Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 12, 2025: Geopolitics, Cultural Affairs, Hajj Management, Agricultural Development

The provided sources offer a multi-faceted overview of recent developments and ongoing efforts within Saudi Arabia, primarily focusing on the Hajj pilgrimage and its management. They detail the Kingdom’s comprehensive strategies to enhance pilgrim experience through improved infrastructure, advanced health services, and innovative digital solutions. Beyond the pilgrimage, the texts touch upon Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector, its commitment to sustainable agricultural development, and its role in fostering inter-civilizational dialogue. Additionally, the sources discuss the global frozen food market, geopolitical events such as the Ukraine war and oil market dynamics, and the broader societal impact of technology and stress.

The Unprecedented Success of Hajj 1446 AH

The management of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the year 1446 AH (2025 CE), has been consistently described in the sources as an exceptional and unprecedented success. This achievement is primarily attributed to the divine grace of God, the wise directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the continuous, meticulous follow-up by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Key aspects and initiatives of Hajj management include:

• Integrated National System and Collaboration
• The success is a result of a comprehensive and integrated system involving various government and non-government sectors, including the Ministries of Health, Hajj and Umrah, Interior, Civil Defense, and numerous security agencies, as well as thousands of volunteers.
• These entities performed their roles with high professionalism and dedication, working in harmony to achieve a single goal: making Hajj a safe, spiritual, and civilized experience.
• The Supreme Hajj Committee extended gratitude to over 420,070 participants in Hajj 1446 AH through electronic thank you certificates, recognizing their immense efforts.
• Meticulous Planning and Execution
• The Hajj plans, encompassing security, health, preventive, organizational, service, and traffic aspects, were implemented with precision and thoroughness.
• The “No Hajj without a permit” campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Interior, was a crucial organizational step that significantly contributed to maintaining security and order, ensuring a smooth and organized Hajj experience. This measure was not merely regulatory but aimed at preserving the dignity of pilgrims.
• Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation
• The Kingdom has extensively adopted advanced technologies and smart systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, smart robots, and drones, to enhance service delivery and proactive response to pilgrim needs.
• The Nusuk platform serves as a unified digital platform for pilgrims, facilitating the issuance of Umrah permits, booking services, and overall journey planning. Umrah visas now require a documented accommodation contract through this platform to ensure service quality.
• The Smart Engineering Center for Command and Control for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque affairs was launched in its pilot phase to improve service quality and decision-making.
• Smart screens provide real-time data for tawaf and sa’i, enhancing efficiency.
• Drone technology was effectively used for rapid delivery of medicines and vaccines to field medical facilities, reducing delivery time to as little as 5 minutes.
• Telemedicine services, such as remote consultations and quick diagnoses via video calls, contributed to efficient health service delivery.
• Infrastructure and Service Development
• Kadana Company implemented over 22 developmental projects in the Holy Sites for Hajj 1446 AH. These include:
• Projects to reduce heat stress, such as rubber pathways spanning over 190,000 square meters, more than 6,500 misting columns, and over 180,000 square meters of shaded areas, which resulted in a 90% reduction in heat stress cases.
• Over 290,000 square meters of green spaces were developed.
• More than 4,500 water coolers and drinking stations were distributed.
• Rest areas were established along pedestrian paths to aid pilgrims in regaining their energy.
• Accommodation capacity in Mina was increased through double-decker tents, supported by over 110,000 water facilities and new escalators to facilitate movement, especially for the elderly.
• Over 100 commercial units were developed in the holy sites, including partnerships with 20 leading brands, to enhance shopping services.
• 72 service centers were established to provide water and provisions.
• Transportation: The Masha’er Train transported approximately 1.87 million pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat across 2,154 trips during Hajj 1446 AH. The Haramain High-Speed Rail also plays a vital role in connecting pilgrims between Mecca and Medina. There were 46 new projects to enhance the electrical system in Mecca and the Holy Sites, costing over 3 billion riyals and increasing capacity by 75%.
• Pilgrim Experience and Care
• Pilgrims consistently expressed their comfort, security, and tranquility during Hajj.
• The Ministry of Health provided over 102,000 health services, including emergency care, transfers to hospitals, ICU admissions, cardiac catheterizations, and open-heart surgeries.
• A strong ethical commitment ensured that medical care was provided to all pilgrims, regardless of their permit status or ability to identify themselves, aligning with Islamic values and professional ethics.
• The “Medical Brotherhood” system was activated for air and ground transport of critical cases.
• The Arafat sermon was translated into 35 international languages, and awareness brochures were distributed in 9 languages, enhancing guidance for pilgrims.
• Cultural enrichment initiatives included exhibitions and visits to historical and religious sites, with over 59,000 visitors to the Grand Mosque Library and the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
• The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque oversaw the distribution of Zamzam water, providing over 293,000 bottles and utilizing special drinking fountains. They also provided thousands of electric and manual carts for pilgrims and established luggage storage centers.
• Continuous Improvement and Global Model
• The Kingdom’s proactive approach to Hajj management is evident in its commitment to continuous improvement, with preparations for the next Hajj season beginning immediately after the current one concludes.
• Saudi Arabia has become a global model in managing massive human gatherings and organizing pilgrimages, thanks to its accumulated expertise and ambitious vision.
• Pilgrim Statistics
• Hajj 1446 AH hosted 1,673,230 pilgrims, with 1,506,576 coming from outside the Kingdom and 166,654 from within.
• The Umrah season in 1445 AH saw a record 16,924,000 Umrah performers. The goal is to reach 15 million Umrah performers annually by 2025.

