Al Riyadh Newspaper: August 13, 2025: Kingdom in Flux: Economy, Culture, and Society

This Saudi Arabian newspaper, published on August 13, 2025, covers a wide array of topics from domestic affairs to international events. It features articles on Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and its investment in youth as a future asset, alongside discussions about cultural initiatives like the Royal Arts Complex in Riyadh and the Buraydah Dates Carnival’s impact on youth employment. The publication also addresses economic concerns such as rising food prices, particularly for staple items like mandi, despite global price drops, and provides updates on global oil markets and the latest in esports, including the esports cup held in Jeddah. International news includes Israeli actions in Gaza and violations against journalists, as well as Australia and New Zealand’s recognition of a Palestinian state, highlighting a diverse and comprehensive news agenda.

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Saudi Council Decisions: Global Stances and National Progress

The Saudi Council, specifically the Council of Ministers, holds regular sessions chaired by the Crown Prince to discuss and make decisions on a wide range of national and international issues. The sources highlight several key decisions and stances taken by the Council:

I. International Affairs and Foreign Policy

The Council of Ministers has demonstrated a strong and clear stance on various international developments:

• PalestineThe Council condemned the Israeli occupation’s decision to occupy the Gaza Strip and its persistent commission of starvation crimes.
• It also denounced the brutal practices and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.
• The Council emphasized that the continued inability of the international community and the UN Security Council to halt these aggressions and violations undermines the foundations of the international system and international legitimacy, posing a risk of severe consequences, encouraging genocide, and forced displacement.
• The Council reiterated its support for a two-state solution, affirming the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• It welcomed the international consensus supporting this path and praised the efforts of various nations, including Australia and New Zealand, for announcing their intention to recognize the Palestinian state.
• The Council stressed the urgent need for the international community to take decisive and deterrent actions to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and enable the implementation of the two-state solution.
• This stance aligns with the broader position articulated by the ministerial committee of the Arab-Islamic Summit, which also condemned Israel’s announced intention to impose full military control over Gaza.
• UkraineThe Council reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis and achieving peace, and facilitating dialogue.
• Armenia and AzerbaijanThe Council welcomed the announcement of a peace agreement between the Republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing hope for a new phase of understanding and cooperation that strengthens security and stability between the two countries.
• International ChallengesThe Council underscored the importance of activating international efforts to confront regional and global challenges and contributing to the stability of the global economy and sustainable development.

II. Domestic Affairs and National Development

The Council of Ministers reviewed and approved initiatives aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s development and efficiency:

• Digital TransformationThe Council praised the tangible progress made by government agencies in the digital experience development index for government services for 2025.
• This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to providing optimal services to citizens, residents, and visitors, facilitating business practices, and improving the Kingdom’s ranking in international indices.
• The Kingdom has achieved advanced positions globally and ranked first regionally in digital transformation indicators. This digital momentum contributes to enhancing performance efficiency, improving quality of life, boosting competitiveness, and activating community participation towards a comprehensive digital government.
• Strategic Partnerships and AgreementsThe Council approved numerous memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements across various sectors:
• A strategic partnership between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
• An MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for environmental protection.
• An MoU for cooperation in social development between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
• An MoU for cooperation in the logistics services sector between the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services and Singapore’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.
• An MoU for developing trade relations between the Saudi General Authority for Foreign Trade and Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce.
• An agreement on joint customs cooperation between the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and its counterpart in Tajikistan under the Authorized Economic Operator program.
• An MoU between the Saudi Export Development Authority and Tajikistan’s Export Agency concerning the development of non-oil exports.
• An MoU between the Saudi Space Agency and the Korean Space and Aviation Administration for cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.
• Legal and Administrative AdjustmentsThe Council extended for one year a royal decree stipulating that labor disputes must first be submitted to the labor office for amicable settlement before being filed in court.
• It approved amendments to some articles of the Saudi Bar Association’s regulation.
• Development MonitoringThe Council reviewed the progress rates of national strategies and programs and their achievement of development and prosperity goals across public and private sectors.

