Al Riyadh Newspaper 21 May 2025: Political Affairs, Economy, Infrastructure Development, Cultural and Historical Preservation

These texts, seemingly excerpts from a Saudi Arabian newspaper, cover a range of topics including political affairs, specifically mentioning a visit by a US President and bilateral agreements, economic matters like investment opportunities and the gold market, infrastructure development with calls for metro systems and advancements in oil and gas inspection technology, cultural and historical preservation, sports news, and social issues such as inflation and healthcare regulations. They also touch upon regional conflicts and international relations.

Saudi Arabia Hajj Preparations and Regulations

Based on the sources, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undertakes significant preparations for Hajj, emphasizing the provision of services and care for millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

Key aspects of Hajj preparations highlighted in the sources include:

• Extensive Efforts and Infrastructure: The Kingdom increases efforts and invests billions in development projects to build advanced infrastructure to serve the pilgrims.
• Security and Safety Priority: The security and safety of pilgrims are considered a top priority.
• “No Hajj Without a Permit” Campaign: A system called “No Hajj Without a Permit” has been launched to establish regulations for everyone, including citizens, residents, and visitors. The sources state that opposition to this system is seen as an aggression against the pilgrims by instigators.
• Continuous Operations at Entry Points: Government, private, and volunteer entities work around the clock to receive pilgrims at border crossings, such as the Al-Wadiah crossing for those arriving from the Republic of Yemen.
• Facilitating Procedures: These entities work to facilitate the entry procedures into the Kingdom for Hajj, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and reassurance.
• Enforcement of Regulations: The Ministry of Interior has announced administrative decisions regarding violators of Hajj regulations and instructions . This includes penalties for those who transport individuals who do not have Hajj permits . Penalties for transporters and contributors can include a financial fine of up to 100,000 . For the person without a permit, the penalty can be a financial fine of up to 20,000 . Additional penalties may include prison sentences, deportation for residents with a 10-year entry ban into the Kingdom, and confiscation of vehicles used for transportation . The penalties are multiplied based on the number of violations and the number of individuals transported . The sources report that security forces recently apprehended 60 violators who were transporting 12 residents and 8 citizens who did not possess Hajj permits .

The sources emphasize the ongoing commitment and extensive measures taken by the Kingdom to ensure that pilgrims can perform the great ritual with care, attention, ease, and reassurance.

Elevating US-Saudi Relations and Economic Integration

Based on the provided sources, the discussion of US-Saudi relations centers around a visit by the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During a cabinet session chaired by the King, His Majesty expressed thanks and appreciation to President Trump for accepting the invitation to visit the Kingdom. The sources highlight discussions held with President Trump during this visit.

The outcomes of these discussions were lauded by the Crown Prince and President of the Council of Ministers. He praised the results as contributing to elevating bilateral relations to an unprecedented historical level in numerous vital sectors. Furthermore, these outcomes are expected to enhance economic integration for both countries.

Saudi Vision 2030 Overview

Based on the provided sources, the Saudi Vision 2030 is discussed as a significant national initiative with ambitious goals.

Key aspects of Vision 2030 highlighted in the sources include:

• Ambitious and Comprehensive Nature: The ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 was launched from the Kingdom’s position, centered on all Islamic and historical fields, as well as economic ones.
• Progress and Achievements: Most of the targets of Vision 2030 have been achieved before their scheduled time. This achievement has driven the building of a system.
• Economic Transformation: The Vision presents an opportunity for economic transformation. Factors contributing to this context include a local product of one trillion dollars and 70% of the population being young people.
• Focus on Key Sectors:Media: The media sector is seen as having an opportunity for economic transformation and repositioning in a rapidly accelerating digital market, supporting innovation and knowledge advancement. A national program specifically for media is part of the third phase of Vision 2030.
• Culture: Cultural efforts align with the targets of Vision 2030 in enhancing cultural and intellectual activity and supporting national identity. An initiative like “Enriching Arabic Content” falls within the framework of Vision 2030 targets.
• Sustainability: A study by Stanford University’s Center for Sustainable Development and Competitiveness in August 2024 discussed Vision 2030’s transformation from a development model to a sustainability model.
• Role of the Public Investment Fund: The Stanford study also highlighted the role of the Public Investment Fund in achieving Vision 2030’s targets.
• Soft Power: Vision 2030’s projects and programs have become a successful global model for soft power. Examples of this include utilizing sports to attract international players, showcasing Saudi sports excellence, as well as humanitarian and medical efforts like separating conjoined twins, and relief work through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre regionally and internationally.
• International Narrative: There is a need for an external media capable of telling Saudi Arabia’s story and successes in a way that resonates globally and enhances international understanding of the Vision’s goals and messages.
• Leadership: The Vision is attributed to the thinking and follow-up of the Crown Prince.

