Al Riyadh Newspaper: August 17, 2025: Vision 2030: Global Diplomacy and Economic Power: Saudi Arabia’s Vision

These sources predominantly highlight Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives, showcasing significant investments in diverse sectors. They cover the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) strategic role in economic diversification, including its global acquisitions and focus on a “blue economy” for sustainable growth. The texts also detail advancements in education with new projects and scholarship programs, alongside efforts to enhance digital infrastructure through GIS and AI. Furthermore, they touch upon food security strategies, healthcare improvements, cultural events like the Riyadh Season, and the Kingdom’s dedication to religious affairs, particularly the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque. Finally, the sources address ongoing regional conflicts, especially in Gaza, and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire, while also reporting on natural disasters and global economic trends affecting oil prices.

Podcast

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Economic Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s economy is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by its Vision 2030 framework, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on oil. This ambitious vision positions the Kingdom as a global leader in various sectors, enhancing its stability and influence on the international stage.

Here’s an overview of key aspects of the Saudi economy:

• Public Investment Fund (PIF): The PIF is a central strategic driver for economic diversification and achieving Vision 2030’s targets.
• In 2024, it became one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally.
• Its assets under management significantly increased to 3.424 trillion Saudi Riyals in 2024, up from 2.871 trillion Riyals in 2023.
• The PIF has contributed 10% to the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP), totaling 642 billion Riyals since the launch of Vision 2030.
• It aims to reach 10 trillion Riyals in assets by 2030, with annual local investments of 150 billion Riyals.
• The fund invests across 13 key sectors to diversify revenue sources and minimize risks.
• The PIF also focuses on human capital development, with 2,962 employees (84.5% Saudi nationals) and over 1,800 internal and external training programs.
• Key Economic Sectors and Initiatives: The Kingdom is investing heavily across diverse sectors:
• Agriculture and Food Security: Saudi Arabia implements strategic investments to support food sustainability and diversify supply chains, aiming to build an integrated food system.
• The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) has 13 investments across 7 countries and 5 continents, enhancing food security and supply stability.
• SALIC’s managed assets grew fivefold to over 27 billion Riyals in six years, with a 33% profit growth.
• The agricultural sector contributed 118 billion Riyals to the national GDP in 2024, marking a 39% growth since 2020.
• The Kingdom has achieved 100% self-sufficiency in dates, fresh milk, and table eggs, and over 70% in vegetables and poultry meat.
• Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading exporter of dates by value, with exports exceeding 1.7 billion Riyals in 2024.
• Aquaculture is a promising sector, aiming for self-sufficiency in fish and exporting surplus, supported by the National Center for Fishery Wealth.
• Blue Economy: This initiative focuses on optimally investing in marine wealth along Saudi Arabia’s extensive coastline (over 1,800 km and more than 300 islands).
• It is expected to contribute nearly 22 billion Riyals and create around 100,000 job opportunities by 2030.
• Key projects include Amaala, Sindalah, and Oxagon in NEOM, and the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services in Ras Al-Khair, integrating technology, environmental sustainability, and marine tourism.
• Tourism and Entertainment: This sector is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, transforming the Kingdom into a global tourist destination.
• Riyadh Season is a significant national project combining art, culture, tourism, and economy, attracting millions of visitors and contributing to the GDP. It also ranked first globally in tourism revenue growth from outside the Kingdom.
• AlUla is highlighted as a potential global film production hub, offering integrated services and financial incentives to filmmakers, contributing to cinematic tourism and increased tourist numbers.
• Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Kingdom is investing in software companies, cloud computing, and AI, with plans for a global AI center in the Eastern Province.
• Initiatives like the “Discover, Innovate, Change” camp aim to empower youth in modern technologies and AI, fostering a knowledge-based economy.
• The Community Responsibility Association organizes an AI hackathon to support innovation and technology aligned with Vision 2030.
• The Ministry of Education is integrating AI into the curriculum from elementary to high school levels.
• Mining: Focused on enhancing the production of essential and rare minerals for future industries, supporting companies like Ma’aden.
• Logistics and Infrastructure: Investments in ports, free zones, and transport networks (land, sea, air) aim to establish Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.
• Healthcare: Investments in developing hospitals, research centers, and medical device manufacturing seek to improve service quality and achieve self-sufficiency in vital equipment.
• King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah is a leading center in pharmaceutical safety, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for healthcare quality.
• Cultural Sector: The Cultural Fund has supported over 120 cultural projects, creating over 3,500 job opportunities and adding over 1 billion Riyals to the non-oil GDP. It emphasizes investment in human capital and aligns with Vision 2030’s cultural strategy.
• Real Estate: The implementation of “white lands” fees (10% of value for undeveloped lands over 5,000 sqm) aims to stimulate urban development, balance the real estate market, and increase home ownership opportunities.
• Education and Human Capital Development: Over 1 billion Riyals has been invested in 314 educational projects in Riyadh, benefiting 188,000 students. The Ministry of Media and Education launched the “Media Scholarship” initiative to train national talents in global media institutions across 15 countries. The Minister of Health met with Saudi students abroad, highlighting the importance of investing in human capital for Vision 2030.
• International Economic Role:
• Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts, exemplified by hosting and mediating international discussions such as the Trump-Putin summit, underscore its growing influence and role in shaping global understandings and stability.
• The Kingdom ranked 6th globally and 2nd among G20 nations in economic performance according to the Brand Finance 2023 Global Soft Power Index.
• It actively uses cultural diplomacy and soft power through various initiatives in arts, tourism, and education to enhance its global standing.
• Economic Context: The global economic landscape, including oil price stability and discussions around sanctions, also plays a role in the Kingdom’s broader economic considerations.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s economic strategy is characterized by ambitious diversification efforts, significant investments through entities like the PIF, and a focus on developing human capital and leveraging soft power on the global stage, all underpinned by the transformative goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Infrastructure Transformation

