Al Riyadh Newspaper August 24, 2025: Sustainable Development, Banking Sector, Summit in Hong Kong

The provided texts offer a multifaceted overview of Saudi Arabian initiatives and global events. They highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian aid and sustainable development, as evidenced by blood donation campaigns and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s global efforts. Domestically, there’s a focus on educational reforms, including the reintroduction of a two-semester system and the integration of artificial intelligence into curricula. Economically, the sources examine fluctuations in the Saudi banking sector and the impact of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 on various sectors. Internationally, they cover global oil market dynamics, an aviation sustainability summit in Hong Kong aiming for carbon neutrality, and an ongoing conflict in Gaza, detailing Israeli actions and international aid efforts. Furthermore, the texts touch upon a cultural celebration of traditional crafts, a film and architecture conference, and a political referendum in the Serbian entity in Bosnia.

Podcast

Saudi Generosity: Vision 2030 and Global Humanitarian Aid

Saudi Arabia has a long-standing commitment to charitable and humanitarian initiatives, which are deeply rooted in its identity and align with the principles of Islamic social solidarity. This dedication has earned global recognition from international organizations, particularly for its leadership in aiding those in need. The Kingdom’s efforts are significantly reinforced by the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable charity and a vibrant, healthy society.

Here are some key charitable initiatives highlighted in the sources:

• The Crown Prince’s Blood Donation Campaign
• Purpose and Goals: This campaign, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to foster a culture of giving, strengthen community participation, and support national health sector efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in blood and its components for all hospitals. A crucial objective is to raise the voluntary blood donation rate to 100% by 2030, directly contributing to saving lives and establishing a healthy and safe society as part of Vision 2030.
• Leading by Example: The Crown Prince personally donated blood at the campaign’s launch, serving as an inspiring role model and encouraging citizens and residents to participate in this noble voluntary act.
• Ministry of Health’s Role: The Ministry of Health actively promotes the campaign, highlighting its 185 accredited centers across the Kingdom, which are fully equipped to provide safe, high-quality blood donation services. Donors can book appointments electronically or visit centers directly using the “Sehatty” application.
• Widespread Participation: The campaign has seen active participation from regional princes, ministers, citizens, and residents nationwide. The National Guard Minister directed all personnel to participate, reinforcing their national and humanitarian duty and the values of solidarity. Health clusters in Mecca, Qassim, and Najran have also activated the campaign in their respective hospitals, providing donation sites and promoting awareness.
• Impact and Statistics: In 2024, over 800,000 individuals donated blood. In 2023, Ministry of Health blood banks recorded 437,424 donated units and performed 4,296,364 related examinations. A significant development was the launch of the “Unified Blood Bank” system in 2023 to enhance the management of donations, inventory, and distribution across the Kingdom.
• King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)
• Establishment and Scope: Established on May 13, 2015, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, KSrelief functions as the primary umbrella for Saudi humanitarian endeavors. It operates with transparency and collaborates with various international organizations.
• Financial Contributions: The Kingdom has been recognized as one of the largest donor countries for humanitarian aid. Over the past four decades, its total humanitarian, charitable, and developmental aid has exceeded $141 billion, with projects in over 173 countries.
• Specific Aid Efforts:Over $653 million has been allocated to support 151 million women globally through more than 992 projects.
• More than $888 million was designated to empower over 179 million children in 926 projects.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia provided medical and preventive aid totaling over $824 million to more than 50 countries.
• For affected populations in Gaza, the Kingdom delivered over 7,180 tons of aid via air and sea bridges, including 20 ambulances and relief agreements worth $90.35 million.
• Through the “Masam” project, over 500,000 landmines were cleared in Yemen.
• A prosthetics program and rehabilitation initiatives were launched for over 530 child soldiers, alongside psychological and social support for 60,000 individuals in affected families.
• Following the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the “Sahem” platform raised over $114 million in a short period, facilitating the deployment of medical and rescue teams.
• The Saudi external volunteering portal has mobilized over 80,000 volunteers in more than 55 countries, contributing to 991 programs, including over 236,000 free surgical operations.
• Other Religious and Community Initiatives
• Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance: Concluded extensive summer Quranic courses in Mecca, benefiting 65,149 individuals in 3,941 study circles across 1,138 mosques. These programs aimed to improve Quran memorization and understanding, and promote Islamic values.
• International Outreach: The Ministry’s Religious Attaché Office in Kenya organized a scientific session in Nairobi to promote Islamic moderation and the role of preachers in fostering coexistence. Similar initiatives were undertaken in Benin.

Saudi Education’s Vision 2030 Transformation

Saudi Arabia places a high priority on education, viewing it as a crucial pillar for national development and a key enabler for achieving the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s educational endeavors are designed to prepare future generations, enhance national identity, and adapt to global technological advancements.

Here’s a detailed discussion of the education system, as outlined in the sources:

1. Academic System Restructuring: Return to Two Semesters

The Kingdom is implementing a significant shift in its general education system by returning to a two-semester academic calendar, after four years of a three-semester system. This change is a response to the needs of students, teachers, and families.