These decisions underscore the Saudi government’s multifaceted approach to both domestic progress and its active role in regional and international stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation Journey

The Saudi Council, particularly the Council of Ministers, has demonstrated a strong commitment to digital transformation across various sectors, recognizing its crucial role in national development and enhancing the quality of life.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey include:

• Government Commitment and Progress
• The Council of Ministers has consistently praised the tangible progress made by government agencies in the digital experience development index for government services for 2025. This ongoing improvement is seen as a reflection of the government’s dedication to providing optimal services to citizens, residents, and visitors, and to facilitating business practices.
• The Kingdom has achieved advanced positions globally and ranked first regionally in digital transformation indicators. Notably, it was ranked sixth globally in the e-government development index by the United Nations for 2024.
• This digital momentum is aimed at enhancing performance efficiency, improving the quality of life, boosting competitiveness, and activating community participation towards a comprehensive digital government. The progress is described as the “fruit of diligent and continuous work” based on “accelerations and well-governed digital initiatives,” making government services more accessible and easier to use. The Kingdom aspires to be a “global model in digital transformation”.
• Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
• While not explicitly “digital,” many of the approved memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements are geared towards modernizing and streamlining processes in various sectors, which often involves digital solutions. Examples include cooperation in logistics services, joint customs cooperation under the Authorized Economic Operator program, and collaboration in the peaceful use of outer space.
• Digital Skills Development and Innovation
• Beyond government services, digital transformation extends to education and skill-building. King Khalid University, for instance, has organized various programs and technical camps to foster digital skills development and technological innovation among youth and young women.
• These initiatives cover areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), programming, cybersecurity, and application design, aiming to enhance students’ digital competencies and enable them to design and program robots.
• The university also offers a professional e-learning and training certificate supported by the Human Resources Development Fund, emphasizing the goal of equipping individuals with necessary skills for e-learning and training according to global standards.
• Broader Digital Ecosystem
• The widespread adoption of digital tools is also evident in other sectors, contributing to a broader digital ecosystem. For example, sports teams utilize online platforms like “X” (formerly Twitter) for official announcements and engagements, and events often rely on online ticketing platforms.
• The importance of robust digital infrastructure, including internet and communication services, is recognized as a key factor in reflecting a country’s progress and reliability, and service providers are urged to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. The role of official spokespersons now also heavily involves digital communication.

Overall, the Saudi Council’s decisions and initiatives highlight a concerted effort to leverage digital transformation to achieve Vision 2030’s ambitious goals, focusing on improving public services, fostering innovation, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing.

Saudi Youth Empowerment and Vision 2030 Leadership

Saudi Arabia places significant emphasis on youth empowerment, integrating it as a cornerstone of its national development agenda, particularly under Vision 2030. The Kingdom views its youth as a “treasure” and a “bet towards the future,” recognizing their critical role in the nation’s progress.

Key aspects of youth empowerment initiatives include:

• Strategic National Priority and Leadership Development:
• The government is deeply committed to qualifying a generation capable of leading national transformation and building young national cadres to assume leadership positions.
• This is achieved through various programs, projects, and initiatives designed to support youth and provide them with ample opportunities.
• Youth empowerment is a main focus within the national development journey, aiming to stimulate innovation and create diverse opportunities.
• Skill Development and Innovation:
• A strong emphasis is placed on fostering digital skills development and technological innovation among young men and women.
• Programs cover crucial areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), programming, cybersecurity, and application design, aiming to enhance digital competencies and enable participation in cutting-edge fields like robot design and programming.
• Institutions like King Khalid University organize technical camps and offer professional e-learning and training certificates, with support from the Human Resources Development Fund, to ensure skills meet global standards.
• Beyond digital skills, there are efforts to cultivate professional and creative writing skills, as demonstrated by cultural programs held on International Youth Day.
• Economic Participation and Entrepreneurship:
• A core objective is to increase youth participation in the economy.
• The Kingdom acknowledges and supports the growing trend of entrepreneurship and freelancing, driven by digital transformation and e-commerce.
• Initiatives are designed to help young individuals in starting their own businesses and projects.
• The Buraidah Dates Carnival is cited as an example where youth actively manage market operations, including auctions and marketing, fostering an attractive work environment and cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
• There is a recognition of the need for a balanced approach between traditional employment (for acquiring skills and building capital) and pursuing private ventures as a natural progression of ambition.
• Community Engagement and Quality of Life:
• Youth empowerment contributes to improving the quality of life and fostering active community participation.
• Efforts include creating attractive recreational and sports environments to encourage physical activity and social interaction among youth.
• Data-Driven Approach and Monitoring:
• Statistics highlight the demographic significance of youth, with 69.4% of the Saudi population being under 35 years old, and 35.9% aged 15-34.
• The progress of digital transformation in government services, which directly impacts youth, is monitored through dedicated indices.
• To ensure initiatives are aligned with their needs, over 35 workshops have been conducted with more than 11,000 young individuals to gather their aspirations and priorities.
• The launch of the “Youth Development Award” under the slogan “Our Youth are a Treasure” further signifies national efforts to empower youth and highlight their vital role.

