This collection of articles from “20841.pdf” addresses a diverse range of topics, including Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in the Palestinian issue and its economic diversification efforts, with a focus on non-oil revenues and urban development. Several pieces discuss cultural and intellectual matters, such as the transformation of poetic debates into an economic market, the philosophical underpinnings of language and identity, and the profound impact of figures like Sheikh Hamad Al-Jasser on Saudi culture and journalism. The texts also explore legal education reforms, the strategic implications of AI in pricing, and shifting global trade dynamics, specifically China’s expanding influence and America’s import adjustments. Additionally, the compilation touches upon health-related advice, the financial evolution of club football with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, and the importance of tourism for national identity, alongside a poignant reflection on the communicative power of silence.

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The Transformative Power of the Professional JD Degree

Legal education reform has been a pivotal topic, particularly in the context of legal systems and their ability to adapt to societal and economic needs. The professional JD (Juris Doctor) degree in the United States serves as a significant example of how legal education can be transformed, and its influence extends to various countries, including Arab nations.

Here’s a detailed look at legal education reform:

• Historical Context and the Need for Reform in the US
• In the mid-19th century, the United States faced a legal education landscape that was fragmented and lacked clear academic standards amidst rapid industrial and social transformations.
• The prevailing educational system at the time heavily relied on traditional apprenticeships in law offices, often without proper scientific or institutional oversight.
• While the British LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) model was adopted, it failed to genuinely develop legal professionals with the analytical and practical tools needed for the American environment. This resulted in an inconsistent quality of graduates, a strong emphasis on rote learning, and a deficiency in practical application, making law seem more like a static theory than a dynamic profession. This situation necessitated a bold approach to reform.
• Christopher Columbus Langdell’s Revolution
• A pivotal figure in this reform was Christopher Columbus Langdell, Dean of Columbia Law School at Harvard.
• Langdell believed that law, much like physics or medicine, should be taught through rational analysis, observation, and experimentation.
• He introduced three core principles:
• Adoption of analytical principles instead of rote memorization.
• Learning through practice.
• Innovation of a new methodology known as the “Case Method”. This method focused on analyzing judicial rulings to cultivate critical thinking and liberate students from the constraints of mere memorization.
• Langdell also implemented the Socratic method of continuous questioning, eliminated traditional textbooks, and immersed students in daily legal analysis, requiring them to read approximately a hundred thousand pages by graduation.
• Establishment and Impact of the JD Program
• Despite initial resistance, Langdell’s innovative ideas inspired institutions like Harvard Law and led to the establishment of the first professional JD program at the University of Chicago in 1902.
• The JD aimed to redefine the training of lawyers for the 20th century, achieving academic respect comparable to professional degrees in medicine (MD) and education (EdD).
• The transition to the JD was gradual, with most US universities continuing to offer the LL.B. until the 1970s, when the American Bar Association (ABA) began to shift towards accrediting JD programs. This gradual shift was driven by the proven quality of JD graduates and the program’s alignment with modern professional standards.
• By 1975, the JD became the sole qualification for the Bar Exam, serving as a unified gateway for qualifying lawyers, judges, and public prosecutors.
• The JD significantly enhanced the competence of legal graduates, strengthening legislative and judicial institutions. A large majority of members of Congress since the 1980s have held JD degrees, contributing to more flexible and robust legislation that supports economic growth.
• JD graduates have been instrumental in integrating economic analysis into legal jurisprudence, improving legislative drafting, and promoting institutional legal research, which has increased investor confidence and stabilized the legal environment.
• They boast one of the lowest unemployment rates globally, with approximately 85% securing jobs within a year of graduation. Studies also indicate higher rates of property rights protection, reduced investment disputes, and increased foreign investment among JD graduates. Notably, 56% of US presidents have held a JD degree, underscoring its role in leadership development.
• The JD program is seen as a comprehensive reform vision that interlinks deep analysis, professional training, and public service. It is a rigorous, three-year program following a bachelor’s degree, often requiring about seven years of total higher education, culminating in the bar exam, akin to medical school. Its philosophy emphasizes training a “family of quality” legal professionals, combining theoretical study with practical application and training, making the JD a trademark for legal quality.
• International Influence
• The success of the JD model inspired other countries, including Canada (adopting it in 2001), Australia, Singapore, and China (developing hybrid models).
• It also influenced reforms in the United Kingdom, which restructured professional qualification paths with the unified competence test (SQE).
• Some European universities have drawn inspiration from the JD program for their LL.M. programs in comparative law.
• However, differences between the Anglo-Saxon and Civil Law systems have influenced how these models are adopted; the latter typically focuses on theoretical legal understanding at the bachelor’s level, followed by additional practical training.
• Legal Education in Arab Countries and Saudi Arabia’s Opportunity
• In Arab countries, the traditional approach to legal qualification has led to significant gaps in legal education.
• An ESCWA (Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) report from 2021 indicated that law faculties in the Arab world still suffer from traditional and stagnant curricula and teaching methods, which widens the gap between academic output and labor market demands.
• Employment rates post-graduation are low, often below 35%, due to a mismatch between academic content and required practical skills.
• The dominant model in the region continues to center on the “judge/professor” as the primary source of knowledge, rather than fostering the “practitioner/analyst” capable of applying knowledge flexibly in changing real-world contexts, thereby limiting critical thinking and practical legal application.
• Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to adopt this model through the development of its “Higher Diploma in Legal Sciences” program.
• While the current Saudi program focuses on national legislation, it lacks the critical analysis and intensive practical application seen in the JD, thus falling short of its comprehensive impact.
• The JD prepares graduates not merely for litigation but as strategic leaders, legislative engineers, and policymakers.
• The source emphasizes that reforming legal education must begin in the classroom, as it precedes broader justice reform.

From Langdell to Qadi: Judicial Evolution and Legal Education

The discussion of the judicial system, as reflected in the sources, encompasses its historical evolution, the critical role of legal education in shaping its personnel, and the characteristics of effective judicial practice, particularly within an Arab context.

Historically, legal education in the United States faced significant challenges in the mid-19th century, characterized by fragmentation and a lack of clear academic standards. The prevailing system, heavily reliant on traditional apprenticeships without proper scientific or institutional oversight, resulted in inconsistent quality among legal graduates, an overemphasis on rote learning, and a deficiency in practical application. This situation necessitated a fundamental reform to produce legal professionals with the analytical and practical tools required for a dynamic legal environment.

Christopher Columbus Langdell’s revolution at Harvard Law School was pivotal in this reform, introducing the “Case Method” which focused on analyzing judicial rulings to cultivate critical thinking, moving away from mere memorization. This innovative approach led to the establishment of the first professional JD (Juris Doctor) program at the University of Chicago in 1902. The JD aimed to redefine the training of lawyers, achieving academic respect comparable to professional degrees in medicine (MD) and education (EdD). By 1975, the JD became the sole qualification for the Bar Exam, serving as a unified gateway for qualifying lawyers, judges, and public prosecutors. This transformation significantly enhanced the competence of legal graduates, strengthening legislative and judicial institutions. Graduates of the JD program are seen as comprehensive legal professionals, combining deep theoretical analysis with practical application and professional training.

The impact of this reform is seen in the quality of legal professionals it produced. For example, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Wabel, a prominent figure, served as a judge (Qadi) and was recognized for his profound knowledge and wisdom in jurisprudence. His judicial career highlights key aspects of the judicial system:

• He was described as a strong, honest, judicious, strict, and decisive judge in his rulings, who did not show partiality regardless of a person’s status, treating all people equally before the law.
• He prioritized the prompt resolution of cases.
• He advocated for reconciliation between litigants, even citing the practice of Caliph Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) who would “send back the litigants until they reconcile”. This demonstrates a focus on dispute resolution and maintaining social harmony within the judicial process.
• Al-Wabel was a reference for the entire region in dividing inheritances and legacies, indicating a specialized and trusted role in legal matters outside of traditional court settings. His life and teachings underscored the importance of integrating religious knowledge, ethical conduct, and practical application in the legal profession.

The sources also provide insight into traditional legal and social control mechanisms. For instance, the practice of publicly announcing “black marks” (Sawdaa) against individuals in markets meant their testimony would not be accepted in court, requiring the judge (Qadi) to request “verifiers” to attest to their integrity. This illustrates a historical intersection between social reputation, public opinion, and the formal judicial process. Markets themselves functioned as significant platforms for information dissemination and social control, including the announcement of judgments, highlighting their role in the broader social and legal framework.

In contrast to the JD model, legal education in Arab countries has traditionally faced challenges, leading to significant gaps in legal qualification. A 2021 ESCWA report indicated that law faculties in the Arab world still suffer from traditional and stagnant curricula and teaching methods, creating a gap between academic output and labor market demands. The dominant model often centers on the “judge/professor” as the primary source of knowledge, rather than fostering a “practitioner/analyst” who can flexibly apply knowledge in changing real-world contexts. This limits critical thinking and practical legal application.

Ultimately, the sources emphasize that reforming legal education must begin in the classroom, as it precedes broader justice reform. The JD experience is presented as a model of comprehensive reform, interlinking deep analysis, professional training, and public service. It offers a vision for training “strategic leaders, legislative engineers, and policymakers,” rather than merely litigators. The JD model represents a rigorous approach to legal training that aims to produce a “family of quality” legal professionals, ensuring the strengthening of legislative and judicial institutions.

The Subtle Power of Cultural Authority

Cultural authority, as discussed in the sources, is presented as a pervasive and subtle force that shapes societal norms, values, and collective consciousness, operating distinctively from overt political or economic power. It is described as a “soft power” or a “hidden hand” that subtly influences daily life, individual tastes, and forms public “acceptance” of ideas and behaviors.