Saudi Arabia is undertaking an extensive program of infrastructure development as a core component of its Vision 2030 framework, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its global standing. This transformation encompasses a wide array of sectors, with significant investment from entities like the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Key areas of infrastructure development include:

• Strategic Investment by the Public Investment Fund (PIF): The PIF plays a pivotal role by investing across 13 key sectors, including infrastructure, to diversify revenue sources and minimize risks. Its assets under management reached 3.424 trillion Saudi Riyals in 2024, reflecting its strategic success in managing a complex and diverse portfolio.
• Logistics and Transportation Networks:
• The PIF is specifically investing in logistics services, including the development of ports and free zones, as well as land, sea, and air transport networks.
• The overarching goal is to establish Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographical location.
• Massive infrastructure projects are underway, such as the construction of high-speed railways.
• New Urban Icons and Mega-Projects:
• The Kingdom is developing exclusive urban projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, which are designed to represent global standards in innovation and tourism.
• Within NEOM, specific “blue economy” projects like Amaala, Sindalah, and Oxagon are being developed. These initiatives focus on optimizing marine wealth, integrating technology, environmental sustainability, and marine tourism, and are expected to contribute nearly 22 billion Riyals and create around 100,000 job opportunities by 2030.
• The King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services in Ras Al-Khair is also a key part of the blue economy development.
• Smart City Initiatives and Digital Transformation:
• Efforts are underway to develop smart cities across the Kingdom. In the Eastern Province, the launch of GIS 2.0 (Geographic Information Systems) and the “My City” application aims to enhance municipal services and support digital transformation.
• The future vision includes integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into geospatial data management (GIS AI) and planning processes (Planning AI) to improve service quality and user satisfaction.
• The Eastern Province Municipality provides over 15 electronic services through its geographic portal, having completed more than 100,000 electronic transactions, including digital certification, plot sorting, and service project licenses.
• Al-Khobar is being transformed into the first green smart city through a project to document and digitize 100,000 trees. Al-Khobar is already ranked 61st globally in the 2025 Smart Cities Index. This initiative aims to foster environmental awareness and contribute to the “Saudi Green” and “Middle East Green” initiatives.
• Basic Services Infrastructure (Water and Education):
• In Jeddah, the National Water Company has launched 22 capital projects exceeding 1.8 billion Riyals to enhance water and environmental services. These projects include 984 kilometers of main and sub-water lines, environmental service networks, and surface water drainage systems, aiming to expand service coverage, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainability targets for water and environment by 2030.
• Over 1 billion Riyals have been invested in 314 educational projects in Riyadh, benefiting 188,000 students. These projects focus on enhancing educational environments and providing attractive and safe infrastructure for students, supporting Vision 2030’s educational goals.
• Real Estate Market and Urban Development Regulation:
• The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing has implemented the executive regulation for “white lands” fees, which levies a 10% fee on undeveloped lands exceeding 5,000 square meters within urban areas. This measure is designed to stimulate urban development, balance the real estate market, and increase opportunities for home ownership. It also aims to enhance the efficiency of land use and combat monopolistic practices.
• The “Etimam” platform facilitates development procedures, streamlining the approval of master plans and licenses.
• Urban Greenery and Beautification:
• Municipalities like Al-Malijah are actively engaged in improving urban aesthetics through lighting projects, tree planting (320 trees in 60,000 sqm), and maintaining green spaces, contributing to the “green cities” concept and quality of life.
• Dhahran Municipality also conducts extensive cleaning and sterilization campaigns for public facilities, parks, and roads to ensure a healthy and safe urban environment.
• Cinematic Tourism Infrastructure: AlUla city, along with studios like Big Hissn in Riyadh, is developing integrated production facilities and filming locations to attract international filmmakers. This initiative leverages the relationship between tourism and the film industry to boost tourism revenue, offering incentives and logistical support.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure development is a multi-faceted endeavor, driven by strategic national goals and significant investment, aiming to create a modern, diversified, and sustainable economy and society.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Cultural Initiatives

