Al Riyadh Newspaper 19 May 2025: Current Events, Initiatives, Investment Opportunities, Social and Cultural Developments

These texts from the Al Riyadh newspaper highlight a diverse range of current events and initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Several articles focus on economic development and investment opportunities, particularly in the Hail region and through large-scale national projects like the Riyadh transformation and the Saudi Vision 2030. Coverage also includes social and cultural topics, showcasing museum exhibits, literary events, and sports achievements, alongside discussions of international relations, specifically diplomatic meetings and trade dynamics between Saudi Arabia and global powers, while also addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Saudi Vision 2030 Transformation Roadmap

Based on the provided sources, Saudi Vision 2030 is presented as a comprehensive and ambitious national vision and roadmap driving significant transformation across the Kingdom. It is explicitly stated to be led by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is described as its architect and the driving force behind this change. Vision 2030 was not merely a document, but a national decision to change the path.

Key aspects and impacts of Vision 2030 highlighted in the sources include:

• Economic Transformation and Diversification: A central goal is to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and sources of income. This involves strengthening the private sector and unleashing potential in non-oil sectors such as industry, mining, agriculture, tourism, services, and logistics. Efforts are being made to enhance economic competitiveness. Specific achievements mentioned include an increase in the agricultural sector’s contribution to the GDP and regional contributions like Ha’il’s exceeding 10% of the total agricultural GDP. Investment forums, such as the one held in Ha’il in 2025, aim to attract local and foreign investment, contributing to achieving Vision 2030’s strategic targets and regional development. Deals are being signed, such as Aramco’s preliminary agreement with US companies for LNG and utilities development. The Vision also aims to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center.
• Urban Development and Infrastructure: Vision 2030 guides rapid urban development, aiming to transform major cities like Riyadh into global cities. This includes the development of infrastructure, public transport projects, road networks, beautification initiatives, and urban complexes. Projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, AMAALA, and AlUla are highlighted as significant urban transformations. Expropriation processes in Riyadh are described as a necessary step within a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming the capital towards 2030, balancing individual and societal interests.
• Social and Cultural Transformation: The Vision seeks to enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents and empower youth and all community members. Initiatives like the Social Responsibility Club and the “Anwart” initiative for pilgrim services are implemented within the framework of Vision 2030 to promote community work, volunteerism, and improve services. The reopening of cinemas is presented as a realization of a long-held dream and a significant cultural milestone within the comprehensive Vision 2030. The Vision also aims to foster creativity and arts.
• Technological Advancement: Digital transformation is considered a fundamental pillar for national development under Vision 2030. National efforts focus on adopting AI and data technologies to enhance services and achieve sustainable development. The establishment of SDAIA (Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority) in 2019 is described as a pivotal point in leading this transformation and positioning the Kingdom for leadership in data and AI-based economies. The Kingdom is committed to consolidating its position as a global leader in developing AI solutions. The Vision also incorporates leveraging technologies like metagenomics and AI in healthcare to improve service quality.
• Human Capital Development: Empowering national energies and providing promising opportunities for Saudis to build a better future are core to the Vision. This includes developing skills and fostering excellence in education and science. The achievements of Saudi students in international scientific competitions are seen as reflecting the quality of training programs aligned with Vision 2030’s targets for global scientific excellence. Saudi universities are noted to be among the top globally.
• International Role and Partnerships: Vision 2030 is influencing the Kingdom’s role on the global stage, positioning it as a vital economic and political force that is rewriting the rules. It emphasizes strengthening strategic partnerships, such as with the United States. This partnership reflects alignment on issues like development, achieving stability through economic integration, and confronting extremism by empowering communities. The Kingdom is seen as a central actor capable of influencing global balances, utilizing development as a tool for stability and peace, and attracting major international companies. Reviewing investment opportunities within forums like the Saudi-American Investment Forum aims to achieve Vision 2030 goals and diversify the economy.
• Progress and Implementation: The National Transformation Program is one of the executive programs implementing Vision 2030, involving numerous ministries and agencies and targeting strategic goals through hundreds of initiatives. It is reported that Saudi Vision 2030 has been successful in reaching 93% of its indicators, having achieved its annual targets. After nine years since its launch, Vision 2030 has become a reference framework not only for internal transformation but also for solidifying the Kingdom’s international position.