Here’s a detailed discussion of cultural authority:

• Mechanisms and Tools: Cultural authority does not rely on political slogans or enforceable legal decisions. Instead, it builds its dominance through language, education, media, and symbols. It is rooted in actual value rather than mere fame and constantly reshapes societal understanding rather than simply repeating existing narratives, aiming to foster genuine awareness over superficial fascination. Its significant impact stems from its presence in deeply ingrained aspects of life, including childhood memories, adolescent behaviors, and the choices of future generations, making it a profound and influential force, sometimes even deeper than political reform.
• Manifestations and Examples:
• Legal Education as a Driver of Cultural Shift: The reform of legal education, exemplified by the professional Juris Doctor (JD) program in the United States, represents a significant exercise of cultural authority. Figures like Christopher Columbus Langdell introduced a revolutionary approach focusing on analytical principles and the “Case Method” to cultivate critical thinking, moving away from rote memorization. The JD program aimed to redefine the training of legal professionals, preparing them not just as litigators but as “strategic leaders, legislative engineers, and policymakers”. This transformation in pedagogy and professional qualification (culminating in the JD becoming the sole qualification for the Bar Exam by 1975) significantly enhanced the competence of legal graduates and strengthened legislative and judicial institutions. This illustrates how changes in educational philosophy can exert cultural authority by shaping the very individuals who uphold and reform the legal system and broader society. In contrast, legal education in Arab countries often suffers from “traditional and stagnant curricula and teaching methods,” which limits critical thinking and practical application, highlighting a gap in their cultural authority regarding legal practice.
• Judicial Figures as Moral and Social References: The role of a judge like Sheikh Abdullah Al-Wabel, who was revered for his “profound knowledge and wisdom in jurisprudence” and served as a “reference for the entire region in dividing inheritances and legacies,” exemplifies a form of cultural authority extending beyond the courtroom. His emphasis on prompt case resolution and reconciliation between litigants underscores the judicial system’s embeddedness in promoting social harmony and ethical conduct. Historically, social reputation, as seen in the practice of publicly announcing “black marks” (Sawdaa) which could invalidate court testimony, also highlights the intersection of cultural norms and judicial process, where public perception held sway.
• Artistic and Intellectual Influence: The discussion of Al-Mutanabbi, described as a “prophet of vision” whose poetry and philosophy transcended his time, demonstrates how artistic expression can exert enduring cultural authority. His ability to “impose his vision on the world” and the timeless relevance of his work signify that ideas and artistic creations can continue to shape collective consciousness long after their creator’s demise.
• Deliberate Cultural Initiatives: Prince Khalid Al-Faisal’s cultural initiatives, particularly through the Makkah Cultural Forum, explicitly aim to “enhance good role models” and “erase all negative values”. His vision focuses on “building man on the basis of consciousness, wisdom, knowledge, giving, and generosity”, which represents a conscious effort to influence and direct cultural values and behaviors within society, thereby establishing a form of cultural authority.
• Challenging Norms through Inclusivity: The “Women in Translation Month” initiative seeks to empower female writers by promoting their translated works globally, thereby challenging existing cultural power structures within literature that may have marginalized their contributions. By striving for “equality of opportunity with men” and enhancing women’s literary presence, this initiative aims to reshape cultural perceptions and foster a more inclusive literary landscape.
• Linguistic Standardization and Identity: The proposal for a “linguistic center” in every government sector to improve “linguistic quality” reflects an understanding of language as a core element of cultural authority. By emphasizing the importance of preserving Arabic as “our identity,” “our origin,” and “the key to sciences”, this initiative aims to reinforce national, religious, and cultural identity through linguistic standardization, recognizing that the quality of a nation’s language reflects its civilization and progress.
• Value-Driven vs. Popularity-Driven Authority: The sources distinguish between intellectuals who conform to public taste (“star intellectuals”) and those who challenge norms and bring about “upheaval” in the cultural scene (“thoughtful intellectuals”). True cultural authority, it is argued, is not a reward for popularity but a responsibility that encourages questioning and critical engagement rather than merely providing answers. It can either awaken a nation or lead generations to complacency in the name of superficial acceptance.

The Invisible Hand of AI Pricing

AI pricing, as discussed in the sources, represents a significant shift in how prices are determined, moving from traditional human-centric methods to sophisticated algorithmic approaches. It is portrayed as a pervasive and often invisible force that leverages vast amounts of digital data to personalize pricing for individual consumers.

Here’s a detailed discussion of AI pricing:

• Core Concept and Mechanism:
• AI acts as a “magician” that weaves “invisible threads” to set the price of virtually anything a consumer buys, from airline tickets to dream cars or even a breakfast egg. The underlying idea is to charge different prices based on a customer’s perceived willingness to pay more.
• It transcends the traditional method where a seller would visually assess a customer’s financial capacity and then bargain. Instead, AI, as the “clever merchant,” does not need human intuition; it delves into a “sea of your digital data” to determine the price you will pay.
• AI analyzes various data points, including purchasing habits, geographical locations, and even potential income, to formulate a price that appears “fair… to the seller, of course”.
• The “goldmine” of electronic payments enables AI to understand each customer’s “appetite” for spending. Every click, purchase, and internet search is stored and analyzed to pinpoint the “optimal, or rather, the highest, price for each individual”.
• Distinction from Traditional Pricing:
• Prior to the AI era, companies typically relied on a cost-plus-fixed-profit model, which was akin to distributing sweets equally to children at a party without considering their individual appetites. AI pricing abandons this uniform approach in favor of dynamic, individualized pricing.
• Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny:
• The increasing prevalence of AI pricing has led to regulatory attention. In 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued subpoenas to major companies like Mastercard and JP Morgan to investigate their use of AI in altering prices based on consumer data.
• A significant concern is the potential for AI algorithms to “collude among themselves to raise prices without human intervention,” leaving consumers at the mercy of a “smart network that shows no mercy”.
• Consumer Defense Strategies: Given the pervasive nature of AI pricing, the source suggests several strategies for consumers to protect their financial interests and privacy:
• Use physical cash for purchases in traditional stores, as it leaves no traceable digital footprint.
• Regularly clear browser history and cookies, which are described as “AI’s eyes” that monitor online activity.
• Employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask geographical location, as location data is a strong indicator used by merchants to estimate purchasing power.
• Implications and Future Outlook:
• AI pricing is considered more powerful than ever before, promising substantial profits for companies.
• However, it presents a new challenge for consumers: how to safeguard privacy in a world where AI knows more about them than they would prefer. The article concludes with a metaphor, likening AI to a cat and the consumer to a mouse, questioning the possibility of escaping these precisely designed prices.

Market Dynamics: AI, Diversification, and Sector Evolution

Market dynamics, as conveyed in the sources, refer to the forces and behaviors that shape prices, competition, supply, demand, and overall economic activity within various sectors. These dynamics are portrayed as being increasingly influenced by advanced technology and deliberate national strategies.

Here’s a detailed discussion of market dynamics:

1. AI-Driven Pricing and its Market Impact:

• AI is described as a “magician” that weaves “invisible threads” to set prices for virtually anything a consumer buys, from airline tickets to a breakfast egg. This is a profound shift from traditional pricing methods where sellers would assess a customer’s financial capacity and bargain.
• Personalized Pricing: AI acts as a “clever merchant” by delving into a “sea of your digital data” – including purchasing habits, geographical locations, and even potential income – to determine the “optimal, or rather, the highest, price for each individual”. This moves away from the traditional “cost-plus-fixed-profit model” towards dynamic, individualized pricing.
• Data as a “Goldmine”: The widespread use of electronic payments provides AI with a “goldmine” of data, as “every click, purchase, and internet search is stored and analyzed” to pinpoint a customer’s “appetite” for spending.
• Regulatory Concerns and Collusion Risks: The pervasiveness of AI pricing has prompted regulatory scrutiny, with entities like the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issuing subpoenas to major companies (e.g., Mastercard, JP Morgan) to investigate how AI is used to alter prices based on consumer data. A significant concern is the potential for AI algorithms to “collude among themselves to raise prices without human intervention,” which could leave consumers “at the mercy of a smart network that shows no mercy”.
• Consumer Response: In response to these dynamics, consumers are advised to use physical cash, regularly clear browser history and cookies, and employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask their geographical location, as these data points are used by merchants to estimate purchasing power. This highlights an emerging dynamic of consumer adaptation to AI-influenced markets.

1. Economic Diversification and Investment Trends:

• Saudi Arabia is undertaking a strategic transformation of its economic dynamics, moving away from reliance on oil revenues as part of its Vision 2030. This is evidenced by a significant increase in non-oil revenues, which constituted 49.7% of total revenues in the second quarter of the current year.
• This growth is primarily driven by investments in promising sectors such as tourism, technology, logistics, services, and industry. Efforts to enhance the investment environment through initiatives and updated tax systems have attracted substantial local and foreign investments, particularly in regions like Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Red Sea, which are experiencing large-scale projects.
• The real estate sector is identified as a major economic driver, second only to energy, contributing to job creation and attracting capital. Riyadh’s strategic ambition to become a global capital for international partnerships, hosting major events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, further reflects a deliberate effort to shape its market dynamics and global economic standing.

1. Evolution of Sector-Specific Markets:

• Fisheries and Aquaculture: This sector demonstrates a shift from traditional fishing methods to modern fishing and aquaculture as a strategic investment to enhance food security and maximize natural resources. Government initiatives, including regulatory frameworks, environmental studies, and incentives, are designed to support the growth of this industry, with a target of producing half a million tons of seafood by 2030. The “Sayyad” project aims to encourage citizen participation and localize the profession, thereby impacting the labor dynamics within this market.
• Cultural Industry (Poetic Gatherings): Poetic gatherings have transformed from cultural events into a “competitive and thriving economic market”. This market involves numerous companies specializing in event organization, production, and promotion. Poet fees are determined by various market factors, including the poet’s fame, audience size, and location of the event, with top-tier poets earning significantly more than others. The sector is experiencing rapid growth in demand, leading to the establishment of hundreds of specialized companies and the creation of seasonal and permanent job opportunities.
• Global Sports (FIFA Club World Cup): The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup exemplifies the evolving financial dynamics in global sports, with a record prize pool of approximately $2.5 billion distributed among 32 clubs. The prize distribution model, which includes fixed amounts for participation and performance-based bonuses, has created significant financial opportunities. While European clubs generally receive the largest shares, the tournament’s expanded format has allowed clubs from outside Europe, and even smaller teams, to achieve substantial financial gains, diversifying the global football economy. Discussions regarding the tournament’s frequency reveal a tension between maximizing revenue for clubs (who desire a biennial event) and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport and player welfare (FIFA’s preference for a quadrennial event). Additionally, FIFA’s commitment to transparency in prize distribution and the establishment of a $250 million solidarity fund for smaller clubs reflect efforts to manage wealth distribution and promote broader market health.