Overall, the Hajj management is characterized by a strong governmental commitment, advanced technological integration, massive infrastructure development, comprehensive health and logistical services, and a deep ethical consideration for the well-being of all pilgrims, reflecting the nation’s Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Tourism Transformation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undertaking significant and multifaceted initiatives to advance its tourism sector, driven by Vision 2030 which aims to position the nation as a leading global tourism destination. This comprehensive approach encompasses ambitious targets, technological integration, infrastructure development, and a strong focus on enhancing the visitor experience.

Here are key aspects of tourism development in Saudi Arabia:

• Strategic Vision and Ambitious Targets:
• The Kingdom is committed to accelerating its tourism sector, with a goal to host 150 million visitors annually by 2030, supported by qualitative investments in infrastructure and rich tourism seasons.
• In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 116 million visitors, demonstrating significant progress towards its Vision 2030 targets.
• The “Serving Guests of Rahman” program, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, aims to facilitate the hosting of Umrah performers and pilgrims, offering high-quality services and enriching their spiritual and cultural experience. This program sets a goal to raise the capacity for 15 million Umrah performers annually by 2025.
• Digital Transformation and Technological Integration:
• Saudi Arabia has adopted advanced technologies and smart systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, smart robots, and drones, to enhance service delivery and respond proactively to pilgrim and visitor needs.
• The Nusuk platform serves as a unified digital platform for pilgrims, streamlining the issuance of Umrah permits, booking services, and overall journey planning. For example, Umrah visas now require a documented accommodation contract through this platform to ensure service quality.
• The Smart Engineering Center for Command and Control for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque affairs has been launched in its pilot phase to improve service quality and decision-making.
• Drones have been effectively utilized for rapid delivery of medicines and vaccines to field medical facilities during Hajj, reducing delivery time to as little as 5 minutes. Telemedicine services, such as remote consultations and quick diagnoses via video calls, have also contributed to efficient health service delivery.
• Infrastructure and Service Development:
• Kadana Company has implemented over 22 developmental projects in the Holy Sites for Hajj 1446 AH, which significantly enhance the overall visitor experience. These include projects to reduce heat stress, such as rubber pathways spanning over 190,000 square meters, more than 6,500 misting columns, and over 180,000 square meters of shaded areas, resulting in a 90% reduction in heat stress cases.
• Over 290,000 square meters of green spaces have been developed. More than 4,500 water coolers and drinking stations have been distributed. Rest areas have been established along pedestrian paths to aid pilgrims.
• Accommodation capacity in Mina was increased through double-decker tents, supported by over 110,000 water facilities and new escalators to facilitate movement.
• Over 100 commercial units were developed in the holy sites, including partnerships with 20 leading brands, to enhance shopping services. Additionally, 72 service centers were established to provide water and provisions.
• Transportation networks are a key focus, with the Masha’er Train transporting approximately 1.87 million pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat across 2,154 trips during Hajj 1446 AH. The Haramain High-Speed Rail also plays a vital role in connecting pilgrims between Mecca and Medina.
• There were 46 new projects to enhance the electrical system in Mecca and the Holy Sites, costing over 3 billion riyals and increasing capacity by 75%.
• Beyond the Holy Cities, other regions are seeing development, such as Hail’s central area project, which is designed to enhance urban and aesthetic elements, and boost tourist and economic activity over an area exceeding 700,000 square meters.
• Quality Assurance and Visitor Care:
• The Ministry of Tourism conducts intensive regulatory tours, such as 1,852 inspection visits in Medina alone for Hajj 1446 AH, to ensure service quality for pilgrims and visitors.
• Pilgrims consistently express their comfort, security, and tranquility during Hajj, attributing this to the comprehensive care and hospitality provided.
• The Ministry of Health provided over 102,000 health services during Hajj 1446 AH, including emergency care, transfers to hospitals, ICU admissions, cardiac catheterizations, and open-heart surgeries. This ethical commitment ensured medical care was provided to all pilgrims, regardless of their permit status, aligning with Islamic values and professional ethics.
• The Arafat sermon was translated into 35 international languages, and awareness brochures were distributed in 9 languages, enhancing guidance for pilgrims. Cultural enrichment initiatives included exhibitions and visits to historical and religious sites, with over 59,000 visitors to the Grand Mosque Library and the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
• Global Recognition and Continuous Improvement:
• The Kingdom’s proactive approach is evident in its commitment to continuous improvement, with preparations for the next Hajj season beginning immediately after the current one concludes.
• Saudi Arabia has become a global model in managing massive human gatherings and organizing pilgrimages, thanks to its accumulated expertise and ambitious vision. Diriyah’s recent selection as a “friendly destination for the environment” for 2025 further underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s tourism development is a dynamic and evolving process underpinned by strategic governmental directives, massive investments in infrastructure, advanced technological integration, and a profound dedication to the comfort, safety, and spiritual enrichment of all visitors, reflecting the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Technology’s Economic Influence in Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Technology plays a pivotal and transformative role in driving economic development across various sectors, influencing everything from daily consumer habits to large-scale national strategies and global dynamics. This is particularly evident in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which integrates technology into its core development plans.

Here’s a discussion on technology and economy, drawing from the provided sources:

• Driving Tourism and Pilgrim Services:
• Saudi Arabia is leveraging digital transformation and advanced technologies to position itself as a leading global tourism destination and to enhance the experience for visitors and pilgrims alike. The goal to host 150 million visitors annually by 2030 is supported by qualitative investments in infrastructure and rich tourism seasons.
• Key technological adoptions include artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, smart robots, and drones, which are used to improve service delivery and proactively respond to the needs of pilgrims and visitors.
• The Nusuk platform is a prime example of digital integration, serving as a unified digital platform for pilgrims to streamline Umrah permit issuance, booking services, and overall journey planning. It ensures service quality by requiring a documented accommodation contract for Umrah visas.
• The Smart Engineering Center for Command and Control for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque affairs is in its pilot phase to enhance service quality and decision-making.
• During Hajj, drones were effectively used for the rapid delivery of medicines and vaccines to field medical facilities, reducing delivery time to as little as 5 minutes. Telemedicine services also contributed to efficient health service delivery, showcasing technology’s role in healthcare efficiency and support for major events.
• The Masha’er Train and Haramain High-Speed Rail are critical components of the transportation infrastructure, enabling efficient movement of millions of pilgrims, demonstrating large-scale technological solutions for logistics and crowd management that underpin the Hajj economy.
• Digital Transformation in the Banking Sector:
• The traditional concept of banks has evolved, with financial institutions becoming major economic entities that influence economic and social development.
• Digital transformation is crucial for banks to adapt to changing customer needs and technological advancements. A significant majority of customers (over 70% in 2024) prefer digital banking interactions via online platforms or mobile applications.
• This shift necessitates investment in digital infrastructure, including smart applications and the activation of AI services. The automation of banking operations is also a growing trend, with reports indicating that 40% of banking processes can be automated.
• Despite the benefits, challenges exist, such as the cost of human resources and the industry’s tendency to react to complaints rather than proactively use data analytics to prevent issues. However, the broader move towards digitalization is seen as enhancing financial sector efficiency and competitiveness.
• Growth in the Frozen Food Market:
• The frozen food market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030, driven by factors such as rising living standards and changing consumer habits.
• Advanced freezing technologies and innovative financing are significant contributors to the market’s future growth. The increasing demand for convenience food options, especially among urban and working professionals, further fuels this growth.
• The expansion of e-commerce grocery platforms and the introduction of new, healthier frozen products (like plant-based and gluten-free options) also play a key role in the market’s development. The rise of online platforms is highlighted as a key strategy for companies in the frozen food sector.
• Strategic National Development and Digital Infrastructure:
• The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to foster a dynamic economy where digital transformation is a key enabler. The continuous development of digital infrastructure and services across various sectors reflects this commitment.
• Investments in urban projects, such as Hail’s central area development, are designed to enhance urban aesthetics and boost tourist and economic activity, demonstrating a holistic approach to development where technology underpins modern infrastructure.
• Impact of Technology on Geopolitics and Trade:
• The broader economic landscape is also shaped by technology, as seen in international trade disputes. For example, trade tensions between the US and China, including tariffs and restrictions on technology sales (like chips to China), have had a negative impact on global growth projections.
• The case of Elon Musk’s tech companies (e.g., Starlink) highlights the intertwining of technology with national security and geopolitical influence. The reliance of critical government functions on private tech companies raises concerns about the privatization of public goods and the potential for individual decisions to impact national and international affairs. This can lead to market volatility, as seen with the significant drop in Tesla’s stock following Musk’s conflict with a political figure.

In essence, technology is not merely a tool but a fundamental driver of economic transformation in Saudi Arabia and globally. It enables the creation of new markets, enhances efficiency in existing ones, and plays an increasingly critical role in national strategic objectives and international economic relations.

Global Geopolitical Conflicts and Economic Tensions

The provided sources offer insights into several regional conflicts and related geopolitical tensions:

• Israel-Palestine Conflict (Gaza and West Bank) This conflict is extensively covered in the sources, detailing its military, humanitarian, and economic dimensions. Reports indicate 25 Palestinians were martyred near Netzarim axis, south of Gaza City, while waiting for aid, due to Israeli occupation forces’ firing on gatherings. Israeli airstrikes targeted areas including the vicinity of Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis and other locations. The World Health Organization’s Director-General stated that Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis is completely out of service due to intensified Israeli attacks, leading to preventable deaths and leaving Nasser Medical Complex as the only remaining facility with an intensive care unit in the city, thus increasing pressure on the already strained healthcare system. The UN official called for an immediate cessation of fire and protection of health facilities.
• Economically, the Israeli Finance Minister issued instructions to halt financial cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian banks, accusing the Palestinian Authority of “delegitimization campaigns” internationally. This move, described as an escalation, threatens the collapse of the Palestinian Authority’s financial structure. The financial relationship is based on the 1994 Paris Economic Agreement, under which Israeli banks provide financial and legal coverage for the Palestinian banking system. Without this coverage, Palestinian banks face the risk of isolation from the global financial system, effectively crippling them.
• Politically, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir and groups of settlers reportedly stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, an act described as a flagrant violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa and a desperate attempt at Judaization. In the West Bank, Israeli occupation forces conducted arrests and set up military checkpoints in various areas, including Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah, and demolished 12 tents and two residential structures in Khirbet Al-Saba’, south of Hebron, as well as agricultural structures in Al-Mughayyir village. The martyrdom of a released Palestinian prisoner in Tubas following an assassination operation by an Israeli special unit was also reported.
• Furthermore, Israeli officers and reserve soldiers called for an end to the war, asserting that its objective is to “save Netanyahu’s illegitimate government” rather than defending Israeli citizens. They claimed the government’s actions were driven by political motives and that orders were therefore “illegal,” with some signatories refusing military service. They accused the government of causing the collapse of the hostage deal and essentially “sentencing them to death”.
• Israel-Hezbollah Conflict (Lebanon) Reports indicate a strategic shift by Hezbollah in Lebanon, with the group increasingly focusing on producing drones rather than missiles, allocating significant budgets to this end. This shift is influenced by the Russia-Ukraine war, which demonstrated the effectiveness of drones due to their simplicity, low cost, rapid assembly, and use of civilian components that can be ordered online. Drones are also more challenging for air defense systems to detect and classify compared to missiles. The Israeli army conducted an operation in Beirut’s southern suburb, targeting what it described as a drone production facility belonging to Hezbollah. The Israeli Air Force commander is reportedly holding repeated operational discussions to tighten the noose on Hezbollah’s drone unit.
