This collection of texts from “20829.pdf” offers a multi-faceted view of Saudi Arabia in mid-2025, primarily highlighting its transformative journey under Vision 2030. A significant portion focuses on the radical improvements in the healthcare sector, detailing enhanced services, increased coverage, strategic investments, and the integration of digital health technologies. The sources also chronicle the historical development of Saudi media, from early newspapers and radio to the establishment of the Saudi Press Agency, emphasizing its role in information dissemination and technological advancement. Furthermore, the texts explore economic diversification efforts through programs like NDLAP, boosting non-oil sectors and attracting foreign investment, while also touching upon social shifts within Saudi society and the growing role of Saudi women in various fields, particularly healthcare.
Podcast
Saudi Vision 2030: A Kingdom’s Transformative Symphony
Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a leading economic and developmental model across all fields. It serves as a national priority and a cornerstone for sustainable development, emphasizing a prosperous economy, an ambitious nation, and a vibrant society.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Saudi Vision 2030, drawing on the provided sources:
- Overarching Goals and Governance
- The Vision aims to enhance the efficiency of government institutions and achieve a global ranking among the top 20 in the government effectiveness index, an ambitious leap from its previous 80th position. This reflects the leadership’s commitment to building an efficient, transparent, and responsive government that fosters public trust.
- Achieving these goals requires structural administrative reforms, empowering national competencies, reducing bureaucracy, and expanding digital transformation. Ministries are actively implementing reform programs in line with this vision, with a focus on institutional culture, achievement, and continuous evaluation.
- Economic Diversification and Industrial Development (National Industrial Development and Logistics Program – NIDLP)
- The NIDLP is a crucial initiative that significantly contributes to supporting and diversifying the Kingdom’s economy, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals to move beyond oil as the primary income source.
- The program targets strategic sectors such as industry, mining, energy, and logistics, aiming for qualitative leaps.
- It has resulted in a 39% increase in the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reaching 986 billion Saudi Riyals in 2024.
- The NIDLP has also shown remarkable growth in non-oil exports, totaling 514 billion Saudi Riyals in 2024, a 13.2% increase from 2023.
- It has created over 508,000 jobs, including more than 81,000 new opportunities for Saudis, particularly in transformative industries like manufacturing, mining, electricity, gas, transport, and storage.
- Investments in industrial facilities have seen a significant rise, with over 12,589 industrial establishments by the end of 2024.
- In the renewable energy sector, projects with a total capacity of 20 gigawatts have been launched, and the Kingdom has achieved the lowest global cost for purchasing wind energy.
- The mining sector aims to contribute 176 billion Saudi Riyals to the GDP by 2030, creating 219,000 jobs.
- Logistics licenses have increased, and customs clearance procedures have been reduced to just two hours, enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.
- Healthcare Transformation
- Vision 2030 has driven a fundamental transformation in the healthcare sector, making healthcare a national priority.
- The number of beneficiaries of health services exceeded 33 million in 2024, a 145% increase compared to 2020, with 97.4% of the population covered by essential health services.
- Significant investments have led to the construction and modernization of over 25 health facilities in rural and remote areas, and the total number of hospital beds has risen to over 95,000.
- Human resource development is a key focus, with over 30,000 health practitioners graduating from specialized training programs in the past three years. The “Doctor for Every Family” program aims to provide a primary care physician for every 2,000 citizens, with 78% coverage by mid-2025.
- The sector has embraced digital transformation, with applications like “Sehaty,” “Mawid,” and “Tatamman” serving over 25 million active users and facilitating over 150 million e-services in 2024. The digital health market was valued at over $4 billion in 2022 and is rapidly growing with AI and IoT. A virtual hospital was launched in 2022, connecting 224 hospitals and offering 44 specialized remote services.
- Health insurance is a major institutional transformation, with a rapid increase in beneficiaries (over 13 million by early 2025) and a projected annual growth rate of 18% in the health insurance market. A comprehensive national health insurance system for Saudis is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 with unlimited coverage.
- The Vision has led to a 40% improvement in premature deaths from chronic diseases and an increase in life expectancy to 78.8 years.
- Saudization in healthcare professions has increased to 51% by 2023, and the participation of Saudi women in some medical specialties exceeds 40%.
- Public health initiatives, such as “Health of Your Heart” and “Healthy Lifestyle” campaigns, have targeted over 5 million beneficiaries. The infant mortality rate has decreased to 5.3 per 1,000 live births.
- The Kingdom aims to localize 40% of drug manufacturing by 2030.
- Digital Government and Services
- The Digital Government Authority has actively worked to integrate and close digital platforms, merging and closing 267 platforms to enhance user experience and efficiency.
- The “Comprehensive Government” program, launched in 2022, has reduced the number of government platforms from 817 to 550 by mid-2025, emphasizing unified digital services.
- Examples include the “Balady” platform in municipal services and “Logisti” in transport, consolidating numerous services.
- Sports Sector Development
- The Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy in the sports sector signifies a shift from “empowerment” to “concentration” and “operation” to “motivation”.
- The PIF is reducing its ownership in Saudi clubs to focus on only one club by the 2026-2027 season. This is driven by international regulations (like FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules) and aims to foster independent commercial identities for clubs and attract diverse investors.
- This move aligns with the goal of making Saudi Arabia a “Global Sports Investment Destination”, potentially through “twinning models” with European clubs to transfer expertise and technology.
- Cultural and Social Dimensions
- Vision 2030 places language and culture at the core of the national project. Culture is viewed as a dynamic system encompassing ideas, values, traditions, and behaviors, and is a strong driver for innovation and societal development.
- The past decade has seen significant social transformations, including a decrease in ethnic/tribal discrimination, increased respect for women in leadership roles, and a rising awareness of time management. However, challenges remain, such as digital privacy invasion and excessive reliance on social media for validation.
- Language and Translation Technologies
- The Vision highlights the urgent need for advanced linguistic and translation infrastructure within government and commercial entities.
- Translation is no longer merely a technical tool but a core component of institutional sovereignty, safeguarding knowledge and data.
- The Kingdom emphasizes adherence to the Arabic language in all official documents and digital platforms, while also ensuring accuracy and efficiency in translation.
- Human Capital
- The Vision recognizes the importance of human capital in its transformation efforts, aiming to invest in national competencies across all sectors.
In essence, Vision 2030 is like a grand orchestra conductor, orchestrating a symphony of reforms and investments across every facet of Saudi society and economy. Each sector, from healthcare to industry, sports to digital governance, plays its part in harmony, working towards a future defined by diversification, efficiency, and global leadership, all while staying rooted in its cultural identity.
Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Transformation Under Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 has driven a fundamental and comprehensive transformation in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector, elevating it to a national priority and a cornerstone for sustainable development. This ambitious roadmap aims to build an integrated healthcare system based on innovation, universal coverage, and the enhancement of human and social development across all regions of the Kingdom.
Here are the key aspects of the healthcare transformation under Vision 2030:
- Expansion of Services and Infrastructure:
- The number of beneficiaries of health services significantly increased to over 33 million in 2024, a 145% rise compared to 2020.
- The Kingdom achieved 97.4% coverage of the population with essential health services.
- Over 25 health facilities were built and developed in rural and remote areas that previously suffered from inadequate infrastructure.
- Major infrastructure projects were launched, including the development of existing hospitals and the construction of new specialized hospitals.
- The total number of hospital beds across governmental and private hospitals rose to over 95,000, with more than 6,000 intensive care beds equipped with the latest technologies.
- Human Resource Development:
- There has been an unprecedented expansion in training and qualification programs for healthcare professionals.
- Over 30,000 health practitioners graduated from specialized training programs in the past three years.
- The “Doctor for Every Family” program was launched, aiming to provide a primary care physician for every 2,000 citizens, with coverage reaching over 78% by mid-2025.
- Saudization in healthcare professions increased to 51% by 2023, a notable rise from 29% in 2016.
- The participation of Saudi women in some medical specialties, such as dentistry and pharmacy, exceeds 40%. Women are no longer just supportive actors but are taking on leadership roles and contributing to policymaking and decision-making in the sector.
- Digital Transformation in Healthcare:
- The sector has made a qualitative leap from paper-based systems to digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.
- The Ministry of Health launched a suite of digital platforms like “Sehaty” (My Health), “Mawid” (Appointment), and “Tatamman” (Be Reassured), which have enabled citizens and residents to access services easily.
- These official health applications registered over 25 million active users, and more than 150 million e-services were processed through them in 2024 alone.
- The digital health market in Saudi Arabia was valued at over $4 billion in 2022 and is rapidly growing with the use of AI and Internet of Things (IoT).
- A virtual hospital was launched in 2022, connecting 224 hospitals and offering 44 specialized remote services, including cardiology and neurology.
- The Digital Government Authority has actively worked to integrate and close digital platforms across various sectors, merging and closing 267 platforms to enhance user experience and efficiency.
- Future projects include the launch of a “Unified Health Record” system to link all governmental and private health facilities and expanding virtual hospitals to reach a million sessions per month. An AI clinic was also launched in May 2025 in Al-Ahsa, diagnosing and prescribing treatment, with all decisions reviewed by human oversight.
- Health Insurance and Institutional Reforms:
- The institutional transformation in health includes a rapid increase in health insurance beneficiaries, reaching over 13 million by early 2025.
- The health insurance market is projected to experience accelerated growth, with an estimated annual growth rate of 18%.
- The establishment of the National Health Insurance Center in 2022 plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of the health system.
- A comprehensive national health insurance system for Saudis is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 with unlimited coverage.
- Health insurance coverage also extends to private sector employees and other segments, indicating a move towards a more inclusive system.
- The average individual spending on health insurance in Saudi Arabia increased by 16% to 2367 riyals in 2024 compared to 2035 riyals in 2023. The value of subscribed health insurance increased by 9% in 2024 to 42.2 billion riyals.
- Vision 2030 aims to increase the depth of insurance in non-oil GDP to 4.3% by 2030.
- A unified policy for compulsory health insurance for domestic workers was issued in 2024.
- Public Health Outcomes and Specific Initiatives:
- The Kingdom recorded a 40% improvement in premature deaths from chronic diseases.
- Life expectancy increased to 78.8 years.
- The infant mortality rate decreased to 5.3 per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest in the region.
- Public health campaigns, such as “Health of Your Heart” and “Healthy Lifestyle,” have reached over 5 million beneficiaries.
- There’s an aim to localize 40% of drug manufacturing by 2030.
- The Ministry of Health has made mental health a priority, opening over 30 new mental health clinics and providing over 1.2 million remote psychological sessions in 2024.
- Healthcare for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities has seen significant improvements, including early detection for disabilities, enhanced home care services, and specialized clinics.
- Seven Saudi hospitals were ranked among the top 250 best hospitals globally in 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of reforms.
In essence, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation under Vision 2030 is like a meticulously crafted mosaic, where each piece – from digital platforms and robust infrastructure to human capital development and expanded insurance coverage – fits together to form a vibrant, comprehensive, and patient-centered system that moves beyond just treatment to prioritize prevention, well-being, and a sustained quality of life for its entire population.
Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Media Landscape and Digital Future
Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant and multifaceted media development, evolving from traditional print and broadcast to embrace digital transformation, while also navigating new challenges and highlighting the increasing role of women in the sector. This evolution is deeply intertwined with the nation’s broader Vision 2030, which prioritizes technological advancement, human resource development, and an enhanced quality of life for its citizens.
Here’s a comprehensive look at media development in Saudi Arabia:
- Historical Foundations of Media:
- Early Print Media: The journey began even before the Kingdom’s unification, with the establishment of the “Umm Al-Qura” newspaper in 1343H/1924M in Mecca. It served as a window to the Islamic world and disseminated information to the populace.
- Radio Broadcasting: The concept of radio broadcasting was conceived by King Abdulaziz, and the first radio station was launched in Jeddah on Arafat Day, 1368H/October 1949, broadcasting a speech by King Faisal on behalf of his father. This marked the beginning of a widespread expansion of radio stations. By 1971, “Saudi International Radio” began broadcasting in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, and Urdu, to connect with a global audience.
- Television Introduction: Official black and white television broadcasting commenced in 1385H/1965M from Riyadh and Jeddah, later extending its reach to other major cities like Mecca, Taif, Medina, Qassim, and Dammam. Color broadcasting was introduced in 1394H/1974M, and notably, the first live broadcast of the Arafat stand was in 1392H/1972M.
- Saudi Press Agency (SPA – “WAS”): Established in 1971 under King Faisal’s reign, SPA became the primary source for local and international news in the Kingdom. Its initial focus included covering the Hajj season. SPA has continuously worked to enhance its capabilities, introducing English and French newsletters in 1401H. A significant leap occurred in 1997 with the adoption of computers for editorial work, mechanizing news transmission, reception, and information management. In 2012, SPA was transformed into an independent public authority, enjoying administrative and financial autonomy. By 2016, a new modern building for SPA was inaugurated. SPA has garnered recognition, including the “Arab Media Excellence Award” for the best Arab media institution in 2022 and “Best Picture” in the Federation of Arab News Agencies competition in 2022. In 2024, SPA launched a dedicated photo platform and, in partnership with the Human Capabilities Development program, established the “WAS Academy for Training,” the first specialized news training academy in the Middle East, aiming to transfer advanced news skills and foster a deep understanding of journalistic and global issues.
