Al-Riyadh Newspaper, August 1, 2025: Riyadh Newspaper: Saudi Vision and Global Impact

This collection of articles from a Saudi newspaper, dated August 1-2, 2025, provides a multifaceted view of Saudi Arabia’s progress and aspirations across various sectors. Several pieces highlight the transformation of the entertainment industry as a key component of Vision 2030, emphasizing its economic impact, cultural preservation efforts, and empowerment of Saudi women. The publication also discusses the “Two-State Solution” conference, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role in advocating for the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, articles examine the advancements in Saudi industry, the historical context of education in the region, the growth of the beauty sector, and the increasing prominence of sports in the national economy. The diverse topics reflect a nation actively pursuing development, global engagement, and social evolution.

Podcast

Saudi Vision 2030: A Kingdom Transformed

Saudi Vision 2030 is a comprehensive roadmap aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and reducing its reliance on oil. It focuses on empowering non-oil sectors and is seen as a strategic driver for achieving major national goals, fostering community and cultural identity.

Here are some key aspects and impacts of Saudi Vision 2030:

• Economic Diversification and Growth
• The Vision aims to diversify income sources and move away from dependence on oil. Non-oil activities contributed 55% to the Kingdom’s real GDP in 2024.
• It seeks to create a flexible and competitive industrial economy led by the private sector.
• The Vision has ambitious targets, including increasing the manufacturing capacity for cars to 280,000 annually by localizing 40% of their added value, localizing 40% of the pharmaceutical market, increasing the local production of medical devices and supplies to 15%, meeting 85% of local demand for food industries, and localizing 70% of the future chemical supply chain.
• The Kingdom aims to be a regional hub for food industries, covering 85% of local demand.
• Quality of Life and Societal Transformation
• A primary goal is to improve the quality of life for all segments of society.
• The entertainment sector has undergone a radical transformation, moving from a pure recreational element to a strategic pillar for achieving Vision 2030. It’s seen as a means to build individuals, enhance belonging, and achieve sustainable economic development.
• The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), established in 2016, is responsible for regulating and developing this sector, making it a cornerstone of the post-oil economy.
• Entertainment aims to offer diverse cultural and recreational options for all community segments, making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for tourism and investment.
• It has contributed billions of riyals to the national economy and created thousands of jobs in creative fields.
• Notable projects include Boulevard Riyadh, Boulevard World, AlUla Heights, and Qiddiya. Riyadh Season has attracted over 20 million visitors and generated significant economic and media value.
• The sector also supports local heritage, traditional arts, and handicrafts.
• It acts as a soft power tool for promoting a positive image of the Kingdom globally.
• Women’s Empowerment: Vision 2030 explicitly sought to develop the entertainment sector to empower women.
• This involved opening opportunities for women to participate in public events and entertainment activities that were previously restricted or absent.
• It created new professional opportunities, especially within the GEA, with Saudi women now holding leadership and executive positions.
• The sector became a platform for female creativity, highlighting talents in arts, culture, and media.
• It also generated new economic opportunities for women, enabling many to start small and medium-sized businesses related to events, photography, food trucks, and cafes.
• The increase in Saudi women’s participation in the labor market from 20.2% in 2018 to 36.2% by Q1 2025 aligns with this economic shift.
• Entertainment spaces have become safe and organized environments for women, fostering community integration and personal growth.
• Industrial and Manufacturing Sector
• Saudi Arabia has become a leading industrial success story, transitioning from limited capabilities to a fundamental pillar of the national economy.
• The Kingdom has attracted massive local and foreign investments in its industrial sector.
• New factories are consistently beginning production, leading to job creation.
• The quality of Saudi products is now comparable to those of major industrial nations, leading to increased exports to global markets.
• The Kingdom achieved the first rank in the Middle East, North Africa, and 20th globally in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) index for 2024, reflecting its commitment to quality.
• Financial Market Development
• The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has adopted a stimulative measure for public offerings of debt instruments, prioritizing review requests for issuers with a credit rating.
• This initiative is part of a broader CMA strategy to deepen and enhance the Saudi financial market, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying funding sources and promoting financial sustainability.
• Credit ratings are seen as a tool to assess creditworthiness and help investors make informed decisions.
• Education and Human Capital Development
• Riyadh Schools, established in 1970 (1390 AH), play a role in preparing national leaders capable of contributing to Vision 2030.
• The schools operate under the Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation, with an ambitious plan to expand to over 44 schools across 10 administrative regions by 2034.
• The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language aims to enhance the global presence of the Arabic language, aligning with the Kingdom’s efforts to serve the Arabic language worldwide.
• Sports Sector Transformation
• The sports sector is no longer just a recreational activity but an advanced economic driver and a strategic tool for national development and soft power.
• Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in sports empowerment, hosting major international tournaments like Formula 1 (since 2021) and the Spanish Super Cup (since 2020).
• The Kingdom aims to transition from merely organizing major events to building a sustainable sports industry based on an integrated economic structure.
• The Saudi Sports Sector Ecosystem (SSSE) is a framework for building a national industry rooted in education, tourism, innovation, and sector integration.
• There is a focus on sectoral specialization within sports clubs, transforming each sport into a semi-independent entity to enhance financial sustainability, attract private sector investment, and improve performance.
• This includes the establishment of academic and research partnerships with Saudi and international universities to offer specialized programs in sports management and economics.
• The sports sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to exceed 2.5% by 2033, along with the creation of thousands of new jobs in areas like sports technology, marketing, and venue management.
• Environmental and Biodiversity Initiatives
• The Kingdom is rich in biodiversity, with 65 terrestrial and marine ecosystems, housing over 12,000 species.
• Saudi Arabia is implementing strategies and initiatives to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability, preserving biodiversity for future generations.

In summary, Saudi Vision 2030 is a multi-faceted national plan aiming for significant socio-economic restructuring, with a strong emphasis on economic diversification, quality of life improvement through entertainment and sports, women’s empowerment, industrial growth, and human capital development, all contributing to the Kingdom’s standing on the global stage.