In summary, market dynamics are being reshaped by technological advancements like AI-driven pricing, strategic economic diversification initiatives led by national visions, and the commercialization and professionalization of various sectors, each introducing new competitive landscapes and revenue models.

Contemporary Saudi Perspectives: Politics, Culture, and Society

Here are the titles of all columns found in the newspaper, along with their first two paragraphs of detail, presented in English without any bold text, and with comprehensive source citations:

• Strategic Error
• From the era of the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may Allah bless his soul – the Kingdom has always shown a firm and clear interest in the Palestinian issue, considering it the primary Arab and Muslim cause. The Kingdom continues its constant support for the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state. This approach has been reinforced since that day, until the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may Allah protect him – and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Kingdom continues its political, diplomatic, and economic efforts to support a just and lasting peace, foremost among which is the two-state solution with a political vision and a legal basis rooted in United Nations resolutions, most notably Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), in addition to the Oslo Accord (1993). The international community recognizes the right of Palestinians to self-determination.
• Regarding the two-state solution, the Palestinian Authority has adopted it as a strategic option. While the Israeli position has varied between conditional acceptance and rejection, the United States of America has also supported the solution at different stages. One of the most important initiatives is the Arab Peace Initiative presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2002. It stipulates normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for its full withdrawal from the occupied territories. Considering the economic dimension for a two-state solution, a viable Palestinian economy requires lifting the blockade and empowering Palestinians to benefit from their resources. International reports and institutions, such as the World Bank, confirm that lifting restrictions will contribute to a 35% growth in the Palestinian GDP.
• Terhal… A Homeland Story on Stage
• The second edition of the “Terhal” performance show, organized by the Ministry of Culture, launched at “Mayadeen” site in Diriyah Governorate, and continues until the 25th of the current month, amidst remarkable public attendance and wide interaction with the artistic tableaux that embodied a homeland’s story through a live visual and musical narrative.
• “Terhal” is considered the first Saudi performance show of its kind, combining elements of nature and modern theatrical techniques, drawing inspiration from components of national heritage, to present an innovative spectacle that delves deep into the Saudi identity through a captivating story revolving around “Saad”, a Saudi youth who embarks on a journey across the Kingdom’s regions, searching for himself and his past to explore a future he creates with his own hands, carrying the legacy of ancestors and the passion for ambition. The show’s scenes were inspired by the stunning natural landscapes in the Kingdom, integrating them with contemporary lighting and visual techniques, alongside artistic tableaux inspired by musical and heritage arts, traditional cooking arts, handicrafts and traditional costumes.
• The Palestinian State is a Saudi Priority
• The pivotal Saudi role in political support for the Palestinian cause dates back to the era of King Abdulaziz, where the Kingdom was a steadfast patron of the issue. It also plays a balanced diplomatic role as an internationally and regionally accepted mediator. Its economic and humanitarian support is provided through the Saudi Fund for Development and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. This area presents many challenges and opportunities, including settlement activities, Israeli rejection, Palestinian division, and international transformations. Opportunities lie in an active Saudi role, Arab support, economic initiatives, and the changing international climate.
• What makes the two-state solution more than just a diplomatic proposal is that it is an integrated strategic vision that ensures security and stability for the region. The Kingdom is considered today a pivotal element in reactivating the peace process towards achieving the aspirations of the Palestinians. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has assumed a renewed pivotal role in revitalizing the peace process, emerging as an active and central element in the efforts aimed at reactivating the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, based on the principles of the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. Riyadh’s diplomacy, supported by figures, affirms its commitment to readapting the Palestinian issue into the international community’s priorities, within an integrated strategic vision aimed at ending the conflict and achieving a just and lasting peace.
• Riyadh, Capital of International Partnerships
• Many imagine that Riyadh will transform into a city of this size and scale, with its exclusive social and demographic diversity, cultural and economic presence. This transformation would not have happened without a firm will and diligent follow-up from the wise leadership, which has made the capital a global attraction center reflecting the Kingdom’s diversity and future aspirations.
• Riyadh has enjoyed the care and attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may Allah protect him – since he was its governor, and this care has continued to this day, and as an extension of this approach, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may Allah protect him – emphasizes on many occasions the pivotal position of Riyadh, and its role as a comprehensive capital that expresses various spectra and encompasses all fields.
• Half of the Kingdom’s Revenues Convert to Non-Oil – Article
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been drawing economic plans in a non-realistic manner, as it has succeeded in touching reality, as revealed by the Ministry of Finance’s announcement of the Kingdom’s success in registering 50% non-oil revenues during the second quarter of the current year, reaching 149.8 billion riyals, representing 49.7% of total revenues.
• This increase is considered an affirmation of progress in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to reduce reliance on oil as a main source of income and diversify the Kingdom’s economic base. In this regard, economic experts believe that this significant growth reflects the success of the strategic plans adopted by the Kingdom to support promising sectors such as tourism, technology, logistics, services, and industry. This has enabled the state to enhance non-oil revenues despite global challenges, confirming that these plans have contributed to creating an an attractive investment environment through initiatives and updated tax systems, and expanding the base of commercial and service activities, especially in attracting large local and foreign investments in regions such as Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Red Sea, which are currently witnessing huge projects.
• Artificial Intelligence… and the Pricing Game
• It appears that there is a global trend forming towards the use of artificial intelligence in personalized pricing, where it emerges as a “magician” weaving invisible threads to determine the price of everything you buy, from an airline ticket to your dream car, or even your breakfast egg. Imagine entering a humble restaurant, ordering an ordinary dish, and then being shocked by a bill with a tourist-meal price; why? Because, simply, you seem ready to pay more. This is not a fictional story, but a trend shaping up, led by artificial intelligence under the slogan of the new pricing revolution, and the latest example of this is the announcement by the American airline Delta, this week, to personalize ticket prices based on each passenger’s identity.
• In the past, personalized pricing was an art mastered by merchants in markets. The seller would look at his customer, read their body language, weigh their financial ability, and then begin bargaining that might end with a price satisfying both parties, or upsetting one. There is an old joke that explains this idea: a rich man orders an egg in a humble restaurant, and when he sees the bill, he asks astonished: “Is the egg rare here?”. Today, artificial intelligence is that cunning merchant, but it doesn’t need an eye-gaze or visual intuition. It is enough for it to dive into the sea of your digital data to determine the price you will pay.
• China Expands its Commercial Influence and America Redraws the Import Map
• Official customs data in China recorded a significant decline in the value of its exports to the United States during July 2025, by 6.1%, reaching $35.8 billion compared to $38.2 billion in June. This decline comes despite a slight improvement in the tone of bilateral relations following the recent round of trade talks between Washington and Beijing.
• In contrast, China’s exports to the rest of the world increased by 7.2% on an annual basis, while imports increased by 4.1%, at a time when the relative weight of the American market in China’s export equation is shrinking.
• Professional Doctorate JD.. When Legal Education Reform Begins in the Classroom
• It was said to Sheikh Muhammad Abdo when a man preserved Sahih al-Bukhari: “He has acquired a copy of the country’s heart!” In a biting allusion that memorization alone is not enough unless it is combined with awareness, understanding, and the ability to apply the text in a changing reality. This idea, which is spoken by traditional wisdom, was never strange to Islamic civilization, which recognized early on the importance of linking knowledge with practice and qualification through strict standards to empower those who deserve to bear scientific and professional responsibility.
• Great ideas do not die. Western industrial renaissance borrowed this very philosophy at the core of its industrial revolution when it made standardization a measure of quality, a tool for building effective institutions, and thus the concept of standardized tests was born as one of the pillars of the renaissance. In the mid-nineteenth century, the United States faced a legal requirement in light of rapid industrial and social transformations.
• Al-Mutanabbi and the Eternal Consciousness
• Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi was not just a poet whose genius overflowed and whose verses burned with pride, but a prophet of vision, transcending poetry as an expressive art to poetry as destiny and consciousness. He saw himself greater than time, wider than space, and stronger than the body, and from here precisely he did not write for his time, but for a time yet to come. He did not chase glory, as the various narrators say for or against him, but he embodied it as if he was created to speak on behalf of the entire Arab entity, past, present, and future.
• Al-Mutanabbi’s philosophy stems from his deep sense of self-uniqueness; for him, it is not merely a human entity, but a transcendental being, capable of imposing its vision on the world if it wishes. Therefore, he sees no justification for weakness, and no way to surrender, for man, according to Al-Mutanabbi, is measured by the extent of his ambition, not his body, and by the strength of his idea, not the weakness of his outcome. As he says: “If you embark on a quest for glory, do not be content with anything less than the stars”.
• The Cultural Voice of Khalid Al-Faisal
• In a different experience that left its mark on the forehead of the nation and was consistent with the emotional scene, with a delicate sensory feeling, it harmonized with geography and history and was organized with awareness and wisdom with the aesthetic and stimulating sensory inputs that this distinct poet possesses, different from others. He remained for decades steadily on a long journey raising a voice that flows from his soul overflowing with emotion and characterized by fertility and beauty.
• When we stand at the seasoned and challenging stages of his life, we look with the eye of time at the long journey and the artistic poetic experience, full of freedom and dignity, which transcends the material meaning confined within the framework of words. Indeed, those poems in which His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal presented the effort of the giving human poet towards different dimensions and paths, as well as the nation and its paintings, are inscribed in poetry collections. It is now time for us to record them in the memory of the nation, culture, art, and generations. How often does the opening of his poem “My Eighty Years” stop me, with its verses that capture the creative idea in its power, linked to memory by the freshness of knowledge and insight across years.
• Women in Translation: Voices Approaching
• In Tokyo, there lives the Japanese novelist Hiromi Kawakami, who tells the story of Tsukiko, whose name is associated with the moon. We feel for her and listen to Tsukiko’s story, and through it, we get to know her anxious and confused love relationship and the lifestyle in Tokyo, the mornings and evenings, and the cherry blossom festivals.
• The translator Elena carried a distant story to us, which happened there in Tokyo. There are other faint stories between other languages that must be heard, and quiet distant voices that must approach. Perhaps there had to be a global initiative for women, resembling crimson blooming roses. The initiative was to hear their stories with their voices, and feel them.
• Journey of a State
• I find no more eloquent title for an article than this, for it is a humble biography of a statesman who held important positions and had a long career with the state’s kings, each of whom had a presence, achievements, and a life journey, both in presence and absence. Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Anqari was an extension of devoted men who preceded him in holding positions within a great national historical race.
• And as his dutiful son Mazen Al-Barr indicated, this book is a documentation, out of loyalty from his children and the advice of his loyal friends, for the journey of this tall man of great impact, to be a beacon and guide for those who came after him and for the generation that contributes to completing the journey in the paths of the homeland; a documentation of the transformations and changes witnessed over half a century during his work in serving his homeland.
• The Importance of the Content of “Cratylus” Dialogue (3)
• After Plato explained the place of “language” from “existence”; regarding the relationship of “names” to “denotations” (existents). However, the completeness of this arrangement was not preserved by necessity, as the languages we have are not necessarily all from the arrangement of the gods. So the criterion for distinguishing the completeness of the gods’ designations is a deficiency, or.
• For the gods, according to the “namer” (assigner), they assign names that correspond to the denotation for their knowledge, as previously stated. So the gods’ designations are perfect. As for those other than the gods, the method of the wise or those beneath them; the first is a rising movement towards the assignment according to the “theory of imitation”. This idea is closely connected to the discussion of “assignment,” formerly as “metaphor”. This issue arises from the relationship of the signifier to the signified, not from the perspective of those who consider “metaphor” a long inference, until it became like an individual word.
• Expatriate
• “Freedom is the negation of belonging, and man does not realize himself except when he feels alienation,” it is said.
• Beneath a roof of fear and amidst the crowd, among those we know, a faint feeling comes to us, but it is overwhelming, as if the place says: “It doesn’t suit us, and the moment doesn’t suit us,” we move and live as if we are outside what we thought we were witnessing. We repeat words we don’t believe in, and smile with masks we don’t know when we put on.
• Self
• That unseen alienation is within us, not in the place. You may find it in the widening distance between what we are and what is asked of us to be, but alienation is not necessarily a negation of belonging. It is rather a precise perception of emptiness, a moment in which we realize that everything around us does not touch what is within us.
• The feeling of alienation is not an urgent, passing symptom, but rather a performance. The more our transparency increased, the more our inner self began to stir and become exposed, and the situation became tight for us. When we pay attention, it no longer returns to what we can bear, nor can we pretend to be what we once were, nor can we revert to what we no longer believe.
• The White or the Black
• “May Allah blacken so-and-so’s face,” or “May Allah whiten so-and-so’s face!” These are not free words, but they have their origin and connection to tribal honor and then also to legend.
• For the Arabs, there was no matter stronger than the authority of honor. It was considered one of the greatest means of social control. If anything related to chivalry was violated, it meant destruction for the one who committed it. Therefore, we see that ethical balance among individuals is maintained out of fear of blame, for an Arab is disturbed by nothing more than two things: “blame and debt”.
• The Speaking Silence
• Silence dissolves into wisdom, and clothes itself in consciousness, so it does not seek applause, nor does it seek attention. Simply, it is a state of contentment, a state of deep insight that not everything known should be spoken, and not everything spoken is understood, and not everything understood is appreciated.