- Digital Transformation and its Impact:
- Government-wide Digital Integration: The Digital Government Authority has been proactive in streamlining digital services, having merged and closed 267 digital platforms across various sectors to improve user experience and efficiency. The “Comprehensive Government” program, launched in 2022, aims to further reduce government platforms to 550 by mid-2025, enhancing resource efficiency and service delivery through integrated efforts, centralized platforms, and the use of national data and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Healthcare Digital Leap: The healthcare sector has made a “qualitative leap from paper-based systems to digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration”. The Ministry of Health’s digital platforms like “Sehaty,” “Mawid,” and “Tatamman” have registered over 25 million active users and processed over 150 million e-services in 2024 alone. The digital health market in Saudi Arabia was valued at over $4 billion in 2022 and is rapidly growing with AI and IoT applications. A virtual hospital launched in 2022 connects 224 hospitals and offers 44 specialized remote services, improving access to care in remote areas and reducing costs. Future plans include a “Unified Health Record” system to link all health facilities and expand virtual hospitals to reach one million sessions per month. An AI clinic was also launched in May 2025 in Al-Ahsa, diagnosing and prescribing treatment with human oversight.
- Challenges and New Phenomena in the Digital Age:
- Social Media and “Visual Deception”: Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) have provided a “golden opportunity” for many young Saudi women to present themselves as independent fashion designers. However, the lack of professional standards and regulation has created an “open market” where not every account holder is a true designer, leading to “visual deception” where products do not match advertised images.
- Examples of Fraudulent Practices: Consumers have reported receiving products that are drastically different from what was shown online, experiencing poor customer service, and even losing money when designers disappear after receiving payment. An expert notes that this unregulated market harms professional designers and erodes consumer trust, with even “payment upon receipt” not guaranteeing safety as delivery companies are not liable for content.
- Recommendations for Social Media Regulation: There is a call for a formal national platform for fashion designers to regulate the market, similar to food delivery apps, ensuring licensed designers, transparent transactions, and mechanisms for complaints and rights retrieval. Platforms should also share responsibility for regulating fraudulent accounts. Consumers are advised to look for verified identities, clear business licenses, secure payment options (not just quick personal transfers), open customer reviews, and to research account histories on other platforms to avoid scams. Documenting transactions with invoices or contracts is crucial for legal protection.
- “Media Waste” and its Detrimental Effects: A phenomenon characterized by “worthless, repetitive, and sometimes misleading content” lacking professionalism, aimed at attracting attention and emotions at any cost. This includes fake news, rumors, superficial entertainment, and hidden advertisements. “Media waste” can lead to:
- Distraction and Misinformation: Making it difficult for the public to distinguish between genuine and fake information, weakening critical thinking.
- Erosion of Media Credibility: As “media waste” proliferates, public respect and trust in media decline.
- Social Division: Inflammatory and extremist content exacerbates hatred and division within society.
- Wasted Resources: Time and effort spent consuming such content could be redirected towards self-development or learning.
- Combating “Media Waste”: Requires collaboration between media institutions (adhering to professional standards), legislative bodies (enacting laws against fake news), and the public (developing media literacy). Consumers must be vigilant, verify sources, avoid sharing suspicious content, and manage their emotional responses online. The goal is to create a more informed and resilient media environment, where “protecting the simple user’s consciousness… begins with small steps of attention and slowness in consumption and participation”.
- Women’s Increasing Role in Media and Society:
- Empowerment and Leadership: Vision 2030 has amplified women’s presence across various sectors, including media. Historically, Saudi women’s participation in the health sector began with nursing. Over the past four decades, especially since the 1980s, women have increasingly entered health sciences and medicine, with specialized colleges and scholarships supporting their development. Today, women hold leadership roles in major hospitals and contribute to health policymaking and decision-making. In some medical specialties like dentistry and pharmacy, their participation exceeds 40%.
- Academic and Community Contributions: Women play a “fundamental role” in health education and training as faculty members, supervising research and excellence programs. They are also actively involved in public health awareness campaigns and produce reliable health content across social media platforms, building trust and correcting misconceptions, including in mental health.
- Media Professionals: An example is Tehany Al-Juhani, who started in print journalism in 2005 and became the first Saudi female news anchor on Al Arabiya channel in 2012, having worked as a field correspondent and on other Lebanese and MBC channels.
- Societal Transformation: The past decade has seen rapid societal transformations, including a shift away from judging individuals based on racial or tribal backgrounds towards evaluating them on competence and human value. The “hesitation to mention women’s names” has significantly declined, becoming a symbol of respect and appreciation due to women’s strong entry into work and leadership. While some negative habits persist (e.g., lack of privacy respect evolving into digital voyeurism, disrespect for time), there is a growing awareness and positive shift towards valuing role models and constructive criticism.
- Culture, Literacy, and Information Consumption:
- Importance of Reading: Not reading can lead to “narrow thinking,” a “weakening in language and expression,” and a limited understanding of the world, making one susceptible to rumors and misinformation. Reading, conversely, nurtures “critical thinking,” provides “tools for verification and scrutiny,” and ensures awareness of global and technological advancements. It is deemed “not a luxury but a daily necessity” for intellectual vitality and a fundamental tool for survival in a rapidly changing world that “does not spare the ignorant”.
- Cultural Production: Michelin Mubarak’s book, “Adwaa Thaqafiya” (Cultural Lights), is highlighted as an example of cultural production that engages the intellect through “cultural investigations and dialogues,” covering diverse topics from arts and heritage to the role of technology and pioneering women in Arab journalism. This reflects the ongoing efforts to enrich intellectual life and document cultural narratives.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s media development is akin to a rapidly evolving digital tapestry, where threads of historical legacy, cutting-edge technology, and shifting social norms are interwoven. While it displays vibrant patterns of progress and empowerment, particularly for women, it also faces knots of misinformation and the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure a robust and trustworthy information landscape.
Palestine: Occupation, Crisis, and Annexation
Saudi Arabia’s perspective, as expressed in the provided sources, highlights a deep concern regarding the ongoing conflict and occupation in Palestine, focusing on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the escalating Israeli actions in the West Bank.