Saudi Entertainment: A Pillar of Vision 2030 Transformation

The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone a radical and strategic transformation in recent years, evolving from a purely recreational element into a fundamental pillar for achieving Saudi Vision 2030. This shift reflects a recognition by the wise leadership that entertainment is not merely for amusement but a means to build individuals, foster belonging, and achieve sustainable economic development.

Strategic Importance and Goals:

• The sector is recognized as a strategic driver for achieving major national goals and a vital contributor to communal and cultural identity.
• It is a core component of Vision 2030’s aim to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, specifically focusing on empowering non-oil sectors.
• A key objective is to provide diverse cultural and entertainment options for all segments of society, enhancing the quality of life and making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for tourism and investment.

Key Enabler: General Entertainment Authority (GEA):

• The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), established in 2016, was supported by the state to be the entity responsible for regulating and developing the entertainment sector. It has been designated as one of the fundamental pillars of the post-oil economy.
• Since its inception until the first half of 2023, the GEA attracted 135 million visitors across more than 120 cities within the Kingdom and issued over 14,000 licenses for entertainment activities.
• In 2023, the total number of attendees reached 72 million people, an increase of 17% compared to 2022, and the number of licenses exceeded 6,000 in 117 cities.
• By 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted 76.9 million visitors in 423 entertainment destinations, and GEA events saw over 100,000 entertainment nights with 3,700 participating companies. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, GEA organized 536 events attended by 8.3 million visitors.
• GEA also launched the “Entertainment Portal” digital platform in 2024 to facilitate the issuance of licenses for establishments, events, and talent, improving procedures and transparency for investors. This has led to a significant increase in visitor numbers and licenses.

Economic Contributions:

• The entertainment sector has contributed billions of riyals to the national economy.
• It has created thousands of jobs for Saudi youth in new creative fields that were previously unavailable. The entertainment industry is described as labor-intensive, capable of absorbing a large and diverse workforce across various levels and specialties.
• It has stimulated massive local and foreign investment by engaging international and Arab production companies.
• The sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to reach 4.2% by 2030, with the creation of 450,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across various regions. The sports sector’s GDP contribution is also expected to exceed 2.5% by 2033, creating thousands of new jobs in areas like sports technology and marketing.
• Domestic and foreign tourism stimulated by entertainment has attracted billions of riyals, benefiting sectors like hotels, aviation, transport, hospitality, and restaurants.

Social and Cultural Transformation:

• The societal perception of entertainment has shifted from being a luxury or marginal activity to an essential component of quality of life, contributing to psychological well-being and strengthening family and community bonds.
• Entertainment events have played a role in reviving popular arts, traditional foods, and handicrafts that were threatened with extinction.
• These events have become platforms for expressing national pride and presenting a modern image of the Kingdom that blends authenticity with openness to the world.

Impact on Women’s Empowerment:

• A key strategic goal of developing the entertainment sector under Vision 2030 was to empower women.
• This involved opening opportunities for women to participate in public events and entertainment activities previously restricted or absent, such as attending musical concerts, sports matches, and cultural festivals.
• It created new professional opportunities for women, particularly within the GEA and related institutions, with Saudi women now holding leadership and executive positions.
• The sector became a platform for female creativity, showcasing talents in acting, directing, music, comedy, and production.
• It generated new economic opportunities for women, enabling many to start small and medium-sized businesses related to event organization, photography, food trucks, and cafes.
• The increase in Saudi women’s labor market participation from 20.2% in 2018 to 36.2% by Q1 2025 aligns with this economic shift.
• Entertainment spaces have become safe and organized environments for women, fostering community integration and personal growth and contributing to their self-confidence and personal and professional networks.

Key Projects and Events:

• Major projects like Boulevard Riyadh, Boulevard World, AlUla Heights, and Qiddiya (under development) have been launched as global entertainment, sports, and cultural destinations.
• The Saudi Seasons program, especially Riyadh Season, has become an international event attracting millions of visitors annually. Riyadh Season alone attracted over 20 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom in its previous edition.
• Hundreds of artistic performances, musical concerts, festivals, theatrical shows, and exhibitions have been presented. Examples include Jeddah Season and the Red Sea International Film Festival.
• Boulevard World, a new area of Riyadh Season, attracted around 6 million visitors by the end of Riyadh Season 2024 and features the world’s largest artificial lake.
• The Kingdom has hosted major international sporting events, including Formula 1 (since 2021) and the Spanish Super Cup (since 2020), and WWE shows.

International Recognition and Soft Power:

• The entertainment sector has become an effective tool of “soft power,” reflecting a positive image of the Kingdom to the world and opening windows for cultural communication with global populations.
• Hosting global artists and stars, and major sporting events, broadcasts a message that Saudi Arabia is an influential player in the global entertainment industry, enhancing its regional and international standing.
• The GEA and its initiatives have received international awards, such as Turki Al Sheikh (GEA Chairman) winning the “Most Influential Personality in the Decade” at the 2024 Effie Awards, and the “Joy Awards” festival setting a Guinness World Record for the largest commemorative shield. MDLBEAST also won international awards for its events.
• The expansion of the sector strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional center for entertainment, tourism, and culture, fulfilling Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and quality of life.

In essence, the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is a multi-faceted success story, demonstrating its profound impact on economic diversification, societal well-being, cultural exchange, and global soft power.

Saudi Entertainment: Empowering Women, Transforming Society

The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia has been a pivotal force in women’s empowerment, undergoing a strategic transformation as part of Saudi Vision 2030. This shift acknowledges entertainment as a means to foster belonging and achieve sustainable economic development, rather than merely amusement.