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a comprehensive array of cultural initiatives as a vital part of its Vision 2030 framework. These efforts are designed to strengthen national identity, preserve rich heritage, foster creativity, and enhance the Kingdom’s global standing as a vibrant cultural hub.

Key aspects of Saudi Arabia’s cultural development include:

• Strategic Investment and the Cultural Fund:
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a significant role, with investments extending to new urban icons that incorporate strong cultural dimensions.
• The Cultural Fund, established under the Ministry of Culture, is a cornerstone of this strategy. It has supported over 120 cultural projects, leading to the creation of more than 3,500 job opportunities and contributing over 1 billion Saudi Riyals to the Gross Domestic Product.
• The fund actively provides training, developmental solutions, advisory sessions, and financial vouchers to new cultural projects and entrepreneurs, underscoring its commitment to human capital development and fostering a sustainable environment for innovation.
• Preservation and Promotion of Heritage:
• King Abdulaziz Public Library stands as a major cultural institution, dedicated to preserving and promoting Islamic and Arab heritage. It houses rare books, manuscripts, coins, and historical documents.
• The library organizes specialized exhibitions both domestically and internationally, such as the Holy Quran Exhibition showcasing rare copies, the “Camels: Jewels of the Kingdom” exhibition, and the Arabic Poetry Exhibition featuring historical texts. These events connect new generations with their cultural roots.
• Initiatives like the “World Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition” and the “Heart of the Arabian Peninsula” exhibition (featuring rare photographs by explorer John Philby) highlight diverse aspects of Saudi and Arab heritage.
• The preservation of traditional activities like falconry is supported through events such as the “Saqar Future” auction and the King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival, encouraging youth engagement and ensuring the continuity of this ancient practice.
• Historical locations like Mudrakah, significant for its ancient marble quarries used in the Grand Mosque’s construction, are recognized for their historical depth and potential for cultural tourism.
• Performing Arts and Entertainment:
• The Riyadh Season is a prime example of large-scale cultural and entertainment events, attracting millions of local and international visitors. It serves as a “soft power” tool, fostering cultural exchange and projecting a vibrant image of the Kingdom.
• The “Tarhal” performance, featured in Riyadh Season, vividly showcases Saudi regional cultures, identity, and heritage through a blend of music, dance, visual effects, and traditional attire, creating an immersive cultural experience.
• Visual Arts and Film Industry Development:
• The Visual Arts Commission launched “Zawaaya wa Afkar” (Angles and Ideas), an international initiative for dialogue in contemporary art, held in major global cities like Seoul, Paris, and Riyadh. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and global engagement among visual artists.
• The Film Commission is preparing for the third “Saudi Film Forum,” aimed at empowering and developing the film industry. The forum will include conferences, workshops on film financing and content development, and an exhibition featuring over 130 local and international entities.
• Dedicated film production facilities are being developed in AlUla and Riyadh (e.g., Big Hissn studios) to attract international filmmakers. These initiatives highlight the growing cinematic tourism sector, offering incentives and logistical support to boost tourism revenues. The sources highlight global examples where films have significantly increased tourism to their filming locations.
• Literary and Musical Endeavors:
• The Kingdom sees a continuous release of new literary works, spanning various genres from novels to poetry and critical analyses, contributing to the cultural landscape.
• The Tareq Abdulhakim Museum and the Saudi Music Center organize programs like summer camps to enrich musical experiences for children, fostering creativity and preserving the legacy of Saudi music.
• Contemporary musical projects, such as Hussein Al Jassmi’s “HJ2025” album, demonstrate a modern vision for Arab and Gulf music, reaching wide audiences.
• Religious and Community-Focused Initiatives:
• The King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition is a significant annual event, bringing together contestants from numerous countries to compete in Quranic recitation and memorization. It emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving the Holy Quran and utilizes advanced electronic arbitration for transparency.
• The Agency for Judicial Affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque implements extensive Quranic, volunteer, and guidance programs for pilgrims, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural experience of visitors to the holy sites.
• The “Mawaddah wa Yusr” (Affection and Ease) initiative focuses on easing marriage burdens by promoting simplicity and combating excessive dowries and celebration costs, reflecting a societal effort to preserve cultural values related to marriage.
• Traditional Festivals and Culinary Arts:
• Festivals like the Buraidah Dates Carnival showcase local agricultural heritage and contribute to regional economic and social vitality.
• The “Wasl” Aseer Cuisine Festival highlights traditional culinary arts and folk performances, supporting local producers and artisans while promoting domestic tourism and cultural exchange.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s cultural initiatives are a dynamic and interconnected set of programs aimed at fostering a rich cultural ecosystem that supports economic diversification, promotes national identity, and enhances the quality of life for its citizens and visitors alike.

