Al Riyadh Newspaper: August 11, 2025: Economic Resilience Amidst Global Challenges

These sources comprise a collection of articles from “20843.pdf,” a Saudi Arabian publication dated August 11, 2025. The articles cover a diverse range of topics, including economic developments like the real estate market slowdown and industrial production growth, the financial implications of the Israeli government’s plan to occupy Gaza, and cultural events such as the King Salman Complex’s initiatives to support Arabic language innovation and a dates festival. Additionally, the compilation features news on sports, a detailed piece on artificial intelligence and its ethical considerations, and a focus on social issues like homelessness in the US and Europe, along with discussions on national identity and the role of entertainment in Saudi Arabia.

Podcast

Saudi Arabia Real Estate: Transformation and 2025 Outlook

The real estate market in Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a significant transformation, a direct result of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to reshape the sector with clear objectives, influencing various aspects from consumer behavior to market dynamics.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the real estate market:

• Market Transformation and Consumer Behavior
• The Kingdom is actively developing a new framework for its real estate sector.
• This transformation has led to a decline in demand for real estate loans, prompting some banks to re-evaluate their financing strategies.
• There is a noticeable shift in citizens’ attitudes towards property ownership, influenced by the state’s strategic development and urban expansion plans.
• Marketing Strategies
• In response to a slowdown in marketing, some real estate companies have started waiving commission fees for sales.
• Buyers consider this a promotional tool, allowing them to complete purchases without additional commission costs, which sometimes inflate property values.
• This strategy is expected to revitalize the real estate market and boost interest in new projects amidst increasing competition.
• Price Trends and Growth Rates (Q2 2025)
• The general real estate price index in Saudi Arabia showed a slowdown in its growth rate during the second quarter of 2025.
• The annual change rate was 3.2%, a decrease from 4.3% in the first quarter of the same year.
• Sector-Specific Performance:
• Residential Sector: This sector, which holds the largest weight in the price index, saw its annual change rate drop significantly from 5.1% in Q1 to just 0.4% in Q2. Within this sector, residential land prices increased by 3.2%, villa prices by 0.2%, floor prices by 1.5%, while apartment prices decreased by 0.7%.
• Commercial Sector: This sector continued to experience increases in its annual change rates. The annual change rate rose to 11.7% in Q2, up from 2.5% in Q1, primarily driven by a 12.7% increase in commercial land prices. Building prices increased by 2.7%, and exhibition prices by 4.1%.
• Agricultural Sector: Prices in this sector increased by 1.7% in Q2, with agricultural land prices rising by the same percentage.
• Regional Price Changes (Annual Change Rate)
• The overall average annual change rate for real estate prices across the Kingdom was 3.2%.
• Eastern Province recorded a 4.2% increase.
• Makkah region saw a 3.9% increase.
• Riyadh region experienced a 3.6% increase, notable after its Q1 2025 rate of 10.7%.
• Tabuk, Hail, and Qassim regions recorded annual increases of 4.7%, 2.9%, and 1.1% respectively.
• Conversely, Asir, Madinah, and Jazan regions registered annual decline rates of 3.9%, 3.2%, and 2.8% respectively.
• Future Outlook
• Economic expert Fahad Al-Sharif anticipates a balance in real estate prices and a growth in villa construction in the near future, supported by a new, encouraging regulatory environment.
• The implementation of the “white lands system” is designed to curb monopolistic practices and has already increased the supply of land available for development.
• The market is expected to attract more demand as a result of these initiatives, leading to increased sales volumes and overall market growth.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision, Global Conflicts, and Economic Shifts

The international relations landscape, as reflected in the sources, is characterized by ongoing conflicts, shifting economic dynamics, and the proactive diplomatic and strategic initiatives of nations like Saudi Arabia, driven by ambitious national visions.

Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Global Role and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is depicted as a nation undergoing a significant transformation through its Vision 2030, which aims to reshape various sectors and enhance its global standing. The Kingdom is positioning itself as a pivotal player in international relations, capable of bridging divides between the industrial North and the developing South. Its unique geographical and diplomatic position allows it to translate global concerns into actionable plans.