Here’s a detailed discussion of the key aspects of conflict and occupation presented in the sources:
- The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The sources describe the situation in Gaza as an “unprecedented crisis” that is worsening daily. It emphasizes the immense suffering of the civilian population, including children and the elderly, who are not merely killed by the “Israeli war machine,” but are also dying from hunger. The imagery of “flocks of victims” falling daily due to starvation highlights the severe humanitarian catastrophe. The sources lament the international community’s slow or non-existent response to this “massacre,” suggesting that the magnitude of the tragedy “does not seem to matter”.
- Israeli Aggression and Expansion in the West Bank: Israel is accused of using excessive and unjustified violence against Palestinian civilians. This daily killing is compounded by Israel’s “endless desires and boundless ambitions,” including a demand by the Knesset for Israeli control over the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. This move is deemed by Saudi Arabia as a “provocative step by the occupation authorities” that undermines efforts for peace.
- The Two-State Solution: The Kingdom reiterates its stance that the Palestinian people will only achieve their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, through a two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative proposed 23 years prior. Any deviation from this path is seen as undermining peaceful efforts, leading to an “incomplete peace” where Palestinians cannot fully realize their rights or establish a viable state. Without such a solution, Israel is predicted to continue its “delusion and aggression,” committing one massacre after another without accountability.
- Escalating Settler Violence: Israeli security institutions are reportedly observing a “dangerous escalation” in settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. There are growing concerns about losing control of the situation. Data collected by an Israeli security agency reveals an “unprecedented increase” in violent attacks and hate crimes committed by settlers against Palestinians, with 404 incidents recorded from January to June 2025, compared to 286 in the same period in 2024 and 332 in the latter half of the previous year. These assaults are not limited to Palestinians but also target Israeli security forces. Since the start of the Gaza war, 100 attacks by settlers against soldiers and security personnel have been recorded, with 33 occurring in the first half of 2025.
- “Pastoral Settlement”: This form of settlement is identified as “the most dangerous tool of creeping annexation” in the occupied West Bank. It blurs the lines between apparent agricultural use of land and political and security control over vast areas of classified “Area C” under the Oslo Accords, which constitutes over 60% of the West Bank’s total area. These “pastoral outposts,” though often unlicensed by the Israeli government, receive “de facto political and military cover”. Initially small, these outposts have expanded into control points. In Khirbet al-Halawa alone, three pastoral outposts have been established on private Palestinian land, collectively housing over 2,000 sheep and goats that graze on lands historically used by Palestinians for their livestock and seasonal crops. Settlers, often from extremist groups, operate freely under the protection of the occupation army, directly attacking Palestinians without accountability or deterrence. Consequently, over 83% of Khirbet al-Halawa’s land is effectively outside Palestinian control due to these outposts or restricted access. This control is maintained through military measures, coordination with settlers, temporary checkpoints, confiscation of equipment, forced displacement of residents, and even the destruction of water tanks.
- Statistics on Attacks and Casualties: Between July 2023 and July 2025, the Al-Baydar organization recorded 49 direct attacks by settlers on the residents of Khirbet al-Halawa, including 17 cases of violent physical assault on Palestinian herders, 21 cases of expulsion from grazing or agricultural lands, 8 cases of deliberate destruction of seasonal crops (wheat and barley), and 3 cases of live fire to intimidate residents. Seven demolition orders were issued by the Israeli civil administration, with three demolitions carried out in 2024, displacing 11 Palestinians, including 5 children, without providing alternatives. Around 320 Palestinians have been injured due to settler attacks during this period, with 120 occurring in 2025 alone. The total number of Palestinian martyrs is approximately 970, killed by occupation forces and settler gangs. Most attacks on security forces occurred in pastoral outposts established on private Palestinian land with direct political support from ministers. The number of these outposts has risen from about 30 before the war to around 120 by July 2025, becoming centers of chaos.
- The “E1” Plan: Jerusalem Governorate has warned against Israel’s push to proceed with the “dangerous colonial E1 plan” east of Jerusalem. This plan is seen as undermining any prospect of a just and lasting political solution, aiming to impose new realities on the ground. The plan, reactivated after years of freezing due to international pressure, is considered among the most dangerous settlement projects. Its objective is to divide the West Bank into two disconnected halves, isolating Jerusalem from its natural Palestinian surroundings, and effectively eliminating the possibility of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The implementation of this project threatens the very fabric of Palestinian existence between Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem, impacting nearly a million residents by creating a colonial continuum.
- Land Confiscation: Beyond the E1 plan, Israeli authorities have notified residents of Jinsafut village, east of Qalqilya, of the confiscation of 7 dunums of land for the expansion of a new military road linked to “Nefi Menachem” and “Ramat Gilad” settlements. A Palestinian report indicates that the total number of attacks by the occupation and settlers against citizens and their properties reached 11,280 in the first half of 2025. Settlers also established 23 new outposts, mostly pastoral, in various governorates, continuing the policy of imposing facts on the ground. Furthermore, occupation authorities have seized over 4,000 dunums of land in the southern Hebron Governorate through pastoral outposts alone in the last three years, effectively stifling small communities and posing an existential threat.
- Calls for International Action: Palestinian organizations are demanding a “comprehensive international investigation” into the pastoral settlement practices in Khirbet al-Halawa and Masafer Yatta, advocating for accountability for all involved Israeli parties – settlers, funders, and complicit officials. They call for real sanctions against organizations funding these outposts, urging the international community to classify these acts as grave violations amounting to crimes against humanity. There’s a plea for permanent international protection and monitoring missions to Masafer Yatta, and for empowering Palestinian residents to reclaim their lands and livelihoods, along with providing basic infrastructure against displacement policies. The continued international silence on what is happening is viewed not as neutrality but as a “form of silent complicity” with the occupation’s policies to erase the indigenous population.
The discussion on conflict and occupation, as presented in the sources, paints a picture of a relentless, multi-pronged effort to displace and disenfranchise Palestinians, ranging from direct violence and humanitarian crises to strategic land grabs and the imposition of facts on the ground. It is a narrative where the legal and moral boundaries are continually challenged, and the silence of the international community is seen as an enabler.
This situation is like a slow-motion earthquake, where the ground underfoot is constantly shifting due to calculated pressures, gradually displacing an entire community, even if the world isn’t always feeling the tremors. The displacement isn’t just a sudden, cataclysmic event, but a continuous, insidious process, much like “creeping annexation”.
Saudi Arabia: Culture, Identity, and Vision 2030
Based on the provided sources and our conversation, “Art and Culture” are presented as multifaceted and deeply intertwined aspects of societal development and national identity in Saudi Arabia, encompassing historical legacy, contemporary transformation, and future aspirations.