Overall, Vision 2030 is consistently portrayed as a dynamic, comprehensive, and influential framework guiding Saudi Arabia’s journey towards a promising future, sustainable development, and enhanced global standing across economic, social, cultural, technological, and political spheres.

Saudi Vision 2030 Transformation and Investment Landscape

Based on the sources provided and our conversation history, Saudi Vision 2030 is driving a significant transformation of the Kingdom’s investment landscape and economy.

A central pillar of Vision 2030 is the economic transformation and diversification away from oil dependence and sources of income [A comprehensive and ambitious national vision… aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence]. This involves strengthening the private sector and unleashing potential in non-oil sectors such as industry, mining, agriculture, tourism, services, and logistics [A central goal is to diversify the economy away from oil dependence… strengthening the private sector… unleashing potential in non-oil sectors such as industry, mining, agriculture, tourism, services, and logistics]. Efforts are being made to enhance economic competitiveness [Efforts are being made to enhance economic competitiveness].

Several sources highlight specific economic sectors and investment activities:

• Agriculture: Vision 2030’s success is reflected in the increase in the agricultural sector’s contribution to the total GDP. Over the past eight years, this contribution has grown by over 6%, reaching 114 billion by the end of 2024. The Ha’il region alone contributes over 10% to the total agricultural GDP. Investment forums, like the one held in Ha’il, aim to attract local and foreign investment and utilize the region’s economic capabilities to achieve Vision 2030’s strategic targets and regional development. Traditional date farming is also noted as significant, with Saudi Arabia being among the richest countries in date cultivation.
• Logistics and Transport: Vision 2030 aims to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center [The Vision also aims to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center]. Efforts are underway to improve public transport and make it a more attractive option. Recommendations include providing incentives to increase public transport usage compared to private vehicles. The transport and logistics sector also aims to increase the Saudization rate. A notable project includes the upcoming launch of luxurious train journeys within the Kingdom, following an agreement between SAR and the Italian group Arsenale.
• Tourism and Services: The Vision seeks to enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents [The Vision seeks to enhance the quality of life…]. This includes developing the tourism and services sectors. Asir region is highlighted as a major tourism destination undergoing significant development transformation under Vision 2030. The region’s diversity makes it an ideal attraction for tourists. Efforts are also focused on enhancing the experience of pilgrims and visitors through initiatives like “Anwart” and “Makkah Route,” providing integrated services and facilitating procedures. This includes supporting productive families and artisans involved in seasonal gift markets related to Hajj and Umrah, where demand for spiritual and heritage products is noted.
• Urban Development and Infrastructure: Vision 2030 guides rapid urban development, aiming to transform major cities like Riyadh into global cities [Vision 2030 guides rapid urban development, aiming to transform major cities…]. This involves significant investment in infrastructure, public transport, road networks, beautification, and urban complexes [Urban development and Infrastructure… includes the development of infrastructure, public transport projects, road networks, beautification initiatives, and urban complexes]. Projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, AMAALA, and AlUla are examples of these urban transformations [Projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, AMAALA, and AlUla are highlighted as significant urban transformations]. Riyadh’s transformation is driven by intelligent city management utilizing technology and AI, aiming to enhance the quality of life.
• Technology and Innovation: Digital transformation is a fundamental pillar for national development under Vision 2030 [Technological Advancement: Digital transformation is considered a fundamental pillar…]. The establishment of SDAIA in 2019 was a pivotal point in positioning the Kingdom for leadership in data and AI-based economies. The Kingdom is committed to adopting AI and data technologies to enhance services and achieve sustainable development and aims to consolidate its position as a global leader in developing AI solutions [The Kingdom is committed to consolidating its position as a global leader in developing AI solutions]. Investment in healthcare also involves leveraging technologies like metagenomics and AI to improve service quality. The development of innovation, such as the technical innovation in healthcare, is seen as reflecting the commitment to achieving Vision 2030’s health transformation targets. Facilitating private sector entry into national laboratories is also a goal.
• Cultural Economy: Investment in the cultural sector, including museums and events like the Islamic Arts Biennale, contributes to the cultural economy. Museums are being developed to become lively cultural centers contributing to the creative economy and enhancing quality of life. The reopening of cinemas is another significant cultural and economic shift within Vision 2030.
• Energy and Trade: While diversifying, the energy sector remains important. Sources mention global oil market reactions and the impact of trade policies on the US natural gas market, including tariffs affecting LNG project costs.