A key aspect of this transformation is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Kingdom, alongside the UAE, is ranked among the top 20 countries globally for AI talent density, surpassing nations like Italy and Russia. Saudi Arabia aims to attract $20 billion in AI investments and create 200,000 high-tech jobs by 2030, with the goal of becoming one of the top 10 countries worldwide in AI research and applications. This ambition is supported by the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) $1.5 billion investment fund dedicated to AI growth. Projects like NEOM exemplify this, with AI infrastructure accounting for over 30% of its $500 billion budget, setting a new standard for smart city development. To attract leading AI minds, Saudi Arabia offers the highest job offers for AI talent globally, including tax-exempt annual salaries averaging $420,000 for prominent scientists and signing bonuses up to $5 million for AI leaders in NEOM. Cultural restrictions have also been relaxed in areas like NEOM to foster an environment conducive to international experts.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s participation in international forums like the G20 summit in Johannesburg highlights its rapid ascent in international economic indicators and its growing influence as a mediator in regional and international issues. Its strategic relationships with both China and the United States enable it to serve as a neutral political environment for global technology companies and talents.

Major Global Conflicts and Diplomatic Efforts

The sources highlight several critical global conflicts:

• Gaza/Israel Conflict: The situation in Gaza is portrayed as a dire humanitarian catastrophe, with over 30 Palestinians, including starving individuals, killed in recent massacres by the Israeli army. There is escalating international rejection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announced intention to occupy Gaza City and forcibly displace its residents to camps. The sources indicate that the United States and other mediators are pressuring both Hamas and Israel to return to the negotiation table. Israeli finance ministry officials have warned that a full occupation of Gaza could cost 120 to 180 billion shekels annually, potentially increasing the deficit to 7% this year and leading to further credit rating downgrades for Israel. The decision to occupy Gaza is expected to inflict significant economic damage on Israelis and businesses. The sources draw a parallel between the current situation in Gaza and the Holocaust in Warsaw during WWII, emphasizing the widespread starvation, destruction, and systematic ethnic cleansing. Israeli actions, such as building a colonial road on Palestinian land in Hizma and instigating against a girls’ school, are seen as attempts to change the demographic and geographical reality and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Israeli plan involves a two-stage process: evacuating approximately one million Palestinians from Gaza City to relief centers in the south, followed by a full military invasion lasting up to five months. This plan is criticized for endangering civilian lives, violating international humanitarian values, and potentially increasing Israel’s international isolation.
• Ukraine/Russia Conflict: European officials have presented peace proposals for Ukraine to the United States ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin are close to a deal that could resolve the ongoing conflict, possibly involving an exchange of territories, where Ukraine might cede large parts of its land. However, European negotiators maintain that “no process can start with ceding territories in the midst of fighting”. Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to cede any territory and asserted that any peace decision made without Ukraine’s involvement is against peace and will achieve nothing. Despite some US officials indicating progress towards ending the war, European leaders insist that the path to peace “cannot be decided without Ukraine,” stressing that international borders should not be changed by force.
• Iraq/Armed Factions: The Iraqi government has announced its intention to refer to justice those involved in recent deadly clashes in Baghdad’s outskirts, attributed to “Kata’ib Hezbollah”. The government accused the former director of the Agricultural Department of coordinating with these armed elements and engaging in corruption. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called on Iraqi tribes to support the rule of law and emphasized that there is no justification for the presence of weapons outside state institutions. Sudani also affirmed the Iraqi government’s commitment to ending the presence of the international coalition against ISIS once it is no longer needed, and its desire to maintain strong international relations.

Global Economic and Trade Dynamics

The global economic landscape is also experiencing shifts:

• Oil Market Fluctuations: Oil prices received temporary support following US President Trump’s announcements of increased restrictions on the Russian oil industry and significant tariffs on India. These tariffs, particularly the 100% tariffs threatened on Russian crude oil buyers like India, aim to reduce Russian oil revenues. Despite these threats, India continues to import Russian oil, citing national interests. Analysts, however, doubt that these measures will substantially reduce the flow of Russian oil to global markets. The US has also imposed new tariffs on Indian goods, and Trump has threatened similar tariffs on Chinese imports of Russian oil. These tariff actions are seen as likely to harm the global economy, affecting oil demand and potentially fueling inflation.
• Global Rice Market: Global rice prices have fallen by 5% to their lowest level since 2017, attributed to record harvests and India lifting its export ban. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s global rice price index has decreased by 13% this year, a stark reversal from the price surges seen early last year.
• International Trade Tensions: Beyond oil, the trade relationship between the US and China shows signs of tension, with Trump hinting at 100% tariffs on semiconductors from China, although exceptions might be made for US-manufactured components.