Here’s a comprehensive discussion:
Defining Culture and its Core Elements
Culture, as defined in the sources, is what a human masters, excels, or creates. It is portrayed not merely as a set of traditions but as a “living necessity” and an integral part of human life, encompassing a wide array of interconnected elements. This includes:
- Knowledge and Wisdom: The ability to be clever and skilled.
- Values, Traditions, and Customs: Forming a general system and open horizon.
- Ideas and Behavior Patterns: Shaping lifestyles and practices.
- Arts, Literature, and Technology: Interacting dynamically with human existence and its environment.
Culture is seen as a process of social development and a measure of human progress, revealing complex relationships between individuals, society, and technology. The sources emphasize that culture is intrinsically linked to innovation, development, and renewal.
The Role of Literature and Language
Literature and language are highlighted as fundamental pillars of cultural identity and continuity:
- Arabic Language as a Core Element: The Arabic language, along with literature and creative works, forms the “most important components of cultural identity” for any nation. Its effective use in government and commercial institutions is seen as crucial for institutional sovereignty and knowledge protection.
- Impact of Literature:”Huma” Novel: The review of Ghazi Al-Qusaibi’s novel “Huma” illustrates how literature can explore profound philosophical and emotional themes like love and pride, revealing the complexities of human relationships through dialogue and symbolic character portrayal. The novel’s ambiguous ending leaves readers with a “sense of bewilderment and incompleteness,” inviting deeper reflection on the nature of love and human connection.
- Arabic Poetry: Arabic poetry is presented as a medium for exploring “existential experiences,” where concepts of love, pride, absence, and silence intersect philosophically. Poets like Antara ibn Shaddad and Nizar Qabbani are cited to show how pride can be a “psychological defense” that reshapes love, turning yearning into existential isolation or a resilient refusal to surrender.
- Literary Adaptations: The conversion of literary works into films is acknowledged as a common practice that can either elevate a novel to new horizons or diminish its essence. The challenge lies in respecting the original work while adapting it to the visual medium, as the “novel relies on language and internal psychological structure,” while the “film is primarily a visual art”.
- Importance of Reading: Reading is presented as a “daily necessity” for human life and a “bridge to understanding” the rapidly changing world. It is crucial for intellectual development, language proficiency, critical thinking, and preventing intellectual isolation. Those who do not read are depicted as suffering from narrow perspectives, limited vocabulary, and an inability to engage in meaningful discourse.
Performing Arts: The Case of Saudi Theater
The Saudi theater scene is poised for significant development under Vision 2030, with ambitious goals and clear challenges:
- Emerging Landscape: There is a vision for a vibrant theatrical scene, supported by financial backing, creative youth, and a developing cultural infrastructure. Initiatives include colleges specializing in theater, cultural scholarships, and programs like “Theater Tour” and “Star Program”.
- Challenges and Solutions:Professionalization and Regulation: There is a need for clear policies to classify professionals versus amateurs and to streamline performance licensing.
- Sustainable Funding: Theater needs an “investment model” that makes it a productive enterprise rather than a charitable one.
- Audience Engagement: Strategies are required to rebuild audience trust in theater as a source of enjoyment and thought, moving beyond traditional entertainment.
- Infrastructure and Technology: While some high-quality venues exist, most are inadequate, necessitating smart management and the integration of modern technologies like scenography and AI to enhance the viewer experience.
- Global Vision: The ambition is for Saudi theater to achieve international recognition, with a focus on exporting successful models and collaborating with global entities.
Cultural Preservation and Challenges
The sources also highlight threats to cultural heritage and the challenges of maintaining cultural quality:
- Erasure of Palestinian Heritage: Israeli actions in Palestine, particularly the “E1 plan” and “pastoral settlement” in the West Bank, are described as “provocative colonial steps” aimed at fragmenting Palestinian land, isolating Jerusalem, and effectively erasing Palestinian identity and heritage. These actions include land confiscation, settler violence, and forced displacement, which are seen as “grave violations amounting to crimes against humanity” and a “form of silent complicity” by the international community.
- “Media Trash”: The prevalence of “media trash” in the digital age, characterized by low-quality, repetitive, misleading, and sensational content, poses a significant threat to public awareness and critical thinking. This phenomenon, often driven by commercial motives, can “pollute public consciousness,” erode media credibility, and exacerbate social divisions. It underscores the importance of media literacy and critical engagement to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.
Cultural Transformation and National Identity
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a driving force behind a comprehensive cultural transformation:
- Riyadh as a Symbol: Riyadh’s evolution from a simple town to a vibrant metropolis symbolizes the Kingdom’s journey of development while preserving its deep-rooted cultural values and national identity. It underscores how cultural growth can occur without abandoning historical and religious foundations.
- Women’s Empowerment: Saudi women are playing an increasingly prominent role in the healthcare sector, moving beyond traditional roles to leadership positions, contributing significantly to national development, and inspiring future generations. This reflects a broader cultural shift towards empowerment and diversity.
- Linguistic Sovereignty: The Kingdom aims for “linguistic sovereignty” by promoting the Arabic language and investing in advanced translation technologies within government and commercial sectors. This strategy is seen as crucial for protecting intellectual identity, ensuring efficient operations, and achieving national development goals.
The Individual’s Role and Impact
The individual’s relationship with culture and their legacy is also explored:
- Self-Reflection in “Emptiness”: The concept of “emptiness” or “void” is presented as a crucial space for introspection, creativity, and self-discovery, contrasting it with superficial distractions. It suggests that engaging with this internal void requires “courage” and can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
- Lasting Legacy: True human impact extends beyond physical death, residing in the “existential extension” that influences others through values, thoughts, and sincere actions. This enduring legacy is not measured by fame but by the “depth” and “sincerity” of one’s presence in the lives of others, creating a “light” that persists even in absence. This applies to artists, writers, and individuals who leave a profound cultural mark.
In essence, the discussion of art and culture in the sources portrays a dynamic landscape where traditional values meet modern aspirations, where creative expressions are both a reflection and a driver of societal change, and where the preservation of heritage and the pursuit of knowledge are paramount amid contemporary challenges.
The ongoing transformation in Saudi Arabia’s approach to art and culture can be likened to a sculptor carefully carving a masterpiece. While honoring the raw material of its rich heritage and traditions, it is actively shaping new forms, refining its techniques, and embracing innovative tools (like digital technologies and diverse voices) to create something both authentic to its past and boldly expressive of its future, aiming for an enduring imprint on the global stage.