Here’s a comprehensive discussion of women’s empowerment through the growth of the entertainment sector:

• Strategic Objective and Participation in Public Life:
• Developing the entertainment sector was a strategic goal of Vision 2030 aimed at empowering women. The government sought to enhance the quality of life and diversify the economy through this focus.
• A key initial step was opening avenues for women to participate in public events and entertainment activities, a significant change from previous decades where their involvement was restricted or absent. This includes attending musical concerts, sports matches, and cultural festivals. These were seen as more than just superficial changes, but rather an acknowledgment of women’s right to participation, interaction, and enjoyment as citizens.
• Creation of New Professional and Economic Opportunities:
• The sector’s growth generated new professional opportunities for women, particularly within the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and related institutions. Saudi women are now in leadership and executive roles, contributing to the planning, organization, and execution of major events.
• The new regulatory environment facilitated women’s entry into diverse fields previously unavailable to them, such as theater, production, event organization, photography, artistic design, and fashion for public occasions.
• The beauty sector, in particular, has seen a rapid growth in Saudi Arabia, with many young Saudi women working independently as “makeup artists” or “hair stylists” outside traditional salons, utilizing social media platforms for promotion. The value of the women’s beauty and salon services market in Saudi Arabia was estimated at approximately $1.585 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $3.148 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual rate of 10.6%. The individual beauty services market is also expected to grow by 4.8% annually from 2025 to 2031.
• This expansion has created new economic avenues for many Saudi women to establish small and medium-sized businesses, including event organization, photography studios, food trucks, and themed cafes. These opportunities, previously limited, are now part of a state-supported renewed economic landscape.
• Major entertainment events have provided seasonal and permanent jobs for women in sales, hospitality, marketing, public relations, and event management. Many women have also found part-time or freelance work, offering them professional flexibility and contributing to their financial independence.
• Platform for Talent and Societal Role:
• The entertainment sector has become a platform to celebrate female creativity, showcasing talents in acting, directing, music, comedy, and cinematic production, establishing new prominent figures.
• Major events like “Riyadh Season” and “Jeddah Season” have provided women with real opportunities to demonstrate their professionalism to both local and international audiences. This extends to diverse areas like theater management, photography, program presentation, and sports and entertainment commentary.
• This participation has significantly contributed to changing the stereotypical image of Saudi women, presenting them as active participants and creators of cultural and entertainment content, not just consumers.
• Increased Labor Market Participation:
• The economic growth of the entertainment sector correlates with a substantial increase in Saudi women’s labor market participation. According to official data, the percentage of Saudi women participating in the workforce increased from 20.2% in 2018 to 33.2% in 2020, reaching 36.2% by Q1 2025.
• Estimates suggest that the Eastern Province alone needs to employ at least 7,000 Saudi women in its approximately 4,000 women’s salons to meet demand, indicating significant employment potential. This offers Saudi women an opportunity to start their own projects, even without needing to open licensed salons initially.
• Social and Psychological Transformation:
• The impact extends beyond economic gains to deep social and psychological effects on Saudi women’s lives. Entertainment events and public spaces have become safe and organized environments where women can naturally integrate into society, free from isolation or excessive restrictions.
• Women can now interact within the community, attend activities with family or friends, participate in public events, and explore different cultures within their own country. This positive interaction has enhanced women’s self-confidence, helped them build social and professional networks, and provided mixed-gender, family-friendly spaces that support openness while respecting societal privacy.
• The psychological benefits are evident, with many women finding these spaces outlets for self-expression, stress relief, and pursuing their hobbies, significantly improving their overall quality of life.
• Challenges and Calls for Fairer Practices:
• Despite opportunities, Saudi women in the beauty sector face intense competition from non-Saudi workers, particularly from unlicensed operations. This unregulated competition, often offering lower prices, reduces opportunities for Saudi women.
• Saudi women have advocated for an official platform to evaluate and showcase their talents, ensuring fair competition and recognition. They report facing “soft warfare” tactics like negative comments and price undercutting by foreign workers. They also highlight challenges in obtaining licenses and participating in official events, claiming regulations are often only strictly applied to them.
• They propose measures such as government support for salons employing Saudi women and imposing minimum wages to ensure genuine Saudization, not just superficial compliance.
• However, despite these challenges, Saudi women are gaining customer trust in the beauty sector, often preferred for their understanding of local tastes, professionalism, respect for privacy, dedication, and hygiene. Clients value the personalized approach, natural makeup styles, and post-service follow-up provided by Saudi professionals.

In conclusion, the growth of the entertainment sector, championed by Vision 2030 and the GEA, has been a major catalyst for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia, transforming their public, professional, and social roles, despite ongoing challenges in certain segments.

Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Transformation: Vision 2030’s Economic Core

Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a limited, resource-dependent industry into a fundamental pillar of the national economy. This strategic shift is central to Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, while fostering sustainable economic development.

Key Aspects of Saudi Industrial Development:

• Strategic Transformation and Diversification:
• The Kingdom’s industrial development is no longer limited to oil-related industries but has expanded into diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, metals, food products, and even car manufacturing. This broad diversification reflects the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 to build a robust and sustainable economy.
• Saudi industry is now seen as a symbol of development and modernity, generating pride among its citizens.
• Significant Investment and Growth:
• The sector has attracted massive local and foreign investments, supported by modern infrastructure including economic cities like King Abdullah Economic City and advanced industrial and technical zones.
• Government incentives and simplified manufacturing procedures have played a crucial role in drawing investors.
• In June , investments in new factories amounted to 1.93 billion riyals, creating 2,007 new job opportunities.
• The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 83 new industrial licenses in June , with 58 new factories commencing production in the same month. Investments associated with these new licenses exceeded 950 million riyals, expected to generate over 1,188 jobs across the Kingdom.
• The total number of industrial permits granted across Saudi Arabia’s regions and cities grew significantly from 464 in 2017 to 5,526 by the end of 2024, indicating a rapid and effective growth of the sector.
• Quality and Global Competitiveness:
• The quality of Saudi products now rivals those in major industrial nations, a success attributed to the application of advanced quality systems, reliance on qualified national competencies, and international partnerships that facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Saudi Arabia has achieved the first position in the Middle East and North Africa and 20th globally in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) index for 2024, a significant jump of 25 ranks compared to 2022.
• The Kingdom also holds a Guinness World Record for organizing the largest food gathering in Jeddah, covering 11 million square meters, demonstrating its exceptional capabilities in executing massive initiatives.
• Contribution to GDP and Economic Diversification:
• Non-oil activities accounted for 55% of the Kingdom’s real GDP in 2024.
• Specific contributions to non-oil GDP include approximately 39% from transport and storage, 5% from manufacturing industries, and 4% from mining and quarrying activities.
• Non-oil exports recorded a 13.2% growth in 2024, with re-export activities seeing an unprecedented increase of up to 42% (90 billion riyals).
• Service exports reached 207 billion riyals, growing by 14% annually, while non-oil commodity exports hit 217 billion riyals, marking a 4% growth.
• Future Objectives and Localization Efforts:
• The industrial sector aims to maximize local value and protect national products from unfair competition and dumping.
• Ambitious localization targets for Vision 2030 include manufacturing 280,000 cars annually and localizing 40% of their added value (including electric vehicles).
• In the pharmaceutical industry, the goal is to localize 40% of its value and 15% of medical devices and supplies.
• Saudi Arabia also seeks to become a regional hub for food industries, aiming to meet 85% of local demand.
• Localization efforts extend to renewable energy sources and 70% of future chemical material supply chains.
• Job Creation and Human Capital Development:
• The industrial sector is inherently labor-intensive, capable of absorbing a vast and diverse workforce across various skill levels and specializations. It creates direct and indirect job opportunities for millions, ranging from high-level specialists in strategic planning to professionals in logistics, security, hospitality, and retail.
• This unique ability to generate jobs contributes significantly to reducing unemployment and enhancing economic and social stability, thereby increasing overall national productivity.
• There is a focus on developing skills and training human capital to build a future-ready industrial workforce.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s industrial development is a concerted effort to create a flexible and competitive economy driven by the private sector, underpinned by strong infrastructure, and committed to high quality and strategic localization goals.

Saudi Arabia: Health and Well-being in Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia places a significant emphasis on healthcare and well-being, viewing them as integral components of its national development and economic diversification under Vision 2030. This holistic approach spans medical advancements, public health initiatives, and the promotion of a higher quality of life for all citizens and residents.

Here are key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in healthcare and well-being:

• Strategic Focus on Quality of Life and Societal Well-being:
• Vision 2030 aims to enhance the quality of life. The entertainment sector, for instance, has transformed from a mere recreational element into a strategic axis for achieving this vision. It’s seen as a means to build individuals, strengthen belonging, and achieve sustainable economic development.
• Entertainment contributes to psychological health and enhances family and community cohesion. It is no longer viewed as a luxury but as an essential component of daily life, actively contributing to national development and changing deeply rooted societal perceptions.
• Activities are designed to be family-friendly, which has built community trust and increased participation. Entertainment is also considered a human right and a pillar of sustainable development.
• Advancements in Health and Medical Research:
• The Kingdom is addressing global health challenges that affect millions, such as psoriasis, an autoimmune disease affecting 125 million people worldwide.
• It highlights the life-saving power of vaccines, which prevent approximately 2-3 million deaths annually and provide protection against over 25 types of infections. Prevention is considered the optimal investment in health.
• New discoveries in medical research are being made, such as the identification of four distinct autism subtypes, which is a significant step towards understanding the genetic basis of the condition and improving healthcare. Each subtype shows different medical, behavioral, psychological, and genetic variation patterns, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms.
• There’s a recognized need for significant investments in health infrastructure, research, and development, as well as in providing specialized human cadres.
• Public Health Awareness and Proactive Measures:
• World Breastfeeding Week is highlighted as a true investment in the health and future of generations, noting that breastfeeding protects approximately 820,000 children under the age of five from death annually and significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. There’s a strong warning against artificial milk companies intruding into hospitals, which could negatively impact this vital practice.
• Cultured doctors play a crucial role in raising community awareness and health education. Their efforts, often through personal accounts on social media, make medical information accessible and understandable to the public, especially benefiting those facing barriers to traditional medical access. This proactive information sharing is seen as a “zakat of knowledge,” embodying a strong sense of belonging and community interaction.
• Effective responses to health challenges start with individual awareness and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices.
• Water Safety and Drowning Prevention:
• Saudi Arabia has achieved global leadership in meeting the highest standards for drowning prevention. This achievement is attributed to 12 integrated national initiatives that have reduced drowning deaths by 17% and averted economic losses exceeding 800 million riyals.
• Policies and training/awareness programs have been implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the Public Health Authority (“Weqaya”) to instill safe behaviors in pools, coastal areas, and other water bodies.
• Five essential tips for water safety include:

1. Never leave children unsupervised, even if they can swim.
2. Choose swimming areas with qualified lifeguards.
3. Ensure children learn basic swimming and survival skills.
4. Avoid unknown or dangerous swimming spots.
5. Learn basic first aid for drowning incidents.

• Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death globally, with a significant increase in incidents among children during summer, primarily due to lack of parental supervision. Even shallow water poses a risk to infants.
• Medical consultation is advised for anyone involved in a drowning incident, even if they appear well afterwards. Incorrect first aid methods, such as inverting a drowned person, are explicitly warned against as they can delay proper resuscitation and worsen outcomes.
• Sleep and Brain Health:
• Deep sleep is described as the brain’s natural “washing machine,” activating the glymphatic system to remove toxins linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• A long-term study indicated that sleeping less than 6 hours a night in mid-life increases the risk of dementia by 30%.
• Aging can reduce the efficiency of the glymphatic system, weakening the brain’s ability to clear waste.
• Poor or insufficient sleep leads to protein accumulation, while improving sleep quality (e.g., regulating sleep times, reducing light exposure) enhances brain health and reduces dementia risk.
• A 1% decrease in REM (dream) sleep is associated with a 9% increase in dementia risk. Tips for better sleep include avoiding interrupted sleep, intermittent fasting, and sleeping on one’s side.
• Addressing Common Health Concerns:
• The sources address various common health issues, such as nighttime coughing (often linked to asthma, changes in the body’s biological clock, or acid reflux).
• Stomach discomfort, including a bitter taste upon waking, is frequently associated with acid reflux, nasal obstructions, or chronic sinusitis.
• Fainting upon sudden standing can be caused by a drop in blood pressure, anemia, or certain medications.
• Wheezing in infants can signal issues ranging from enlarged tonsils/adenoids to respiratory or even heart problems, necessitating specialist medical evaluation.
• For these concerns, professional medical consultation is consistently recommended.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s industrial development, as reflected in these discussions, extends beyond economic growth to encompass a comprehensive commitment to the health, safety, and overall well-being of its population, integrating these goals into its national strategic frameworks.

