster a deep connection to the Kingdom’s identity [Conversation History, 103].

Saudi Vision 2030: Progress and Pillars of National Life

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

Column Title: Word The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, launched Vision 2030, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman supervised its design and details. He said, “My first goal is for our country to be a successful and leading model in the world in all aspects, and I will work with you to achieve that.” This was a firm promise stemming from a deep and unwavering belief that our homeland possesses enough wisdom, foresight, capabilities, and advantages to make it worthy of fulfilling this promise and achievement. The fruit of this Vision, and with the continuous follow-up of the astute leadership, has resulted in the tangible reality of the leadership we are now experiencing, witnessing transformations and qualitative achievements in all areas of life, carrying with it the great blessings of Vision 2030, with its determination and empowerment.

Column Title: Quality of Life The annual report on Quality of Life Program – one of the Vision 2030 programs – for the year 2024 revealed significant achievements in six pivotal sectors that contributed to improving lifestyles, enhancing cultural, recreational, and sports options, expanding the urban landscape, and empowering communities. The annual report, issued under the title “A High Life for Every Human,” provided a comprehensive analytical reading of the tangible transformations at all levels – economic, social, and cultural – and presented what has been achieved from the program’s initiatives and 42 performance indicators, noting that, with God’s help, 7 indicators achieved a full 100% completion rate, and 23 indicators exceeded their planned targets.

Column Title: Word The report reflected the program’s readiness for the upcoming phase of Saudi Vision 2030, by focusing on achieving more integration with executive bodies, expanding the beneficiary base, and stimulating the private sector. Everything included in the report with its impressive figures and results confirms that the quality of life reflects the deep appreciation of the wise leadership for human beings, and that they are among its highest priorities, even the core and cornerstone of its development. Therefore, it tirelessly works for their well-being, building reassurance in their lives, and that the relationship between the citizen and the homeland and its leadership is an extended and firm partnership deeply rooted in the soil of stability, loyalty, and fidelity to this entity, with the depth of the homeland and the authenticity of its history.

Column Title: The Interactive Entertainment with a Saudi Vision Did you ever imagine that electronic games would one day become an industry, a culture, and a global economic engine? In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this is no longer just imagination, but a reality being built with confident steps and strategic investments, at the heart of which is an ambitious vision that redefines interactive entertainment. The Kingdom is at the forefront of the global scene for the electronic games and sports industry. Through the development of the electronic games sector, the Kingdom seeks to empower innovation, enhance the digital economy, and create a vibrant ecosystem that supports players, developers, and relevant entities, in addition to enjoying entertainment. This is done through a set of strategic initiatives that include: developing a regulatory framework and governance that ensures the coordination of roles of public entities related to the electronic games and sports sector, establishing advanced technical and physical infrastructure that supports the growth of electronic sports and contributes to attracting major global events, providing financial and funding mechanisms to expand the scope of electronic games and sports in the Kingdom, and striving to be the first global platform for innovations in gaming technologies, enhancing its position as an open laboratory for innovation and creativity, and presenting the Kingdom as a global center for specialized education in electronic games and sports, and enhancing cooperation and partnerships between the public and private sectors with the aim of expanding the scope of national initiatives and achieving integration in the implementation of related plans, all supported by Saudi Vision 2030.

Column Title: Retreat of Unemployment to its Lowest Levels.. and Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Transformation Artificial intelligence is not far from the countries that seek to transform and create more future jobs. The Kingdom enhances these futuristic trends, as Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, affirmed that artificial intelligence is “very important” and will have a significant impact on jobs, and that the employee will not be replaced by artificial intelligence, but rather by an employee who uses artificial intelligence. This vision, issued by one of the most important leaders, reflects the reality of dealing with artificial intelligence, as it is not viewed as a replacement tool, but as a means of empowerment, which is consistent with the national trend that seeks to develop human beings alongside technology, and it also opens up vast horizons on the occupational level.

Column Title: A High Credit Rating for the Kingdom Fitch Ratings, a global credit rating agency, affirmed its long-term credit rating for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at “A+” with a stable outlook. This rating is based on the strong sovereign financial position of the Kingdom, both domestically and internationally, supported by massive financial reserves and high net foreign assets (SNFA). The agency expected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to maintain a high level of foreign reserves, equivalent to approximately 12.8 months of current account payments in 2025, compared to an average of only 1.8 months for similar countries rated “A”. The agency also expected this strong financial performance to continue in the medium term, with reserves expected to reach approximately 11.3 months in 2027, reflecting the strong external financial position of the Kingdom and its superiority over its peers.

Column Title: Has the world begun to abandon the dollar? In a world where economic events are accelerating globally, indicators are increasing that the global financial system is entering a transformational phase that may be one of the deepest since World War II, and the question that forcefully imposes itself today is: Has the world actually begun to abandon the dominance of the dollar? Well, let’s look at the numbers: – Global gold reserves – actual and potential – stored and declared: According to declared data, the actual gold reserve in the world is estimated at 210 thousand metric tons, which is almost equivalent to a current market value of 14 trillion dollars.