• Speaking silence teaches you to weigh words with the balance of observation, to refuse to be a follower of noise that does not resemble you, or a participant in a dialogue that adds nothing to you. It is when you preserve your energy for what it deserves, and for whom it deserves, and when it deserves.
• Prostate with Pus
• I suffered from bacterial prostatitis 4 years ago with high pus, and it was treated and I only had simple symptoms. After taking medication for a month, I felt no symptoms and it returned to normal. Two years ago, the same problem, inflammation in the prostate, returned, and I continued taking medication for a month. Then I had a culture of prostate fluid and urine, and there is a bacterial infection and pus, and about four months ago, follow-up was done, and new examinations were performed, including a urethroscopy, an ultrasound of the testicles, an ultrasound of the bladder, and a cystoscopy. My testicles were normal except for the left one, which has grade three varicocele and the right one has grade four, and the problem goes and comes back. I had a catheterization for the testicular varicocele, but it was not possible to close the three veins in the left testicle. After follow-up, the treating physician informed me that there is no inflammation or pus, and that the inflammation I have is chronic and non-bacterial.
• Please answer the following questions: Is there a treatment for non-bacterial inflammation? Is it contagious to my wife since my marriage is soon? I have symptoms of heat in my thighs, anus, and feet. I want you to look into my case, knowing that I am 30 years old and all sexual tests are normal, thank God. If laboratory tests and urine culture and prostate fluid culture after prostate massage show no germs or pus, then if non-bacterial inflammation is found, it can be treated with antibiotics and alpha-blockers for the sympathetic nervous system, and some anti-inflammatory drugs like “Korsetin” and honey, with a high success rate in most cases.
• Hydrocele Swelling
• I am a 27-year-old man and I have a hydrocele swelling in my left testicle. It gets larger or the testicle enters the anus if I feel like defecating, and it also contracts. I also have premature ejaculation, which delays my marriage. Please find a solution to my problem.
• The presence of a hydrocele or fluid sac around the testicle does not constitute a dangerous disease and usually does not affect sexual energy or fertility. It only requires treatment if it becomes bothersome to the patient, either due to its bothersome and sometimes embarrassing size, or if it is accompanied by pain when standing or sitting or during intercourse. In such cases, it can be surgically removed in an operation that does not exceed half an hour, after which the patient can leave the hospital in a short period. As for premature ejaculation, the best therapeutic measures, as we explained previously in this newspaper clinic, are based on necessary behavioral modification from the doctor, following specific exercises, and taking medications from the specialist with good results in most of these cases.
• Dripping
• I am 53 years old and thank God I do not suffer from any chronic or serious health problems, but for 5 years I have been suffering from dripping urine after finishing urination. I have consulted several specialist doctors and taken many different treatments and antibiotics for many months without any benefit. The condition was diagnosed as relaxation in the bladder neck or relaxation in the sphincter. I do not suffer from pain during urination, God bless you, and my urinary flow is excellent. I also need your medical opinion, and thank you very much.
• The most prominent cause of what you are suffering from, my dear brother, is relaxation in the external urethral sphincter, which helps control urine. This can be strengthened by performing exercises, and it is recommended to do these exercises with repeated contractions of the sphincter in the morning, noon, and evening for best results. Also, massage the male organ from below the urethral opening after finishing urination to empty the urethra of residual urine after urination. There is no benefit from antibiotics or other drugs in such cases, and here I would like to point out a very important and common cause of dripping in many who suffer from this problem.
• Reasons for Change in Urine Odor
• Consumption of certain foods and beverages – such as asparagus, garlic, onions, salmon, coffee, and some spices like curry and excessive salt – can lead to a change in urine odor.
• Taking certain medications – especially antibiotics containing sulfonamide, or taking minerals and vitamins – can also affect urine odor due to the presence of different artificial flavors in these drugs.
• FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Changes the Map of Financial Returns for Clubs by a Billion Dollars
• The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup witnessed a major transformation in the structure of financial returns, making it the largest event in terms of prizes in the history of club football. This is due to its recent expansion to include 32 clubs for the first time in history, with a total prize pool of approximately $2.5 billion. This was confirmed by several reports, most notably a report by the Spanish newspaper El País published in March 2025, which stated that FIFA, the international football federation, decided to distribute this entire amount to participating clubs without retaining any percentage of it, which is a precedent of its kind in official FIFA tournaments.
• FIFA based the distribution of these prizes on a new system with two components. The first component is dedicated solely to participation, called “Participation Pillar”. Different amounts were set for clubs based on their continental federation’s participation record, and their sporting and commercial standing. For example, European clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain received between $12.8 and $38.1 million just for participation and qualification.
• Al-Dashishi: Al-Hilal’s Excellence Made the World Look at Saudi Football with Amazement and Awe
• The name of Muhammad Al-Dashishi has been recorded in the memory of sports and achievements, a player from the beautiful past. He carved his way with great difficulty to compete with the best stars Saudi football has ever produced, whose names are still in the minds of veteran athletes and will never be forgotten by the thirsty fans of art from that era. He lived alongside great stars like Majed Abdullah, Muhsin Al-Jam’an, Fahd Al-Huraifi, Saleh Al-Nu’aimah, Sami Al-Jaber, Anwar, Fahd Al-Hamdan, Amin, Youssef Al-Thunayan, Saleh Khalifa, Fouad Anwar, and many others including Muhammad Dabo and Al-Dashishi himself.
• He is one of this constellation of players who represented several teams in our league for over 25 years, including Al-Ahli, Al-Wehda, and Al-Nahda, and he represented these teams when they were at their absolute best. His beginnings were in his hometown, Qudaih, with Al-Masr Club, and as some like to call him “Al-Dashish” in Qatif, he was able to record his name as a former national team player with excellence.
• Al-Ittihad was the Best this Season and Outperformed Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr with Consistency
• How were your coaching beginnings and what teams have you worked with? I started coaching while I was a football player after returning from the big clubs I played for in the Premier League, Al-Ahli and Al-Wehda, and the First Division League with Al-Nahda. I played for one season in my hometown, Qudaih, where I was a player and a coach for the junior category. I obtained a coaching course in Romania, which was my first coaching course.
• After retirement, I obtained several coaching courses abroad and in Gulf countries, and I dedicated myself to coaching. I coached many clubs in the Eastern Province, including Al-Masr, Al-Noor, Al-Salam, Al-Ibtisam, Al-Hidayah, Al-Khaleej, and Al-Qadisiyah. I also assisted Captain Youssef Al-Ghadir in many clubs in the Saudi Professional League, such as Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Fayha, and lastly in an international experience with the Mauritanian U17 national team.
• I expect the success of Jesus with Al-Nassr
• I believe that success depends on several important factors for any coach’s success with a team. Not only is the coach the essential element, but there are also other important factors such as the players as individuals and as a group, and the supportive and wise management. If these factors are achieved, then in my opinion, Jesus is a good coach.
• He relies on an offensive style, high pressure, and exploiting spaces, and Al-Nassr needs that.
• Seven Thousand Steps Enhance Health
• Seven thousand steps a day might be enough to protect against a number of diseases, a new study concluded.
• Although many aim for 10,000 steps a day in their daily routine, some find this goal difficult to achieve. The British news agency (PA Media) reported that new research showed that a large number of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of dementia, early death, and heart disease, can be achieved from walking even fewer steps daily.
• Melting of Ice Mountains
• Ocean tides can cause huge icebergs to break off from Antarctica, according to researchers who confirm in their findings the possibility of predicting this phenomenon.
• The theoretical impossibility of knowing when a collapse will occur in the ice shelf, despite global changes in sea levels, means that this event can. However, when a huge iceberg, more than 15 times the size of Paris, broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 2023, glaciologist Oliver Marsh was not surprised. This scientist explained that he then expected this detachment to be “imminent, within weeks or months”.
• Fisheries… Sustainability and Investment
• Since ancient times, the methods of fishing in our country have varied. Fishermen, before the advent of modern industries, strived to develop their tools in their quest for livelihood, so they invented many traps of various sizes to meet their needs. The marine fisheries sector is considered one of the economically and socially important sectors, and it is one of the sectors associated with the fishing profession for thousands of Saudi citizens, whether they practice fishing, trade, or diving. It has been a source of livelihood since ancient times for many residents of the Kingdom’s coastal areas.
• The Fisheries Agency supervises all matters related to fishermen, fishing vessels, and marine excursions, including permits, fishing methods and tools used, fishing ports, and landing points. According to the statistics of the Fisheries Department, the Kingdom’s fisheries in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf produce about 70 thousand tons of fish. The Arabian Gulf’s production constitutes 63% of the total production, with over 44,500 tons annually, while the Red Sea’s production accounts for 36% with an annual production of about 26,500 tons.
• Exploring Writing and Critical Thinking Skills
• King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture “Ithra” in Dhahran concluded its “Iqraa” enrichment forum for young people, with the participation of male and female students from six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia. They underwent a different cognitive experience that included a series of lectures, workshops, and diverse dialogues, presented by a selection of writers, thinkers, and literati, over seven days.
• The forum comes as one of the stages of the “Iqraa” competition in its tenth cycle, where the best readers qualifying from the primary and intermediate stages from the Arab world gather for one week, and for two weeks for the secondary and university stages. The forum included workshops designed to enhance students’ writing and critical thinking skills. Among the most prominent was the “Professional Writer” workshop, which encouraged participants to explore their vocabulary, enhance their confidence, understand how to analyze and structure stories, critique books, and express their opinions. Meanwhile, the diverse sessions presented to them sparked their curiosity and encouraged them to think deeply about what they read.
• Tourism… Not About Weather
• Many people associate tourism with weather, heading to places with moderate climates, escaping cold or heat, believing that weather is the essential factor for a successful trip. However, tourism in our country, as I see it, is more comprehensive than measuring by temperature. It is an integrated experience for the soul, mind, and body, transcending climate to a sense of internal renewal and temporary detachment from life’s pressures.
• Travel is not just a physical movement from one place to another. Rather, it is an opportunity for self-discovery, broadening horizons, and resetting the mental rhythm. When the voices change, the journey brings moments that are never forgotten. We carry with us the scents, and the scenes, and our perspective on the world changes as well.
• The Concept of Fear for the Homeland
• There are websites that all revolve around the concept of national belonging, and there are those who lie and fabricate, and there are defenders, and there are abusers. Amidst all this, excellence is not found in those websites, but from the depth of the homeland itself. It is the homeland that distinguishes between opportunism and absolute loyalty. For those who love the land, the country, and the people who live on this land, a love for the leader and his defenders, wishing well-being and glory for it, even prioritizing it over everything else, and loyalty to it that reaches sacrificing oneself for it, is the true love.
• Even if it does not appear through those platforms and participates in refuting them. The basis of loving the homeland is fearing for it, and having strong belonging to it, and confirming that it lives within you, moving your feelings with it, and making you happy with its joy, and delighted with its progress. The fear for the homeland, as is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the positive fear that has moved from justification to action and work, and wishing good for everyone, countries and peoples. We are not concerned if screeching voices appear, because our goals are noble and far-reaching, striving for the best.
• Passerby
• The last Friday sermon was not a coincidence, but a wise divine arrangement. I mentioned on the “X” platform that it was one of the most amazing things that happened regarding breaking family ties, and I am a witness to what happened. I swear that I am sure of the details of what happened. He was suffering and complaining about harm from a relative, saying: “I have done much good to him, and he has done much harm to me, and he has harmed me these days”. I was advised to pray against him, but I could not, and I prayed for his guidance and righteousness, or for Allah to protect me from his evil as He wills. He told me about his situation, and I supported him in his prayer, and that he should not pray against him but for him. Suddenly, we entered Princess Sarah Mosque in Al-Taawun district for Friday prayer, where Sheikh Dr. Asim Al-Hamad usually preaches to us with sermons that are highly effective in addressing community problems, and highly accurate, well-established, comprehensive, and based on and citing what is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.
• Then the preacher was his deputy, Sheikh Sufyan bin Maher Al-Qahtani, by coincidence of Sheikh Asim’s travel. And behold, the sermon was about those who break family ties and what they will face in this world and the hereafter of evil fate, and how to deal with a relative who broke ties with him. He should connect with those who cut him off, and continue to do good to those who harmed him, in an emotional sermon supported by what is mentioned in the Holy Quran and authentic hadiths. I looked at the wronged person, and behold, he was drowning in tears, as if he was thanking Allah that he did not pray against his relative.
• Surprise in Friday Sermon
• The last Friday sermon was not a coincidence, but a wise divine arrangement. I mentioned on the “X” platform that it was one of the most amazing things that happened regarding breaking family ties, and I am a witness to what happened. I swear that I am sure of the details of what happened. He was suffering and complaining about harm from a relative, saying: “I have done much good to him, and he has done much harm to me, and he has harmed me these days”. I was advised to pray against him, but I could not, and I prayed for his guidance and righteousness, or for Allah to protect me from his evil as He wills. He told me about his situation, and I supported him in his prayer, and that he should not pray against him but for him. Suddenly, we entered Princess Sarah Mosque in Al-Taawun district for Friday prayer, where Sheikh Dr. Asim Al-Hamad usually preaches to us with sermons that are highly effective in addressing community problems, and highly accurate, well-established, comprehensive, and based on and citing what is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.
• Then the preacher was his deputy, Sheikh Sufyan bin Maher Al-Qahtani, by coincidence of Sheikh Asim’s travel. And behold, the sermon was about those who break family ties and what they will face in this world and the hereafter of evil fate, and how to deal with a relative who broke ties with him. He should connect with those who cut him off, and continue to do good to those who harmed him, in an emotional sermon supported by what is mentioned in the Holy Quran and authentic hadiths. I looked at the wronged person, and behold, he was drowning in tears, as if he was thanking Allah that he did not pray against his relative.

