Al Riyadh Newspaper: August 5, 2025: Saudi Milestones: Achievements and Global Impact

The provided sources primarily discuss Saudi Arabia’s economic development and societal initiatives, aligning with Vision 2030 goals. This includes substantial government investment in the sports sector and efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil, with projections for non-oil growth. Additionally, the texts highlight the country’s embrace of digital transformation, as seen in high internet adoption rates among businesses, and its growing influence in international cultural and sporting events. Finally, there’s a strong emphasis on humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the crisis in Gaza, alongside discussions of regional stability and efforts to combat terrorism.

Podcast

Saudi Vision 2030: Economic Diversification and Growth

The Saudi economy is currently characterized by strength, resilience, and a notable focus on diversification efforts, largely driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 agenda. This strategic shift aims to reduce reliance on oil and foster growth in diverse, high-potential sectors.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Saudi economy based on the sources:

• Overall Economic Performance and Outlook:
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its annual consultations with Saudi Arabia, affirming the Saudi economy’s strong performance and resilience despite global uncertainties and external shocks.
• Non-oil real GDP grew strongly by 4.5% in 2024, primarily driven by expansions in the retail, tourism, and construction sectors. This non-oil growth is projected to exceed 3.5% in the medium term, supported by government investment and the hosting of major international events.
• While oil production remained stable at 9 million barrels per day in adherence to the OPEC+ agreement, leading to a 4.4% decline in the oil GDP, the overall real GDP growth adjusted to 2%. However, the total growth rate is expected to rise to 3.9% by 2026 as oil production cuts are gradually eased.
• Inflation has remained under control.
• The country has witnessed an unprecedented drop in unemployment, with rates for Saudi youth and women halving over the past four years, reflecting the effectiveness of vocational training programs, women’s empowerment, and new policies in various fields.
• The current account shifted from a 2.9% surplus in 2023 to a 0.5% deficit in 2024, financed through external borrowing and limiting the accumulation of foreign currency assets abroad.
• Despite these shifts, the net foreign assets held by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) remained stable at $415 billion, covering 187% of the IMF’s reserve adequacy metric.
• Fiscal and Monetary Stability:
• The IMF praised Saudi Arabia for its counter-cyclical fiscal policy, enabled by ample financial buffers, which supports growth and minimizes the impact of large oil price fluctuations.
• The IMF also noted the need for gradual fiscal consolidation in the medium term to ensure intergenerational equity. This can be achieved by increasing non-oil revenues, controlling the wage bill, improving social safety nets, and rationalizing non-essential expenditures.
• The banking sector remains robust, characterized by high capital and profitability, with non-performing loans at their lowest levels since 2016.
• The Saudi riyal’s peg to the U.S. dollar continues to be deemed appropriate, and improvements in liquidity management frameworks have been welcomed.
• Diversification and Key Growth Sectors (Beyond Oil):
• Non-oil revenues saw a 7% increase in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 149.861 billion Saudi Riyals (SAR), and a 5% increase in the first half of 2025, totaling 263.667 billion SAR. This contrasts with a decline in oil revenues by 29% in Q2 2025 and 24% in H1 2025, underscoring the success of diversification strategies in enhancing financial sustainability.
• Government expenditures decreased, reflecting efforts to enhance spending efficiency and prioritize projects with high economic and social returns.
• Vision 2030 aims to increase the total GDP to 6.375 trillion SAR and non-oil revenues to 1 trillion SAR by the end of 2030.
• Sports Sector:Sports is viewed as a lucrative global industry attracting billions in investments.
• The market value of the Saudi sports sector is currently estimated at 30 billion SAR (approximately $8 billion) and is projected to reach 85 billion SAR (around $22.5 billion) by 2030.
• In 2024, around 40 sports investment deals were completed, with 25% of these being foreign investments.
• The government’s annual support for various sports sectors is estimated at no less than 60 billion SAR.
• Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup is expected to attract additional government funding of up to 100 billion SAR (approximately $26.7 billion).
• The sports sector’s contribution to GDP increased by 170% between 2020 and 2021, rising from 2.4 billion SAR to 6.5 billion SAR.
• Over 1,904 licenses for sports halls and centers have been issued, creating over 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect job opportunities.
• The “Nafes” platform was launched in 2021 to facilitate licensing for private sports clubs, academies, and halls, promoting investment from both local and foreign entities.
• The Investment and Privatization Project for Sports Clubs, launched by the Crown Prince in June 2023, aims to create an attractive environment for investment in sports, improve professionalism and governance, and develop club infrastructure. This project involved transferring ownership of four major clubs (Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diriyah, Al-Ula, and Al-Nassr) to large development companies and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) investing in four other clubs (Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal).
• Electronic Sports (E-sports):Saudi Arabia has shown early and significant interest in e-sports since the launch of Vision 2030, driven by the Crown Prince.
• The Kingdom has expressed its determination to dominate this sector, with ambitious initiatives and strong infrastructure investments aimed at transforming e-sports into a leading national industry that generates income and creates job opportunities.
• Saudi teams have achieved impressive results in the E-sports World Cup, with Team Falcons securing the first title in the Overwatch 2 tournament, boosting their position and the Kingdom’s standing in global e-sports. This success contributes to enhancing tourism and diversifying the economy.
• Digital Transformation:
• Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in digital transformation, evident from the 2023 report on information and communication technology usage in establishments.
• 97.7% of establishments in the Kingdom had internet access in 2023.
• 91.3% utilized e-government services.
• 57.7% used social media to interact with government entities.
• This digital transformation aligns with international standards, supporting the Kingdom’s vision for global digital leadership and enhancing its competitiveness.
• Challenges and Risks:
• Despite the positive outlook, the IMF report noted existing risks, including potential weakness in global demand, slow government spending, and escalating geopolitical tensions related to oil. However, it also highlighted potential for improved growth if oil prices rise or additional diversification projects accelerate.