Vision 2030 emphasizes strengthening strategic partnerships [International Role and Partnerships… emphasizes strengthening strategic partnerships]. The partnership with the United States is highlighted as a renewed strategic alliance based on shared visions for development, achieving stability through economic integration, and confronting extremism. Recent high-level visits have resulted in bilateral agreements worth hundreds of billions across sectors like energy, mining, and defense. These agreements are seen as steps towards localizing technology, training national engineers, and building national capabilities, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global manufacturing and technology hub. Saudi investments internationally, particularly in future economies and non-oil sectors, are part of a strategic move. This dynamic reflects a shift in the relationship where Saudi Arabia’s growing influence means the partnership is based on a balance of interests and mutual benefits.

Overall, the implementation of Vision 2030 involves ambitious projects, strategic investments, and policy changes across numerous sectors. The National Transformation Program is highlighted as one of the key executive programs driving these initiatives [The National Transformation Program is one of the executive programs implementing Vision 2030…]. It is reported that Saudi Vision 2030 has been successful in reaching 93% of its indicators and achieving its annual targets [It is reported that Saudi Vision 2030 has been successful in reaching 93% of its indicators…], demonstrating significant progress in its economic and investment goals.

Saudi Vision 2030: Regional Development and International Affairs

Drawing on the sources and our conversation history, the topic of Regional Affairs is discussed both internally within Saudi Arabia, highlighting development in various regions, and externally through the Kingdom’s international relations and its role in regional stability.

Internal Regional Development:

Saudi Vision 2030 is driving significant development across the Kingdom’s regions. This includes efforts to diversify regional economies and enhance their capabilities.

• Ha’il: The region is experiencing a significant economic boom. Ha’il is hosting investment forums in 2025 to attract local and foreign investment. These forums aim to utilize the region’s economic capabilities to achieve Vision 2030’s strategic targets and enhance regional development. Ha’il contributes over 10% to the total agricultural GDP of the Kingdom, which has increased significantly in recent years. Investors from outside Ha’il are encouraged to take advantage of the region’s economic potential and the facilities offered to attract investments to intermediate regions. There are also plans for luxurious train journeys to be launched within the Kingdom, following an agreement between SAR and the Italian group Arsenale.
• Tabuk: Prince Fahd bin Sultan sponsors the Science and Excellence Award in Tabuk, which has been a cultural and intellectual landmark and motivator for over 38 years. This award highlights excellence in various fields including scientific research, community service, and innovation. The president of Tabuk University emphasized the region’s support for scientific research, innovation, and creating a stimulating environment for researchers, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to supporting scientific advancement. Efforts are also underway in Al-Baida Park in Tabuk to develop natural vegetation cover, combat desertification, and reintroduce endangered animals like the mountain ibex, Arabian gazelle, and eagles, contributing to environmental balance.
• Makkah Region: This region encompasses several key areas:
• Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Efforts are focused on enhancing the experience of pilgrims and visitors. Initiatives like “Anwart” and “Makkah Route” provide integrated services and facilitate procedures for pilgrims from arrival to departure. Calls have been made to develop a brand for Hajj and Umrah gifts, suggesting the establishment of a regular exhibition in Mecca to support productive families and artisans, given the noted high demand for spiritual and heritage products during these seasons. Mecca Library is noted for its ancient heritage.
• Jeddah: The Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Jalawi, met with officials responsible for the guardianship of minors’ funds. Jeddah also hosts motorsport events like the “Saudi Toyota Time Attack”. Health Minister honored Riyadh Health Cluster 1 at an event in Jeddah. Jeddah is an international port of entry for pilgrims by air, land, and sea.
• Taif: The Governor of Taif is exploring opportunities to develop competitive advantages in tree planting. Wadi Liya in Taif is highlighted as a natural and historical treasure, known for its fertile land, ancient inscriptions, and dam built in 1982. It’s a significant agricultural area producing fruits like grapes, pomegranates, peaches, and figs, and containing various aromatic plants.
• Asir (Abha): The Deputy Emir of Asir received the Algerian Consul, who expressed admiration for Asir’s development transformation under Vision 2030 and its potential as a tourism destination. Both sides expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in tourism and cultural exchange.
• Eastern Province (Dammam, Northern Borders): The Deputy Emir of the Eastern Province received the head of the Social Responsibility Club, highlighting programs aimed at empowering youth and contributing to community development. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development branch in the Eastern Province implements pilgrim services. The Al-Bat’ha border crossing receives the first groups of pilgrims. The Northern Borders region (Arar) specifically received Iraqi pilgrims.
• Riyadh: Riyadh is undergoing rapid urban development to become a global city under Vision 2030, involving massive investment in infrastructure, transport, and urban projects. This transformation is driven by intelligent city management, technology, and AI. Land expropriation is occurring for public interest projects, such as road development. The National Museum in Riyadh hosted an event discussing the future of museums in the Kingdom. Riyadh is seen as the heart of a national ambition, building a future city based on efficiency and sustainability. Execution courts in Riyadh were mentioned in legal notices.
• Medina Region (Medina Al-Munawwarah): A branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development provides services to pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. The National Center for Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases held a workshop in Medina for teams working during the Hajj season to ensure animal and plant health and manage emergencies. Mecca Route initiative also serves Medina.
• Qassim: Mentioned as a region where family cohesion is strong.