• Israel-Yemen (Houthi) Conflict The Houthi militia in Yemen has intensified pressure on Israel, deploying naval forces and threatening a naval and air blockade of Hudaydah port if attacks on Israel persist. The Israeli military responded by striking Houthi targets in Hudaydah port with airstrikes. The Israeli Defense Minister explicitly warned the Houthi organization of a “strong response” and the imposition of a naval and air blockade if they continued to fire towards Israel. While Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones towards Israel, most were reportedly intercepted or missed their targets. The United States also launched intensive strikes against the Houthis earlier in the year, which were halted following a Houthi agreement to cease attacks on American vessels.
• Russia-Ukraine War The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that there will be no end to the war in Ukraine without a halt to NATO’s eastward expansion, which it considers a key cause of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased international pressure on Moscow after a night of intensified aerial attacks on Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Chernihiv, describing it as one of the largest attacks on the capital. Ukrainian intelligence claims that approximately 34% of Russian bombers capable of launching cruise missiles have been destroyed or damaged, with an estimated value of nearly $7 billion. The sources also mention discussions about a price cap on Russian oil, with Zelenskyy advocating for a $30 per barrel limit.
• US-China Trade Tensions (Economic Conflict) This ongoing economic conflict has significant global implications. The United States and China have imposed mutual tariffs and engaged in negotiations, reaching an “agreement framework” to de-escalate trade tensions. However, uncertainty persists until the agreement is officially approved by the leaders. The World Bank had lowered its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4% to 2.3%, citing rising tariffs and increasing uncertainty as a “major obstacle” for nearly all economies. The agreement framework aims to address issues like China’s restrictions on rare earth minerals and the US’s limitations on chip sales to China.
• Syrian Internal Situation The sources briefly touch upon the aftermath of internal conflict in Syria, with a statement from the Syrian Interior Ministry (representing the opposition) claiming that 123,000 officials from the former regime were involved in crimes against the Syrian people, and that over 450,000 members of Al-Shabiha (a pro-government militia) were active, indicating the scale of the past violence. It also notes that some officers from the former regime’s army and intelligence are cooperating with the opposition to facilitate access to Syrian areas for “aggression deterrence forces”.
• Trump-Musk Dispute (National Security Implications) While not a traditional regional conflict between states, the public dispute between former US President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk highlights the potential for individual actions to impact national security and geopolitical stability. The conflict, stemming from Musk’s alleged removal from government projects and his criticism of Trump’s policies, saw threats exchanged regarding government contracts worth tens of billions of dollars. Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, have received substantial government support. The dispute led to a significant drop in Tesla’s stock value and Musk’s personal wealth. This raised critical questions about the privatization of public goods and the inherent risks when vital strategic sectors (like space technology and communication networks in conflict zones) are managed by private entities whose decisions can alter geopolitical power balances. The US Congress is reportedly monitoring the situation and calling for investigations into government contracts with Musk’s companies due to potential conflicts of interest. This highlights the increasing intertwining of technology, finance, and politics, where key decisions are not solely within the domain of governments but can be influenced by powerful private actors.