In essence, Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach to youth empowerment seeks to equip young people with advanced skills, foster their economic participation, and integrate them into society, ensuring they are prepared to drive the Kingdom’s future development in line with Vision 2030.

Global Economic Challenges and Crises

Economic challenges are evident across various scales and sectors, from global market dynamics to local consumer behavior and individual financial struggles, as well as severe humanitarian crises.

Key aspects of these challenges include:

• Inflation and Consumer Price Increases
• Despite a global decrease in rice prices by 5% since 2017 due to a record harvest and the lifting of India’s export ban, this reduction has not been effectively reflected in the local Saudi market, remaining limited to marketing offers.
• Several experts attribute this to various factors, including the principle of market freedom, which grants importers and traders full liberty in determining product prices.
• There has been a continuous and significant increase in the prices of food and beverages sold by restaurants, whether popular or fast-food establishments. For instance, a Mandi dish can cost over 90 riyals, and a fast-food meal can exceed 40 riyals in many restaurants, despite raw materials reportedly constituting only 15% of these prices.
• Experts like Marwan Bukhari point to consumer behavior and lack of objection to price increases or failure to decrease them as a major contributing factor. Shamel Baajaja also highlights the exploitation of demand by traders, especially from the youth demographic.
• “Ideologized Consumption” and its Societal Impact
• A significant challenge is the rise of what is termed “ideologized consumption” or “consumer dependency,” where purchasing decisions are driven by social image, imitation, and perceived status rather than genuine need or value.
• This phenomenon manifests in the consumption of luxury goods, absolute loyalty to specific brands or tourist destinations, and excessive spending on non-essentials.
• This behavior, often influenced by “beneficiaries” and “influencers,” leads to individuals spending vast sums on non-essential goods and services, reducing savings and investment opportunities, and increasing consumer debt.
• Such consumption patterns also cause psychological pressure, anxiety, and a feeling of inadequacy, threatening mental health, social cohesion, and hindering productivity and innovation.
• Challenges in the Labor Market and Entrepreneurship
• The rising cost of living and stagnant salaries have diminished the appeal of traditional employment, making the path to financial stability less secure.
• This has led to a surge in entrepreneurship and freelancing, especially among the youth, driven by digital transformation and e-commerce. While this offers freedom and self-realization, it also involves significant financial and psychological risks.
• The “Al-Shabab” football club, for example, is noted to be suffering from financial issues preventing foreign player acquisitions, highlighting funding challenges in specific sectors. The discussion around “justice of competition” also points to concerns about uneven financial support from a central fund leading to disparities among clubs.
• In the UK, the labor market faces a slowdown, with declining job offers and stable but slower wage growth, particularly in the hotel and retail sectors.
• Infrastructural and Utility Challenges
• In Iraq, there are severe difficulties in providing stable electricity to citizens due to inadequate national grid capacity and mismanagement. This has forced farmers and residents to increasingly adopt solar energy solutions to cope with high electricity bills and frequent outages, despite the initial high cost of installation.
• Illegal Economic Practices
• Commercial concealment (Tasttur), where citizens allow residents to conduct commercial activities under their name, can lead to severe financial repercussions. One citizen, for example, became a victim of fraud after his foreign partner left the country, leaving him with demands of nearly 4 million riyals from suppliers. The Ministry of Commerce warns that this is a serious violation that can lead to accountability and penalties.
• Humanitarian and Economic Crises (Gaza and Sudan)
• Gaza faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to prolonged conflict, including widespread starvation, severe malnutrition among children (over 100 child deaths reported), and a near-complete collapse of the local food system. Hospitals are operating at over 200% capacity, and medical supplies are critically low. Aid efforts are hampered by insufficient quantities of food, medicine, and fuel being allowed into the strip.
• Sudan is also grappling with widespread famine and disease, with reports of people eating animal feed to survive and millions suffering from acute malnutrition, particularly children under five. The ongoing civil war has led to over 100,000 cholera cases, mass displacement, and the collapse of the health system. Funding cuts from international donors have exacerbated the crisis, leaving children deprived of essential services like clean water, health care, and food.