• Rationale and Goals: The move aims to:
• Balance educational quality with student and family comfort.
• Reduce burdens on both students and teachers.
• Increase flexibility and effectiveness in the educational process.
• Focus on the depth of curricula rather than mere breadth.
• Accelerate evaluation processes and address learning gaps.
• Provide more space for extracurricular activities and life skills development.
• Promote psychological and social stability within the educational community.
• Anticipated Benefits:
• For Students: Reduced pressure from academic subjects, easier comprehension, increased opportunities for academic improvement, diversified activities, and renewed academic motivation. Continuous assessment and regular exams will provide faster feedback, aiding in better performance.
• For Teachers: Lighter teaching loads, allowing for deeper explanations of content and more creative teaching methods. Better student monitoring and professional development opportunities.
• For Families: Easier monitoring of academic progress, reduced stress, and better balance between academic and social life for children. Flexibility in planning family activities and holidays.
• Challenges and Considerations: While the two-semester system is expected to bring benefits, it also presents challenges. Longer semesters might lead to student boredom or loss of focus, particularly in earlier stages. The return of extended summer holidays could result in “educational loss” as students might forget acquired skills and knowledge. Additionally, some modern educational projects and curricula, developed under the three-semester model, may require restructuring. The system aims to address previous issues like repetitive absenteeism due to numerous short breaks under the three-semester system.
• Preparation and Readiness: The Ministry of Education has undertaken extensive preparations, including 75 new construction projects valued at over 920 million SAR, comprehensive maintenance for over 15,000 school buildings (exceeding 2 billion SAR), and ensuring the availability of all necessary educational resources. Administrative and supervisory staff return early to complete preparations before students arrive.

2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a proactive and strategic commitment to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its education system.

• Comprehensive AI Curriculum: From the current academic year, AI curriculum is being introduced across all stages of general education. This initiative is considered a qualitative leap in Saudi education, aiming to equip a generation with essential skills for the future, including programming, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Pilot Programs: A previous “Introduction to AI” course was successfully implemented for third-year secondary students in general tracks. This program focused on practical applications, self-learning, and project-based learning, leading to a Sadaia certificate upon completion.
• Global Standing: The Kingdom’s comprehensive integration of AI into general education positions it ahead of several major nations, including the United States (which focuses more on higher education), China (which prioritizes secondary and university levels), and Britain (where AI application remains limited to specific stages). Singapore’s model, with its emphasis on interactive learning and efficiency, is noted as being relatively similar to Saudi Arabia’s approach.
• Ethical Considerations and Societal Impact: The sources acknowledge that AI, while powerful, generates questions about wealth distribution, job displacement, and “soft surveillance” which can influence human behavior and beliefs. Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance is not just about technological adoption but also about establishing regulated and studied international guidelines to prevent the misuse of AI for criminal or unethical purposes, thereby safeguarding human sovereignty.

3. Roles of Teachers and Students

• Teacher’s Pivotal Role: The Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, emphasized the exalted status of knowledge in Islam and the immense responsibility entrusted to teachers. He urged educators to be dedicated, provide sincere advice, engage in dialogue, and serve as role models, guiding students towards truth and instilling strong faith and values. Teachers are seen as vital for building a generation grounded in noble morals and national identity.
• Student’s Duty: Students are encouraged to value their time, invest it productively, respect their teachers and parents, and strive to be good citizens who contribute positively to their nation.

4. Specific Educational Initiatives and Programs

• Quranic Courses: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance successfully concluded extensive summer Quranic courses in Mecca, benefiting 65,149 individuals. These programs, conducted in 3,941 study circles across 1,138 mosques, focused on enhancing Quran memorization, recitation, and understanding, while promoting Islamic values.
• Education Finance at Jazan University: Jazan University signed a partnership with the Social Development Bank to offer “Education Finance” options for students pursuing diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. This initiative aims to provide accessible financial solutions to help students continue their education.
• International Nursing Conference: The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group organized the Fourth International Nursing Conference, accredited for 40 hours of medical education. The conference discussed key issues in nursing, including automation, innovative education, health technology, and research, aimed at developing nursing skills and improving healthcare quality.
• Saudi Media Academy Training: The Saudi Media Academy, under the Ministry of Media, held an intensive training program on “Managing Major International Events”. This program, part of the “Media Leaders” initiative, involved over 40 leaders and aimed to enhance media skills and the Kingdom’s presence in global forums, aligning with Vision 2030.
• University Media in the Digital Age: There’s a recognized need for university media to evolve and adapt to the digital transformation and AI era. This involves producing engaging, interactive content for various digital platforms to effectively communicate academic and student activities, build the university’s institutional identity, and align with Vision 2030 goals.

The overall picture painted by the sources is of an education system in Saudi Arabia that is dynamic, responsive to global trends like AI, deeply rooted in national values, and strategically aligned with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Global Oil Market Dynamics and Decarbonization Efforts

The oil market is currently experiencing a dynamic period influenced by a combination of geopolitical tensions, supply and demand shifts, and long-term decarbonization goals.

Here’s a detailed look at the current state and influencing factors:

1. Current Oil Prices and Market Performance

• Recent Price Movements: Brent crude futures recently rose by 6 cents (0.09%) to $67.73, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures increased by 14 cents (0.22%) to $63.66. Both contracts had achieved weekly gains of 2.9% for Brent and 1.4% for WTI in the preceding week.
• Support for Prices: Oil prices received support from an unexpected drop in US crude inventories, which decreased by 6 million barrels in the week ending August 15. This suggests strong demand in the US market, as analysts had only anticipated a 1.8 million barrel decrease.
• Impact of Interest Rates: Discussions around potential interest rate cuts by central banks, such as the US Federal Reserve, could stimulate economic growth and increase demand for oil, potentially leading to higher prices.