External Regional and International Affairs:

The sources extensively discuss Saudi Arabia’s international role and strategic partnerships, particularly in the context of economic integration and stability.

• Saudi-US Strategic Alliance: The relationship is described as a “renewed strategic alliance”. It has moved beyond a simple “oil for security” model to one based on shared visions for development, economic integration, and confronting extremism. This partnership is now based on a balance of interests and mutual benefits. Trump’s visit to Riyadh is highlighted as a pivotal moment, leading to bilateral agreements worth hundreds of billions across energy, mining, and defense sectors. These agreements are aimed at localizing technology, training national engineers, and building national capabilities, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global manufacturing and technology hub. The visit was described as a major media event, generating extensive global coverage. The historical context of the relationship, symbolized by Truman’s gift to King Abdulaziz in 1945, is noted. The partnership is seen as contributing to the stability of the region and the world. Saudi leadership is shown to be adept at leveraging these opportunities to advance national interests, including economic diversification, technological progress, and defense cooperation, enhancing the Kingdom’s standing as an influential regional and global player.
• Saudi-Turkish Cooperation: A second meeting of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council took place, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic training.
• Hajj and Umrah Initiatives: Initiatives like “Mecca Route” extend to other countries, such as Cote d’Ivoire, facilitating pilgrim journeys from beneficiary countries. This demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s direct engagement with other nations concerning religious tourism and related services. Iraqi pilgrims are received at border crossings.
• GCC Context: GCC countries are noted for the stability their citizens enjoy. Historical trade links between Arabian merchants and regions like India, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Iran, and Pakistan are mentioned.
• Investment Abroad: Saudi investments internationally, particularly in future economies and non-oil sectors, are described as a strategic step to enhance the Kingdom’s non-oil economy.
• Regional Conflicts (Gaza, Libya): The sources include news reports on ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Libya. These reports detail events such as the Israeli military actions in Gaza, including shelling and the situation at hospitals, casualties and targeting of civilians and journalists, and calls for international action and accountability. They also cover political instability and clashes in Libya. While these are presented as regional news, the sources do not explicitly detail Saudi Arabia’s specific involvement or policy positions regarding these particular conflicts, other than the broader aim of achieving stability in the region through development and integration.

In summary, the sources present Saudi Arabia as actively engaged in regional affairs, both through extensive internal development programs guided by Vision 2030 across its diverse regions and through strategic international partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and stability. Reports on conflicts in other regional areas are included as news but without detailing specific Saudi intervention policies related to those conflicts themselves within these sources.

Saudi Culture and Heritage Under Vision 2030

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, Culture and Heritage in Saudi Arabia are discussed through various lenses, highlighting both preservation efforts and modern development initiatives across different regions.

Internal Aspects of Culture and Heritage:

Vision 2030 is presented as a driving force behind cultural and heritage development.