In summary, international relations are currently marked by multifaceted challenges, including ongoing conflicts with significant humanitarian consequences, and dynamic economic policies heavily influenced by major global powers. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030, is actively seeking to expand its influence and redefine its role on the world stage, particularly in emerging sectors like AI, and through various cultural and entertainment initiatives that aim to enhance its soft power and global image.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Cultural Transformation Initiatives

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a wide range of cultural initiatives as a key component of its Vision 2030, aiming to enhance its global standing, diversify its economy, and enrich the lives of its citizens. These initiatives span arts, heritage, entertainment, technology, and urban development, reflecting a comprehensive approach to cultural transformation.

Here are some of the key cultural initiatives highlighted in the provided sources:

• Promoting the Arabic Language and Innovation:
• The King Salman Global Complex for the Arabic Language has launched the “Arabic Language Innovations Accelerator” program. This initiative aims to empower startups and entrepreneurs in language technologies, transforming creative ideas into scalable projects.
• It is described as the first specialized program to support Arabic language innovation, striving to build a generation of inspiring youth and leaders in linguistic innovation.
• The program supports the development of technical solutions for the Arabic language through practical training, advisory support, and connecting projects with investors and experts. For example, companies like Souq, Arabius, Abjadpulse, Lincol, and Asma’ Biyadi have developed digital educational and technological solutions for the Arabic language. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for linguistic innovation and empowering digital Arabic content.
• Preserving and Documenting Cultural Heritage:
• The “Worth” (Wurth) Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, in collaboration with the Culture Memory Center (part of the Ministry of Culture), has concluded a program for rehabilitating local cadres in documenting cultural heritage digitally.
• This initiative aims to develop national competencies, strengthen the professional pathway for heritage, and support national identity, aligning with the “Year of Handcrafts 2025”. The program covered theoretical and practical content over 15 days, enabling participants to acquire essential skills in documenting cultural heritage and managing cultural projects using modern methods.
• Showcasing Heritage in Modern Contexts:
• The Heritage Commission is actively participating in the Electronic Sports World Cup held in “Boulevard City” in Riyadh.
• This participation involves offering diverse interactive experiences that highlight Saudi cultural heritage in a contemporary style, targeting youth and technology enthusiasts.
• The Heritage Commission’s area combines live events with digital experiences, including workshops by craftsmen from various regions of the Kingdom showcasing traditional crafts like Sadu weaving, palm handicrafts, pottery, and ceramics.
• It also features a corner for traditional popular games and an immersive “Secrets of Al-Faw” experience, a mental adventure inspired by the history of Al-Faw ancient village, designed to educate visitors engagingly. This initiative aims to showcase Saudi heritage in new and renewed ways, integrating it into creative and technical spaces, and aligning with Vision 2030’s objective to expand interaction with national cultural components.
• Transforming Entertainment and Tourism:
• Riyadh Season is described as a “cultural turning point” in the Kingdom, led by Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh. It aims to reshape the map of entertainment production locally and provide Saudi talents with greater global exposure.
• The initiative focuses on supporting Gulf musicians and Saudi and Syrian plays, aiming to localize cultural production and transform it into an exportable product based on “talent and identity”.
• The season is seen as redefining entertainment as a component of Saudi soft power and a driver for cultural, social, and economic development. It attracted over 19 million visitors in its previous edition, focusing not just on numbers but on the quality of cultural impact and the export of the Saudi experience.
• Hada Al-Taif in Taif Governorate is highlighted as a major tourist attraction due to its unique geographical location, natural beauty, mountains, temperate climate, and historical significance. It is known for its Taif roses, fruits, and ancient farms, aiming to stimulate economic growth through tourism and provide a comprehensive tourism experience.
• Jabal Al-Aswad (Black Mountain) in Jazan is presented as an icon for environmental tourism and relaxation, offering a spiritual and human experience to visitors. Its unique features include a cool climate year-round, dense forests, traditional stone villages, and rich biodiversity. It’s envisioned as a strategic environmental tourism project aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for mountain and ecological tourism.
• AlUla’s “Manara AlUla” team organizes astronomical events for observing meteor showers and other celestial phenomena in its designated “dark sky” areas. This promotes cultural tourism related to astronomy and nature.
• Leveraging Technology for Cultural and Religious Initiatives:
• The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa, and Guidance has developed an electronic judging system for the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition. This system introduces technological enhancements to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of the competition.
• The competition has also introduced interactive robots in its venues to provide information and assistance to participants and visitors. These robots are equipped with touch screens and support 96 international languages, enhancing the visitor experience.
• While primarily an AI investment, NEOM’s infrastructure allocates over 30% of its budget to AI, demonstrating a futuristic approach to city development. The relaxation of cultural restrictions in areas like NEOM is also a key cultural initiative aimed at attracting and accommodating top global AI talent, fostering an environment that blends their lifestyles with Saudi culture.
• Promoting Saudi Arts and Global Presence:
• The artist Fahd Al-Bariq has represented the Kingdom in numerous international exhibitions, including in Sweden, Denmark, France, England, Italy, Tunisia, and Morocco. His work, which draws inspiration from his Saudi environment, ancient tools, and historical sites like Diriyah, has even been acquired by the White House, making him the first Saudi artist to have a painting there. This highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to project its cultural identity and soft power on the global stage.
• The Electronic Sports World Cup is also a significant event where Saudi teams, like Twisted Minds, have achieved global victories. This showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to modern entertainment and its ability to host and excel in global events.