Saudi Arabian Renaissance: Society, Economy, and Culture

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

• Statement
• Saudi initiatives have always been related to the Palestinian issue, starting from the Arab Summit Initiative in Fez (1981) and the Beirut Initiative (2002) to the Two-State Solution Initiative in 2025. This matter, with its clear implications, stems from Saudi policies’ deep and continuous interest in the Palestinian issue throughout the ages, accompanied by serious attempts to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain all their legitimate rights by establishing a Palestinian state with all the components of a sovereign state.
• The international momentum that accompanied the Two-State Solution Initiative confirms that the world has become more aware and realistic regarding the Palestinian issue, not only at the level of governments but also at the level of peoples who witnessed the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza due to the Israeli war of killing, displacement, and starvation of civilians without any regard for international laws or norms of humanity, and interacted with it.
• Entertainment.. Windows to Life
• Saudi Arabia has witnessed a radical transformation in the field of entertainment in a short period. It was not just a development in offering activities and events but a deep strategic transformation based on Saudi Vision 2030, and it managed to touch multiple aspects of life, redefine the nation’s identity, and reshape societal concepts of entertainment from their roots.
• Entertainment came to the heart of the Vision, for when the wise leadership placed well-being and entertainment among the pillars of “Vision 2030,” it was not merely for leisure, but as an economic, cultural, and social leverage. The ambitious Vision aimed to diversify sources of income and reduce reliance on oil, and entertainment was among the promising sectors that contributed to this by attracting investments and stimulating domestic and foreign tourism, and moving the local economy.
• Saudi Women Make a Difference
• The development of the entertainment sector was one of the strategic goals that the government sought to achieve with the launch of Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia, aimed at enhancing the quality of life and diversifying the economy. Among the first steps that reflected this trend was opening the door for women to participate in public events and entertainment activities, after their participation was restricted or absent in previous decades.
• We have witnessed major transformations such as allowing women to attend sports matches, musical concerts, cultural festivals, and parties. These steps did not merely represent a “real” entry into entertainment but were an indication of acknowledging their right to enjoy, interact, and participate as citizens. These changes have created new professional opportunities for women, especially in the General Entertainment Authority and related institutions.
• A Nation Pulsating with Life
• In just a few years, the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia has transformed from a limited margin to a vibrant hub, thanks to Vision 2030 and the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them – so entertainment has become one of the pillars of quality of life and economic diversification.
• The Kingdom was able to activate the entertainment sector in an unprecedented way in a short period, to become one of the most prominent features of social and cultural transformation, through strategic and systematic steps that resulted in tangible changes in lifestyle. Entertainment contributed to the quality of life after the establishment of the General Entertainment Authority in 2016, as it was the body responsible for formulating and implementing entertainment policies.
• The Entertainment Industry Changes the Face of Society
• The General Entertainment Authority and those in charge of it have reinforced the understanding of the importance of the private sector’s role in advancing the entertainment sector, and transforming it from a neglected seasonal sector into a sustainable and productive sector, enabling it to utilize the great and promising opportunities it abounds with. This approach has succeeded in removing obstacles that prevented the private sector from investing in various entertainment activities.
• And domestic and foreign investments have multiplied to expand and increase the largest artificial lake in the world, the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product, and in local content, and in creating suitable and appropriate jobs for citizens, and in creating a diverse entertainment environment that meets the needs of everyone, citizens, residents, and visitors from outside the Kingdom.
• Ahmed Al-Sanea.. Competence and Capability
• Ahmed bin Saleh bin Ibrahim bin Ahmed bin Nasser Al-Sanea, our personality, was born in Majma’ah in 1279 AH during the reign of Imam Faisal bin Turki – may God have mercy on him – as Dr. Fahd Al-Maza’al mentions in his book about him. He grew up well and learned the basics of reading and writing in his hometown of Zubair to develop himself scientifically and culturally.
• Zubair was then bustling with scholars and students of knowledge and was one of the major cities of Iraq. Its southern part, as described by the researcher Hamoud Al-Muzaini in his book, “This is what I wrote,” indicates that his father, Ahmed Al-Bashaa Al-Sanea, was among those interested in their country, Majma’ah.
• The Pocket Withers Before the Rose
• Roses have always been a symbol of beauty and taste, and we receive them with gratitude and joy. But in recent years, they have turned from a simple gesture into a “heavy task” that burdens pockets and confuses mothers for no exaggerated reason.
• Occasions today, from graduation parties to birth celebrations and home visits, are associated with small gifts wrapped in luxurious boxes of roses, sometimes with multiple layers, candles, and accompanying decorations, as if the gift has lost its original meaning and turned into a presentation.
• The Beauty Sector.. Rapid Growth and a Promising Market
• The women’s beauty sector in the Kingdom is witnessing rapid growth amidst social and economic transformations that have enabled Saudi women to strongly enter professions that until recently were confined to the shadows. Among the most prominent of these professions are makeup and hairstyling, where many young Saudi women have started working for themselves as “makeup artists” or “hair stylists” outside the framework of traditional salons.
• They are using social media platforms as a front for promotion and outreach. According to a report issued by Infinium Global, the value of the women’s salons and beauty services market in Saudi Arabia reached about 1.585 billion dollars in 2020. It is expected to rise to 3.148 billion dollars by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%.
• Industry in the Kingdom.. Advanced Technology in Quality and Production Expands Saudi Exports to Global Markets
• The industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered a success story worthy of admiration. Over the past decades, it has transformed from a sector with limited capabilities into a fundamental pillar of the national economy, with its products competing globally in quality and its investments and huge production. The Kingdom has set out to build a strong industrial base relying on advanced technology and global standards in quality and production.
• Progress has not stopped at oil industries only, but has extended to include diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, metals, food products, and even the manufacturing of cars and spare parts, which have begun to carve a place for themselves in regional and global markets. This diversity reflects the ambitious vision adopted by the Kingdom, “Saudi Vision 2030,” which prioritizes the development of the industrial sector to create a diverse and sustainable economy.
• Stimulating Measures to Build a More Mature and Stable Debt Instrument Market
• The Board of the Capital Market Authority has adopted a stimulating measure for public offerings of debt instruments, which involves giving priority to reviewing requests for classification of public offerings for issuers who have obtained a credit rating from a credit rating agency licensed by the Authority, and this procedure will continue until the end of 2026.
• This approach comes within the framework of the Authority’s keenness to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the debt instrument market, and support its role as a major source for financing growth and stimulating the economy, in addition to encouraging issuers of listed debt instruments to obtain a credit rating to enhance the participation of a wider segment of investors, and support the market depth and efficiency.
• The Future of Bitcoin Will History Repeat Its Crises with Encrypted Digital Tools?
• We have entered a new phase of global financial history, where speculation in the cryptocurrency market intertwines with public policies and political influence, to the extent that it becomes difficult to distinguish between genuine innovation and disguised risks, especially after JP Morgan’s step towards lending customers against their crypto holdings.
• Although this may seem like a natural evolution to integrate crypto assets into the real economy, it is a repetition of a terrifying historical pattern of regulatory laxity that ends in market crises, and Rania Goul, senior analyst at XS.com for the Middle East region, says: “Simply put, Bitcoin is not an asset that can be relied upon in a traditional financial framework.”