Overall, the Saudi economy is undergoing a strategic transformation, moving towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy with significant investments in burgeoning sectors like sports and e-sports, underpinned by strong fiscal and monetary management and rapid digital adoption.

Saudi Sports Investment: Vision, Growth, and Global Ambition

Sports investment is increasingly recognized as a lucrative global industry, attracting billions of dollars in investments worldwide. Economic studies confirm that sports have transformed from a mere hobby into a significant industry.

Here’s a comprehensive discussion of sports investment, particularly within the Saudi economy:

• Global Profitability and Benefits
• Sports is considered one of the most profitable industries globally, capable of generating substantial profits through television broadcasting rights, ticket sales, sponsorship of events, and commercial brands associated with sports.
• It also plays a crucial role in enhancing a brand’s image due to its association with positive attributes like passion, competitiveness, and teamwork.
• Furthermore, many investors seek to achieve a positive social impact by supporting sports events and projects that target underserved communities.
• Forms of Sports Investment
• Investment in sports clubs, which can involve purchasing clubs or investing in their operations.
• Investing in player contracts or in companies that manage players.
• Sponsoring major sports events or organizing new ones.
• Investing in sports infrastructure, such as building stadiums, training centers, and sports facilities.
• Investing in sports companies that provide services like marketing and advertising.
• Sports Investment in Saudi Arabia
• Market Value and Projections: The market value of the Saudi sports sector is currently estimated at 30 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately $8 billion). This is projected to reach 85 billion Saudi Riyals (around $22.5 billion) by the end of the current decade (2030).
• Investment Deals: In 2024, approximately 40 sports investment deals were completed in Saudi Arabia, with about 25% of these being foreign investments.
• Government Support: The annual government support for various sports sectors in the Kingdom is estimated at no less than 60 billion Saudi Riyals. This significant support is vital, especially given that most projects and investments currently rely on government funding due to limited private sector participation. Government entities like the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi Aramco are key financiers.
• Hosting Major Events: Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 2034 World Cup are expected to require additional government funding of up to 100 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately $26.7 billion). This commitment is seen as a strong enabler for investment.
• Objectives of Sports Investment in Saudi Arabia (aligned with Vision 2030)
• Economic Growth: Increase the contribution of the sports sector to the Kingdom’s GDP. The sports sector’s contribution to GDP increased by 170% between 2020 and 2021, rising from 2.4 billion SAR to 6.5 billion SAR.
• Diversification: Reduce reliance on oil and foster growth in non-oil sectors.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encourage and involve the private sector and investors to contribute to the sports economy.
• Infrastructure Development: Build and market investment areas in sports to meet the demand for sports participation. Over 1,904 licenses for sports halls and centers have been issued, contributing to the development of sports infrastructure.
• Job Creation: The sports sector aims to create job opportunities. The issuance of licenses for sports facilities has already created over 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect job opportunities.
• Professionalism and Governance: Improve the professionalism and administrative and financial governance of sports clubs.
• Promote Sports Participation: Increase sports participation rates across various disciplines and activate the entire sports ecosystem.
• Key Initiatives and Progress
• “Nafes” Platform: Launched in 2021, this platform facilitates licensing for private sports clubs, academies, and halls, promoting investment from local and foreign entities. This has led to the issuance of many licenses, including over 2,270 licenses for sports centers and halls, 242 for academies, and 555 for private sports clubs by 2023.
• Sports Club Investment and Privatization Project: Launched by the Crown Prince in June 2023, this project aims to create an attractive investment environment. It involved transferring ownership of four major clubs (Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diriyah, Al-Ula, and Al-Nassr) to large development companies and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) investing in four other clubs (Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal). This initiative seeks to increase the revenue of Saudi Professional League clubs.
• E-sports: Saudi Arabia has shown early and significant interest in e-sports since Vision 2030’s launch, with the Crown Prince demonstrating a determination to dominate this sector. Initiatives and strong infrastructure investments aim to transform e-sports into a leading national industry.
• Saudi teams have achieved impressive results in the E-sports World Cup, with Team Falcons securing the first title in the Overwatch 2 tournament, boosting their position and the Kingdom’s standing in global e-sports. Team Falcons received $400,000 for winning the Overwatch 2 tournament.
• The E-sports World Cup in 2025 featured 16 teams from around the world, competing over 4 days in the stc Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City.
• The E-sports World Cup is the main event for the E-sports World Cup Foundation, an entity dedicated to developing the global e-sports and gaming sector. All revenues generated by the foundation are reinvested into the sector to ensure its financial sustainability and continuous development.
• Regulation and Transparency: Efforts include issuing regulations for investing in lands allocated for sports clubs to achieve financial returns and regulate investment procedures.