These diverse initiatives collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision to develop its cultural and entertainment sectors, attract global talent and tourism, and enhance its international image, all within the overarching framework of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s AI and Technology Revolution Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the fields of Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030, aiming to position itself as a global leader in innovation and diversify its economy.

Here’s a comprehensive discussion of key initiatives and impacts:

• Strategic Vision and Investment:
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE are ranked among the top 20 countries globally in AI talent density, surpassing nations like Italy and Russia, holding 0.4% and 0.7% of global AI talent respectively.
• The Kingdom aims to attract $20 billion in AI investments and create 200,000 high-tech jobs by 2030, with the goal of becoming one of the top 10 countries in AI research and applications.
• The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) was established to lead the national AI strategy, facilitating rapid approval processes for major AI projects, with decisions often made within 30 days.
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched a $1.5 billion investment fund to support AI growth.
• AI in Mega-Projects and Talent Attraction:
• In NEOM, AI infrastructure accounts for over 30% of its $500 billion budget, setting a new standard for smart city development.
• The Kingdom offers the highest AI job offers globally, with prominent scientists earning an average tax-free annual salary of $420,000. NEOM also provides signing bonuses up to $5 million for AI leaders.
• To attract top AI talent, Saudi Arabia has eased cultural restrictions, particularly in areas like NEOM, allowing foreign experts to live and work in conditions that blend their lifestyles with the Kingdom’s cultural fabric. This is exemplified by “The Line” city in NEOM, which will be the first city globally controlled entirely by AI, managing services like transport and energy.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is among the top 150 global universities for training and graduating AI talent, making it the highest-ranked in the Middle East in this category.
• Technological Advancement Across Sectors:
• Arabic Language Innovation: The King Salman Global Complex for the Arabic Language launched the “Arabic Language Innovations Accelerator” program. This is the first specialized program to support Arabic language innovation, empowering startups and entrepreneurs in language technologies to transform creative ideas into scalable projects. Examples include companies like Souq, Arabius, Abjadpulse, Lincol, and Asma’ Biyadi developing digital educational and technological solutions for the Arabic language.
• Cultural Heritage and Digital Transformation: The Wurth Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, in collaboration with the Culture Memory Center, has trained local cadres in digital documentation of cultural heritage, enhancing national competencies and supporting national identity. The Heritage Commission is using technology to showcase Saudi cultural heritage in modern contexts at events like the Electronic Sports World Cup in Riyadh, combining live traditional craft workshops with digital, interactive experiences such as the “Secrets of Al-Faw” mental adventure.
• Religious and Public Services: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa, and Guidance has developed an electronic judging system for the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition, improving efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. The competition also features interactive robots equipped with touch screens supporting 96 languages to provide information and assistance to visitors.
• Urban Development: The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has implemented the “Riyadh Parking” project, using digital permits and automated monitoring systems with AI-powered cameras to manage parking in residential and commercial areas, aiming to reduce congestion and unauthorized parking.
• Healthcare and Research: A recent Danish study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, highlighted the use of AI techniques to detect “metabolic footprints” in adolescent blood samples, serving as early biomarkers for future heart disease risk linked to excessive screen time.
• Voluntary Carbon Credit Market: An initiative by the Receive Investment Foundation in cooperation with Aramco and Arthur D. Little, explored four main ways AI can contribute to enhancing the voluntary carbon credit market: improving the accuracy of carbon emission measurement, enhancing transparency through real-time monitoring, ensuring integrity by detecting misleading practices, and providing accurate price forecasts.
• Financial Transactions: Saudi Arabia has seen a rapid increase in electronic payment transactions via POS devices, reflecting a growing reliance on digital payments. The “Mada” network processed a significant volume of operations, with electronic payments constituting over 79% of total individual sector transactions in 2024, exceeding national transformation program targets.
• Education and Standards: Saudi students from the “Mawhiba” program participated in the International Olympiad for Standards (ISO 2025) in South Korea, demonstrating efforts to promote awareness of standards and quality concepts among youth and encourage new ideas in technology.
• Sports and Entertainment: The Kingdom hosted the Electronic Sports World Cup (NGSC2025), where Saudi teams like Twisted Minds achieved global victories, showcasing the nation’s commitment to modern entertainment and its capabilities in global tech-driven events.
• Philosophical and Ethical Considerations of AI:
• The sources highlight a philosophical debate around AI’s role, questioning whether trust should be placed in fallible humans or flawless, but emotionless, machines.
• AI applications in healthcare and mental health have shown positive impacts, such as reducing feelings of isolation among the elderly and improving accuracy in medical diagnoses and psychological treatment.
• However, concerns exist about over-reliance on AI potentially dulling human skills and fostering “lazy minds” that outsource critical thinking to algorithms. The discussion extends to whether AI can embody human values like compassion and kindness.

These initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive and ambitious approach to integrating technology and AI across its society and economy, aligning with its broader Vision 2030 goals for transformation and global leadership.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: AI and Public Service Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively transforming its public services, integrating advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and overall quality of life for its citizens and residents, as a key component of Vision 2030.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of key initiatives in public services:

• Digital Transformation and AI Integration:
• Strategic AI Leadership: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) spearheads the national AI strategy, significantly streamlining approval processes for major AI projects, with decisions often rendered within a swift 30-day timeframe.
• Smart City Development: In NEOM, the planned city of “The Line” is set to be the first city globally controlled entirely by AI, managing critical services like transport and energy. Over 30% of NEOM’s $500 billion budget is allocated to AI infrastructure, establishing a new benchmark for smart urban planning.
• Enhanced Religious Services: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa, and Guidance has developed an electronic judging system for the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition, ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. The competition also features interactive robots with touch screens supporting 96 languages to assist and inform visitors.
• Smart Urban Mobility: The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing implemented the “Riyadh Parking” project, utilizing digital permits and automated monitoring systems with AI-powered cameras. This initiative aims to manage parking in residential and commercial areas, thereby reducing congestion and unauthorized parking.
• Financial Services Digitization: Saudi Arabia has witnessed a rapid surge in electronic payment transactions via Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, reflecting a growing reliance on digital payments. The “Mada” network processed a substantial volume of operations, with electronic payments accounting for over 79% of total individual sector transactions in 2024, surpassing national transformation program targets.
• AI in Healthcare Research: A recent Danish study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlighted the application of AI techniques to detect “metabolic footprints” in adolescent blood samples, which serve as early biomarkers for future heart disease risk associated with excessive screen time.
• Social and Citizen Support Services:
• Mobile Civil Affairs Units: These units provide essential civil registry services, such as issuing and renewing national identity cards, to both men and women across 18 different locations throughout the Kingdom, including remote areas. This initiative, part of “We Come to You” and “Majideen” programs, significantly reduces the time and effort required from citizens.
• Citizen Account Program: This program deposited three billion riyals for August beneficiaries, reaching over 9.7 million beneficiaries. Approximately 72% of beneficiaries received support, with the average family receiving 1475 riyals. The program has benefited over 2 million household heads and 7.4 million dependents.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has shown strong support for beneficiaries from the “Ikhaa” (orphan care) foundation. Their participation in international scout meetings reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing leadership values and community integration among its youth.
• Funeral Services: The “Tahjeez” (Funeral Care Society) in Buraidah has launched a project offering free external transport of deceased individuals to and from the city, aiming to alleviate the burden on grieving families. In just three months, the service facilitated 46 funerals, covering approximately 12,900 kilometers.
• Healthcare and Quality of Life Initiatives:
• Breastfeeding Promotion: The Ministry of Health conducts comprehensive awareness campaigns for breastfeeding, targeting pregnant women, their families (husbands, grandmothers), doctors, and nurses. These efforts aim to improve maternal health (reducing risks of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression, and promoting faster uterine recovery) and child health (reducing obesity, diabetes, ear infections, respiratory and digestive issues, while boosting immunity and cognitive development).