• Regional Focus: Development is noted across regions, implicitly or explicitly touching upon cultural aspects:
• Makkah Region: Significant focus is placed on enhancing the experience of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah. Initiatives like “Anwart” and “Makkah Route” provide integrated services for visitors from arrival to departure, highlighting the Kingdom’s role as custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. There’s a suggestion to develop a brand for Hajj and Umrah gifts, recommending a regular exhibition in Mecca to support productive families and artisans due to the high demand for spiritual and heritage products. Mecca Library is specifically mentioned for its ancient heritage. Wadi Liya in Taif is described as a natural and historical treasure, known for its fertile land, ancient inscriptions, and agricultural importance, producing fruits and containing aromatic plants.
• Riyadh: Riyadh is undergoing urban transformation under Vision 2030, with projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life. The city is envisioned as a dynamic center that fosters innovation and redefines the urban experience based on efficiency and sustainability. Projects like public paths, green spaces, and oases are aimed at reviving community life. The National Museum in Riyadh is highlighted as a significant cultural institution. It hosted a forum discussing the future of museums, their role as a cultural bedrock, and their function in reclaiming identity, understanding civilization and culture, recalling human contributions, and shaping awareness. Museums are seen as vital facilities for fostering creativity, artistic taste, and the creative sense. They connect people to their roots, express the present, and open windows to the future. The Ithra Museum is also mentioned, described as having five halls celebrating human arts, exploring past visions for the future, and providing a space for human exploration with collections spanning centuries. An exhibition titled “Words of Al-Badr and Lens of Al-Faisal” is noted. The “Khokha door” is identified as a traditional architectural element found in old heritage houses in the Kingdom, particularly in Najdi and Hijazi styles.
• Tabuk: The Science and Excellence Award sponsored by Prince Fahd bin Sultan is described as a cultural and intellectual landmark. Environmental efforts in Al-Baida Park aim to develop natural vegetation and reintroduce endangered animals, contributing to environmental balance, which can be seen as preserving natural heritage.
• Asir (Abha): The Algerian Consul expressed admiration for Asir’s development and its potential as a tourism destination, and both sides showed interest in enhancing cooperation in tourism and cultural exchange.
• Eastern Province/Northern Borders: These regions are mentioned in the context of receiving pilgrims at border crossings, connecting to the broader religious and cultural heritage of Hajj.
• Qassim: Mentioned as a region where family cohesion is strong, highlighting a specific social and cultural value.
• Broader Cultural Values and History: The sources touch upon historical and societal aspects that form part of the national heritage:
• The historical context of trade is mentioned, noting trade links between Arabian merchants and regions like India, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Iran, and Pakistan. Arabian Peninsula traders are said to have influenced world cultures.
• The importance of preserving heritage, traditional skills (like pearl diving and fishing), customs, traditions, and history for future generations is emphasized.
• Family cohesion and mutual support are highlighted as distinguishing features, especially in regions like Najd and Qassim.
• The historical and current status of women in society is noted.
• Date palm farming is recognized as a significant part of the region’s agricultural heritage and economy.

External Aspects Related to Culture and Heritage:

Saudi Arabia’s external relations indirectly touch upon cultural aspects:

• Hajj and Umrah Initiatives: The “Mecca Route” initiative extends internationally, facilitating the journey for pilgrims from various countries, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s role and engagement in facilitating this key religious practice for Muslims worldwide.
• Historical Artifacts: The Truman gift to King Abdulaziz in 1945 is mentioned as a symbol of the historical strategic relationship with the US. This gift, a diplomatic artifact, is exhibited in the National Museum, serving to enhance visitor awareness of this historical connection and its significance.

Cultural Shifts and Modernity:

The sources also discuss the evolution of cultural life, particularly regarding media and entertainment:

• The rise of cinema in Saudi Arabia is presented as a significant cultural and social transformation. It marks a shift from a period of limited public entertainment options, reliant on video stores and private gatherings, to a vibrant artistic and cultural scene. Cinema houses are no longer just places to watch films but have become lively spaces for cultural interaction and gatherings for diverse segments of society. This change is directly linked to the profound and rapid cultural and social transformations witnessed by the Kingdom, driven by the leadership’s vision for improving quality of life.

In summary, the sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in both preserving its rich historical and religious heritage, exemplified by the focus on Hajj/Umrah services and museums, and fostering modern cultural development and social change, such as the growth of the cinema industry and urban renewal projects under Vision 2030, while also valuing core societal aspects like family cohesion and historical trade connections.