Media: Roles, Challenges, and Impact

Media coverage, as depicted in the sources, encompasses a wide range of topics from conflict reporting and economic analysis to cultural events and government communications, highlighting its diverse roles and challenges.

Media in Conflict Zones: The Case of Gaza

The sources extensively detail the perilous environment for journalists and the severe restrictions on media coverage, particularly in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, journalists in Gaza have been cast as “witnesses to killing, destruction, arrests, and injuries,” operating in an environment where media infrastructure is “undesirable” and foreign coverage is “prevented”. This period has been characterized as “the deadliest war for journalists in modern history”.

• Systematic Targeting of Journalists:The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that by August 5, 2025, at least 186 journalists and media workers had been killed, with 178 of them being Palestinians. The CPJ identified 20 cases of “direct targeting of journalists,” considering these to be “war crimes”.
• The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recorded 175 journalists and media workers killed by July 31, 2025, describing Gaza as “the deadliest zone for media professionals in the modern era”.
• The UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified the killing of 227 Palestinian journalists since October 7, 2023, noting that the true numbers might be higher due to the “difficulty of verification in the field due to bombardment and siege”.
• This targeting is described as an “extension of a long-standing pattern”, with prior investigations, such as that into the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh, concluding an Israeli soldier’s bullet was responsible, yet Israeli official investigations did not accuse any individual.
• Instances like an Israeli tank firing two consecutive shells at journalists wearing “PRESS” vests and helmets were condemned by human rights organizations as “deliberate attacks on civilians” and a “war crime”. Despite denials, no transparent investigation was opened.
• Suppression of Media Infrastructure and Coverage:In May 2021, an Israeli airstrike destroyed the Al-Jalaa tower in Gaza City, which housed offices for AP, Al Jazeera, and other media outlets. AP demanded an independent investigation, stating Israel provided no justification for demolishing an international journalistic base. This was seen as a message that “any platform reporting the truth could become a target”.
• Later, Israel enacted a new law allowing the banning of foreign media on national security grounds, immediately applied to Al Jazeera, leading to the closure of its offices, withdrawal of accreditations, and confiscation of broadcasting equipment.
• Israeli officials also confiscated AP’s broadcasting equipment and cameras, claiming its live footage was being used by Al Jazeera. This was condemned by AP as “arbitrary exploitation” of the law. International pressure, including from the US government, led to the return of AP’s equipment, though other restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza remained.
• International Condemnation and Recognition:The CPJ labeled these actions as a “direct and unprecedented attack on press freedom”.
• OHCHR repeatedly warned against targeting journalists, condemning attacks as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” stating that targeting journalists is “strictly prohibited”.
• UN experts stated that Israel’s military operation since October 2023 had turned into a “war on witnesses”.
• UNESCO awarded its 2024 World Press Freedom Prize to Palestinian journalists in Gaza, acknowledging their courage and sacrifice despite the “most deliberate and bloody attacks on press freedom in history”.
• Organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for international action and accountability for crimes against journalists.
• The overarching message is that “truth has become a military target,” and journalism is the “last guarantee against the obliteration of truth”.