• High-Quality Emergency Services: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Jazan achieved the top rank in beneficiary experience indicators among all Red Crescent branches nationwide. This reflects the high quality of emergency services provided, with three centers scoring above 98% in performance.
• Urban Green Spaces: The Medina Development Authority is making significant progress on Sunset Park, which is 59.5% complete and spans over 1 million square meters. This project aims to enhance the quality of life by increasing green spaces and providing comprehensive recreational facilities, including investment areas, pedestrian and cycling paths, and children’s play zones.
• Cultural and Educational Advancement:
• Arabic Language Innovation: The King Salman Global Complex for the Arabic Language launched the “Arabic Language Innovations Accelerator” program. This is the first specialized program supporting Arabic language innovation, designed to empower startups and entrepreneurs in language technologies to convert creative ideas into scalable projects.
• Cultural Heritage Documentation: The Wurth Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, in collaboration with the Culture Memory Center, has trained local cadres in digital documentation of cultural heritage, enhancing national competencies and supporting national identity.
• Technology in Heritage Promotion: The Heritage Commission leverages technology to present Saudi cultural heritage at modern events, such as the Electronic Sports World Cup in Riyadh. This includes interactive experiences like “Secrets of Al-Faw,” a mental adventure game, alongside traditional craft workshops.
• Youth Engagement in Standards: Saudi students from the “Mawhiba” program participated in the International Olympiad for Standards (ISO 2025) in South Korea. This initiative promotes awareness of standards and quality concepts among youth and encourages new ideas in technology.
• Technical and Vocational Education: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Riyadh region supports technical and vocational training, with 44 educational facilities, including technical colleges for boys and girls, and industrial secondary institutes.
• Astronomy Tourism: “Manarat AlUla” (AlUla Lighthouse) organizes astronomical events, such as observing the Perseid meteor shower, in AlUla, designated as a “Dark Sky” area. This initiative promotes astronomical awareness and tourism, offering unique viewing experiences.
• Public Oversight and Safety:
• Judicial Oversight: The Public Prosecution asserts its core responsibility for oversight and inspection of prisons and detention centers and any facility where judicial sentences are carried out. This ensures legal compliance, protects the rights of detainees, and mandates release for those held without lawful cause.
• Maritime Safety: The General Directorate of Border Guards in the Mecca region successfully rescued two residents whose marine vessel broke down at sea, emphasizing adherence to maritime safety guidelines and immediate contact in emergencies.

These broad-ranging initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernizing its public services through strategic investment in technology, AI, human capital, and infrastructure, all geared towards achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Vision and Cultural Renaissance

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

Column Title: A Word The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been classified among the top 20 countries globally in terms of artificial intelligence talent density, surpassing countries like Italy and Russia, according to the Global Artificial Intelligence Competitiveness Index. The UAE and Saudi Arabia respectively possess 0.7% and 0.4% of the total global artificial intelligence talent, reflecting their emergence as major forces in innovation and development in the field of artificial intelligence. Within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the national economic blueprint, the Kingdom aims to attract investments worth $20 billion and create 200,000 high-tech jobs, with the goal of becoming one of the top 10 countries globally in artificial intelligence research and applications by 2030. The Kingdom has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to lead the national artificial intelligence strategy.