Overall, the sources portray Vision 2030 as a driving force behind significant developments and transformations in Saudi Arabia, impacting various sectors and contributing to the Kingdom’s global standing.

Saudi Media Transformation and Vision 2030

Based on the provided sources and our conversation history, the discussion about the media industry in Saudi Arabia highlights several key aspects and transformations:

Saudi Vision 2030 presents an opportunity for the media sector’s economic transformation and repositioning in a rapidly accelerating digital market, supporting innovation and knowledge advancement [S8]. A national program specifically for media is part of the third phase of Vision 2030 [S8]. There is also a need for external media capable of telling Saudi Arabia’s story and successes in a way that resonates globally and enhances international understanding of the Vision’s goals and messages [S8].

Recent discussions at a seminar have explored the state of the media sector, including opportunities for investment, challenges faced, ways to enhance national competencies, and the role of governance and regulation. A report on the sector was discussed, and its indicators and data are considered an important reference for decision-makers, investors, and media professionals.

The nature of content that gains traction has changed, with “lifestyle” topics such as health, food, and psychological health becoming more attractive to the public and receiving high viewership, surpassing local news. Even breaking news is less attractive as it reaches audiences instantly through messaging applications like “X” or “WhatsApp”. This means that electronic newspapers are now primarily browsed by a segment of people looking for specific content. The concept of “the industry of meaning” was also discussed.

While news remains a primary journalistic form, the media landscape has significantly shifted. The experience of Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper during the Corona pandemic showed that many people turned to known newspapers and official sources for accurate information. Al-Eqtisadiah has transformed from a print to an electronic newspaper. The local audience, particularly the youth majority, tends towards electronic sources. The mobile phone has become the primary source for reading news even before traditional newspapers. The electronic transformation has helped Al-Eqtisadiah gain a new audience segment and enhance its digital products.

A challenge identified is the prevailing belief in the local community that Saudi newspapers are government-affiliated and their content should be free. There is a need to educate the public that these newspapers are not government entities and that archived materials are not provided free of charge. Some global newspapers offer specialized economic data only available on global platforms, and there are examples, like Al-Qabas newspaper in Kuwait, that have successfully implemented paid subscription systems.

The way media is consumed has fundamentally changed. Previously, tuning into radio programs like “Here is Riyadh,” “Here is Jeddah,” “Holy Quran Radio,” and “Thursday Night Gathering” was a source of pleasure and routine. Interview programs were conducted with dignity, giving information its due importance. Today, media constantly chases new content, with news flowing instantly via phone notifications rather than waiting for morning or evening newspapers. Saudis spend a significant amount of time online, with a report by “We Are Social” indicating nearly 9 hours and 5 minutes daily on the internet, including 3 full hours on social networks, leading to what is described as media saturation for the recipient.

Oil Market Dynamics and Energy Infrastructure

Based on the provided sources, the discussion regarding the oil market touches upon price fluctuations, potential market impacts, and aspects of the energy sector infrastructure:

The sources indicate that the oil market has experienced fluctuations. Specifically, the price of oil has seen fluctuations amidst fears that ongoing talks might collapse.

The success of a potential deal could lead to a lifting of sanctions and an increase in Iranian oil exports. This outcome is expected to affect energy markets.

Regarding the shipping side of the oil market, the sources mention improvements in the prices for spot shipping of crude oil tankers on a monthly basis in April. This improvement was supported by an expected rise in demand for loads from the Middle East. Prices for spot shipping of large tankers on Middle East routes saw a 2% monthly increase. However, prices for spot shipping of crude oil tankers from the Middle East to the West decreased by 3% on a monthly basis. Conversely, prices for Suezmax tankers on West Africa – US Gulf Coast routes increased by 15% on a monthly basis, supported by rising activity in the Atlantic basin.

In the context of the energy sector, the sources highlight the importance of the reliability of assets in energy facilities. Ensuring this reliability contributes to attracting investments. It is considered a top priority to ensure the continuity of production and attract investors. Advanced non-destructive testing technologies are mentioned as contributing to this by increasing operational readiness through continuous condition monitoring, which reduces the chance of sudden failure.

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

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