• Strategic Transformation
• Saudi Arabia has witnessed a radical transformation in its approach to entertainment in recent years, from being a purely recreational element to being one of the strategic axes for achieving Vision 2030. Our wise leadership has realized that entertainment is not limited to amusement but is a means to build human beings, strengthen belonging, and achieve sustainable economic development.
• And entertainment in the Kingdom, as a strategic driver for achieving major national goals, and a vital supporter of societal and cultural identity. It has indeed become a strategic tool for achieving national goals and enhancing cultural identity.
• Riyadh Schools.. Five Decades of Excellence and Giving Established in 1390 AH with King Salman’s Approval for Its Honorary Presidency
• Riyadh Schools, which have graduated a distinguished and leading generation, have contributed over half a century to building national leaders capable of contributing to the achievement of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as its mission was (preparing students intellectually, morally, and spiritually to achieve their aspirations and contribute to community service) and its vision (graduating passionate and talented leaders who serve our society), and its goals (enhancing Islamic values and principles, and providing a safe material, social, and intellectual environment).
• The establishment of Riyadh Schools came in the academic year 1390/1391 AH, and its main headquarters was in Al-Ulaisha neighborhood, which was one of the oldest neighborhoods in Riyadh. Today, it stands on large areas, and the schools have enjoyed, since their inception, the patronage of the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – who built their buildings at his expense in the distinguished Al-Mu’tamarat neighborhood.
• The Artistic Memory of History
• The historical novel, an literary work based on events or periods from the past, finds in it raw material for the artistic novelist, who reshapes it within a narrative structure using his tools and techniques, thereby falling under the requirements of narrative art, to be a kind that transcends academic narration or documentation, and offers a kind of writing that combines the seriousness of history with the pleasure of imagination.
• It does not seek to be a mere reference to the present moment, but rather aspires to be a mirror through which it reflects the transformations and struggles of peoples, so we hear in it the voice of the marginalized, and understand their identity in a moment that gave birth to it or even its collapse.
• Our Cultural Transformations
• For quite some time, this topic has fascinated me to write about it, and in a quick conversation between me and Professor Abdullah Al-Husseini, the editor-in-chief of this newspaper, about this topic, because it is not just a cultural and intellectual topic, but a social and intellectual topic that stimulated me to write about it again, and from which we can present a set of opinions and ideas about who bears that illiteracy.
• I am strongly biased towards the illiterate, and always witness bias, and it is in reality not bias as much as it is a logical, rational, and realistic alignment, because a certificate does not necessarily mean everything. We may obtain a high certificate, but we have not been able to leave a clear impact of this certificate, and therefore we will be like someone carrying heavy burdens on their back, as we are unable to reach its meaning, goals, and objectives, and often I repeat in every meeting that a certificate does not necessarily make one a cultured or creative person.
• Between Certification and Illiteracy
• We cannot compare with precision of observation between one who watches the caravan from afar, and one who rides the thrill of the journey itself. Therefore, the understanding of the levels and stages of transition from one place to another, and from one level to another, is undoubtedly formed more clearly for one who observes the scene from a distance.
• I hold this simple comparison in our cultural scene – for example – through the journey of cultural transition that occurred to the village of Al-Miftaha in Abha, that distinctive summer resort in the south of our homeland and the enchanting destination. I speak here and I try to make this comparison between one who watches this transformation from before, and from one who has become, and what is the difference between the size of the transformation itself and what it does without realizing that there is a very significant distance separating the two stages.
• A Pause with Cognitive Grammar
• The traditional grammar has long been treated as if it were a fixed entity, but it breathes when it turns into a mathematical set of rigid rules. Thus, grammar does not become merely a ladder for speakers to climb cautiously, but rather it becomes an organic fabric imbued with human cognitive experience and with its biases.
• And while traditional grammatical schools tend towards an inductive process that begins with the prescriptive rule, “Cognitive Grammar” looks at language as an action that begins from the human being, cognitively not just logically. Therefore, it does not see in the sentence anything but the superficial aspect of what happens in the brain.
• Poetry Translation.. Between Language Incapacity and Text Fluidity
• Translation between languages has become easy, with varying degrees of difficulty. But what has defied translation is the translation of authentic Arabic poetry – specifically vertical poetry – into other languages; because of its nature, which relies on determinants such as exquisite rhythmic meters, lavish music, imaginative metaphors, and a fixed rhyme.
• While we do not find the same difficulty when translating prose poetry; as it lacks those determinants that distinguish vertical poetry, and therefore prose poetry – by virtue of its fluidity – can overcome translation obstacles, and this overcoming in turn tempted quite a few poets and made them turn to prose poetry, and intensify their presence through it; in order to spread and pass through to the other’s space via the bridge of translation.
• The Performative Power of the Semiotic Sign
• The concept of illocutionary force in speech acts is associated with performatives, which simply means: those acts that, in their essence – according to John Searle and other early researchers in this linguistic theory in the 1960s – in addition to the meaning they carry, also perform an action, meaning that “utterance is an act, or part of an act.”
• Perhaps the clearest example of this is when effective acts occur during the marriage contract between a couple. It is known among people that one of the pillars of marriage in Islam is (offer and acceptance). The offer comes from the guardian, and the acceptance from the man who proposes marriage.
• Linguistic Reflections
• The previous article concluded with the question: if truths existed independently, how can man know them if his knowledge of them changes their reality? And what is the distinguishing criterion between knowing truths and knowing the philosophy of phenomena, in both its ascending and descending aspects, as Plato sees it?
• Here, the ascending aspect’s appearance is linked to the theory of “recollection” (remembering the Forms), while the descending aspect refers to pure, primordial knowledge bestowed by a special class, namely “the gods.” Since language emanates from existing beings through their linguistic act, it must be an instrument of “naming.”
• The Symbolism of Numbers in the Arabic Language
• After long contemplation of the secrets of the number seven and examining its characteristics, the accuracy of its numerical connotations, and its symbolism in the Arabic language, along with the intertwining of meanings with architectural text. At the heart of this system emerges the “Waw of Thamaniyah” (the waw of eight), a linguistic indicator that requires contemplation and an application of wisdom, and whether there is a connection between their occurrences in the Quran and their rhetoric.
• It is certainly known that the Quran was revealed in the language of the Arabs, and the Arabs considered seven to be a complete number. If they exceeded it, they would start counting anew. So, the “Waw of Thamaniyah” here comes as an announcement of a transition to a new counting rank, as in mathematics: the end of one unit and the beginning of another. This makes us look at the matter through multiple axes. The first axis:
• Nisbett’s Unconscious Awareness
• Richard E. Nisbett is an American social psychologist who won the Donald T. Campbell Award for Distinguished Contributions to Social Psychology for his dissertation on “Verbal Reports on Mental Processes,” which he co-authored with his compatriot Timothy D. Wilson. His dissertation is one of the few seminal works in the literature that supports the argument that a large and diverse set of mental operations is responsible for the details of emotions, choices, and perceptions, in a way that is not accessible to conscious human awareness.
• As stated in Nisbett’s book “Tinker’s Memoirs,” he argues that we humans often do not truly know why we think or decide what we do, but we invent rational narratives for it after the fact. He believes that human thought is full of biases and illusions, which can be improved through simple cognitive tools. He also believes that culture profoundly shapes an individual’s thinking pattern, and more importantly, that Eastern and Western thought follow different mental approaches, calling for an awareness of the limits of reason and self-development through understanding the mechanisms of unconscious thought.