Column Title: Sadness Humans walk the path of life surrounded by many challenges, confronting the obstacles and predetermined circumstances. They are excused for the imperfections that result, for there is no blame or reproach, and the proofs of Islamic law confirm this. If what a person is raised on, whether it be national custom or the sound principles of reason, is weighed, it aligns with seeking excuses, a matter agreed upon as important realism for people, before they are looked at with judgmental eyes. For they carry in their dealings the reality that humans are weak beings, as their Creator, glory be to Him, described them: “And mankind was created weak.” And the reality that this worldly life is a house of troubles and hardships, and these imperfections are something that those around them will inevitably encounter. So they appreciate this and do not expect absolute idealism from others in behavior, and when they do not find it – and they will not find it, of course – they attribute to them shortcomings. And they imagine that it is possible for a human to be free from obstacles and impediments, and from forgetfulness and error, and that worldly life can flow purely.

Column Title: Seeking Excuses Indeed, some excuses may be personal to a specific incident, known only to the person’s acquaintances, while others are by nature hidden from view. It is therefore inappropriate to delve into them or investigate the excused person’s circumstances. If a person goes to the trouble of asking their brother about a hidden excuse, and the brother vaguely informs them that they are excused in some matter, then the questioner should be content with this generality, as it suffices.

Column Title: When the house becomes a battleground In a time when wars are fought behind screens, and hearts are buried beneath your walls, the most dangerous enemy is not one who stands outside the grip of pressures, but rather one who shares your roof, enters through the same door, and eats from the same table. The calamity is not that we differ, for that is human nature, but that our differences, which we express with a face of love, turn into bleeding wounds that do not stop, and into disputes that plant an unhealable anxiety in the heart. We begin as innocent souls sharing play and laughter, for we are born brothers with no choice. Then the years grow within us differences, and small disputes escalate or transform into walls of silence, neglected until they grow and turn into fires. Nothing exhausts a person like conflict within their family, for no argument or money can replace the warmth of a brother or the security of a sister.

Column Title: The Roots of Population Health When we contemplate the health landscape in the Kingdom today, from smart data systems to the expansion of primary healthcare centers, they appear to us as lush trees of achievement in a barren desert. However, what we see today is not a momentary creation; rather, it is an extension of deep roots embedded in the history of the modern Saudi state, roots built upon a simple yet profound concept: prevention before treatment. In 1925, the term “population health” was not common, but the founding King Abdulaziz—with his political and social foresight—ordered the establishment of the Public Health Department in Mecca, anticipating the health protection the country would need for its pilgrims and residents. This decision was not merely regulatory; it was an early declaration that the human being is at the heart of the national project.

Column Title: Saudi Investment in Syria.. Actions, Not Words In the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2025, it was not an ordinary day on the calendar of the whole world. Indeed, this day was created in the history of the ancient Levant, and its fragrance spread with jasmine petals of Damascus, a firm Saudi chivalry that flows to perfume the land of beloved Syria with the finest types of authentic oud. From the People’s Palace, the moments were decisive, and the reality of the scene is stronger than the eloquent description of words that convey pride. Is it a national shiver or eternal pride in our belonging, or a continuous praise to God for our honorable leaders who made humanity and Arabism a decisive factor in their rule for this blessed country.

Column Title: The Academic’s Well-being: A Shield of Academic Excellence Professional pressures in the academic environment are no longer a passing complaint, but have transformed into a challenge that threatens the very essence of the university’s mission, which revolves around three main axes: education, scientific research, and community service. The university professor, “the torchbearer of knowledge,” finds himself besieged under the triple burden of intensive teaching that accelerates with curriculum development and rising expectations, a frantic race to publish in prestigious journals under the slogan “Publish or Perish,” and increasing demands for contributing to community service and academic administration, amidst fierce competition for funding, promotions, and accelerating technological challenges. Reports from the World Health Organization (2022) indicate that the higher education sector is among the sectors most affected by occupational stress globally. This multifaceted pressure does not remain confined to the academic’s chest; rather, its effects are clearly manifested in occupational burnout, which exhausts the spirit and body, and leads to a decline in job satisfaction and productivity. This can consequently affect mental health, reaching high levels of anxiety and depression. As an inevitable result of the aforementioned, interaction with students decreases, and innovative research contributions decline. In the most severe cases, this exhaustion can lead to the attrition of distinguished competencies from the academic workforce, which squanders massive investments in building minds, as shown by an extensive study associated with Cambridge University and published in (2021).

Column Title: Yasir Al-Shahrani

• The former international star, Captain Yasir Al-Shahrani, may God grant him a long life and health, made indelible contributions to Al-Hilal team in achieving many local and continental titles, in addition to his participation in the Club World Cup four times!
• The former star, Yasir Al-Shahrani, was not just a player, but a great star whose name was mentioned with honor as he defended the colors of the national team in more than one major international event. The dangerous injury he suffered did not prevent him from continuing, but it was fate, and he recovered from it by God’s grace!

Column Title: Abdul Razzaq Khoja.. The memory of calligraphy drew the features of a nation Abdul Razzaq bin Abdullah Khoja was born in Mecca in 1930 and grew up in a humble home that embraced craftsmanship and the Qur’an. He left school at an early age after middle school, but letters never left him. He found in Arabic calligraphy a refuge and a bridge for self-expression, learning it self-taught through observation, experience, diligence, and meticulousness, in a time when calligraphy was writing; it was an identity. Khoja did not study in art schools; rather, he learned by the hands of newspapers and printing, developing a unique path for himself that combined his artistic flair with professional discipline.

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

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