2. Geopolitical Influences and Supply Dynamics

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflict, now in its third and a half year, continues to create uncertainty in the oil market.
• Reports of Ukrainian attacks on a Russian oil refinery and a pumping station crucial to the Druzhba oil pipeline raise concerns about potential disruptions to Russian oil supplies to European countries like Hungary and Slovakia.
• The prospect of a ceasefire is dim, with the Russian Foreign Minister accusing Ukraine of obstructing peace talks. Analysts believe that the less likely a ceasefire becomes, the higher the probability of stricter US sanctions on Russia, which could further impact global supply.
• India’s Oil Imports and US Tariffs: India’s increased purchases of Russian oil have led to US tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods. Despite these tariffs, Russia expects to continue its oil supplies to India.
• Indian state refiners, after initial hesitation, have resumed buying Russian crude for September and October deliveries, driven by significant discounts of around $3 per barrel on Urals crude.
• This shift in Indian purchasing could reduce Russian oil supplies to China, which had increased its imports during India’s absence.
• China’s Oil Strategy: China continues to play a significant role as a major oil buyer and storer. Despite increased refinery processing rates in July, strong crude imports and domestic production have resulted in a surplus of over half a million barrels per day available for storage.
• US Oil and Gas Production: US energy companies have been cutting the number of oil and natural gas rigs, marking the fourth reduction in five weeks. The rig count fell by 10 to 538 in the week ending August 22, reaching its lowest level since mid-July.
• M&A in US Shale: Merger and acquisition activity in the US shale oil sector declined in the second quarter of the year. However, some consolidation is occurring, such as Crescent Energy nearing a deal to acquire Vital Energy, which holds significant assets in the Permian Basin. Crescent Energy focuses on stable production from older wells, while Vital Energy contributes substantially to daily oil equivalent production.

3. Demand and Economic Indicators

• Weak European Economy: Weak economic data from Germany, which saw its economy contract by 0.3% in the second quarter, has raised concerns about oil demand in Europe.

4. Long-term Outlook: Decarbonization and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• Aviation Sector’s Commitment: The airline industry, through the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is hosting a Global Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong on October 21-22, 2025. The primary goal is to reaffirm and pursue the commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Challenges and Solutions: IATA highlights that while airlines are fully committed, broader action is needed from policymakers, aircraft manufacturers, oil companies, and fuel producers.
• Key challenges include expanding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and securing an estimated $4.7 trillion in investments required for decarbonization.
• Hong Kong is aiming to become a major hub for SAF production in Asia.
• The symposium seeks to foster cooperation across the value chain and integrate emerging technologies to accelerate the removal of carbon from the aviation sector.

5. Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation and Energy Demand

• Vision 2030 and Infrastructure Investment: The Kingdom is undertaking massive economic projects under Vision 2030, particularly in energy, tourism, infrastructure, and industry sectors. This requires significant long-term financing that exceeds the capacity of traditional domestic deposits, leading to an increasing reliance on external borrowing and international financial markets.
• This economic dynamism, characterized by large-scale, energy-intensive projects, implies a substantial and growing internal demand for energy to power these developments. The Saudi banking sector’s shift towards hedging and securing diverse, stable funding sources reflects the immense capital requirements of these projects.

Dates, Tourism, and Saudi Vision 2030

The discussion of tourism and dates in the provided sources highlights a strong connection, particularly through cultural events and economic diversification initiatives within Saudi Arabia.

The Buraidah Dates Carnival serves as a prime example of how dates are integrated with tourism:

• Event Overview and Location: The Buraidah Dates Carnival is held at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah. It is organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, alongside the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, with supervision from the Qassim region’s emirate.
• Duration and Scale: The carnival is a significant event, running for 21 continuous days. In 2023, its duration extended to 75 days.
• Activities and Experience: The carnival offers a rich and diverse experience with over 30 varied activities designed to provide a comprehensive tourist and entertainment experience for visitors. These activities encompass cultural, entertainment, artistic, and agricultural programs, aiming to introduce visitors to Qassim’s heritage and its prominent status as the capital of dates and a global platform for marketing palm products.
• Specific attractions include entertainment shows, a photography corner, daily tourist caravans from Buraidah Dates City, and a special section showcasing rare and unique varieties of dates.
• It also features workshops and training sessions focused on improving date production, enhancing product quality, and fostering innovation in the utilization of palm waste.
• To engage the community, the carnival provides outdoor seating areas, food trucks, and cafes, and encourages the participation of productive families, youth, and artisans to display their local and handmade products.
• Economic Impact and Goals: The carnival aims to stimulate domestic tourism and support the global standing of Saudi dates. It is explicitly aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to promote economic and cultural diversity. The economic success is evident, with sales in the first 15 days of the 2023 carnival exceeding 107 million Saudi Riyals.
• Media and Promotion: A notable initiative is the launch of the “Dates Channel,” a television channel dedicated to palm products, broadcasting from a fully equipped studio within the carnival. This channel delivers programs and news in multiple languages, highlighting the date industry in Qassim and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global presence in the date sector through professional media content that reflects the Kingdom’s identity and agricultural heritage. The carnival’s launch is also celebrated with spectacular fireworks displays.