• Five Books Amr Al-Amri Recommends Reading
• This is a wide space for answers to this question, which we find everywhere: in classrooms, wide study halls, seminars, workshops, programs, courses, and curricula. Diverse answers in vocabulary and styles, but mostly revolving around the self and refining taste by developing specific axes related to the pleasure of literature and courtesy in literature, and language development.
• But this is not everything, even if all these answers are correct. Studying literature means, first and foremost, studying the trajectory of previous thinking patterns and cultural transformations of life, and knowing the level of civilization that has passed, is present, and will come.
• Why Do We Study Literature?!
• Literature was once the key to great nations before military equipment, and it might even surpass them in some technologies. Literature is an indicator that reflects the morale of nations, their steadfastness, and cohesion in wars. In the recent past, astute nations used to study and analyze the literary output of enemy countries, both near and far, to analyze their psychologies and understand their collective mood.
• They would isolate words from each other to deepen their understanding of the words’ connotations and the coherence of meaning’s strength or weakness between one stage and another. When this strength weakens in the context of the word, it means that the literary discourse issued from an individual or social psyche has begun to falter and weaken.
• The Sculpture “Eve”.. Femininity as a Human Value
• The sculptor Khaled Al-Anqari continues to enrich the cultural scene in the Kingdom through a new sculpture titled “Eve,” through which he enhances his artistic project that blends philosophy and beauty, and reaffirms once again that sculpture can be a profound language that converses with human beings and provokes their primal questions.
• Through the sculpture, Al-Anqari presents an abstract vision of Eve from local natural marble, embodying the image of the first female as a cosmic symbol of creation and temptation, of concealment and sanctity.
• Poems from Sweden
• The wind has gone to sleep / The moon is near / And sets behind a willow tree.
• I dreamt you came / I dreamt you came in a sunny rain.
• The Cultured Doctor in Fairuz’s Condolence
• Culture is not just a profession, it is not just images, nor slogans, nor claims. It does not lie in the largest number of certificates, or the multiplicity of media appearances, or dialogues. Culture is a behavior, a passion, and knowledge. It is a real attempt to bridge the gap and correct paths, and raise the level of awareness among societies.
• In the realm of culture, discussion and dialogue in various societies, in modern sciences, knowledge, and fields, I will confine this article to the circle of “cultured doctors” who did not limit themselves to working in hospital rooms or clinics, but rather took upon themselves the responsibility of enlightening and guiding, and warning.
• Epistemology of Criticism!
• There is no doubt that the theories emanating from critical philosophy have a great impact on the social structure and its behavior, and this interest in these theories and tracking them has become clear to us in our literary, artistic, and media outputs, from which they seep into the collective consciousness, and from here came that importance.
• Therefore, the transition of critical aesthetic concepts from being a conventional science to being an “epistemology” of criticism in the Arab critical concepts – and their multiplicity – means freedom, and this is due to the influx of many theories, especially in modern criticism.
• Targets and the Lost Goal
• August carries with it a bundle of challenges amid the scorching summer heat, global health challenges that demand deep attention, and cast their shadows over the lives of millions. It is a month where awareness and warning efforts converge, from immune diseases to the power of life-saving vaccines, reaching issues of utmost importance like natural breastfeeding. August is not just numbers; it is a call to action.
• The month begins with a UN warning reminding us of psoriasis, this autoimmune disease with no clear cause, threatening 125 million people worldwide. These challenges coincide with the celebration of National Immunity Month, which prompts us to question the extent of our understanding of our immune system and how to protect it.
• Drowning.. Its Causes and the Need for Increased Awareness
• In a significant step towards enhancing water safety, Saudi Arabia has globally led in meeting the highest standards for drowning prevention, after implementing 12 integrated national initiatives that contributed to reducing drowning deaths by 17% and averting economic losses exceeding 800 million riyals.
• This progress is a result of clear policies and training and awareness programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the Public Health Authority “Weqaya” and several government entities, to instill safe behaviors in swimming pools, coastal areas, and water bodies, which makes enhancing community awareness and training individuals to deal with risks a top priority for protecting lives.
• Saudi Sports Industry: From Hosting Championships to Building the Economy We Need to Localize Effective Models within a Saudi Framework that Reflects Our Specificity and Identity
• Since the beginning of the second decade of the twenty-first century, sports are no longer just a means of entertainment or a competitive activity, but have become an advanced economic tributary and an effective tool for national development and a catalyst for strengthening soft power for nations.
• While advanced countries witness unprecedented prosperity in what has become known as the “sports industry,” Saudi Arabia today, at a pivotal moment in its Vision 2030, and with its human, logistical, and geographical capabilities, seeks to redefine sports as an economic, cultural, tourism, and sustainable development driver, and an integrated environmental sports model.
• An Educator Achieved Success and Impact Before the Availability of Formal Education
• The kuttabs, or traditional schools, have existed since the early days of Islam and beyond. At that time, they were called “maktab” or “teacher of boys.” They were teachers who taught the Holy Quran, reading, and writing. Many companions of the Prophet – may God be pleased with them – were among those who taught people the Quran in Medina, Kufa, Basra, and Damascus.
• The most famous of these companions were Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, about whom the master of Adam’s children, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever wishes to read the Quran as fresh as it was revealed, let him read it according to Ibn Umm Abd (i.e., Ibn Mas’ud).” Likewise, Zayd ibn Thabit, and Abu Darda and Abu Jabal ibn Mu’adh, who taught the Quran in a large mosque in Medina.
• Rare Treasures
• Within the framework of what the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran Library contains, a collection of rare manuscripts stands out as one of its most valuable scientific possessions, preserved with extreme care within the Scientific Affairs Library at the Complex.
• The library contains approximately 54 original manuscripts distributed over more than 7918 pages in scientific collections, including a precious collection of manuscripts related to Quranic sciences, estimated at about 123 manuscripts in the fields of interpretation, readings, and their sciences.
• Unique Biodiversity and Flourishing Wildlife
• The Kingdom is considered one of the countries rich in biological diversity with its environments between deserts, mountains, coasts, and marine areas, which include 65 terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This diversity contributes to its hosting of thousands of species of living organisms exceeding 12 thousand fungal species, whether plant or animal.
• Plant species in the Kingdom are estimated at about 2300 species, and more than 1600 species of annual herbs and perennials, which made it the richest region in the Middle East in plant diversity.
• New Discovery Paves the Way for Autism Treatment
• The robot “Ai-Da” revealed this week a new drawing of King Charles III smiling, with a flower adorning his lapel. The robot asserted that it had no intention of “replacing” a woman. Ai-Da is a robot with a human appearance.
• A painting of Alan Turing (1912-1954), the famous English mathematician, created by it, was sold for one million dollars in an auction. This was the first time a work by a human-like robot was sold at auction.
• Al-Rashed Awakens Wonder in Philosophical Papers Held by “Falsafah” Academy
• The “Falsafah” cultural training academy presented its program “Post-Profit Philosophy,” under the title: “Awakening Wonder.” This time, the meeting to stimulate questioning and restore philosophy came in a space embraced by the board member Engineer Hamad Al-Rashed, presented by him as a qualitative reading in “Philosophical Papers” in the Saudi Philosophy Association and the Riyadh Philosophical Circle.
• He worked on deconstructing the tripartite relationship between the cover, the title, and the content, which is the central idea of the “Post-Cover” program. Al-Rashed began his paper with historical reflections on the emergence of manuscripts, tracing the evolution of their design to today’s publications, where human arts intersected with modern printing tools, and the image intertwined with the text to form a preliminary awareness of the content.

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!