Saudi Cultural Initiatives: Vision 2030 and Global Engagement

The sources provide a rich overview of various cultural initiatives, primarily focusing on efforts within Saudi Arabia, but also touching upon international cultural diplomacy and engagement. These initiatives aim to promote heritage, foster creativity, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and enrich experiences, all largely framed within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Here are some key cultural initiatives discussed:

• Promoting Cultural Tourism and Heritage Preservation:
• Diriyah as a Global Destination: Diriyah was chosen among the “World Friendly Destinations for the Environment” for 2025, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and its rich heritage. This selection aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global tourism map as a growing international destination. The Saudi Tourism Authority is actively promoting national destinations in international markets, contributing to Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 (after hosting nearly 116 million in 2024), supported by significant investments in infrastructure and diverse tourism seasons.
• Enhancing Hajj and Umrah Pilgrim Experience: Saudi Arabia is continuously implementing new technical services for Umrah pilgrims as part of Vision 2030, aiming to increase capacity to 15 million annually. The “Guests of Rahman Service Program” focuses on facilitating pilgrim hosting, providing high-quality services, and enriching their religious and cultural experience. This includes developing 15 additional historical and cultural sites and striving for a 90% satisfaction rate among pilgrims. The “Nusuk” platform has been launched to streamline the entire pilgrimage journey, from planning to performing rituals. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
• “Kidana” Projects at Holy Sites: The “Kidana” company has undertaken numerous developmental projects in Mecca and the holy sites to enhance pilgrims’ journeys, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and efficient, emphasizing sustainability and flexibility. These projects include mitigating heat stress in areas like Arafat and Mina, cooling areas around Jabal Al-Rahma, and implementing cooling networks in pedestrian paths. Kidana also designed educational pamphlets in nine languages and developed the “Towards Mina” map, which significantly reduced the number of lost pilgrims. Infrastructure improvements, such as two-story tents, advanced water facilities, and escalators, also aim to improve the pilgrim experience.
• Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque Initiatives: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and pilgrim experience. These include a “Smart Engineering Center for Command and Control,” smart screens displaying Tawaf and Sa’i times, and improvements to Zamzam water distribution (over 293,000 bottles consumed). They provide electric and manual carts, luggage storage, and implement comprehensive environmental plans for cleanliness and air conditioning. Crucially, the Arafat sermon was translated into 35 international languages to ensure the message of the Two Holy Mosques reached a global audience. Furthermore, they enrich the cultural and cognitive experience through exhibitions showcasing the historical and service aspects of the Two Holy Mosques, and visits to sites like the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa and the Grand Mosque Library, which attracted over 59,000 visitors.
• Praise for Hajj Organization: Former Palestinian, Egyptian, and other dignitaries have lauded the “ingenious and unique” organization of Hajj, specifically highlighting the quality of services, the use of modern technology, and the massive qualitative projects in the holy sites, emphasizing the seamlessness of roads and hospitality.
• Urban and Tourism Development: The Hail region’s central area development project aims to enhance the human and aesthetic aspects of the city, stimulating tourism and economic activity. This includes creating green spaces, public squares, open theaters, and recreational areas, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal to improve quality of life.
• Fostering Arts and Creativity:
• Saudi Cinema’s Role: Saudi cinema is identified as a vital and inspiring tool for documenting the cultural scene and preserving societal memory. It has evolved beyond mere entertainment, aiming to cement its position as a documentation tool that preserves dialects, customs, clothing, and local lifestyles. Saudi films honestly and skillfully portray the diversity of Saudi society and its transformation, often featuring the local environment as a central narrative element. Support from the Ministry of Culture, Film Authority, and other bodies has empowered Saudi talents, strengthening cinema as a soft power that not only produces films for display but also documents, researches, and serves as a cultural reference.