Beyond the Dates Carnival, Saudi Arabia’s broader vision supports tourism through cultural initiatives:

• Vision 2030 and Cultural Heritage: Vision 2030 emphasizes highlighting the national heritage and its future role, including the transformation of historical sites like Al-Masamak Palace Museum into vibrant cultural attractions. This general focus on heritage directly contributes to cultural tourism.
• Year of Handicrafts 2025: The year 2025 has been designated as the “Year of Handicrafts,” a strategic move under Vision 2030 to preserve intangible cultural heritage and promote Saudi national identity. This initiative explicitly links traditional crafts to economic diversification, job creation, and enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal on the global tourism map. The goal is for handicrafts to become a significant economic and cultural resource.

Saudi Vision 2030: Economic Transformation and Global Engagement

Saudi Arabia’s economic policy is primarily driven by Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at diversifying the economy, enhancing the quality of life, and strengthening the Kingdom’s global standing. This vision permeates various sectors, guiding reforms and investments.

Here’s a detailed look at key aspects of economic policy:

1. Financial Sector Transformation

• Banking Sector Shifts: The Saudi banking sector has undergone significant transformations in its financing structure and liquidity sources between 2024 and 2025. This period saw a 20% increase in total liabilities to other local banks, reaching SAR 110.6 billion in 2025, up from SAR 92.1 billion in 2024. Interbank liabilities also surged by 60%, from SAR 367.6 billion to SAR 586.5 billion.
• Foreign Asset/Liability Reversal: Saudi banks moved from a net foreign asset surplus of SAR 15.2 billion in Q2 2024 to a substantial deficit of SAR 123.5 billion in Q2 2025. This shift is attributed to strong economic momentum, increased demand for financing driven by Vision 2030 megaprojects, and the insufficiency of local deposits to cover long-term financing needs. The high-interest rate environment further pushed banks to seek more stable funding channels.
• Risk Management & Future Strategies: The increased reliance on interbank and external financing introduces higher sensitivity to market disturbances, exchange rate risks, and refinancing challenges. To address this, banks are adopting strategies that include diversifying funding sources, issuing bonds, attracting direct foreign investments, and prudently managing their liabilities. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is also expected to promote long-term financing tools.
• Foreign Investment Regulations: New rules have been implemented to regulate foreign investment in the Saudi market. These allow non-resident foreign natural and legal persons to invest in listed securities and debt instruments. Strategic foreign investors can own up to 10% or more of an issuer’s shares, while all foreign investors combined can own up to 49%. Qualified foreign investors must meet specific asset requirements, such as owning or managing assets worth at least SAR 1.875 billion.

2. Economic Diversification & Development Initiatives

• Tourism and Cultural Heritage:
• The Buraidah Dates Carnival is a prime example of leveraging local products for tourism, with over 30 activities designed to offer cultural, entertainment, artistic, and agricultural experiences. In 2023, the carnival ran for 75 days, generating over 107 million Saudi Riyals in sales within its first 15 days, demonstrating its economic impact and alignment with Vision 2030’s diversification goals.
• The “Year of Handicrafts 2025” aims to preserve intangible cultural heritage, promote national identity, and create job opportunities while enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal on the global tourism map.
• Investment in cultural sites like Al-Masamak Palace Museum transforms them into vibrant attractions that support cultural tourism.
• Water Management: The National Water Company has demonstrated high operational efficiency in managing water distribution in tourist areas like Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif, distributing over 45.5 million cubic meters of water. This effort supports environmental sustainability objectives within Vision 2030, reducing reliance on mobile water tankers and improving the urban landscape.
• Healthcare Investment: Vision 2030 also focuses on improving the quality of healthcare outcomes. This includes national blood donation campaigns aimed at achieving 100% self-sufficiency in blood components, and fostering international partnerships for healthcare development, as seen in the Saudi Minister of Health’s visit to New Zealand.

3. Human Capital Development and Digital Economy

• Education Reforms: The Kingdom is implementing significant changes in its general education system, including a return to the two-semester system to balance educational quality with student and family well-being. This aims to increase academic achievement, provide more flexibility, and offer wider opportunities for extracurricular activities and life skills.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Starting in the current academic year, the National Center for Curricula, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Communications and SDAIA, has introduced AI curriculum across all stages of general education. This strategic investment aims to equip a new generation with skills in programming, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, enhancing their readiness for the future and placing Saudi Arabia ahead of many nations in AI education at the general education level. The economic implications of AI agents or “digital workers” and their impact on wealth distribution are also a subject of discussion.

4. International Economic Engagement

• Humanitarian Aid: Saudi Arabia has a long-standing commitment to humanitarian efforts globally, having provided over $141 billion in aid and launched projects in more than 173 countries. This includes significant contributions to women, children, and disaster relief, with recent support for Gaza exceeding 7,180 tons of aid and $90.35 million in value.
• Trade Relations: India’s increased purchases of Russian oil have led to US tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, highlighting the complex interplay between energy trade, geopolitics, and international economic relations.

5. Energy Sector (Oil)

• Geopolitical Factors: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the associated risk of stricter US sanctions on Russia continue to influence global oil supplies. Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have raised concerns about potential disruptions to European markets.
• Supply and Demand Dynamics: Oil prices have been supported by an unexpected drop in US crude inventories, signaling strong demand. Conversely, a reduction in US oil and natural gas rigs indicates a potential future tightening of supply. Weak economic data from Europe, particularly Germany, has raised concerns about oil demand in the region.
• Long-Term Decarbonization: The aviation sector, through IATA, is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a significant focus on expanding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. This transition requires an estimated $4.7 trillion in investments and cross-sector cooperation.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s economic policy is characterized by a proactive approach to reform and diversification under Vision 2030, with significant investments in infrastructure, human capital, and digital transformation, alongside a strategic engagement in global energy markets and humanitarian aid.