Saudi Vision 2030: Social Development and Well-being

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework places a strong emphasis on social development, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and build a vibrant, inclusive society. This comprehensive national transformation is supported by extensive investments and initiatives across various sectors, focusing on human capital, community well-being, and cultural preservation.

Key aspects of social development efforts include:

• Human Capital Development and Job Creation:
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF)‘s strategic investments across 13 key sectors are designed to diversify the economy and create job opportunities, contributing significantly to the national GDP.
• The “Blue Economy” projects, particularly those within NEOM like Amaala, Sindalah, and Oxagon, are projected to create around 100,000 job opportunities by 2030.
• The Cultural Fund has supported over 120 cultural projects, leading to the creation of more than 3,500 job opportunities and contributing over 1 billion Saudi Riyals to the GDP.
• The PIF’s human capital strategy includes a substantial increase in its workforce (2,962 employees, 84.5% Saudis) and the implementation of over 1,800 internal and external training programs in management, finance, and technology. It also funds a university qualification program to prepare high school students for top global universities, aiming to produce a new generation of economic leaders.
• Education and Skill Enhancement:
• The Ministry of Education has undertaken significant educational projects, with over 1 billion Riyals invested in 314 projects in Riyadh alone, benefiting 188,000 students. These projects aim to create attractive and safe learning environments, increase school capacity, and improve educational quality in line with Vision 2030 goals.
• A “Media Scholarship” initiative, a joint effort by the Ministries of Education and Media, aims to train and qualify national competencies in media, offering diverse academic degrees and professional training in 15 countries, including digital media, AI in media, and content production.
• The Ministry of Education is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into curricula from primary to secondary levels to keep pace with technological advancements, enhance personalized learning, and provide smart assistance to students, including support for those with disabilities.
• The “Discover, Innovate, Change” technical summer camp, organized by King Khalid University and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, equipped over 400 students with modern digital skills in AI, robotics, and virtual reality, fostering innovation and promoting a knowledge-based economy.
• Health and Well-being:
• In Jeddah, the National Water Company has launched 22 capital projects exceeding 1.8 billion Riyals to enhance water and environmental services, including 984 kilometers of water and environmental networks, which will serve approximately 260,000 residents across 30 neighborhoods, improving quality of life and sustainability.
• King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca is implementing initiatives to strengthen pharmaceutical safety, aiming for quick access to educational and awareness materials regarding safe drug use and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare.
• Preventive healthcare is highlighted by the successful removal of 20 polyps from a young patient’s colon, preventing potential cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection and public awareness about colon health.
• The Minister of Health has engaged with Saudi students studying abroad, emphasizing their crucial role in developing a vibrant society and providing high-quality services as part of Vision 2030.
• Housing and Urban Living:
• The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing’s executive regulation for “white lands” fees aims to stimulate urban development, balance the real estate market, and increase home ownership opportunities for citizens by encouraging land development and curbing monopolistic practices.
• Municipalities are actively improving urban environments: Al-Khobar is transforming into the first green smart city through tree digitization, fostering environmental awareness. Dhahran and Al-Malijah municipalities conduct regular cleaning, sterilization, and greening campaigns to ensure healthy and aesthetically pleasing urban spaces.
• Community Engagement and Social Cohesion:
• The Community Responsibility Association organizes initiatives like the AI Hackathon to support innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, fostering social responsibility.
• The “Mawaddah wa Yusr” (Affection and Ease) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aims to reduce the phenomenon of marriage aversion by promoting simpler and less costly marriage procedures, emphasizing affection and understanding over excessive expenses.
• Riyadh Season and other large-scale entertainment events promote social interaction and cultural exchange, contributing to community vitality and offering diverse experiences for residents and visitors.
• Traditional events like the Buraidah Dates Carnival and the Aseer Cuisine Festival “Wasl” support local producers, artisans, and cultural heritage, fostering community pride and domestic tourism.
• Public Safety and Regulatory Oversight:
• Intensive campaigns by Riyadh Municipality address food safety and product quality in various establishments, ensuring public health and safety.
• The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) actively thwarts smuggling attempts, such as the seizure of cocaine in “frozen meat”, underscoring efforts to protect society from harmful substances and maintain national security.
• Joint security campaigns enforce residency, labor, and border security laws, leading to thousands of arrests and highlighting efforts to maintain public order and safety.
• Digital Transformation in Services:
• The Eastern Province Municipality launched GIS 2.0 and the “My City” smart application to enhance municipal services and support digital transformation, providing over 15 electronic services and aiming to integrate AI for improved service quality and user satisfaction.