• Animation Industry Development: The Saudi Film Authority is participating in the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2025 to promote Saudi animation globally and to learn about the latest trends in the sector, aiming to be a leading voice in the global animation industry.
• Rafha Cultural Salon: The Ministry of Culture launched the Rafha Cultural Salon, intended to be a new literary and intellectual forum within Saudi Arabia’s literary ecosystem. It supports initiatives by literary societies and aims to boost the local cultural movement by offering quality programs focused on thought, arts, and education, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of reinforcing national identity and building a vibrant, creative society.
• “Downtown Design Riyadh” Exhibition: This is the first specialized contemporary design exhibition in Saudi Arabia, organized in partnership with the Architecture and Design Arts Commission. Its objective is to build a design culture rooted in Saudi identity. The exhibition supports emerging local talent and global brands through interactive installations and workshops, positioning design as a cultural and economic force and contributing to the preservation and re-imagining of regional heritage.
• Analysis of Saudi Visual Artist Samir Aldaham: The sources highlight artist Samir Aldaham’s unique impact on the local and Arab art scene, noting his narrative style, use of symbols from Najdi and Gulf heritage, and psychological use of color. His art explores themes of humanity, the role of women, and the innocence of childhood, blending realism with abstraction to offer philosophical depth. His work has significantly contributed to shaping Saudi visual awareness and critical discourse.
• Cross-Cultural Dialogue and International Engagement:
• International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2024, co-sponsored by China and 82 other countries, designating June 10 as an International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations. This emphasizes the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, shared progress, and friendship among civilizations.
• China’s Global Civilization Initiative: Chinese President Xi Jinping officially proposed the Global Civilization Initiative in 2023, calling for strengthening the common values of humanity, prioritizing the inheritance and renewal of civilizations, and enhancing exchanges and cooperation among peoples internationally. Saudi Arabia is a co-sponsoring country for the resolution on dialogue among civilizations, indicating its commitment to these principles.
• Saudi Arabia’s Role in Dialogue: The King of Saudi Arabia affirmed that culture is a fundamental common denominator among peoples and a vital factor in promoting security and peace, emphasizing the Kingdom’s rich history, culture, and encouragement of open cultural exchange. The “Chinese-Saudi Culture Year” aims to strengthen cultural exchange and dialogue among civilizations, with China ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on human exchange and using technology for good.
• Book on Aleppo’s Heritage: A book “Aleppo: Heritage and Civilization” was published as part of Abu Dhabi’s “Kalima” translation project, delving into Aleppo’s history, identity, and the interplay of memory and identity. This initiative contributes to the preservation and understanding of Arab cultural heritage through scholarly work.
• Sustainability in Cultural Events: The red carpet from the Cannes Film Festival is being recycled and reused in Marseille, demonstrating an initiative focused on sustainability in cultural events and creative repurposing. While not a Saudi initiative, its inclusion in the newspaper suggests a recognition of global best practices in cultural event sustainability.
• Contextual Note on Cultural Disruption:
• One source offers a stark counterpoint to positive cultural initiatives by highlighting the human cost of religious extremism through the testimony of a former wife of a terrorist group leader. It details how extremist ideologies lead to the exploitation and radicalization of women and children, causing profound long-term psychological and social trauma. This underscores the importance of positive cultural foundations and efforts to counter narratives that undermine societal well-being and identity.

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

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