Columns: Saudi Arabian Vision and Global Engagement

Here are the titles of the columns and their first two paragraphs of detail, presented in English as requested:

Title: Word Detail 1: The Kingdom, today and since its inception, has not ceased to implement projects of giving and charitable efforts inside and outside the country, within a framework that aims to create and spread goodness in various charitable, humanitarian, and societal fields. This has given the Kingdom a rich record of noble charitable initiatives, reflecting its authentic character and its keenness to build a cooperative and interconnected society based on the principles of social solidarity, in accordance with the true Islamic religion. Detail 2: The Kingdom’s journey in sustainable charity has always been appreciated by world countries and international organizations, which have lauded the wise leadership’s initiatives to aid the distressed and provide assistance and support to those in need, whether inside or outside the Kingdom. Under the umbrella of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has strengthened its journey in sustainable charity, directed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and skillfully led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, in implementing its initiatives. The latest of these was the launch of the blood donation campaign.

Title: Initiatives of Giving Detail 1: The Crown Prince’s campaign for blood donation embodies the humanitarian approach of the wise leadership – may God support it – in strengthening participation and fostering a culture of giving, and supporting national efforts in the health sector to ensure self-sufficiency of blood and its components in all hospitals of the Kingdom, and contributes to saving lives. Detail 2: The importance of this campaign is further highlighted by its launch coinciding with the Crown Prince’s donation of blood, which carries a valuable message for everyone (citizens and residents) encouraging them to participate in this noble act, in support of the voluntary work journey for community members, and to raise the percentage of voluntary blood donation in the country to 100%.

Title: The Journey of Saudi Banks… From Expansion to Hedging Detail 1: The Saudi banking sector has witnessed remarkable transformations in its financing structure and liabilities and pressures in the recent period, reflecting the dynamism of economic activity on one hand, and the structuring of liquidity and funding sources on the other. Data between 2024 and 2025 showed a significant increase in interbank liabilities among local banks, in addition to a major leap in foreign liabilities, which requires an in-depth reading of the causes and implications. Detail 2: The total liabilities of Saudi banks to other local banks rose by 20% to reach SAR 110.6 billion in 2025, compared to SAR 92.1 billion in 2024. This increase was not evenly distributed, as Al Riyadh Bank recorded a record increase of 190%, and Saudi Investment Bank’s liabilities jumped by 115%, while other banks witnessed a decrease, such as BNP Paribas by (-42%) and Arab Bank by (-70%).

Title: Six Million Students Return to Schools.. Today Detail 1: More than 6 million male and female students return this morning to their school desks to begin the new academic year 1447-1448 AH in various public education schools across the Kingdom. All public education schools in various regions of the Kingdom have completed preparations to receive students in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and optimism for a new educational journey, preceded by preparatory works within the operational plans of the education system in all regions of the Kingdom, ensuring the provision of necessary equipment and maintenance, and a safe, stimulating educational environment that promotes national and human values and instills discipline and diligence in a new generation. Detail 2: The Ministry of Education was keen on the readiness of schools for a successful start, as it has implemented a number of projects and initiatives at the Kingdom level since a while ago, which included (75) new construction projects with a total value of (920) million Riyals aimed at expanding infrastructure and achieving advanced educational environments. Comprehensive maintenance was also carried out for more than (15) thousand school buildings and more than (884) thousand air conditioning units with a value exceeding (2) billion Riyals.

Title: Crown Prince’s Blood Donation Supports Health Sector Efforts Detail 1: The humanitarian initiative launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers – may God protect him – and his blood donation, is considered an extension of his generous patronage for humanitarian work, and an encouragement for all segments of society to initiate blood donation, in compliance with the words of Allah Almighty: “And whoever saves a life – it is as though he had saved all mankind”. This embodies his keenness to enhance community participation and establish a culture of voluntary blood donation, and to support national efforts in the health sector, with the aim of raising the percentage of voluntary blood donation to 100% of the total donors, in achievement of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 towards a vital society enjoying a comprehensive healthy life. Detail 2: This initiative is also an extension of the generous humanitarian stances of the wise leadership – may God support it – in various fields, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them. The campaign aims to enhance awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and achieve self-sufficiency in blood and its components, to ensure the provision of safe and sustainable supplies that meet the needs of beneficiaries in various regions of the Kingdom.

Title: Winners in King Abdulaziz Quran Competition: Strong Competition and Great Joy.. Thanks to the Kingdom’s Leadership Detail 1: The winners in the advanced positions of the 45th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran expressed their great happiness with the win, confirming that the competition was strong among an elite group of memorizers of God’s book from various Islamic countries. They praised the leadership and patronage of the Kingdom for the people of the Holy Quran, and the great role played by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in organizing the competition with high professionalism that exceeded expectations. Detail 2: This came in press statements after the closing ceremony held in the Grand Mosque under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – and attended on his behalf by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, and a number of their Royal Highnesses, Excellencies, and Virtues, where the names of the winners were announced and honored with prizes totaling four million Riyals.

Title: Minister of Health Concludes Visit to New Zealand Detail 1: The Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, concluded an official visit to New Zealand, during which he met with a number of officials and leaders of the health sector. Detail 2: During the visit, bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom and New Zealand in health care fields was discussed, and promising opportunities for cooperation between the two countries were explored. He met with His Excellency the Minister of Mental Health, who is the first Saudi minister to be concerned with this file, and the accompanying Saudi delegation also met with a number of leaders of the Public Health Authority in New Zealand.