Saudi Arabian Sports, Leisure, and Cultural Growth

Drawing on the provided sources and our conversation history, we can discuss the aspects of Sports and Leisure presented. The sources highlight both significant cultural shifts related to leisure activities and specific details regarding the sports landscape, particularly football, as well as other initiatives that contribute to leisure and quality of life.

One of the most notable transformations in the leisure landscape discussed is the rise of cinema in Saudi Arabia. This is presented as a profound and rapid cultural and social change. Previously, public entertainment options were limited, relying on video stores with shelves filled with tapes and DVDs. These video stores were described as almost unofficial cinematic clubs where enthusiasts exchanged recommendations. Watching a “modern” foreign film was an exceptional event, dependent on availability in the local store and collective effort to gather around a single screen. This dependence on home video and family gatherings was the nearly sole way to access films outside satellite TV. This era, while limited in public entertainment, was rich in genuine social interactions. The emergence of cinema houses has transformed this, creating vibrant spaces for cultural interaction and gatherings for diverse segments of society. They are no longer just places to watch movies but lively cultural and artistic hubs. This change is directly linked to the leadership’s vision for improving the quality of life.

Beyond cinema, other cultural activities contribute to leisure. Museums are highlighted as vital cultural institutions. They are seen as cultural bedrocks, fostering creativity, artistic taste, and connecting people to their roots and history. The National Museum in Riyadh hosted a forum discussing the future of museums and their role in reclaiming identity and understanding civilization. The Ithra Museum is also mentioned, featuring five halls celebrating human arts and providing space for exploration. These spaces, along with exhibitions, offer opportunities for cultural leisure and learning.

The sources also touch upon the structured experience of Hajj and Umrah, which, while primarily religious, involves extensive logistics and services that enhance the pilgrim’s journey. Initiatives like “Anwart” aim to provide integrated services from arrival to departure, including guidance, transportation, and support. The “Mecca Route” initiative facilitates procedures for pilgrims from various countries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s role in facilitating this major activity. The demand for spiritual and heritage products as gifts during Hajj and Umrah suggests a market linked to this large-scale activity that combines religious practice with elements of cultural tourism/leisure.

In the realm of sports, the sources provide details on several areas:

• Volleyball: The conclusion of the volleyball season is mentioned, specifically the Elite Cup tournament held in Jeddah. The results of matches, including Al-Ittihad coming in second, Al-Khaleej winning third place, and Al-Ahli’s performance, are detailed. The participating clubs in the Elite Cup (Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, and Al-Nassr) are listed.
• Football (Soccer): There is a significant focus on football, particularly the Al-Ittihad club. The sources discuss the club’s management challenges, including the resignation of chairman Lu’ay Nazer and rumors about Musallam’s potential departure. Fan concerns regarding stability and financial issues faced by the club are mentioned. Despite challenges, efforts were made to support the team, such as paying salaries on time and offering bonuses. Al-Ittihad joined the Roshen League and undertook an external training camp. The club’s preparation, including hiring Portuguese coach Mario Silva, is highlighted. Player recruitment is detailed, listing various local and foreign players signed from other clubs. The sources also mention the AFC Champions League, where Saudi Arabia is allocated three spots based on ranking: Al-Hilal (league champion), Al-Ittihad (league runner-up), and Al-Ahli (continental title holder). News regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is noted as being difficult to renew. However, the sources also point to administrative and governance issues within the Saudi Football Federation, such as delays in decisions by disciplinary and appeals committees, errors in tournament organization regarding player numbers, and inconsistencies in applying contract regulations. A specific issue involving Al-Nassr and Al-Wehda’s protest and the federation’s handling of it is described critically.
• Motorsport: The conclusion of the first round of the “Saudi Toyota Time Attack” championship in Jeddah is reported. This event was supervised by the Ministry of Sports and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation in cooperation with partners.

Broader initiatives also contribute to leisure and quality of life. Urban development projects in Riyadh aim to enhance the quality of life and revive community life through public paths, green spaces, and oases. Environmental efforts, such as developing natural vegetation and reintroducing animals in Al-Baida Park, could also support leisure activities like ecotourism. Wadi Liya is also described as a natural and historical treasure and a tourist resort.

In summary, the sources illustrate a dynamic landscape of Sports and Leisure in Saudi Arabia, marked by significant growth in entertainment options like cinema, continued focus on cultural institutions and events, and an active sports scene, particularly in football, alongside efforts to improve related infrastructure and governance.

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

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