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

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The provided sources offer a broad look at various aspects of Saudi Arabian society and global events. Several articles discuss cultural and economic initiatives within the Kingdom, such as adapting academic calendars for tourism, developing the King Salman International Airport, and establishing a King Abdulaziz Conference Center. Regional news includes the launch of a camel association in Najran and archaeological discoveries in Al-Ardiyat. Internationally, the texts cover political and humanitarian crises, specifically the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting human rights concerns and displacement. Finally, there’s content on technological advancements, like AI and geospatial data platforms, alongside reflections on the human element in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the preservation of humanistic values.

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Saudi Arabia: Advancing Education for Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is actively focusing on and implementing strategies to enhance the quality of education, viewing it as a cornerstone for national development and a key enabler of its Vision 2030.

Key initiatives and aspects related to education quality include:

• Systemic Reforms and Flexibility: The Council of Ministers has approved a return to a two-semester system for general education, a decision designed to enhance efficiency and flexibility within the educational framework. This reform is seen as a genuine review and reflection of commitment to educational outcomes, ensuring they align with the nation’s rapid development. The academic calendar for 1447H (2025-2026M) was announced early to support stability and boost educational quality, providing a clear roadmap for students, teachers, and parents to plan their academic and personal lives. This initiative is also noted for its qualitative transformation in educational philosophy, emphasizing a balance between education quality and the efficiency of educational time. It further grants flexibility and autonomy to universities, technical and vocational training institutions, and various schools (private, foreign, and Saudi abroad) to customize their academic calendars according to their specific needs and the Ministry’s regulations. This balance is crucial for building a knowledge-based economy as envisioned by Vision 2030.
• Developing Future-Ready Skills: There is a strong emphasis on cultivating skills essential for the future. For instance, integrating statistical thinking and data science into the educational process from an early age is deemed an “strategic investment” to foster a generation capable of innovation and adaptation in a changing digital world. This is not merely an elite skill but a “global language” for understanding the world. Universities are urged to restructure their academic programs to integrate data science and statistical thinking across all disciplines, including technical, scientific, and humanities fields. This involves establishing data analysis laboratories and engaging students in real-world problem-solving.
• Knowledge and Resource Management: Initiatives such as the “intellectual endowment” (distributing used books to students free of charge) highlight a collective societal commitment to knowledge. This behavior is seen as embodying the concept of intellectual endowment, affirming that a book’s value increases as it moves from one mind to another. This underscores the importance of fostering accessible knowledge resources to support learning and development. The commitment to developing specialized training content that empowers individuals to leverage opportunities in the local economy further aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for community empowerment and economic growth.
• Human Capital as a Foundation: Vision 2030 explicitly places the human being at the heart of development. Educational institutions like “Schools of Excellence” and “Research Universities” are crucial for graduating generations capable of driving change. This focus on human capital through quality education is fundamental to the Kingdom’s aspirations for a vibrant society and a prosperous economy.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Cultural Transformation and Global Reach

Saudi Arabia has been actively pursuing various cultural initiatives as a cornerstone of its national development, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 to foster a vibrant society and a prosperous economy. These initiatives span a wide array of fields, from heritage preservation and arts promotion to language dissemination and the embrace of new technologies in cultural expression.