Title: Blood Donation Available at (185) Centers or via “Sehaty” App Detail 1: The Ministry of Health urged citizens and residents to participate in the “Crown Prince’s Blood Donation Campaign,” which is held annually, confirming that donation is available through two options: either electronically or by booking and going directly to blood donation centers around the Kingdom with ease and convenience through the “Sehaty” application, in a step aimed at enhancing the culture of blood donation, raising health awareness, and in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a vital and healthy society based on social solidarity and humanitarian giving. Detail 2: The Ministry also clarified that (185) approved blood donation centers are fully ready to provide safe health services that meet the highest quality standards, in various cities and regions around the Kingdom. The Ministry called on all members of society to promote the culture of humanitarian giving through blood donation, and to view the details of the designated centers via the following link: https://www.moh.gov.sa/eServices/.

Title: Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group Organizes Fourth International Nursing Conference Detail 1: Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group organizes the Fourth International Nursing Conference, approved by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties for “40” hours of medical education, with the participation of “30” international and local speakers, experts, and researchers in nursing, and specialists in health care, and with the attendance of more than “1200” nursing staff. The conference will present “23” lectures and “3” interactive workshops, during the period from 15 to 18 September 2025 at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Al Suwaidi. Detail 2: In its fourth edition, the conference will discuss a range of important issues related to the specialty, most notably the automation of nursing, innovative nursing education, and remote health care. It will also review the latest technological developments, professional practices, and scientific research related to nursing.

Title: Saudi Media Concludes “Management of Major Global Events” Detail 1: The Saudi Media Academy, affiliated with the Ministry of Media, concluded the intensive training program in “Management of Major Global Events,” which was held in the Swiss city of Lausanne in cooperation with EHL University, ranked first globally in the field of hospitality and event management, and that was within “Media Leaders” program. Detail 2: More than (40) male and female leaders from government and private sectors participated through an intensive training program of (30) training hours that included interactive workshops under the supervision of international experts, in addition to field visits to leading institutions in Switzerland in the field of organizing major events. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the most prominent international practices and acquire advanced skills in planning, organizing, and creating impactful public experiences.

Title: “Two Swords and Palm Tree”… Ancient Past and Prosperous Present Detail 1: The emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by two crossed swords with a palm tree in the middle, carries deep meanings that extend to ancient roots in Saudi history. This emblem has been linked to the Saudi national identity as a deeply rooted symbol in the collective consciousness. Detail 2: The “Two Swords and Palm Tree” emblem remains a firmly established national symbol in the hearts of Saudis, connecting their ancient past with their prosperous present, embodying the vision of a nation that prioritizes security and development. In this pride in the emblem, the Museums Authority launched the “Two Swords and Palm Tree: The Saudi Emblem” exhibition at the Masmak Palace Museum in Riyadh, attended by a number of intellectuals, researchers, and those interested in the Kingdom’s history and human arts.

Title: “Cultural Personality of the Year”.. Nation’s Medal for its Creative Children Detail 1: In every cycle of the “National Cultural Awards” initiative, there is a moment that encapsulates the idea of the award in its highest meanings, when the focus shifts to one person only, in which the creator rejoices not only for the platform, but for the nation. That is the moment of crowning the “Cultural Personality of the Year,” an award that has transformed into a national badge of honor in the consciousness of intellectuals and the memory of the nation, awarded not for a single act, but for a journey, a vision, and a contribution to culture in the Kingdom. Detail 2: No one disagrees that the impact of this award is not limited to its recipient, but extends beyond, as it is not only given to honor a person, but to create an exemplary model to be followed. It establishes the principle that deep cultural work is not wasted, and that whoever perseveres in literature, education, research, documentation, or writing, or in other cultural and creative fields embraced by the National Cultural Awards, will find someone who appreciates them and places their name among the pioneers, not those left in the shadows, and gives youth a roadmap towards influential cultural action.

Title: Handicrafts.. Reviving Heritage with a New National Vision Detail 1: When living heritage blends with a national vision, we see a flourishing industry with our own eyes. Handicrafts are part of the heritage we have carried from generation to generation; they are not just manufactured goods, but a memory of a nation that builds a bridge connecting heritage and innovation. Detail 2: The year 2025 is the Kingdom’s date to shed light on the magic of this heritage, as its designation as the “Year of Handicrafts” was announced during a Council of Ministers session chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince – may God guide his steps. This designation reflects to us and to the whole world the importance of handicrafts as an integral part of Saudi national identity and a cornerstone on which the Kingdom relies to preserve intangible cultural heritage and enrich the lives of Saudi society and the diverse environment it has passed through from the desert to civilization.

Title: “The Caesar” Sings for Rain in Jeddah Detail 1: The “Caesar” Kadim Al-Sahir created an exceptional night on the Abadi Al-Jawhar Arena stage in Jeddah, as part of the Jeddah Season activities, where he transformed the evening into a shower of rain with his songs, an evening where the arts of lavish music, poetic lyrics, and improvisational performance blended. Detail 2: The artist took to the stage amidst enthusiastic applause from a diverse audience of all age groups, who filled the seats from an early hour, presenting a selection of his most prominent songs, which varied between old and new, including: “The Challenges,” “The Piano,” “I Flirt with You,” “Increase My Love,” “Layla,” “The Impossible Love,” and “Barefoot.” These choices were not spontaneous, but rather a journey through different artistic stages of the artist’s career, evoking a rich history of timeless songs, allowing every audience member to find themselves in a captivating musical moment or piece.