Glimpses into Saudi Media and Thought
Here are the titles of the columns found in the newspaper along with their first two paragraphs of detail:
- كلمة (Word) The unprecedented crisis in Gaza still stands in its place, worsening day by day. While various victims are being killed by the Israeli war machine, the hunger victims themselves are falling daily, including children and the elderly, searching for a morsel of bread in vain, a morsel mixed with blood to sustain themselves and their children. All this and more happens under the eyes of the world, a world where the least of these tragedies does not move quickly, as if it is unmoved. The matter is not significant despite its gravity. It did not stop at this limit. Israel, which has become a title for the use of unjustified violence, does not suffice with the daily killing of Palestinians who have no power, and in conjunction with what is happening, it has escalated its desires that have no end and its ambitions that have no limits by demanding the Knesset impose Israeli control over the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, the occupied Palestinian territories.
- بين زمنين (Between Two Times) A weekly page documenting the gap between two generations, united by the history of the past, the joy of the present, and their hope for the future. Since the establishment of our dear country by the late founder, His Majesty King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – he gave paramount importance to media, which he saw as its window to the world. Therefore, interest in media was early, as the establishment of Umm Al-Qura newspaper preceded the announcement of the unification of the Kingdom. Since King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – entered Mecca on the 15th of Jumada Al-Awwal 1343 AH, corresponding to December 12, 1924 AD, he ordered its establishment, almost eight years before the announcement of the unification of the Kingdom, to be its window to the Islamic world and to publish what benefits the people during that period, which would simplify their affairs. The newspaper began its first issue more than a century ago with ‘From You, O Allah,’ marking the beginning of a story whose events unfold over those years, and continuing to publish comprehensive coverage of various events and issues and news of the country. Many media channels have been established, including various newspapers and magazines, and then the radio was established. The idea of establishing the radio dates back to King Abdulaziz bin Saud – may God have mercy on him – when he was Crown Prince at the time. He presented the idea to his father, King Abdulaziz, who approved it. Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, then Minister of Finance, was assigned to implement it under the supervision of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz. The first Saudi radio station was established in Jeddah, and its broadcast began on the day of Arafat during the Hajj season of 1368 AH, corresponding to October 1, 1949 AD. It included a speech by King Faisal delivered on behalf of his father, King Abdulaziz, congratulating and welcoming the pilgrims upon their arrival in the holy lands.
- سطور المشاهير (Lines of Celebrities) Here in the Kingdom, our old friends and companions at the Faculty of Law, Sheikh Ali Al-Tantawi – may God have mercy on him – spoke about him, saying: He was behind the scenes, and I was the Prime Minister of Syria, and the head of its Parliament. He was the first to dare to speak about breaking the monopoly of Western countries on weapons and prohibiting their import except from them. He is Dr. Maarouf Al-Dawalibi, and I suggest to the newspaper – he means Al-Sharq Al-Awsat – that we send someone to listen to this conversation, then he said: If you wish something better and more useful for history, ask him to write his memoirs, and you will find them among the richest memories and information – end of his speech. Al-Tantawi’s wish was fulfilled, which is the writing and publishing of Dr. Al-Dawalibi’s memoirs. Dr. Abdul Quddus Abu Saleh – may God have mercy on him – assisted by Dr. Muhammad Al-Hashemi, recorded Dr. Al-Dawalibi’s memories, life, and journey through repeated question-and-answer interviews recorded on tapes. I relied on these memoirs for his biography; because he was an eyewitness and contemporary to the events. Dr. Maarouf Al-Dawalibi came to the Kingdom in the early reign of King Faisal – may God have mercy on him – and was highly esteemed and respected. The King appointed him as an advisor to the Royal Court, and he used to handle all matters assigned to him when some issues related to the state were referred to him, and to give his opinion on them, and he declared this in his memoirs.
- كلمة (Word) by Prince Dr. Majid bin Thamer Al Saud The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading model for economic and social development across all sectors. Among its most prominent goals is the endeavor to reach the 20th position globally in the government effectiveness index, after the Kingdom was in the 80th position. This goal reflects the Saudi leadership’s belief in the importance of building an effective government apparatus characterized by efficiency, rapid response to needs, and transparency, which enhances community trust in state institutions and supports comprehensive development. Achieving this goal requires a long journey of structural and administrative reforms within state institutions, and also requires empowering national competencies, strengthening the decision-making system, reducing bureaucracy, and expanding the scope of digital transformation. From this perspective, many Saudi ministries have initiated reform programs consistent with this direction. For example, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched advanced strategies for managing government human capital, and the Ministry of Labor enhanced the work environment and improved service quality.
- بين الشاشة والورق (Between Screen and Paper) by Ibrahim Al-Wafi Transforming fictional works into cinematic films is considered one of the most prominent forms of artistic intermingling, where literature meets cinema in an experience that often provokes critical and public debate to a great extent. However, it is also an area fraught with risks, as it may elevate the fictional text to new horizons, or destroy much of its artistic and moral structure. Fiction is an art based on imagination and language, giving the reader the freedom to form the features of characters, the aura of places, and even the rhythm of emotions in their mind through words. As for film, it is primarily a visual art, which defines in images what was open to interpretation, and presents the scene, information, and time in a specific way. When a novel is transformed into a film, it requires a series of modifications, the most important of which are: shortening time, deleting some events or characters, rearranging facts, and perhaps even changing some endings to suit the cinematic vision and the nature of the audience. Here, questions arise about the extent of the film’s fidelity to the original text and the legitimacy of these alterations. I follow the film ‘Les Misérables,’ adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. Of course, I had read it a long time ago and realized with certainty that the novel and the film are two different genres in expression. The former relies on language and internal psychological structure, while the latter relies on image, dialogue, and movement. Therefore, it is not a necessity that a good novel makes a good film, and vice versa.
- المسرح السعودي رهانات نحو المستقبل (Saudi Theater: Bets Towards the Future) by Nasser bin Mohammed Al-Omari Let us decide from the outset: when we talk about the future and the bets of theater, we are not casting dreams into the air, but rather moving from a solid ground of capabilities and resources, which places us before a responsibility that we have no choice but to succeed in. Towards the future… Today, our theatrical scene in the Kingdom is shaped with promising potential, including: the existence of a specialized theater authority, financial support, major creative initiatives, youthful energies, and a developing cultural infrastructure that contributes to increasing public participation in festivals and theatrical competitions. All this indicates that theater in our country is not a passing or temporary phenomenon, but rather deeply rooted in the collective consciousness, waiting only for someone to stimulate and extract it from its hidden depths, by shaping a conscious scene capable of creating momentum, opportunity, and space. Among the striking projects that reflect this awareness are: the establishment of colleges specializing in theater, the cultural scholarship program, the ‘Theater Tour’ and ‘Star Program’ for amateurs and the ‘Thaqqif’ training program. In addition, there are old efforts that are renewed here, such as the Al-Baha Winter Festival and Riyadh Municipality’s shows, as well as popular and individual initiatives and youth efforts that laid the first foundations for theatrical presence, in addition to the efforts of cultural and arts associations and universities and the Ministry of Education in revitalizing and reviving theater.