These initiatives collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving the social fabric, empowering its citizens, and creating a sustainable and prosperous future in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Governance, Economy, and Society

Saudi Arabia’s approach to governance and policy is deeply intertwined with its ambitious Vision 2030 framework, aiming for comprehensive national transformation across various sectors. This involves strategic investments, regulatory reforms, and a focus on sustainability, human capital, and international engagement.

Key aspects of Governance and Policy include:

• Economic Governance and Diversification:
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a pivotal role as a strategic leader, translating national visions into tangible achievements. Its core mission is to diversify the national economy and implement Vision 2030 objectives.
• The PIF is committed to injecting 150 billion Saudi Riyals annually into local investments, with a target of reaching 10 trillion Saudi Riyals by 2030.
• Its investment strategy involves diversifying its portfolio across 13 key sectors to ensure varied returns and mitigate risks. These sectors include defense, aviation, technology (with investments in cloud computing, AI, and a global AI center), renewable energy, healthcare, mining, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, culture, entertainment, and financial technology.
• The PIF has achieved significant milestones, including being ranked second globally and first in the Middle East in the governance and sustainability index among sovereign wealth funds, with a 96% score. It has also adopted a strategic goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2022.
• Human Capital and Social Development Policies:
• Education Reform: The Ministry of Education has initiated over 314 educational projects in Riyadh alone, with investments exceeding 1 billion Saudi Riyals, to enhance infrastructure and create attractive, safe learning environments. This aligns with Vision 2030 goals to improve educational quality and expand school capacity.
• A notable initiative is the “Media Scholarship” program, a collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Media, aimed at training and qualifying national media professionals in 15 countries across diverse specializations like digital media and AI in media.
• The Ministry of Education is also integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into curricula from primary to secondary levels to enhance personalized learning and provide smart assistance, including for students with disabilities.
• Educational transformation involves consolidating administrative structures to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and empower schools as direct decision-making centers.
• Healthcare Policy: King Abdullah Medical City in Mecca has implemented initiatives to strengthen pharmaceutical safety, including a “Risk Reduction Methods List,” in collaboration with the General Food and Drug Authority. These efforts aim to provide quick access to drug safety information, raise awareness among medical staff, and promote a culture of safe drug use.
• Family and Community Well-being: The “Mawaddah wa Yusr” (Affection and Ease) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aims to reduce marriage aversion by promoting simpler, less costly marriage procedures based on affection and understanding.
• Urban and Environmental Governance:
• Housing Policy: The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing has implemented an executive regulation for “white lands” fees. This policy, which sets fees at 10% of land value, aims to stimulate urban development, balance the real estate market, and increase home ownership opportunities by encouraging land development and curbing monopolistic practices. Funds collected from these fees are specifically allocated to housing projects.
• Smart and Green City Initiatives: Khobar Municipality is transforming into the first green smart city by digitizing 100,000 trees in the first phase, a project aligned with the “Saudi Green” and “Middle East Green” initiatives. This aims to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and increase green spaces, contributing to net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Digital Transformation in Municipal Services: The Eastern Province Municipality launched GIS 2.0 (Geographic Information Systems) and the “My City” smart application to enhance municipal services and support digital transformation, integrating AI for improved quality and user satisfaction.
• Water and Environmental Services: The National Water Company in Jeddah has invested over 1.8 billion Saudi Riyals in 22 capital projects to enhance water and environmental services, including the expansion of water and environmental networks, serving over 260,000 residents. These projects are critical for improving quality of life and ensuring environmental and water sustainability.
• Public Safety and Regulatory Oversight:
• Law Enforcement: Joint security campaigns are actively conducted to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security laws, with severe penalties for those who facilitate illegal activities.
• Food Safety: Riyadh Municipality conducts intensive campaigns to ensure food safety and product quality, leading to closures, fines, and confiscation of non-compliant products, with a system for public reporting of violations.
• Anti-Smuggling Efforts: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) actively thwarts smuggling attempts of illicit substances, emphasizing its role in protecting national security and public health.
• Digital Platform Regulation: There are calls for the General Authority for Visual Media to regulate and monitor digital platforms to ensure alignment with societal values and address concerns about the spread of harmful content.
• International Relations and Soft Power:
• Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading and influential diplomatic role in fostering global stability, mediating major international discussions, and contributing to peaceful resolutions for conflicts, including the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
• The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on cultural diplomacy as a key component of its soft power strategy. This involves establishing new cultural, tourism, and entertainment entities, enhancing international cultural exchange, and supporting initiatives recognized by organizations like UNESCO.
• These efforts have positioned Saudi Arabia as a significant global soft power, ranking highly in international indices.
• Food Security Policy:
• The General Authority for Food Security is developing monitoring tools and an early warning program for essential food commodities.
• The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) employs a long-term investment approach across 7 countries and 5 continents to ensure national food security and market resilience.
• Significant progress has been made in increasing local agricultural production, achieving self-sufficiency in key products like dates, fresh milk, and table eggs, and notably reducing non-renewable water usage in agriculture.