Role of Official Spokespersons and Government Communication

The sources underscore the critical function of official communication, particularly from government bodies:

• Strategic Importance: An official spokesperson is “not merely a conveyor of information” but a “voice and intellectual spokesperson” that safeguards the institution’s image and ensures information comes from a “reliable source” with clarity and responsibility.
• Crisis Management: In times of “crises and disasters,” the spokesperson acts as a “safety valve,” the “first line of defense,” and the “face of the media cannon,” requiring courage and the ability to act swiftly under pressure.
• Impact of Timeliness: Releasing early statements during crises can reduce negative news by 45%.
• Building Trust: The presence of an active and reliable spokesperson ensures a “single voice” for the institution, mitigating the “spread of rumors and misleading information,” and contributing to up to 30% higher trust levels compared to institutions lacking this role.
• Digital Engagement: Government bodies utilize platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for public awareness campaigns, such as the Ministry of Interior’s “#DrivingResponsibility” initiative.
• Official Reporting: The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) frequently serves as the medium for official statements and government decisions, including ministerial announcements and communiques from international summits. Official spokespersons, such as those from the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, regularly detail their operations and findings.

Media’s Influence on Public Behavior and Opinion

The concept of “ideologized consumption” is highlighted as a silent threat to quality of life, significantly influenced by media and public figures:

• Influence of “Beneficiaries” and “Influencers”: Purchasing decisions are increasingly driven by social image, imitation, and perceived status, rather than genuine need, a phenomenon fueled by “beneficiaries” and “influencers” on social media. This leads to excessive spending on non-essentials, reduced savings, increased debt, and psychological pressure.
• Call for Regulation and Awareness: There is a recognized need for a “comprehensive and integrated approach” to counter this trend. This includes the General Authority for Media clarifying guidelines for commercial content in advertisements on visual and audio media, and promoting “positive content” that reinforces a “balanced lifestyle”. Public awareness programs should address “hidden marketing methods” and differentiate between needs and desires.

Economic and Sports Journalism

Media plays a significant role in reporting and analyzing economic trends and sports developments:

• Economic Reporting: Journalists rely on reports from experts and official data (e.g., recent reports on rice prices, analysis from economists, IMF data) to discuss inflation, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. Major news agencies like Reuters also report on global financial markets, including oil and gold prices, and central bank decisions. Official bodies, such as the National Statistics Office in the UK, release data that is then reported and analyzed by media.
• Sports Coverage and Commentary: Sports media covers league schedules, club news, player transfers, and tournament results. Beyond simple reporting, there’s extensive analysis and commentary by “analysts” and “experts” on strategic decisions, team performance, and issues like “competition fairness” and financial disparities among clubs. This includes critical views, for example, on the management of Saudi football clubs. Esports events are also covered, detailing tournament outcomes and player achievements.

General News and Cultural Reporting

Beyond specific sectors, media outlets like Al Riyadh newspaper (جريدة الرياض) provide broad coverage of various events and cultural activities within the Kingdom:

• Local and Cultural News: This includes reports on tourism and natural beauty (e.g., Namas region), cultural forums, artistic events, historical figures, and entertainment news related to TV series, films, and concerts.
• Public Service Information: Media reports on government initiatives such as environmental security efforts and warnings about legal violations.
• Journalism as a Craft: The sources also provide insights into the practice of journalism and related fields, discussing the “successful news bulletin” as a tool for intellectual leadership and the importance of “accurate research” and “deep listening” in cultural interviews. There is also discussion about the role of AI in writing and translation, emphasizing ethical considerations.