- حقول (Fields) by Awadah bin Ali Al-Dosi Mount Dhahr Al-Ghada emerged unique, extending in the dimensions of space, looming like a giant marid, as is the imagery in ancient myths. It is adjacent to Mount Al-Jabha from the southern side, and its highest peak to the north is known as Umm Ghaylan. Standing on it makes one feel adjacent to the moon. Mount Dhahr Al-Ghada had a horizontal presence in the equation of life, as it constituted the primary source of building materials, especially the white marble and juniper stones, to adorn the tops of fortresses and homes. This concept goes beyond providing energy materials; it is rather one of the prominent features in the mountain and is known by the olive trees that constitute one of its various aspects. Its materials are used for different aspects of human life in Daws, locally extracted petroleum materials (‘al-Utum’), and tar and asphalt. No house in Daws is devoid of tar and asphalt on its windows and doors. In addition to abundant seasonal harvests of some types of grains; the agricultural terraces are arranged on the mountain slopes from both the eastern and western sides, which were rich in harvests and agricultural products. Today, they directly contribute to painting an aesthetic scene with charming and delicate visual patterns that evoke a joyful emotional state, which would enhance tourism in the Al-Baha region while providing a unique experience for visitors. Moreover, the mountain surpasses that; the genius of the place, guarding three distinct features, whispers many secrets that no one standing on its beautiful overlooking view knows, besides its charming nature that inspires its dimensions as you roam around.
- غياب النقد وغيبوبة القابلية (Absence of Criticism and Coma of Receptivity) by Ibtisam Al-Muqrin Many writers, especially novelists, constantly complain about the absence of serious criticism in the cultural scene and demand deep readings that illuminate what they have written and open broader horizons for their texts. And when they receive a deep reading from a ‘conscious’ reader outside the academic circle or a critic who denies his right to judge and evaluate, they deny his legitimacy. And who exactly is allowed to offer criticism? These questions reveal that the complaint about the absence of criticism is not always a true desire for it, but sometimes an expression of an inner longing for praise, or ‘fake approval,’ rather than genuine criticism: in its true sense, criticism highlights shortcomings or gaps. Here, the real question appears: Is the problem in the absence of criticism or in the absence of writers’ receptivity to hear it? It is regrettable that the writer’s relationship with criticism sometimes appears to be like the relationship of someone who wants a critic, but on the condition that he praises them. This unbalanced relationship makes sincere criticism seem like a personal attack, not a natural practice of dialogue with the text. This is what has made some writers turn into silent adversaries for anyone who offers a reading of their text that is not just praise. This problem recurs even with writers who have gained ‘stardom’ or fame.
- أهمية مضمون محاورة »كراتيليوس« (٢) (The Importance of the Content of “Cratylus” Dialogue (2)) by Dr. Sawsan Al-Otaibi The previous article concluded with a question: If truths themselves are independent of human knowledge, how does man arrive at a criterion for them? Do phenomena change their reality according to what appears? Here appears the distinction between knowing truths and knowing phenomena in their two aspects: ascending and descending. In Plato’s philosophy of Forms, the ascending aspect is associated with the theory of ‘recollection’; it is the pure primary knowledge by a special class, namely ‘the gods’. As for the descending aspect, since language gives names truthfully, emanating from existing things, through its linguistic act, and its special type, ‘naming’ is a tool; it must have a ‘creator-maker’; it is always of three types: a creator who is an instigator, a creator of a high rank ‘the wise’; and they are more successful than other humans in judging correctly. From his naming according to the variation of humans in these three classifications, one can recall the most important issue that permeated ‘the philosophy of language,’ even within the core of the Islamic doctrinal heritage, namely: are languages divine or natural?. The reader will not fail to find plenty written on these issues in the Islamic heritage, for example, but to look for them in the first book of Imam Al-Suyuti’s ‘Al-Muzhir fi Ulum Al-Lughah.’ Many of the issues in this dialogue lead to thorny issues in Islamic sciences, and many of them have drawn on human sciences in general. The first reference to the comprehensive issues in the philosophy of language is: Is the origin of languages divine, natural, or conventional/arbitrary? There is no escaping this. And to turn to ‘the maker of names’ (before names), this is important when emphasizing the primacy of ‘names’ in many languages, and how the philosophical-logical treatment improved according to the Arabic language, then after naming, its origin was transformed into an actual state, indicating in a philosophical direction, such as: ‘the intellect’.
- في مفهوم الثقافة (In the Concept of Culture) by Dr. Fahd Ibrahim Al-Bakr The concept of culture in language dictionaries refers to what a human masters, or what he innovates in achieving and realizing. Therefore, it is stated in ‘Tahdheeb Al-Lughah’ and Al-Azhari: ‘Thaqqafa’ (to become clever in something), which means quick learning. It is also said: ‘Thaqqafa al-shay’ (he mastered the thing), so he became astute and clever. In ‘Al-Mu’jam Al-Waseet’: (Thaqqafa) the thing: he straightened its crookedness and smoothed it. And (Thaqqafa) the person: he educated him and disciplined him. It is also said: Thaqqafahu ‘ala fulan, and (Tathaqqafu) some people against others. (Culture): the sciences, knowledge, and arts in which proficiency is desired. This indicates that the word ‘culture’ encompasses several meanings of depth, richness, comprehensiveness, and breadth that make it open to wide scientific fields and diverse cognitive aspects. Indeed, the concept of culture expands to encompass everything that educates a person in any field, whether in science or a specific domain. In any case, culture is ‘an important part of human life, as a member of society.’ Hence, it can be said: culture, in its comprehensive sense, is directed towards a general system and an open horizon, comprising a set of diverse systems: material and immaterial. It is an interaction between human beings and their kind, and the surrounding environment, and it is a coherent fabric, a harmonious space, meaning that culture includes values, traditions, customs, knowledge, ideas, patterns of behavior, lifestyles, and what follows from that: renewal, development, and innovation.