Title: “Cinema Criticism Forum” Discusses Film Design in Abha Detail 1: The Film Authority organized the “Cinema Criticism Forum” activities in Al-Miftaha village in Abha city. This is the first stop in a series of forums organized by the Authority this year, culminating in the “International Cinema Criticism Conference” in Riyadh next November, aiming to strengthen cinema criticism as part of its strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity. Detail 2: The General Supervisor of the “International Cinema Criticism Conference,” Sari Al-Khayyat, emphasized in his opening speech that launching the forum in Abha reflects the city’s cultural and artistic standing, serving as a partner and a bridge in the film industry, highlighting that a strong national cinema industry cannot be complete without conscious criticism that analyzes the image behind the lens and decodes the meanings from the human perspective. He added that the previous edition of the International Cinema Criticism Conference attracted more than (10) thousand visitors and (42) speakers from (30) countries, which enhanced the Kingdom’s position as a leading platform for global cinematic dialogue.

Title: “Salma” Celebrates its Stars in an Exclusive Screening Detail 1: In the presence of media and press personalities, “MBC Group” held a special evening yesterday to celebrate its stars, launching the new romantic drama “Salma,” the Arabic version of the famous Turkish series “Woman”. Detail 2: The evening, which took place at the “Lana-Dorchester” Collection hotel, began with the stars of the series and its creators walking the red carpet in front of the photographers’ lenses. Exclusive interviews and meetings were held with media and press personalities throughout the evening. The event also included a special screening of selected scenes from the work and behind-the-scenes footage, followed by a mini-press conference and an open dialogue with the stars and creators of the work, before concluding with a dinner party.

Title: “Red Sea Film” Reveals its Film Programming Team Detail 1: The Red Sea Film Foundation revealed the film programming team for the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, which will take place from December 4 to 13, 2025, in “Al-Balad” Historic Jeddah. Detail 2: Led by Antoine Khalife, the director of the Arab and Classic Film Program, the programming team includes the Saudi critic Ahmed Al-Ayyad, founder and editor-in-chief of “Faselah” website and a member of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), where he holds the position of “Senior Programmer.” Josephine Habchi, a Lebanese critic, journalist, and writer, also joins the team to serve as “Senior Programmer” within the Arab Film Program team.

Title: Truth Does Not Make Friends Detail 1: The truth, my friends, is not a gift but a curse for those who speak it, and I have experienced this curse myself. Every time I told the truth as it is, without flattery or embellishment, the arrows rained down on me. Why? Because the truth frightens people, shatters their illusions, and destroys their weaknesses, on which they have lived for years. Detail 2: Sometimes I ask myself: Why do some people hate me for telling the blunt truth? The answer is clear: because I refuse to accompany them in their illusionary party. I say: it is not courage, but I refuse to laugh at the shadows. Many choose to live in the cave, in the comfort of shadows, and I chose to go out into the sun. My problem is that I cannot pretend that I can go back, that I have not seen the light.

Title: Electronic Warmth Detail 1: What is transmitted from one to another. And for each of them, a private essence and core, with his emotions away from the other, in warmth that he feels not with his body, but with his feelings. Words or material things do not feed it. Warmth of connection does not die, a warmth of behavior, or of a human being with all his reality and visuality. It is electronic warmth that we made and became, and we search for it as an alternative to human warmth and melt into it excessively; until it became a stage for our lives, desires, and perhaps our happiness. Detail 2: In a single room and a narrow space, each of them holds his phone, unaware of the other. He lives a state of electronic warmth. He is here and she is there, moving in the sites of digital life, always feeling the presence of the other, and the scenes and clips are their lives, their fast and varied lives.

Title: Abu Fulan Lost Friends Detail 1: Recently, the keenness to use nicknames (Abu Fulan) has reached such a widespread extent that the first name and family name of a person are forgotten, whether he is a neighbor, a colleague, or someone we know and deal with in real estate or commercial transactions. The nickname (Abu Fulan) has replaced names in an unprecedented and very embarrassing way. Here I will mention examples of embarrassing situations due to the prevalence of using nicknames by mutual consent, as many people like to be called by their nickname, which is usually attributed to their eldest son, whom they named after their father, or their eldest daughter, whom they named after their mother. Detail 2: And nicknames have become a symbol for people in society, not for those who made their name famous and were known by their names. For them, it is not a branch but an origin and not an addition. As for those who, if called by their nickname, people forget their name and become known as Abu Fulan more than their real name, this is what is intended and what we will discuss here.

Title: Saudi Contributions Make a Difference Detail 1: The blessing of homelands is one of God’s greatest blessings that cannot be counted or limited. In the homeland, man finds security, stability, glory, pride, unity, and dignity. God has distinguished the Arabian Peninsula with religious, historical, and great characteristics, making it the birthplace of revelation and the seat of the Two Holy Mosques, the hearts and destination of Muslims. Detail 2: It is the purest land, where our father of prophets, Abraham, peace be upon him, prayed when he said: “My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits – whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.” And it is authentically reported from him, peace and blessings be upon him, that he said: “Indeed, Abraham made Mecca sacred, and I have made Medina sacred between its two lava fields, so no blood should be shed in it, nor should its trees be cut down.” So, it is the fulfillment of the prayer of the prophets, peace be upon them, and the land of the final message, in which the master of messengers, peace and blessings be upon him, was sent as a mercy to the worlds.