Current Events and Societal Reflections

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

• Digital Movement The international youth day, which falls on August 10th of each year, is an occasion approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 with the aim of shedding light on youth issues. The Kingdom’s role in supporting youth and betting on them, by creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs among youth to start laying the first stone for their projects, and the country’s interest in developing, rehabilitating, and empowering Saudi youth to play their role in a promising and bright renaissance and future, also affirms its deep commitment to rehabilitating a generation capable of leading national transformation.
• And building young national cadres to assume leadership positions through the launch of many programs, projects, and and initiatives to support and qualify them and provide opportunities for their participation and increase their participation in the economy, as one of the most important priorities of the Kingdom to achieve sustainable development. In light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, empowering youth has been a central axis in the national development process, through many initiatives and programs that aim to develop skills, stimulate innovation, and provide job opportunities. The Kingdom has kept pace with global developments in the statistical field, through the General Authority for Statistics, which provides an accurate statistical data base as a reliable basis for drawing economic and social policies, and supporting decision-makers in developing local, regional, and national development plans for various sectors, and measuring the performance of government agencies, and conducting comparative and international comparisons with accuracy and transparency.
• Outside the Box The path to success is no longer a straight line as it was for many years past, when a job was the safe dream, a financial and living stability pass, with a fixed income and insurance benefits and job security. But with the rise in living costs and the slowdown in promotion opportunities for fixed salaries, this luster began to fade gradually. The paradox is that Saudis decades ago used to see self-employment as the norm, and a job as merely an exception. Markets were bustling with traders and professionals, and financial independence was an attainable dream through hard work and risk-taking, without waiting for the end of the month.
• Today, the star of entrepreneurship has shined again, laden with promises of freedom and self-realization. Technological transformations and the e-commerce revolution, along with the spread of social media, have removed many of the barriers that used to separate individuals from starting their private projects. A whole generation has eagerly ventured into self-employment, excited by the prospects of growth despite the financial and psychological risks involved. However, the absolute reliance on a private project can always have another side of the coin, as the success of entrepreneurs is not always guaranteed, and failed experiences are no less common than dazzling success stories. Many jump over essential stages, such as gaining experience and refining themselves, to find themselves facing a harsh reality that does not resemble their dreams.
• “Ideologized Consumption” a Silent Threat to Quality of Life Led by Influencers The grand vision drawn by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, in the heart of its aspirations, is not limited to striving and working towards building a prosperous economy and a leading global position, but rather expands to include achieving a greater human goal embodied in the quality of life and sustainable well-being for every individual living on the land of this nation. The vision in its ambitions transcends the traditional concept of development to place the human being at the center of its attention, offering him multiple and diverse options in all aspects of life, from entertainment and culture and sports, to opportunities for learning and personal development, and finally to choices of living and work that align with the aspirations and ambitions of every individual. It is a vision that seeks to build a vibrant society, where the individual not only chooses what suits him, but also possesses the necessary tools and awareness to make decisions that enrich his human experience.
• In the context of the rapid economic and social transformations witnessed by the Kingdom, silent and profound behavioral phenomena emerge that require deep reflection and precise academic and scientific analysis, until we agree, then and there, on naming them here as ‘the culture of ideologized consumption’ or ‘consumer dependence’. These are not merely fleeting individual practices, but rather deeply rooted collective behavioral patterns that form a complex challenge intersecting with the axes of sustainable development, and burdening individuals and society alike. The essence of the problem lies in deviating from the principle of consumption based on actual need or true value, and shifting towards consumption driven by hidden, ideological, societal, and advertising dimensions that repeatedly instill in the individual the conviction that owning certain patterns of consumption or imitating specific social images is the way to achieve status, happiness, or even self-affirmation.
• Letters and Ideas Security is one of the most important basic human needs for human beings; without security, chaos prevails and fear controls people’s lives and their relationships. All human societies have systems and laws to provide security and punish anyone who violates these laws and regulations, especially regarding security.
• Sometimes, painful news occurs in some countries, leading to killing for reasons such as theft or racism or recklessness, stemming from ignorance or political reasons and imbalance of thinking. For example, if a person is exposed to killing because the killer does not agree with his politics, then as for theft, the thief commits a crime, and adding murder to it is a foolish and criminal act at the same time. As for the intelligent person who is confronted by a street thief trying to steal his watch while traveling, among the advice given to tourists is to avoid asking others about a specific thing, such as: the market or a restaurant or taxi cars or a train station. These questions have disappeared in some ages of technology, but they still remain necessary in some cases. For example, a group of students in a Western country were on vacation, so they took a car trip and traveled a long distance. They entered a small village to rest, and stopped at a gas station where a group of young men were standing next to it. They directed them to the motels in this village, and in the morning they found the contents of their car stolen.