Key Cultural Initiatives and Focus Areas:

• Promoting Saudi Arts and Heritage Globally:
• The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Authority actively supports the international presence of Saudi artistic works. An example is the participation of the play “Touq” (Necklace) by director Fahad Al-Dowsari in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it achieved significant audience engagement and positive critical reception. This initiative aims to project the “voice of Arab man to the global stage” and promote Saudi culture internationally.
• The Diriyah Center for New Media Arts has been established as the first specialized center for new media arts in the Middle East and North Africa. It offers interactive sessions, workshops, and advanced courses, featuring local, regional, and international artists. Its inaugural exhibition, “Mechanization,” showcases over 70 works by more than 40 artists, exploring the evolution of new media arts in the Arab world, blending technology with imagination.
• Efforts are being made to preserve and promote traditional crafts. For instance, a workshop in Namas province focuses on the craft of traditional weaponry like “Al-Maqma” and “Abu Fatil,” highlighting its historical and social significance. The King Abdulaziz Public Library at the Medina Book Fair also exhibited rare works documenting traditional handicrafts as part of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative.
• The Saudi aesthetic taste is being highlighted, particularly in home furnishings and design, emphasizing a blend of deep-rooted heritage with modern innovation. This creative industry is recognized for supporting the national economy and enhancing visual identity.
• Advancing Arabic Language and Cultural Diplomacy:
• The King Salman Global Complex for the Arabic Language is undertaking “cultural diplomacy” by establishing initiatives like “Month of Arabic Language” in Azerbaijan. This program aims to support the teaching of Arabic to non-native speakers, disseminate Arabic globally, and foster cultural exchange, thereby promoting Saudi Arabia’s role as a global patron of the Arabic language. This initiative builds bridges of understanding and enhances cross-cultural dialogue.
• The UNESCO Chair for Translation of Cultures published a special issue of an international journal, “Reconsidering the Translation of Cultures,” focusing on translation as a profound cultural act that goes beyond mere linguistic transfer. It challenges Eurocentric perspectives and emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and historical contexts in translation, especially in the Arab world.
• Fostering Knowledge and Intellectual Development:
• There is a focus on enhancing academic and literary criticism. An article discusses the evolution of critical thought in Saudi Arabia, advocating for a deeper, more analytical “critique of critique” to refine literary, cinematic, and artistic discourse. It calls for strengthening academic foundations, promoting open dialogue, and re-evaluating the history of Saudi criticism.
• The King Abdulaziz Public Library participates in major book fairs like the Medina International Book Fair, showcasing new publications, scientific, artistic, and literary works, and rare documents. It also offers interactive educational activities for children, aimed at instilling cultural and historical values in younger generations.
• An initiative by an academic in Riyadh involves collecting and distributing used books to students for free, embodying the concept of “intellectual endowment.” This highlights a societal commitment to accessible knowledge and fostering a reading culture, emphasizing that a book’s value increases as it moves between minds.
• Leveraging Technology for Cultural Engagement:
• Workshops are exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence in creative writing, viewing AI as a “supportive tool” that can enhance idea generation, content organization, and audience reach for authors.
• The “I am Medina” pavilion utilized Virtual Reality (VR) technology to offer immersive journeys through historical sites in Mecca and Medina. This initiative aims to document Islamic heritage, support interactive tourism, and enhance visitors’ spiritual and historical experience by allowing them to “return in time” to these cities as they were centuries ago.
• Discussions are also taking place regarding the challenges posed by AI to translation, particularly in poetry, as AI “lacks cultural and rhetorical sense” and cannot fully convey the nuanced meanings and symbols found in poetic texts.
• A workshop titled “Noise of Knowledge” implicitly suggests the need for quality over superficial consumption in cultural content in the digital age, stressing the importance of effective marketing that considers audience behavior.
• Promoting Cultural Tourism and Events:
• Saudi Arabia is transforming into a global destination for major events, including Expo 2030, Asian Games 2027/2029, and the FIFA World Cup 2034. These events are expected to diversify the economy and create various job opportunities.
• Riyadh Season hosts a range of global events, including electronic sports championships, comedy festivals, musical concerts, and sports matches, attracting international attention and participation.
• The Hajj pilgrimage is emphasized not only as a religious ritual but also as a significant cultural and social event that enriches pilgrims’ communities upon their return, serving as a “bridge for cultural and spiritual communication”. Vision 2030 aims to facilitate Hajj and Umrah procedures for Muslims worldwide.
• The Hijri calendar is highlighted as a symbol of Islamic unity, a record of historical events, and a guide for religious observances, reinforcing religious and cultural identity.
• Local festivals like the Al-Qassim Dates Carnival contribute to cultural identity by celebrating agricultural heritage and local products.
• Medina and Al-Ula are being positioned as significant tourism destinations, with Medina listed among the “top 100 global tourist destinations” and Al-Ula as the “first tourism destination” in the Middle East, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Global Humanitarian Crises: Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia and international bodies are deeply concerned about and actively involved in addressing various humanitarian crises, particularly highlighting severe situations in Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan, primarily stemming from conflict, displacement, and resource scarcity.

Key Aspects of Humanitarian Crises Discussed in the Sources:

• Crisis in Gaza:
• Ongoing Deterioration: The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to worsen due to an ongoing siege and severe lack of essential supplies. The Israeli army’s repeated evacuation warnings for residents to move south have been criticized, as these “safe areas” are also subjected to shelling, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of citizens. The UNRWA reports that 82% of areas in Gaza lack safe havens for citizens.
• Famine and Malnutrition: Medical sources have reported a significant increase in deaths due to starvation and malnutrition. In one instance, five people died within 24 hours from these causes, raising the total to 193 martyrs, including 96 children. The UNRWA had warned that malnutrition rates among children under five could double between March and June due to the ongoing siege. The WHO also confirmed that malnutrition levels in Gaza have reached “alarming levels” and that the siege and delayed aid have caused many deaths, with nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City suffering from severe malnutrition.
• Aid Obstruction and Attacks: Israeli authorities have closed all crossings since March 2, 2025, preventing the entry of most food and medical aid, which has exacerbated the widespread famine. There have been reports of aid trucks being deliberately forced onto unsafe roads, leading to incidents like a truck overturning on starving people, killing 20 and injuring dozens. This is described as part of a deliberate “chaos and starvation engineering” policy by the occupation forces. Despite some limited permission for trucks to enter, the occupation reportedly prevents their security and access to the needy, forcing drivers onto routes where trucks are attacked and looted. Gaza requires at least 600 aid and fuel trucks daily to meet the basic needs of over 2.4 million people.
• Targeting Infrastructure: There is also concern over the destruction of facilities and shelters, and the deliberate targeting of Palestinian educational infrastructure, including the demolition of schools like Al-Aqaba Basic Mixed School. Medical and ambulance teams have also been targeted.
• Calls for Action: There are strong demands for the international community and human rights organizations to intervene urgently to halt these crimes, open all crossings permanently and safely, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of aid. Accountability for the occupation and supporting countries, particularly the United States, is also emphasized.
• Crisis in Sudan:
• Catastrophic Human Rights Situation: The UN has warned of a catastrophic deterioration in human rights conditions in Sudan, where the conflict is expanding, and women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of insecurity, food scarcity, and displacement, coupled with a lack of protection and adequate aid.
• Impact of Conflict: The ongoing war has destroyed the lives of civilians, turning daily survival into a continuous struggle.
• Widespread Famine: Famine has reached several areas, and 25 million people suffer from acute food insecurity. Thousands in El Fasher face starvation. UNICEF reported that children in Khartoum are “skin and bones” due to severe malnutrition, with 40% of children under five afflicted by acute malnutrition.
• Lack of Resources: The crisis is exacerbated by fewer resources and greater risks for vulnerable populations.
• Urgent Access Needed: There are calls for immediate access to basic resources to address the deteriorating situation.
• Crisis in Afghanistan:
• Severe Child Malnutrition: Afghanistan is experiencing its most severe wave of child malnutrition, with one in three children suffering from stunted growth.
• Root Causes: This crisis is intensified by an economic crisis, successive droughts, and the forced return of thousands of migrants, which collectively strain already limited local resources. A decline in humanitarian aid due to reduced donor support, including cuts by the US administration, has further exacerbated the situation. Climate change also significantly impacts the population, particularly in rural areas.
• Food Insecurity: Approximately 10 million people in Afghanistan face severe food insecurity.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: A Technological Leap Forward

Saudi Arabia is undertaking a comprehensive and strategic push towards technological advancements across various sectors, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals to foster a vibrant society and a prosperous economy. These initiatives leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance public services, promote cultural expression, develop infrastructure, and bolster economic diversification.