Title: Honoring the Teacher.. Honoring the Nation Detail 1: Nations flourish with the prosperity of education, and education’s standing flourishes with the presence of a distinguished teacher who deserves this status and high position. The teacher has a high place in the culture of successful nations. Detail 2: The teacher’s role is not limited to performing his job in education, despite the diversity and multiplicity of its specializations and levels, but extends to a function of no less importance, which is education, including raising patriotic generations, whose goal is to instill noble morals and introduce them to their rights and duties, and to appreciate the homeland and its sacrifices.

Title: University Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Detail 1: With the growing vital role played by academic institutions in the Gulf society, university media emerges as one of the effective tools in enhancing communication within and outside the academic campus, and in conveying the reality of academic and student activities, in a way that contributes to building the institutional identity of the university and enhancing its positive image. With the digital transformation and the expansion of the use of artificial intelligence, which has sometimes blurred facts and distorted them, developing university media has become a necessity to keep pace with rapid changes and meet aspirations. Detail 2: The task of developing university media begins with continuous review and a sound institutional vision that promotes infrastructure and contributes to improving the skills of human cadres working in this field, enabling them to master the use of the latest tools and technologies in producing media content. This cannot be achieved without the presence of supportive media channels, including newspapers, radio, and television, and above all, digital platforms, which have become the most important and attractive for success and follow-up.

Title: The Credit Relationship Between Individuals, Companies, and Banks Detail 1: Our relationship with banks is not just a financial transaction but a direct reflection of our ability to manage our money and plan for our future. In many cases, we resort to banks when we need a ready and easy solution, without making serious attempts to find alternatives or self-solutions. Detail 2: In return, banks strive to attract customers and develop financing products that meet their diverse needs. But what makes this relationship repetitive, whether at the individual or corporate level? The answer lies in the fact that all these decisions are driven by human beings with their motives and circumstances, and then regulations come to establish a framework that governs the relationship and protects the rights of all parties.

Title: Saudi National Day: A Timeless Homeland Story Detail 1: The nineteenth of August each year carries a humanitarian message; a message of a timeless homeland story that pours generosity on the entire world by instilling the spirit of humanity within us and extending a helping hand for the suffering witnessed by many around the world due to poverty, conflicts, natural disasters, and reminding us that protecting human beings and their dignity can only be achieved through proactive steps from all of us, and that it is one of the acts of worship urged by our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who said in the noble hadith: “The believer to the believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other”. Detail 2: Over many decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been able to establish its position to become today one of the first supporters of humanitarian work, and this has not been limited to the Islamic and Arab environment, but has extended to the entire world. This distinguished fact also indicates that humanitarian giving is an inherent part of the hearts and policies of the Kingdom’s rulers since ancient times.

Title: Who Owns Digital Workers? Detail 1: Imagine a factory where thousands of workers, whom you never see, work tirelessly 24 hours a day, all week long. If you look for them in the factory or office, you won’t find them, and they don’t get paid. How can you find them when they work without any reward? You won’t find them because their value does not decrease with consumption, like a bulldozer, for example. These are artificial intelligence agents, or digital workers, and we don’t even have a category or space for them in our economic lists yet. Detail 2: Economists have, for two centuries, relied on a simple formula for how labor earns money: labor earns wages and capital earns profits. But artificial intelligence agents are reshaping this elegant classification. Agents who, for example, rewrite emails, analyze contracts, and write code, are also like capital, as they are owned assets whose scope expands at almost zero cost, unlike labor and capital, which are financial, and their value increases with use.

Title: AI in the Age of Soft Surveillance Detail 1: Every time you receive a video or an ad that touches your current mood, or a recommendation for an article or product you didn’t ask for, remember that what is happening is not a coincidence, but the result of deep analysis of your behavior. We don’t just live in a digital world, but in a world where everything is specifically designed for us by algorithms that never sleep. Behind this smart personalization lies artificial intelligence technology that monitors, learns, and reshapes what we see, read, and perhaps even what we believe. Detail 2: This is not traditional, visible surveillance, but what is known as soft surveillance, where we are quietly guided through invisible tools, and we believe it is a personal choice, but in many cases, it has been engineered in advance. What we must realize is that privacy in the age of artificial intelligence is no longer limited to passwords, application settings, and permissions. Today, privacy means preserving the freedom of decision and thought.

Title: The Critic and the Harsh Architect Detail 1: At first glance, the title of the article “The Architecture Between the Document and Criticism” shows that there is no advanced architecture capable of keeping pace with the new, and without the existence of systematic criticism, it employs the local cultural dimension and invents creative functional solutions. The accompanying thought for the architectural product creates and refines it. However, the title is derived from two Hollywood films that were recently shown, one titled “The Critic,” which revolves around a theatrical critic, and the second about a “Hungarian” or “Magyar” architect who immigrated after World War II and belonged to the brutalist school. Thus, there is no relationship between the two films in principle, and I intended to write a separate article for each film, but I found it an opportune moment to return to the topic of architectural criticism through this connection, especially since the subject of the two films carries ethical aspects that criticism requires, just as the practice of architecture requires them. Detail 2: Both films belong to the beginning of the second half of the twentieth century, and perhaps before that, in the cultural and professional space in which the author delves. This space demonstrates the impact of principles and values associated with creative and intellectual work on the product itself. They also show the qualitative defect that some people may suffer from when they disregard these values and transcend them without batting an eyelid.

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

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