Overall, Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a strategy to transform its economy by heavily investing in and diversifying through the sports sector, backed by strong government support and ambitious initiatives to enhance its global standing and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Saudi Healthcare Progress and Vision 2030 Alignment

Healthcare advances are a critical component of national development, contributing significantly to the well-being of societies and aligning with broader economic and social visions. The sources provide several examples of such advancements and the efforts to foster them, particularly within Saudi Arabia.

Here’s a discussion of healthcare advances:

• Excellence in Medical Education and Training
• Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University has achieved advanced rankings in the Saudi License Exam for Practicing the Profession (SLE) for 2025. This achievement underscores the quality and efficiency of its educational health programs and academic outputs across various medical specialties.
• The university’s health colleges and graduates are recognized for their strong performance, leading performance reports issued by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
• Specific advancements include the College of Nursing moving from a ‘C’ to a ‘B’ category, while the College of Dentistry maintained its ‘B’ classification, and the College of Pharmacy progressed to ‘C’.
• The SLE is a pivotal national standardized exam designed to assess the knowledge, acquired skills, and clinical and professional competencies of students and graduates in various health specialties during their university studies.
• The university’s commitment to continuous excellence in education and healthcare directly aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
• Developing Medical Talent and Infrastructure
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh launched the second edition of its “Dean’s List” academic program. This initiative aims to attract outstanding medical students from Saudi universities and provide them with practical training experiences.
• The program supports the development of competencies and builds bridges between academic education and clinical practice, equipping students with necessary skills and knowledge.
• KFSH&RC is recognized as a leading institution, ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally for the second consecutive year among the top 250 academic healthcare institutions, according to “Brand Finance” 2024. This highlights its role as a reference center for national medical competencies.
• Advancements in Surgical Procedures
• Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Al Kharj successfully performed two separate, highly successful knee replacement surgeries for two women suffering from severe osteoarthritis, advanced joint wear, and bone erosion.
• These operations utilized the latest medical devices and techniques, enabling the patients to walk just hours after surgery and significantly reducing pain.
• The hospital is noted for its integrated healthcare services, adhering to national and international standards in orthopedics, joint and spinal surgery, and employing highly skilled medical staff and advanced equipment. It is considered a reference in joint replacement surgeries in the Middle East.
• Financial Support for the Healthcare Sector
• The General Authority for Endowments is actively promoting the culture of waqf (endowment) in Saudi society to support sustainable development.
• A significant portion of endowment funds, 126 million Saudi Riyals, was allocated to the healthcare system out of a total of over 2.3 billion Riyals disbursed across various sectors. This highlights the role of endowments as a vital financial arm supporting state efforts, improving quality of life, and achieving social solidarity and stability.

These advancements collectively demonstrate a concerted effort to enhance medical capabilities, improve public health, and align with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, particularly in fostering a vibrant society and a thriving economy.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation: Vision 2030 and Beyond

Digital transformation is a fundamental pillar of national development, enabling societies to enhance various sectors, improve quality of life, and achieve ambitious economic and social objectives. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular, has demonstrated a strong commitment to this transformation, aligning it with its overarching Vision 2030 goals.

Key aspects and advancements in digital transformation highlighted in the sources include:

• Strategic National Imperative (Vision 2030 Alignment): Saudi Arabia embarked on digital transformation early with the launch of Vision 2030, which includes diversifying its economy away from oil reliance. Digital transformation is seen as a crucial tool for achieving greater efficiency in government work, improving the beneficiary experience, and increasing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. This commitment is evident in the continuous efforts to implement reforms and leverage technology across various sectors.
• High Internet Adoption and E-Government Services: A significant indicator of digital penetration is the high percentage of establishments in Saudi Arabia utilizing the internet. In 2023, 97.7% of establishments in the Kingdom had internet access. Furthermore, 91.3% of these establishments used e-government services for tasks such as obtaining information or conducting electronic transactions. This demonstrates a widespread adoption of digital tools within the business and administrative spheres.
• Enhancing Government Efficiency and Public Interaction:
• The Eastern Province Governor emphasized that leveraging technology and improving services reflect the state’s drive to raise government work efficiency. This includes adopting innovative digital solutions and enhancing performance across all entry points.
• Licensing platforms like “Nafes,” launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Sports, facilitate the issuance of licenses for private sports clubs, academies, and halls, streamlining processes for investors. By 2023, over 2,270 licenses for sports centers and halls, 242 for academies, and 555 for private sports clubs were issued through this platform.
• The General Authority for Endowments launched the digital platform “Waqfi” to enable secure and flexible participation in waqf (endowment) investments, fostering financial sustainability and social solidarity.
• The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture achieved a 93% response rate to beneficiary calls in the first half of 2025, with an average response time of just 12 seconds, showcasing high efficiency in handling inquiries and reports via digital channels.
• Pioneering E-sports Development: Saudi Arabia has shown early and significant interest in e-sports since the launch of Vision 2030, with a stated determination to dominate this sector globally. The Kingdom has made substantial infrastructure investments and initiatives to transform e-sports into a leading national industry.
• Saudi teams, such as Team Falcons, have achieved impressive results in the E-sports World Cup, securing top positions and titles, including a $400,000 prize for winning the Overwatch 2 tournament.
• The E-sports World Cup Foundation, the organizing body, reinvests all revenues back into the sector to ensure its financial sustainability and continuous development.
• Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Arabic Language: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched the “Balasam” index report in 2025, which evaluates the performance of large language models (LLMs) in processing the Arabic language. This initiative aims to provide a unified, objective platform for developers and researchers to assess LLM performance across various linguistic tasks like creative writing, summarization, translation, and classification. This highlights a strategic effort to enhance the quality of AI applications for Arabic and build national capacities in language technologies.
• Technology in Cultural and Educational Initiatives:
• The Madinah Book Fair in 2025 utilized virtual reality (VR) technology to narrate aspects of local history, offering visitors an immersive experience beyond traditional reading. This demonstrates the integration of technology to enhance cultural engagement.
• Educational programs like “Ithra’s Youth Program” aim to expand the horizons of young participants by providing practical training in cultural industries and developing skills through workshops and expert meetings, fostering creativity and digital literacy.
• Impact on Job Creation: Digital transformation initiatives, particularly in sports, have significantly contributed to job creation. The licensing of sports facilities, for instance, has generated over 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect job opportunities. Similarly, the Saudi-Syrian investment forum aims to create over 50,000 direct job opportunities through various projects.
• Challenges and Opportunities for Human Adaptability: The sources also touch upon the broader implications of digital advances, particularly the rise of AI. For instance, the discussion on “Media and Artificial Intelligence” acknowledges the unprecedented challenges AI poses to traditional media roles, with its ability to rapidly analyze vast data and generate content. However, it emphasizes that AI is not a threat but a tool, and for human media professionals to excel, they must develop skills in understanding and leveraging modern technology, data analysis, critical thinking, creativity, and human interaction. This perspective underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptation to thrive in a digitally transforming world.

In summary, Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, driven by Vision 2030, to enhance government services, foster new industries like e-sports, advance technological frontiers in areas like AI and language processing, and ultimately improve the lives of its citizens and residents, while also addressing the need for human adaptation in an evolving technological landscape.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Global Engagement and Diversification

Global relations are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s national development strategy, deeply integrated with its Vision 2030 objectives to foster a vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious nation. The Kingdom actively engages on multiple international fronts, demonstrating its commitment to economic diversification, regional stability, and addressing global challenges.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s global relations, as evidenced in the sources, include:

• Diplomatic and Bilateral Engagements:
• High-Level Meetings: Saudi Arabia maintains strong bilateral ties, exemplified by the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, receiving the Kuwaiti Prime Minister in Neom to review historical relations and cooperation.
• Congratulatory Messages: The Saudi leadership, including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, extends official congratulations to leaders of other nations, such as the King’s Representative in the Cook Islands on Constitution Day, signifying ongoing diplomatic courtesies.
• Ministerial Interactions: The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Guidance hosted the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, discussing matters of common interest and cooperation.
• Economic Influence and International Partnerships:
• IMF Recognition: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded the strength and resilience of the Saudi economy and its ongoing reforms under Vision 2030, particularly its diversification efforts away from oil. The IMF noted the Kingdom’s leadership in multilateral forums, including the G20, and its contributions to addressing global challenges.
• Strategic Investment Forums: The inaugural Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum in Damascus saw the signing of 47 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) exceeding 24 billion Saudi Riyals in value, spanning sectors like industry, energy, real estate development, and financial technologies. This initiative aims to revitalize the Syrian economy, create over 50,000 direct job opportunities, and strengthen long-standing bilateral relations.
• Global Tourism & Hospitality: The appointment of an experienced international General Manager for Raffles Jeddah Hotel, drawing on over 25 years of global hospitality experience across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting international talent and elevating its luxury tourism sector.
• Leadership in Sports and E-sports:
• E-sports Dominance: Saudi Arabia has shown an early and strong determination to dominate the global e-sports sector, making substantial investments in infrastructure and initiatives to transform e-sports into a leading national industry. Saudi teams like Team Falcons have achieved impressive results in the E-sports World Cup, securing top positions and titles, including a $400,000 prize for winning the Overwatch 2 tournament. The E-sports World Cup Foundation reinvests all revenues back into the sector to ensure its financial sustainability and continuous development.
• Hosting International Events: The Kingdom is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, requiring significant additional government funding. It also hosted the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, marking its first time as host for this prominent continental basketball tournament with participation from 14 countries.
• Cultural and Educational Exchange:
• International Conferences: “Mawhiba,” the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, presented its pioneering experience in gifted care at the World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children in Braga, Portugal, showcasing its scientific methodology and social return on investment.
• Scouting Diplomacy: The Saudi Arabian Scouts participated in the World Scout Moot in Portugal, contributing to cultural exchange by presenting Saudi traditions, clothing, and popular foods.
• Nuclear Sciences Olympiad: The Kingdom is competing against 14 countries in the International Nuclear Sciences Olympiad (INSO 2025) in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrating its progress in advanced sciences and care for innovation.
• Humanitarian and Security Responsibilities:
• Gaza Crisis Response: Saudi Arabia has taken a leading diplomatic role in addressing the Gaza crisis. It chaired the UN conference for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue in France, advocating for a two-state solution and calling for international responsibility to end the oppression. The Kingdom rejects normalization with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state. It also monitors the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the media office highlighting the insufficient aid entering the Strip (only 80 trucks daily compared to a needed 600) and calling for the opening of safe passages and accountability for Israeli actions.
• Global Security Concerns: The sources touch upon international anxieties regarding US sanctions on oil from Iran and Russia and their potential disruption of global supplies. Notably, India continues to purchase Russian oil despite US pressure, and China is increasing its investments in Iraq’s oil fields. South Africa also expressed concerns about US tariffs and their impact on employment.
• Enhancing Global Standards and Competitiveness:
• Healthcare Excellence: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh is ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally among top academic healthcare institutions, highlighting its role as a reference for national medical competencies and its international standing.
• Professional Standards: The National Center for Wildlife Development successfully launched the National Professional Standard for Rangers, which is the first professional standard in the region and globally compatible, reinforcing the Kingdom’s environmental leadership. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health also received an international award (ORP Recognition 2025) for its efforts in promoting safety culture.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s global relations strategy is multifaceted, underpinned by its Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen its position as a proactive and influential player in the international arena, contributing to global economic stability, cultural exchange, and humanitarian efforts, while vigorously pursuing its national interests and development goals.

Saudi Perspectives: Culture, Economy, and Society

Here are the titles of all identified columns in the newspaper and their first two paragraphs of detail, translated into English:

1. Title: Word With clear official efforts, and a vision that anticipates writing history anew, the Kingdom has recently succeeded in documenting the amazing achievements that have been achieved through the implementation of plans and programs. These successes have made the Kingdom a global destination sought by the world, and it would not have been achieved without the Kingdom’s adoption of rapid technological development and innovation, which achieves its goals in this vital sector. The Kingdom paid early attention to e-sports, from the launch of Vision 2030, not to mention its importance, which is beloved by millions around the world. The Kingdom was keen to spread these sports to various cultures, and this interest was personally translated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, by launching the National Strategy for E-sports, before His Highness launched the E-sports World Cup, in which Saudi teams achieved impressive results, by obtaining top positions, which greatly contributed to promoting tourism, diversifying the economy, and developing promising sectors.
2. Title: Electronic Leadership Author: Khalid Al-Rubaish Investment in sports in general, and investment in sports facilities in particular, is considered one of the most profitable global investments. It plays a vital and important role in the development of sports clubs and societies, and even countries. It is one of the most important economic processes with multiple and great economic benefits that contribute positively to building a future strategy. The year 2024 witnessed the completion of about 40 investment deals in the field of sports, about 25% of which were foreign investments. The market value of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia is currently estimated at 30 billion riyals (about 8 billion dollars), and it is expected to reach 85 billion riyals (about 22.5 billion dollars) by the end of the current decade.
3. Title: The Professional Standard for Rangers Enhances the Kingdom’s Environmental Leadership The CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Development, Dr. Mohammed Qurban, confirmed that the Kingdom has achieved leadership in launching the national professional standard for rangers, which is considered the first professional standard in the region and among the first professional standards for rangers globally. He said that this unique project, which the center launched recently, contributes to developing the ranger profession and enhancing its role in protecting natural reserves, according to the highest international standards. It also supports the preservation of wildlife and its biodiversity, and contributes to raising the efficiency of the environmental protection organization in the Kingdom.
4. Title: Qassim.. A Summer Renewed and Activities Multiplied With the support and attention of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, Governor of Qassim region, and His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Saad bin Fahd, Deputy Governor of Qassim region, summer has brought a distinct and varied economic, social, recreational, commercial, and tourist dynamism to the Qassim region, unlike other seasons of the year, as high temperatures impose changes on many aspects of life for residents. Many people adjust their daily activities and shopping times to avoid the heat, with movement and shopping concentrated in the evening and night, while social gatherings and activities are reduced during the day, changing places to open and outdoor areas, squares, parks, playgrounds, cafes, and enclosed malls for families, and other places that provide comfortable and air-conditioned environments for families, youth, and adults.
5. Title: Rahat.. Al-Ahsa of Hijaz To the east of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, about 130 km north of Kiim, lies the town of Rahat, embracing Ain Al-Nabi, the ancient historical site that still remains, along with its extensive date palm farms that extend over vast areas on the slopes of mountains, overlooking a narrow agricultural passage, where you find shaded valleys for drinking coffee and tea from fertile agricultural production. Rahat is a center belonging to Bisha Governorate in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, approximately 10 km from the city of Bisha. Its population exceeds ten thousand, and it is endowed with a natural beauty of lush vegetation that spans large areas on mountain slopes and within valleys rich in underground wells and springs.
6. Title: Sports Investment.. Why? Economic studies today agree that sports have become a huge industry that attracts billions of dollars in investments around the world. Studies also confirm that sports have transformed from a mere hobby into an industry, and investments by companies and individuals in sports clubs, players, and events have become common. Sports are considered one of the most profitable industries, as huge profits can be made through television broadcasting rights, selling event tickets, and commercial brands associated with sports. Sports also contribute to enhancing the brand image through their association with positive images such as passion, competitiveness, and teamwork, making them an effective means to enhance influence.
7. Title: Non-Oil Revenue Budget and Priorities Author: Dr. Fahd Muhammad bin Jumaa Since the launch of Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has achieved remarkable progress in diversifying its revenue sources, moving from reliance on volatile oil to more secure sources. These non-oil revenues form a fundamental pillar for achieving economic sustainability, as their success relies on carefully selecting the highest priorities and efficiently allocating resources to achieve precise returns. This requires an accurate assessment of global opportunities and an analysis of the national economy and its ability to steadfastly face external shocks, supporting the goals of Vision 2030. Non-oil revenues in the second quarter of 2025 recorded an increase of 7% to 149.861 billion riyals compared to 140.602 billion riyals in the same period of 2024, supported by strong economic performance.
8. Title: Outside the Box Author: Hussein bin Hamad Al-Raqeeb In the world of economics, numbers do not move in a vacuum, but rather are accompanied or preceded by waves of “economic opinion” – what is classified under statements, tweets, and reports. This opinion has not been a mere intellectual luxury, but rather an active factor in the movement of the market, the decisions of investors, and the construction or undermining of trust among parties in the economic scene. When opinion comes laden with sober analysis and deep knowledge, it becomes an effective tool in guiding policies and stimulating reforms. We have seen how responsible analyses have led to fundamental revisions that resulted in positive transformations. On the other hand, there are opinions that stem from an idea that lacks a cognitive basis, and are driven by personal impressions and hidden agendas, whose goal is excitement, not enlightenment.
9. Title: Intellectual Distortion Author: Yousef Al-Qubban What are the criteria that some media channels rely on in hosting those who speak in various fields? Is it fame that may be a product of triviality? Or is it the addition that this person will provide to the recipient? And how is the basic condition of specialization, general culture, and objectivity respected by those who have the honor of speaking to the public? What are the qualifications that qualify those who practice these behaviors (fanaticism and lack of manners and extremism) to address the public, as happens in this era? Modern communication tools have revealed some minds that seek fame by presenting ideas that contradict religion, logic, culture, and ethics of dialogue, and an extremist thought that deliberately targets excitement through trivial or provocative discourse.
10. Title: The Failure of Occupation Plans Author: Dr. Talal Al-Harbi In a unique diplomatic precedent, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia chaired the United Nations conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue in France, with the participation of states. This step represents a pivotal stage in the history of the Arab-Zionist conflict with the occupation state. This important conference was held after concerted and diligent Saudi diplomatic efforts to gather the international community and put states before their responsibilities to lift an oppression that has lasted for decades and to restore respect for international and humanitarian laws. The occupation state constantly evades accountability under the pretext of ‘anti-Semitism’ and the exaggerated ‘Holocaust’ lie for Jews, and other fabricated claims that allowed global Zionism to commit crimes that are fundamentally a European crime, the Arabs and the Palestinian people, in particular, bore its brunt. The Zionist terrorism has led states worldwide, politically, militarily, and ideologically, to many of these states committing to silence, while other states have continued to support this nuclear-armed entity by all means, including arms, to enable it to ‘defend itself’.