These multi-faceted policies and governance initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s strategic commitment to holistic development, aiming to build a vibrant society and a sustainable economy in line with its ambitious national vision.

Columns: Saudi Progress and Global Challenges

Here are the column titles and their first two paragraphs of detail from the newspaper, translated into English:

• Word In the past nine years, the Kingdom has succeeded in strengthening Vision 2030, optimally investing in the state’s comparative advantages and resources, especially the vast marine wealth extending over 1800 kilometers on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, in addition to over 300 islands. These advantages fall under the umbrella of the “Blue Economy,” which the wise leadership has prioritized, and in which the Kingdom has made accelerated strides, armed with modern science and the launch of major projects. The “Red Sea National Sustainability Strategy,” launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, is considered one of the most prominent Saudi initiatives to protect the Red Sea ecosystem, enhance cooperation frameworks for its sustainability, and support the transition to a sustainable blue economy, achieving economic diversification, and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, and the national priorities for research, development, and innovation that were launched previously.
• A Call for Questioning? The annual sales market for dates exceeds three billion riyals. This is in addition to what is sold directly in Buraidah and its surrounding farms, entering the Buraidah Date City (the largest date market in the world). I reflect on this market, bustling with commercial and economic activity, which reminds me of what I have read and heard about the stories of the Al-Aqilat and their journeys, and the Al-Jardah market in ancient times. The question is: how can we expand this positive activity to contribute more significantly to the economy of Qassim and our beloved country, which has adopted the palm tree as an official symbol?
• Transformation in Education The Ministry of Education has taken a qualitative step by closing a large number of administrative offices and departments across the Kingdom, with the aim of concentrating resources and support on the student and teacher. I believe that the features of this studied and different transformation will become clear in the upcoming academic year. This is especially important for the previous situation, where schools suffered from fragmentation and repetition of administrative roles, which negatively affected efficiency and increased the gap between administrative support and the actual needs of the school. The tangible impact of this step will primarily be to reduce bureaucracy and overlapping decision-making layers, allowing direct and immediate support to schools. This will empower the school to be more of a decision-making center, operating with flexibility and clarity in managing its affairs according to performance indicators that measure quality and outcomes. The resulting growth in this transformation will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of education itself.
• The Philosophy of Living Lightly More often than not, it is not the situations themselves that exhaust us, but the heavy layers of importance we excessively attach to them, leading to suffocation. We magnify minor mistakes, give undue weight to others’ words, and create animosity around us, as if every event is an existential threat. This is not just a passing cognitive error; it is an evolutionary behavior linked to human survival mechanisms. The brain is programmed to automatically focus on negative threats and situations more than positive ones, a bias known as the negative bias. This pattern helped our ancestors survive in dangerous environments—because ignoring a danger could be fatal—and even though our environments have radically changed today, we are still clinging to the same old survival mechanisms. From here, it is essential to adopt a neuroscientific perspective to understand what happens within us. The limbic system in the brain reacts quickly to signals and triggers emotions before conscious thought centers intervene. Specifically, the amygdala automatically amplifies emotional signals as a “fight or flight” mechanism—responsible for protection—which can lead to exaggerated responses. In contrast, the prefrontal cortex needs more time to objectively evaluate events, and if we do not allow enough time for conscious thought before responding, we fall into the trap of psychological and emotional exaggeration.
• The New Economics of Artificial Intelligence In two previous articles, I presented the problems of AI agents or digital workers who quietly benefit from our data and working methods to increase their value daily. The owners of models who employ these digital workers, or the companies and individuals who train these models, obtain great gains for their benefit. I have also clarified how to calculate shared contributions supported by a licensing model, along with adjustments to public policies. But what if we do not implement these adjustments and do nothing? We will see an undesirable future. Let’s go back to the late nineteenth century. The railway company did not just transport goods; it controlled the entire trade infrastructure. If you wanted to reach the market, you were bound by the rules of the game. It built cities, warehouses, and roads at its own expense, adding value to the network, but the benefits often flowed to the railway owners, and the cities did not get returns until much later, after great effort.