Here are some key areas of technological advancement:

• Digital Transformation in Government Services
• The “Absher” electronic platform from the Ministry of Interior achieved first place in the Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2025 among government platforms in Saudi Arabia, with a remarkable score of 93.95%. This accomplishment highlights the Ministry’s leadership in digital transformation and its commitment to delivering smart and integrated services to enhance government efficiency and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents. Absher offers over 350 electronic services, including traffic, passports, civil affairs, and public security.
• The overall National Index for Digital Government reached 86.71%, categorized as “advanced,” reflecting continuous efforts by government entities to develop and improve their digital experiences.
• New Media Arts and Cultural Expression
• The Diriyah Center for New Media Arts has been established as the first specialized center for new media arts in the Middle East and North Africa. This center offers interactive sessions, workshops, and advanced courses, featuring local, regional, and international artists. Its inaugural exhibition, “Mechanization,” showcases over 70 works by more than 40 artists, blending technology with imagination and exploring the evolution of new media arts in the Arab world. This initiative aims to deepen understanding and engagement with new media arts, integrating knowledge with practice and technology with imagination.
• The “I am Medina” pavilion at the Medina Book Fair utilizes Virtual Reality (VR) technology to offer immersive digital journeys through historical sites in Mecca and Medina, as they appeared centuries ago. This project aims to document Islamic heritage, support interactive tourism, and enhance visitors’ spiritual and historical experience by allowing them to “return in time”. It’s a testament to Saudi Arabia’s digital development in Islamic civilization and aligns with Vision 2030’s cultural and technological objectives.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
• AI is seen as a “supportive tool” that can enhance creative writing by aiding in idea generation, content organization, and expanding audience reach for authors.
• In a broader sense, AI is recognized for its capability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, discovering patterns and making predictions. This is crucial for large-scale “gigaprojects” like Neom, Red Sea, and Qiddiya, which require national cadres capable of handling massive data related to infrastructure, environment, and population behavior, and providing accurate statistical and predictive models.
• However, discussions also highlight challenges posed by AI, particularly in nuanced fields like poetry translation, where AI “lacks cultural and rhetorical sense” and cannot fully convey symbolic meanings. There’s also a cautionary perspective on the potential for “artificial stupidity” if AI is burdened with ethical or emotional responsibilities it cannot grasp, emphasizing that human intelligence encompasses aspects beyond mere calculation.
• Space Technology and Earth Observation
• The NSG UP42 platform has been launched as the first dedicated market for Earth Observation (EO) space data in Saudi Arabia. This platform by Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is a strategic step to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in the space technology sector. It provides a comprehensive solution for accessing and utilizing satellite imagery, fostering growth in geospatial industries, and removing technical and commercial barriers to accessing data from a growing number of Earth observation satellites. It serves various sectors, including infrastructure, environment, energy, and transportation, and aims to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy aligned with Vision 2030.
• Advanced Infrastructure and Logistics
• A new unified infrastructure code for Riyadh projects has been implemented, aiming to enhance integration between government and private entities, standardize criteria, and improve the quality of infrastructure development for services like telecommunications, energy, water, roads, and sanitation.
• The King Salman International Airport project is a key element in transforming Riyadh into a global center for transport and logistics services, driving economic growth and job creation.
• The General Authority for Roads is expanding the use of demolition waste in asphalt mixtures, an innovative approach that supports environmental sustainability and contributes to creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable road network, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global logistics hub.
• The aviation sector’s digital transformation capabilities are vital for enhancing air cargo safety and reducing costs.
• Healthcare Technology
• The successful implantation of the first wireless pacemaker in Saudi Arabia signifies a significant advancement in interventional cardiology, offering a more precise, safer, and effective treatment option for patients. This aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives to enhance healthcare quality.
• The Global Health Forum supports nascent companies in health technology through initiatives like the “Youth Vision 2025” competition, connecting innovators with investors to accelerate the adoption of digital health solutions.
• Energy Technology
• Saudi Aramco has demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement in the energy sector, including increasing gas production capacity through major projects.
• Aramco has also pioneered the first global industrial application of an iron-vanadium flow battery system in northern Saudi Arabia, providing an alternative to solar energy solutions and demonstrating its commitment to investing in renewable energy and efficiency towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

These multi-faceted technological advancements demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and leveraging technology to achieve its ambitious Vision 2030 goals across various vital sectors.

Saudi Arabia: A Global Sports Hub by 2030

Saudi Arabia is making a comprehensive and strategic push towards establishing itself as a global hub for sports events, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and quality of life. This involves hosting major international competitions, developing world-class infrastructure, and fostering growth across various sports.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of sports events discussed in the sources:

• Hosting Major International Events:
• The Kingdom is set to host several high-profile global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, Expo 2030, and the Asian Winter Games 2029.
• Riyadh is transforming into a global center for transport and logistics services through projects like the King Salman International Airport, which is crucial for accommodating these large-scale events.
• The “Six Kings Slam” tennis tournament is a prominent event, scheduled from October 15 to 18, 2025, featuring top global tennis stars like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz.
• Riyadh’s “Season” of events also includes the Esports World Cup (with over $70 million in prizes), a Riyadh Comedy Festival (featuring over 50 comedians), musical concerts, football matches, boxing bouts, UFC, and WWE Royal Rumble.
• The early announcement of the academic calendar (1447H / 2025-2026) is seen as a strategic move to facilitate the planning of entertainment, tourism, and national events, allowing organizers to align their schedules with available non-study periods. This synchronization of school holidays with peak tourism seasons is intended to boost domestic tourism and family participation in events.
• Sports Infrastructure and Development:
• Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in new sports infrastructure, such as developing a new stadium for the Asia 2027 Cup and integrated facilities in “Trojena” for the Asian Winter Games 2029.
• The Kingdom’s rapid rise in the global aviation sector, as indicated by its jump from 27th to 13th place in IATA’s air connectivity index, supports its ability to host major events.
• The General Authority for Roads is expanding the use of demolition waste in asphalt mixtures, an innovative approach that supports environmental sustainability and contributes to creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable road network, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global logistics hub. This infrastructure development indirectly supports major sports events.
• The new unified infrastructure code for Riyadh projects aims to enhance integration between government and private entities, standardize criteria, and improve the quality of infrastructure development for various services, including telecommunications, energy, water, roads, and sanitation, which also supports large-scale events.
• Specific Sporting Events and Teams:
• The sources highlight various developments within Saudi football clubs, including:
• Al-Hilal: Recently won a friendly match against Germany’s Balinken with a 6-1 score. The team is reportedly close to signing Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez. The return of Prince Nawaf bin Saad to lead Al-Hilal’s presidency is also noted as a significant positive development for the club.
• Al-Khaleej: Won a friendly match against Dutch team AZ Alkmaar (3-2) during its training camp in the Netherlands.
• Al-Qadsiah: Signed young player Musab Al-Juwair from Al-Hilal for five years. They also signed veteran striker Abdullah Al-Salem and Italian international striker Matteo Retegui.
• Twin Players: The Saudi league has seen the emergence of twin players, such as Ali and Qassem Al-Jami (Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh, respectively), and Saleh and Mohammed Abu Al-Sammat (Al-Qadsiah and Al-Khaleej). Their face-offs in matches have created new rivalries.
• Handball: The Saudi Youth Handball team (U19) drew with Brazil (26-26) in the U19 World Championship. The goalkeeper, Salman Al-Muaini, was named best player of the match.
• Falconry: The International Falcon Production Auction 2025 is being held in Riyadh by the Saudi Falcons Club, reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership in the falconry sector. It’s a global platform for displaying and selling high-quality falcon breeds and fostering investment in this promising sector.
• Camel Heritage: The establishment of the Najran Camel Association aims to preserve camels as a cultural heritage, document their breeds, increase community awareness about their importance and breeding methods, and improve services for camel breeders. This supports events related to traditional camel activities.
• Impact and Challenges:
• Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sports are contributing to economic growth and job creation, with sports events driving activity in related sectors like construction, facilities, and transport.
• The sources emphasize the significant growth in domestic tourism fueled by these events, transforming holiday periods into opportunities for family gatherings and travel within the Kingdom.
• The rise of e-sports has introduced new types of sports injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, neck and shoulder pain, spinal issues, and visual fatigue due to prolonged sitting, repetitive hand movements, and high mental stress. This necessitates new types of medical intervention, including preventive and rehabilitative care.
• While the national football league schedule aims for stability, there are ongoing discussions and criticisms regarding its timing, especially concerning the absence of African professional players during the African Cup of Nations.

Overall, Saudi Arabia is actively leveraging technology and strategic planning to position itself as a leading global destination for diverse sports events, driving both economic and social development.