• Psychological Preparation for Athletes My brothers among athletes, especially those I know and others, know that our sports clubs do not pay any attention to this aspect, which is the psychological aspect of the athlete. If we go back a little, we would find that advanced countries in sports pay attention to this aspect. We should also find that studying the psychological state of the athlete is important because it has a very good and very bad impact on his life. Unfortunately, as clubs and fans, we also want this player to be 100% sound, regardless of any other consideration, forgetting or pretending to forget that this player is a human being with his own feelings, emotions, and private problems that have nothing to do with us: perhaps this player attends training or one of the matches, and on the same day of the match, perhaps his father or brother or a dear friend is lying on a sickbed in one of the hospitals.
• When we felt that this player was deficient in his role, whether in matches or training, we got very angry and started swearing at him, forgetting that the player has feelings and circumstances that he may encounter seconds before entering the field: therefore, it is necessary to have someone within the coaching staff who masters this approach, and it would be great if the team manager is the one who masters this approach, given his very close relationship with the players. We all know that psychology has its independent study in which specialists exist, and it has a thorough study that builds self-confidence, and its benefits will be everlasting, as this study is considered an acquired trait and not hereditary. For example, many players, when injured and leave the fields for a period then return, we find that their sensitivity to the ball and their morale are lower than before, and their feeling that they are strangers among their teammates and on the field as well. Therefore, it is necessary to have someone who masters the study of these things and guides this player, and I do not think that the physiotherapy room is the only treatment for this player, as I see that when any player is injured on the field, he is transferred by the masseur, and then an ice pack is placed on the injury site, and after that he is asked to go to the physiotherapy room.
• Ronaldo and Al-Hilal What the great international player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considered the first star in the Saudi league, said a few days ago, is a clear proof and the best evidence of the strength of the league, and his participation in the impressive club world cup finals that took place recently, and this acknowledgment indicates his follow-up of Al-Hilal’s participation, and giving every rightful person his due, even though Al-Hilal is a rival team for him. Saying words of acknowledgment of the truth is not insignificant for the seasoned, great Al-Hilal, and Ronaldo’s acknowledgment of what Al-Hilal has achieved is proof of its limitless field strength and its ability to offer the best and more in upcoming competitions, God willing.
• Ronaldo’s statement clearly indicates that a Saudi club has offered a lot, and is capable of repeating what it has offered. It is a great club that hopes to reach its dream. This statement by Ronaldo represents a project for Al-Nassr club as a whole, and every Al-Nassr fan respects and appreciates it. Al-Hilal is proud that a star like him praises their club with impactful words, and he said it at a time when his team failed to achieve part of it, but he fully realizes that what Al-Hilal has achieved is something great, and if he had been given more opportunity, he would have said a lot about you and praised you, and commended you and what you offer in the sports arena worldwide.
• Support Based on Demand The official responsible for the previous player recruitment program, Saad Al-Lathidh, came out on the ‘Ball’ program and explicitly stated that support for big popular clubs would be limited within three years, and that support among them would be equal. Among the things he mentioned during the interview was that Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal clubs have exhausted the financial support allocated to them from the program’s treasury.
• The sports fan and supporter still harbors the phrase ‘equal support’ since two seasons ago, as if saying to himself: ‘I heard your words, Saad, and I believed you, but when I see the reality, I am surprised and amazed!’ Meaning, they determine the support according to what the big clubs demand, and they influence any player, with the cost fully paid, without any burden on the clubs. The evidence for this is what we see from the bulk signings for Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli, specifically this season, while Al-Ittihad, until this moment, has no budget, even though they would ask for the same as others.
• The Official Spokesperson: Safety Valve in Times of Crisis The official spokesperson emerges as one of the pillars of communication, whether in the private or governmental sector, he is not merely a conveyor of information, but rather a voice and an intellectual spokesperson who preserves the institution’s image and ensures that information comes from a reliable source with clarity and responsibility. Therefore, regulations have made the existence of an official spokesperson a mandatory requirement in every government entity, in recognition of the importance of unifying and controlling the media discourse, so that information reaches its reliable source in a clear and responsible manner.
• The importance of the official spokesperson is not limited to conferences or periodic statements, but extends to playing a vital role in times of crises and disasters, where he acts as the safety valve for the entity, the first line of defense, and the person who receives shocks and bears the burden of media storms. He stands in the face of the media cannon when storms intensify, preserving the institution’s image and reputation. This role requires courage and a high sense of responsibility, and the ability to act quickly under time and situational pressure.

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

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