• Riyadh Season.. Targeting Success Riyadh Season, since its launch, has been a prominent landmark in the cultural, artistic, and tourism movement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing, as part of the comprehensive transformation within Saudi Vision 2030. The season was not just an entertainment event, but a massive national project that combines art, tourism, culture, and economy, embodying the Kingdom’s ability to create a unique creative model that attracts global attention. Throughout its years, the season has embraced symbols of culture and art in the Arab world, with Arab artists and intellectuals at the forefront, whose presence has been a qualitative addition, confirming the strength of historical ties between the two peoples and extending beyond the political boundaries to the depth of shared culture. In every season, we have witnessed sincere cooperation and wide public turnout, making the season a comprehensive platform for all Arab innovators.
• Entertainment.. Quality of Life The cultural movement in the Kingdom has gifted us touristic joy and opened doors to the pleasures of life, making us advance steadily with the guidance and support of my master, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud – may God protect him – who paved our way to challenge and innovation, and this continuous work and awe led to radical changes in all aspects of life, in line with our religious constants. The Kingdom recently ranked first globally as the highest tourist destination in terms of growth in tourism revenues from outside the Kingdom, according to the Barometer for Global Tourism report, issued by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. We see Riyadh seasons and festivals with numerous events that have captivated the world and attracted millions of visitors to the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, the capital of Arab culture. Indeed, it is a great and dazzling achievement that we are proud of, and the participation and follow-up from within and outside the Kingdom have been a source of admiration, painting an innovative picture that embodies joy and happiness and illuminates in every corner a story of passion and desire for this diversity and excellence to continue, and its success lies in providing options that suit all segments of society.
• Affection and Ease Allah says: “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” Life is beautiful when it is built on simplicity, love, and affection between a husband and wife, without material greed or extravagance. From the beginning, she is his life partner, carrying all its burdens, joys, and everything it holds, for it is a journey of life between them, a journey of familiarity and ease, not a fleeting one. From the dowry and marriage contract, and what is written therein, the beginning should be without burdening the husband with excessive expenses and avoiding extravagance and high costs for a ceremony lasting an hour or two on one night. From this perspective and the call for ease and affection, and based on the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Northern Borders Region, the branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Northern Borders launched the “Mawaddah wa Yusr” (Affection and Ease) initiative, which aims to reduce marriage aversion rates and promote the concept of marriage based on affection and understanding.
• Al-Hilal is Without Super and the Rest are Super Hat-trick! What is happening to the global leader Al-Hilal is unbelievable, even beyond imagination, with strange treatment from the Ministry of Sports and the Investment Fund that owns the club and the recruitment committee. This great and huge popular team, which has honored the nation in more than one global and continental forum, and forced major state figures, newspapers, channels, programs, and social media sites worldwide to talk about its performance and presence under the name Al-Hilal (Saudi) after it led the continent and finished as runner-up globally and seventh in the last edition, which was held only a few months ago, embarrassing Real Madrid by defeating the previous champion Manchester City 4-0. This was followed by a complete and strange neglect of its historical achievements, as we learned that its two new French and Uruguayan signings, Theo and Nunez, receive no support from the Investment Fund, but rather from the club’s profit and non-profit company. As of this writing, it does not have a “superstar” player in category A, as is the case with other clubs supported by the fund, which have more than one A-category player. While fans witness a different and exciting summer for Al-Nassr, with contract breaks and new signings, Al-Hilal remains far behind. O Al-Zaeem, may Allah be with you!