Column Title: Real Estate Market.. Selling Without Effort The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working on a new map for the real estate sector, and this transformation comes as a result of a clear vision within the objectives of “Vision 2030.” Economists state that with the decline in demand for loans, some banks may be forced to re-evaluate their financing strategies because there is a shift in citizens’ behavior towards real estate ownership, driven by strategic factors related to urban development and expansion led by the state. This slowdown also reflected on marketing, where some companies resorted to waiving the commission for effort and selling without effort, especially since this step could contribute to stimulating the real estate market and increasing demand for real estate projects.

Column Title: Voice of Moderation The Public Prosecution affirmed its primary responsibilities in overseeing and inspecting prisons, detention centers, and any facilities where judicial sentences are carried out. This is part of its oversight role to ensure the implementation of regulations and the protection of the rights of inmates and detainees.

Column Title: The Article In a scene reflecting the dynamism of the Saudi economy and the sustainability of its momentum, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) showed in its weekly report issued for the week ending August 2, 2025, that the value of electronic point-of-sale transactions reached 15.6 billion riyals (approximately $4.16 billion), achieving a weekly increase of 31.5% compared to the previous week. The bank clarified that the number of operations executed through point-of-sale devices increased to 244.03 million operations, with an increase of 18.2%, which reflects a simultaneous growth in spending volume and the number of transactions.

Column Title: An Economy that Strengthens and Prospers The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working on a new map for the real estate sector, and this transformation is a result of a clear vision within the objectives of “Vision 2030.” Economists state that with the decline in demand for loans, some banks may be forced to re-evaluate their financing strategies because there is a shift in citizens’ behavior towards real estate ownership, driven by strategic factors related to urban development and expansion led by the state. This slowdown also reflected on marketing, where some companies resorted to waiving the commission for effort and selling without effort, especially since this step could contribute to stimulating the real estate market and increasing demand for real estate projects.

Column Title: America and the Fight Against Poverty The executive order signed by the American president late last month, urging cities and states to remove homeless encampments and transfer them to treatment centers, is considered a step towards solving a stubborn problem that has long marred the image of the United States in the eyes of the world. According to statistics from the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, the number of homeless people in the United States on one night in 2024 reached approximately 771,480 individuals, an 18% increase from the previous year (2023), reaching its highest level in the country’s history.

Column Title: The Article Last month, the American president signed an executive order urging cities and states to remove homeless encampments and transfer them to treatment centers, which is considered a step to solve a persistent problem that has long tarnished the image of the United States in the eyes of the world. According to statistics from the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, the number of homeless people in the United States on one night in 2024 reached approximately 771,480 individuals, an 18% increase from the previous year (2023), reaching its highest level in the country’s history.

Column Title: The Pianist and the Gaza Holocaust There are scenes that remain etched in human memory because they reveal the cruelty of history and expose the fragility of the human conscience. The film “The Pianist” presented in silence a Polish-Jewish pianist who found himself alone during World War II, wandering through the ruined streets of Warsaw, picking up scraps of bread from garbage piles, searching in alleys, shivering from cold and trembling from hunger and fear, in scenes that brought tears to millions of eyes. Far from the memory of cinema, today in Gaza, millions, not just pianists, are emptying their full sorrow, and there is no actor playing a role, but rather life is being assassinated from their stomachs due to hunger and their streets due to bombing, and the recurring scenes: women digging in the rubble of mills searching for flour, children sharing a meal that is not enough for one of them, and old people drinking polluted water to deceive screaming intestines begging for sustenance.

Column Title: Between Siege and Image.. Gaza Awaits the Camera! Gaza is experiencing a suffocating media blockade that is no less severe than the military siege in the past weeks. More than 100 international and independent journalists and photographers have signed a petition demanding immediate access to the Gaza Strip, not for a journalistic scoop, but for humanity’s right to see and know. This demand is not a professional luxury, but an extension of the journalistic principle: the right to convey the truth from the heart of the field is part of the peoples’ right to knowledge.