Dispatches from a Changing Kingdom

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

1. Word/Editorial The early announcement of the academic calendar for the year 1447 AH / 2025-2026 AD has clarified the temporal outline of the academic year from now on, as the new academic year officially begins on Sunday, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1, 1447 AH (August 24, 2025 AD), after the return of administrative and educational bodies for preparation days before that. It is scheduled that studies will conclude on Muharram 10, 1448 AH, followed by a summer vacation lasting eight weeks before the start of the next academic year. This transformation was not limited to the temporal scope only, but was accompanied by a structural adjustment in the study system, which enhances early academic planning and allows students, teachers, and parents to arrange their family and professional schedules according to pre-known dates. This step is seen as supporting the stability of the academic year and consolidating educational quality, as it gives everyone a clearer vision for the beginning and end of the year and examination times, and avoids surprises or last-minute adjustments in the schedule.
2. Awareness: The Gateway to the Era of Artificial Intelligence In line with the aspirations of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, within Vision 2030, which seeks to build an ambitious nation, a vibrant economy, and a prosperous society, the importance of statistics as a strategic tool for achieving this transformation is evident. Giant projects like Neom, the Red Sea, and Qiddiya require huge quantities of national cadres capable of dealing with data related to infrastructure, environment, and population behavior. From here, the integration of statistics into the educational process from its early stages becomes a strategic investment in the future of the nation, ensuring the graduation of a generation capable of innovation and adaptation in a changing digital world. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamoud Al-Nuaimi emphasized that the world is witnessing a massive flow of data and accelerating transformations in the era of artificial intelligence, highlighting the urgent need for statistical awareness as an indispensable tool for understanding this changing reality.
3. Marketing Domestic Tourism Domestic summer tourism in the Kingdom is witnessing accelerated growth, driven by an ambitious vision that aims to make tourism one of the main pillars of the national economy. It has become an ideal choice for those seeking unique experiences that combine beautiful nature, moderate climate, and cultural and heritage sites, especially in the mountainous cities such as Abha, Al-Baha, and Taif. These cities have become a preferred haven and an ideal refuge for citizens, residents, and visitors to the Kingdom who seek refreshing atmospheres during the hot summer months, opening doors to a world of beauty and enjoyment. Eyes are turning towards resorts like Abha, Al-Baha, and Taif, which are distinguished by their high altitude above sea level on towering peaks. They embrace clouds and are covered by dense forests, bathed in foggy atmospheres mixed with summer rains, making them an ideal opportunity for marketing as unique resorts. This is done while highlighting their local identity, which is reflected in the ancient architecture and heritage villages that captivate visitors with their rich history, especially culture enthusiasts, in addition to the adventure opportunities and hiking activities they offer in the heart of nature.
4. Workshop Warns of Cognitive Noise Dr. Khalid Al-Harbi affirmed that marketing cultural content does not begin with publishing, but rather with understanding the audience, and that cognitive messages that are not translated into awareness and influence remain in the circle of superficial consumption. “Strong content may fail, while weak content may spread, if it is not formulated in a way that suits the audience’s reception pattern and behavior”. This came during a workshop titled “Between the Reader and the Message: Understand Your Audience to Market Your Cultural Content,” organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority as part of the activities of the Madinah Al Munawwarah International Book Fair 2025. Al-Harbi added at the beginning of the workshop: “If the writer does not understand his audience, what will he write for him? And if he only understands him to win something, then what?”.
5. Is Criticism of Criticism a Luxury or a Necessity? The Kingdom has witnessed an advanced critical openness since the eighties, and has gone beyond the stage of modernity and the preliminary stage to direct engagement with literary and artistic texts, seeking deeper levels of thinking and analysis. This is a critical trend known as “criticism of criticism,” where critics use methodologies to deconstruct the critical discourse itself in their dealings with creative texts, which gives the cultural scene a broader cognitive horizon. And regarding the Saudi cultural scene, it has witnessed significant critical shifts in recent years, and creative works have emerged in the fields of literature, cinema, visual arts, and theater, but the critical discourse has not kept pace with this movement with the same vitality and depth – as we discussed in a previous article – and here arises the need for criticism of criticism as a tool to control and develop the critical path.
6. Small Details If an ordinary person reaches the stage of discernment, he realizes the broad general lines of human right not to be aggressed; as evidenced by his distinguishing between one who complains to him and one who refrains from harming him, so he does not complain about him. Awareness of the ugliness of aggression against others illuminates a human instinct, yet the soul that commands evil finds countless fabricated excuses and flimsy justifications that tempt it to transgress or encroach upon his brother’s honor or property. And it is fitting for a Muslim not only to resist these temptations and not to be swayed by those justifications but also not to make light of violations of public and private rights a habit. What helps him resist this is to put himself in the place of the other, to think if he would accept anyone encroaching upon his privacy, and if he would see a legitimate excuse for the aggressor, or a customary loophole, or a systematic support. And certainly, he will not find in law, custom, and system any loophole that permits people to aggress upon any of his sanctities. So he must be aware that this right is guaranteed to others, and it is unjust to open one’s eyes to those rights only when one is the wronged party, and to make light of aggression when one is the aggressor, repeating “it is merely a transgression”.
7. Academic Plagiarism (4) Following the story of academic plagiarism, “The Evolution of Religious Thought in the Arabian Peninsula: A Historical Study of the Quranic Narrative,” which was taught by a faculty member at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in 2013, as we discussed it over the past three weeks, we continue today to talk about some of the most important conclusions related to this academic plagiarism. At the top of these conclusions is the reality of the existence of faculty members in some universities who do not hesitate to commit this heinous act, and which must be fought strongly because it relates to the most important functions of the university: “scientific research”. If scientific research, which is the cornerstone, loses its value and credibility, what value and credibility can we hope for? One of the important conclusions here is the lack of a proper indexing system for scientific journals in the Arab world, which makes it difficult to detect academic plagiarism. This is in contrast to foreign scientific journals, where it is easy to detect any act of research plagiarism. This is considered a weakness in the Arab research movement that needs to be addressed.
8. Awareness In the bustle and hustle of daily life, some initiatives appear quietly, yet they carry profound messages, reminding us that for books, knowledge renews itself in every reader. Among these inspiring initiatives is what one academic did in Riyadh, dedicating a corner of his home to receiving used books, sorting them, and offering them to students of knowledge for free, in an elegant gesture of giving back to knowledge. This noble behavior is not merely a casual donation of surplus books, but an embodiment of the concept of intellectual endowment in its societal context, and a belief that a book does not lose its value over time, but rather its impact increases when it moves from one mind to another. We have already noticed the growing phenomenon of donating personal libraries, whether after the death of their owners or their advancement in age, which is what I witnessed when I was a member of a university committee concerned with library donations, where the university received many requests monthly to hand over personal libraries, although the resources were not sufficient to accept them all, due to limited space, duplication of titles, or lack of cataloging capacity.
9. We Live in an Era of Transparency While the wheel of wisdom spins and the wise are often admonished by it, the deluded wander in their illusions. People in gatherings and social media circulate negative phenomena related to some officials who do not meet their visitors at appropriate times, where the citizen’s complaint only reaches them after a limited period, or they close their doors and isolate themselves on the pretext of reviewing papers or calling a friend, and so on. These phenomena do not reflect the behavior of everyone; on the contrary, the majority are different. We live today in an era of transparency and open-door policy, but some continue to live in illusion and delusion, becoming arrogant when the doors of happiness open to them, forgetting important aspects, especially some of their friends and officials, office managers, and secretaries who deal directly with the public about citizens’ affairs. These people have forgotten the wisdom: “If it had lasted for others, it would not have reached you”.
10. Riyadh: The World’s Compass Riyadh has made itself a commercial and business hub, as it opens today and closes markets, creates new markets, and concludes global acquisitions, with the capital becoming a global center for finance and business summits. With these relative advantages for the city of Riyadh, the need for a different work environment in terms of working hours seems urgent, as it combines finance, business, tourism, hospitality, tourist attractions, and entertainment programs in one place. This requires programming working hours to be longer. It is possible for the weekly holiday to be shorter, with work extending throughout the week, perhaps four days to three days, allowing them more time to visit tourist and entertainment places for work and creativity. Riyadh, with its energy that fuels infrastructure, businesses, and its bustling capital with good administrative capabilities, is now considered one of the world’s centers for finance and business.
11. Artificial Stupidity At a pivotal moment in human history, humanity found itself facing a new challenge that did not arise from nature or from political conflicts, but from that grey area that separates many aspects of the mind and the machine, an era known as “the era of artificial intelligence,” but it may turn into what can be called “the era of artificial stupidity”. Here emerges a paradox that deserves deep contemplation: we burden machines with tasks that exceed their capacity, and we expect them to perform roles beyond what they were created for. The machine may excel in organization, repetition, automated learning, and data storage, but it remains limited to a digital logic that lacks compassion, is unable to grasp freedom, and has no sense of loss.
12. Saudis and the Shaping of Beauty In our beloved Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the sands harmonize with the sky, and originality blends with modernity. Saudis are reshaping the details of daily life and confidently moving towards arenas that were once exclusive to distant cultures. From this, they shine in the industry of furnishings, beautifying spaces and giving them a soul and identity. The Saudi taste, with its deep heritage and modern inspiration, is a taste that expresses identity. Today, it invents, teaches, and takes its place on global design platforms, from the heart of Riyadh to the capitals of elegance worldwide. In every corner of modern Saudi furnishings, we find a professional fingerprint that grows steadily, driven by conscious national minds and young talents who master the language of design as they master the language of roots.
13. Making an Impact in Society In a world where the pace of change accelerates, the true value of a person remains in the impact they leave behind, an impact that time cannot erase, like an inscription on a rock that winds cannot wear away. Making a social impact has become a fundamental pillar for building a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious nation, in light of Saudi Vision 2030. Impact is that part of us that remains when we are gone; it is the giving that does not dry up, and the idea that does not die. For a person without impact is like a tree without shade, and a sky without stars. True impact is not in the quantity of what we produce, but in the depth of what we change. This is what Vision 2030 confirms, as it seeks to empower the individual to become active, society to become productive, and the nation to become a beacon of progress.
14. The Importance and Significance of the Hijri Calendar With the beginning of each new Hijri year, the importance of this calendar, which carries many deep meanings and connotations, is renewed in the minds of Muslims. The Hijri calendar, which began with the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina, is more than just a system for counting years; it is a symbol of the unity of the Islamic nation and a crucial historical and cultural landmark in its events. At the beginning of Islam, there was no unified system for recording dates, and correspondence and documents were limited to mentioning events or months without precise year specification. With the increasing Islamic conquests and the need to document important events, especially after that, the Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) saw the necessity of establishing a unified system that would facilitate the setting of dates and strengthen the unity of the nation.
15. An Intellectual Endowment in a New Guise In the bustle and hustle of daily life, some initiatives appear quietly, yet they carry profound messages, reminding us that for books, knowledge renews itself in every reader. Among these inspiring initiatives is what one academic did in Riyadh, dedicating a corner of his home to receiving used books, sorting them, and offering them to students of knowledge for free, in an elegant gesture of giving back to knowledge. This noble behavior is not merely a casual donation of surplus books, but an embodiment of the concept of intellectual endowment in its societal context, and a belief that a book does not lose its value over time, but rather its impact increases when it moves from one mind to another. We have already noticed the growing phenomenon of donating personal libraries, whether after the death of their owners or their advancement in age, which is what I witnessed when I was a member of a university committee concerned with library donations, where the university received many requests monthly to hand over personal libraries, although the resources were not sufficient to accept them all, due to limited space, duplication of titles, or lack of cataloging capacity.
16. When Moments Do Not Repeat As you grow older, you realize that time means little, and you are no longer tempted by all the major events, nor by crowded places, nor by the most popular choices. You realize that your mother’s whispering on Saturday afternoon is sweeter than an intricate and complex discussion with a professor holding a doctorate, one of three certificates, on desert cats in the Empty Quarter!. You realize that your daily discussions with your siblings over afternoon coffee, which usually end in a gentle disagreement, are dearer to your soul than a luxurious dinner at a restaurant that requires prior booking; and that dawn coffee before sunrise with your grandfather in your remote village, far from the city’s clamor, is sweeter to you than having it by the Interlaken lake.

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

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