• Support Between Supposed and Reality In the world of sports, support is supposed to be a reward for achievement and an incentive for continued excellence. Clubs that excel and win championships raise their profile and increase their fan base. It is logical that these clubs receive greater support, not as a luxury, but as an investment in their success on the field itself. However, reality often goes in a different direction. We find that support is distributed equally between the successful and the unsuccessful, as if achievement and non-achievement are the same. In some cases, support for successful clubs may even be halted or reduced under the pretext of “achieving competition fairness,” a pretext that appears fair on the surface but aims to weaken the excelling and appease those who have not yet reached their level.
• From Club Income There are words uttered without acknowledging the truth, a common occurrence from media figures affiliated with clubs, especially when they sign high-value technical and financial deals, claiming that these are from “the club’s income,” fostering a sense of wealth and self-sufficiency. We all know that the club’s income from sponsorships and marketing companies is meager and cannot cover even one such deal. It is a gross exaggeration to claim that it can bring in global deals in abundance. Is it reasonable that clubs have become financially rich and prosperous within just two seasons, and what about before the known recruitment program supported by state funds?
• Al-Hazm and Dispensing with Al-Khalifa I was surprised, and it is confirmed, by the decision of Al-Hazem Club’s management to dispense with one of the club’s sons who grew up and served it as a fan and player before anything else. I mean the decision to dispense with brother Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Khalifa, who has worked for eight years as a sports media coordinator for the first football team, with an official contract that continues and renews automatically every season. I realize that the decision is a private matter and I or anyone else has no right to interfere with it. However, if Al-Hazem’s decision-making process was more transparent, and if they knew the details of dispensing with someone like him, it would have been expected and natural, as the goal is profit and investment. But Al-Hazem is still a club, not a group or individual immune from the commercial consequences of privatization. The decision to dispense with those who sacrificed their time, health, and youth for the club without pay pains me, even if they received “crumbs.”
• The Quran and the Scientific Method Many researchers believe that the scientific method lies in the mechanism of collecting and analyzing information, while the essence of any scientific research is its philosophy and intellectual direction. As I have been working for a long time on urban theory in the Holy Quran, considering that urbanism is the spatial and sensory realm where humans practice their daily lives and activities, and there is no human civilization unrelated to it, I was looking for the methodological link that connects any theory to reality. It is assumed that this link comes from the Quran. I happened to hear a methodological interpretation of Surat Al-Takathur, verse (51) of Surat Al-Haqqa, by Sheikh Al-Shaarawi, in which he mentions “knowledge of certainty,” “eye of certainty,” and “truth of certainty.” He explains that “knowledge of certainty” is knowledge of something without seeing it, reaching the level of faith. However, “eye of certainty” is seeing and witnessing it directly, a higher level of knowledge to reach certainty. But it is completed by “truth of certainty,” which is knowledge through experience and lived reality.
• The Chaos of Digital Platforms The world has witnessed a technological and scientific development in recent times that has contributed to raising the welfare of our lives in a surprising way in all fields, even during a short period. Along with this advanced technology and the ease of production and dissemination in the field of media and communication, many specialized companies emerged that created and innovated in the field of visual and audio media, and developed programs and applications that facilitated their use and acquisition among the general public. As a result, we have seen a decline in the level of social media platforms, culturally, religiously, ethically, and even in entertainment.
• Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Effective communication between cultures is a pressing necessity in a world with increasing cultural tensions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a pioneering role in promoting cultural dialogue and consolidating cultural diplomacy throughout its history, as the cradle of religions and the home of Islam, which calls for peaceful coexistence among religions and cultures. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, the Kingdom has paid great attention to the concepts of cultural dialogue, both verbal and non-verbal, and cultural diplomacy, which has contributed to enhancing its regional and international presence. The Kingdom has developed distinctive strategies to highlight culture as a pivotal element in cultural diplomacy.

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

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