Column Title: Lavender Under this title, we will review some poetry collections by poets or those interested in popular poetry, which were compiled in the past, and which the poets themselves or their descendants supervised and compiled, by presenting samples of poems from the first generation of popular poets. In this issue, we will review the diwan of the great poet Muhammad Abdullah Al-Qadi, which was compiled by his grandson Abdullah Al-Hamati, and which was published in Kuwait in 1984 (1404 AH) by Al-Salasil Publishing House, with an introduction written by his grandson Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamad bin Muhammad Al-Qadi. In it, it states: “He is Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman bin Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Muhammad bin Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Munif bin Bassam bin Munif bin Asaker bin Bassam bin Uqbah bin Ra’is bin Zakher bin Muhammad bin Alawi bin Wahib bin Qasim bin Musa bin Uqbah bin Sini’ bin Nahshal bin Shaddad bin Zuhair bin Shihab bin Rabi’ah bin Abi Aswad bin Malik bin Hanzala bin Malik bin Zaid Manat bin Tamim bin Murr bin Ad bin Tabakhah bin Elias bin Musar bin Nizar bin Ma’ad bin Adnan”.

Column Title: A Poet’s Publication The verbal skirmishes are considered a truthful expression of the poet’s sentiments, where his feelings overflow with affection and appreciation, and the vastness of imagination. This is through the interactions and responses among poets, where they choose what is beloved and desirable, and this art is characterized by intellectual and poetic harmony among them. Among these are the poems of the falconry and hunting poets, and what took place between the two poets, Faisal bin Sulaiman Al-Jurays and Muhammad bin Khalid Al-Atishan, in a falconry hunt. The poet Faisal Al-Atishan says: “When Suhail drew near, we rejoiced first, but today, Suhail’s arrival has become ordinary for those who love hunting.

Column Title: The Falcon in the Sky, Its View is Different The falcon in the sky, its view is different. In its view, oh, how beautiful is the spread of its wing. And what the flying machine captures from it proves its success to us. It lands on the runway just as the bird lands, and it needs less time for takeoff and landing.

Column Title: The Super.. Public Glow and Legal Dimming At a time when the eyes of Saudi football fans are turning towards the anticipated edition of the Saudi Super Cup, the legal and administrative debate returns to the forefront. After the legal debate sparked by the Al-Nassr and Al-Wehda case, which has become a recurring part of the football scene even seasonally, the Al-Hilal club’s apology for participating in the Super Cup came to bring back to the surface the issue of conflicting regulations and varying interpretations, which is even more problematic.

Column Title: Reasons for Fanaticism If the poor lived with the rich in the same environment, there would be no problem. However, if the rich acted superior to the poor, then there would be a reaction from the poor towards the rich. This reaction would be negative and unnatural, not out of envy or hatred, but out of necessity.

Column Title: The Golden President Every president who comes to Al-Hilal finds an environment that helps him continue the journey and keep the club at the top, due to the high professionalism that distinguishes this great club from others. The Golden President, Nawaf bin Fahd, left the presidency of Al-Hilal after achieving championships that were difficult to achieve before his arrival.

Column Title: Najran Industrial City on the Table of Juluwi bin Abdulaziz Prince Juluwi bin Abdulaziz bin Musa’ed, Governor of Najran region, received yesterday in his office in Najran a report on the industrial city in Najran, presented by the Director of the Industrial City in the region, Eng. Ali bin Hassan Al-Bagirah. His Highness reviewed the contents of the industrial city, which is located about 45 kilometers northeast of Najran city, and extends over a total area of 6.5 million square meters, of which more than 3.6 million square meters have been fully developed.

Column Title: The Consulting Turk Al-Sheikh.. Trust that Made a Difference In a cultural turning point of great significance, the General Entertainment Authority, led by His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, announced that the upcoming edition of Riyadh Season will witness a broad Saudi and Gulf presence on the stages of musical concerts and plays. This is a strategic direction that aims to reshape the map of entertainment production locally and give Saudi talents a greater window to global reach. What Al-Sheikh announced about supporting Gulf musicians and focusing on Saudi and Syrian plays represents a link in a chain of escalating developments that Saudi Arabia is witnessing in localizing cultural production and transforming it into an exportable product, and an industry based on “talent and identity” rather than relying on temporary import of stars.

Column Title: Riyadh Season.. Saudi Talents Lead Soft Power What the Kingdom is witnessing in terms of cultural openness was not born out of the moment, but was preceded by Saudi talents who honed themselves and participated in international opera houses, and merged with European and Arab music groups. Today, the moment of truth has come for these talents to return to the stages of their homeland and lead the Saudi music orchestra in its most mature and integrated season. This direction not only reflects support for talents but is also an extension of a larger vision that seeks to redefine entertainment as part of Saudi soft power and a lever for cultural, social, and economic development.

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!