11. Title: Journalist and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Excellence Author: Fahd Al-Ahmari In the midst of the radical transformations witnessed by the world and the failure of the artificial intelligence, the media has faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the decline of its traditional role. With the machine’s ability to analyze huge data and produce content quickly and accurately, and even simulate human writing styles, a pivotal question arises: Will artificial intelligence replace the human media? To answer this question, one must look at what distinguishes the two parties. The machine is characterized by speed, low cost, and efficiency, but it lacks deep human understanding and true creativity. The human journalist is the one who can provide content that relates to human emotions and reflects cultural and social contexts that artificial intelligence cannot fully grasp.
12. Title: Information Makes the Market At the core of investment work, information is not just cognitive content; it is the real fuel for decision-making and the decisive factor in market movements and stock trends. It has the power to drive stock prices up or down, based on the investor’s analysis and expectation of its impact on the company’s future performance. Why is information so important? Let’s consider our daily behavior as individuals: why do we follow influencers and celebrities on social media platforms? Not necessarily for our personal needs, but because we gain information and experiences from them that shape our decisions: what we buy, where we travel, what restaurants or products we try, and even how we behave or interact with life situations.
13. Title: Theater: A Journey of Cultural Transformation Authors: Fahd Saud Al-Sakhri, Abdulmutalib Mubarak Al-Badrani, Abdulmohsen Al-Sanani Since its establishment in February 2020, the Theater and Performing Arts Authority has marked a significant milestone in the Saudi cultural scene, not merely as an organizational structure, but as a driving force and vital component of the ambitious national strategy for artistic renewal within the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Its establishment came as part of a series of cultural authorities launched by the Ministry of Culture to be the specialized executive arm in developing performing arts in their various forms, from theater and dance to opera and contemporary shows, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to being a center for creativity at regional and international levels. The Authority embarked from its inception with confident steps towards establishing an integrated infrastructure for the sector, through well-studied strategies aimed at building capacities and developing talents. Programs such as: “The Theater Professional” and training workshops have contributed to empowering a new generation of creators, while the “Star” program provided qualitative support for theater groups, amateur clubs, and emerging companies, encouraging them to find self-sustaining models that enhance the sector’s ability to continue and influence beyond temporary support.
14. Title: My Father.. And The Shadow That Never Fades Author: Hassan Mahni Al-Shehri It is hard to write about your father as a memory. It is hurtful for his name to become a past tense verb, and it is cruel for days to pass… while his absence does not. On this very day in 2021, my father passed away. The quiet man who excelled, the journalist who practiced honesty as if it were his sole profession. Four years have passed since his voice fell silent, but his impact has not. The voice left, the body disappeared, but the meaning remained. The echo remained.
15. Title: The White Hands.. Saudi Arabia and Syria Author: Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Al-Qarni Here we are today witnessing a wonderful scene of brotherhood between our Arab peoples, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands side by side with the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, for the world to witness, and for us to acknowledge, first that our religion unites us, and second, a historic stance today for the great role played by the Kingdom to take the hand of its sister Syria again and restore its former glory with strength and grace from Almighty God. The first Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum of its kind was recently launched in Damascus, attended by the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed Al-Sar’a, alongside a Saudi delegation comprising a group of the most important officials in the Kingdom, led by the Minister of Investment, Engineer Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.
16. Title: Quality of Life for Future Generations Authors: Dr. Nouha Al-Waqdani, Mashari Muhammad bin Daleilah The world, since the beginning of the twenty-first century, has witnessed rapid development in various fields. Competition between countries is one of the pillars of leadership. When you compare healthcare now to what it was before, people used to pass away because there was no cure for them. In the pursuit of livelihood, people traveled between countries in search of food, trade, and profit. In education, the challenge was to find a skilled teacher, and so on. With scientific and practical progress, challenges in healthcare, education, industry, economy, and other aspects of life have improved, and the world has become like a village. Our state, since the dawn of its blessed era, through a network of communication and supply chains, and since its establishment by King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – who laid the foundation for change and improved the quality of life for everyone living in this blessed country, that foundation stone has been followed by his loyal sons who continued construction, development, and growth in all fields.
17. Title: Divorce: The Experience of Pain and the Discovery of Meaning Author: Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili (Social Specialist) At some point, the scenario we wrote in our imagination about married life shatters. With it collapses the network of symbols that shaped the meaning of marriage: the home, the dwelling, children, holidays, memories, expectations, and future plans, even the pronoun ‘we’. According to symbolic interactionism in sociology, these are not mere fleeting details, but rather symbols through which we define our expected roles and perform our identities within an internal pulsating theater: husband, wife, life partner. When these symbols collapse due to divorce, our identity shakes from within, and we feel as if we have been stripped of our old layers, and that we need to re-formulate ourselves anew. From here, divorce becomes more than just a legal event; it is an earthquake that touches the deep meaning of the self, as the partner who was our mirror and extension in the world suddenly turns into a stranger.
18. Title: The Stands Commanded.. Sindi Prevailed Author: Hattan Al-Najjar By a decision from the federal stands, the matter of the hot presidential chair at Al-Ittihad Club has been settled and it is approaching the candidate Fahd Sindi after the withdrawal of the other candidate Ammar Al-Haili. Sindi has now become the expected president for Al-Ittihad by acclamation, as no one is competing with him for the presidential seat in his upcoming presidential term, which is only for one year. All the initial indicators gave signs that Fahd Sindi would lead the presidency of the Al-Ittihad Club company, especially after his success in the elections of the non-profit organization and the new amendments to the election system for club administrations, specifically the condition of forty million riyals in one year, or the decision returns to the acquiring entity of the club to elect a president from among the seven members appointed by it.
19. Title: In the Net Author: Abdul Karim Al-Jaris (Sports Journalist)

• The reaction of some fans and media figures to the return of Prince Nawaf bin Saad varied between great Al-Hilal joy and sadness for the fans and media of the temporarily allied teams, which may turn against each other at any time, as happened before!
• Those who expressed their anger and sadness at the return of the former golden Al-Hilal president were afraid of the continued dominance of the global leader over titles and feared even more for their understanding of his strength and his unwillingness to allow anyone to overstep, as images of apologies are still preserved and have been re-uploaded and circulated again, including how the returning president humiliated those who offended and overstepped!

1. Title: Player Selection in the Transfer Market Author: Ali Taher Al-Saqr At the end of every sports season, global clubs used to analyze their method of work, and evaluate the players’ condition, whether positive or negative, based on the results achieved by the team. The technical and physical level is considered a supporting factor for starting the new season on solid and sound foundations. As soon as the 2024-2025 football season concluded in our beloved Kingdom, our local clubs began to rush and accelerate their efforts to achieve the largest share of football deals among players without careful consideration in the selection process and on what basis those deals were made. Most clubs entered the transfer market quickly to win over many distinguished players before other clubs could get them.
2. Title: Al-Ittihad: From Podium to Crisis of Divisions! Author: Abdul Karim bin Diham Al-Daham The gathering quickly dispersed after the storm subsided and the heated election battle between Sindi and Al-Haili, and their supporters, on digital platforms and newspaper columns, until the voice of reason and wisdom arrived, albeit a little late, as it was possible to rectify matters and reach an agreement before the differences escalated and the divisions widened. With the voices momentarily calming, the echoes of this division will still linger and reappear in the next season, and those effects will remain dormant, emerging whenever discussions heat up about the club’s future or decisive decisions are made about it. Despite Al-Ittihad ending the season as champions of the league and cup, what happened recently reveals a great paradox: a successful team on the field, but divided off it!
3. Title: We are all with Al-Akhdar Authors: Amjad Mustafa Amin, Hammoud Falah Al-Subaie The Saudi national football team is considered one of the most successful Asian national teams in reaching the World Cup, which has earned it great experience, as it has reached the World Cup six times in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. The draw for the Asian qualifiers playoff for the 2026 World Cup resulted in the Saudi national team being placed in Group B alongside Indonesia and Iraq, while Group A included Qatar, UAE, and Oman. These six national teams will compete for two direct qualification spots for the World Cup, along with the six teams that have already directly qualified in the previous round of qualifiers.
4. Title: The League is Strong and Teams are Not to be Underestimated Author: Ali Taher Al-Saqr In the recent period, Roshn League teams in the Kingdom have been preparing for the new football season. These preparations, whether positive or negative in their results, refer to the results of friendly matches played by the teams during training camps. This is a clear indication of the success of the camps regardless of the results, but the results will become clearer in the league, which will confirm the team’s presence in the local league with excellent performance or that it will be modest and weak. The team’s strength or weakness will appear greatly in our league, so every team must appear in our league as required, and to be ready for confrontations, it must have a strong team in the camp that heralds the arrival of a strong team in the league.
5. Title: Normalizing Triviality! Author: Adel Al-Harbi What defines our daily behavior and redefines our taste? What we consider abnormal becomes normal, and what we see as strange becomes ordinary. The theory of ‘Cultural Exposure’ has indicated that repeated exposure to certain content makes the mind deal with it as reality, not just representation. Thus, deviant behavior becomes familiar, triviality and degradation become a source of laughter or sympathy, simply because repetition has imposed them on your consciousness as a normal thing. If you follow something trivial, little by little you will be colored by its triviality.

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

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