- »هما« القصيبي من جديد.. (Al-Qusaibi’s “Huma” Anew..) by Dr. Abdulraouf Al-Khawfi As I was tidying up my library and dusting some of its shelves, I stumbled upon a light novel by Dr. Ghazi Al-Qusaibi – may God have mercy on him – which I had read about twenty years ago, carrying a striking title: ‘Huma’ (They Both). A title that tells you everything… yet invites you in every way. It was not just a love story, but a duel, a gradual intellectual unraveling of complex knots that expose the human when entering the game of open relationships. The novel, around 160 pages, is of medium size; yet Al-Qusaibi places us in the face of a complex relationship steeped in emotional entanglement and human exposure hidden behind the game of language and words. The novel proceeds with the familiar lightness of Al-Qusaibi’s style, but it does not lack depth; rather, it conceals it completely. It is a story of a man and a woman, both cultured, educated, and skillful in linguistic formulation, yet both carry an inner fragility.
- أنا ال أقرأ (I Don’t Read) by Abduljabbar Al-Khlewi While nations and societies compete in general towards progress in all scientific and practical aspects; and this world transforms into a ‘small village’ model open to all; we are unfortunately met with someone who declares boldly, without shame or embarrassment, ‘I don’t read’; and unfortunately forgets that he is the son of an ‘ummah of read’; and strangely, he does not say it with regret; rather, he says it as if it is a language of pride and a tone of boasting; as if reading is a heavy burden on the soul and culture is a detested luxury; and as if ignorance is an emblem with which one adorns oneself before others; ‘There is no power save in God’. Such a statement – which may seem normal to some – reveals a deeper flaw in the general view of knowledge and culture and poses an essential question: What does a person lose when he gets used to not reading? In my humble opinion, those who are lazy in reading will suffer from narrowness of thought and stiffness of horizon; for we all know that reading expands minds and opens horizons. As for those who do not read, they will remain confined to their personal experience and some experiences of others around them; they will not see life except through their small window; and they will not understand others except through preconceived notions.
- فلسفة الحب والكبرياء في الشعر العربي (The Philosophy of Love and Pride in Arabic Poetry) by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Yousef In Arabic poetry, love intersects with philosophical existential concepts such as pride, absence, and silence, as internal components of emotion, making the experience of love an intellectual state, not merely an emotional outburst. The relationship between love and pride in poetic text is not one of contradiction, but rather a relationship of tension that creates and reshapes the language and the emotional stance of the lover. The tension between them is one of the most prominent aesthetic and philosophical binaries in Arabic poetry, where love is often understood only in the context of its interaction with self-esteem and pride. The Arab lover was not completely submissive to their beloved but remained attached to the idea of dignity, elevation, and abstinence as manifestations of internal coherence in the face of emotional upheaval. Here, pride emerges as a psychological defense component, often dominating the emotional scene and leading to absence and silence, not as arbitrary circumstances, but as two symbolic and mediating factors in a tense relationship between emotion and self.
- نـزّلـونـي! (Let Me Down!) by Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Omari Imagine a lover asking the airplane pilot to let him down when he saw his beloved – while he was flying over Saudi Arabia – between a palm tree and a house! The matter is not a reality of an airport, but rather a poet’s imagination. A scene of the city, people, and houses existed within the boundaries of this spatial domain. An artist captured it precisely, and a poet sang it, becoming a recorded image that generations passed down without perhaps delving into its words. Only those interested can trace the form of life through everything that can contribute to forming an image of life in a different era. Let us take the city of Riyadh, specifically, as a theater for the events of this poem, both implicitly and explicitly. Riyadh, the city of civilizational leaps and dreams, was the city to which Saudi youth from villages and rural areas aspired to travel. Riyadh is no longer just the city of palm trees and houses and the Bedouin. It has become a city of palm trees, houses, mosques, schools, bustling activity, towers, hospitals, and universities. Culture is not limited to the present, or to the countryside, or to the Bedouin, nor does it detach from its strong foundation of religion, character, values, and customs. But we, as a people, develop and grow like a palm tree, without detaching from our roots and values.
- توصيات (Recommendations) by Hussein Al-Harbi In this corner, Tahani Al-Jahani, the first Saudi female anchor who appeared on Al Arabiya channel, will take us. She began her career in print journalism in 2005, and first appeared in 2006 on the Lebanese LBC channel, at which time she was a field correspondent before moving to television work in Lebanon in 2007, before moving to the MBC group in 2008, and then to Al Arabiya channel in 2012, through what she has recently read from books and recommends to readers. Muhammad Hasan Alwan’s ‘A Small Death’ is an immense content novel that explores the life of the philosopher Muhyi Al-Din ibn Arabi from his birth in Damascus until his death in the sixth Hijri century. It was rich with journeys, from Azerbaijan and the Levant and Iraq and Turkey in the east, passing through the Arab Maghreb and Egypt and the Hijaz, and then traveling to Andalusia in the west. Through the novel, we learned about the Arab human who cries and laughs, loves and adores, marries and divorces.
- ساحة الثقافة الصامتة (The Silent Culture Arena) by Najla Al-Rubayan Some times of the day are not crowded but heavy; we accomplish nothing in them and do not rest completely, we just wait for this time to pass, and we look forward to a quiet moment for everything to seem normal while inside there is something strange. Sometimes, suddenly, some of the postponed thoughts or hidden anxiety or questions come to us without an appointment. It is as if everything that happens to us is a mirror of the self that comes to us in the void that sometimes pierces us, but sometimes we feel that it is an absence of an event while it is an intense presence of the self. What we do in this void may reveal more about us than our noisy achievements. Many of us fear it and escape to amusement and distraction, while some embrace it and turn it into a space for contemplation, learning, or reorganizing the self and thought. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘There are two blessings in which many people are deceived: health and free time.’ Here, he did not describe leisure as rest, but as a wasted opportunity that we will not see unless we possess enough awareness to transform it into a moment of creation, reflection, or understanding.
- سرمدية الروح (Eternity of the Soul) by Riyadh bin Abdullah Al-Hariri Dostoevsky, as if weaving words that unveil secrets of the soul, said: ‘Your mention will only come by chance a few times.’ He wanted to awaken us to a bitter truth: most people pass through life lightly, as if they never existed, like the wind, leaving no sound or trace. Among the thousands of faces we encounter, how many leave a single lasting impact? How many remain present in the memory of time even in their absence?. Talking about human impact after death is not about fleeting memory or temporary fame, but about the ‘existential extension’ of a human being. To remain alive while you are dead does not mean that statues are built for you, but rather that your existence leaves an echo in people’s hearts, in their consciousness, in their behavior, in values they learned from you, or an idea you bequeathed to them, or a stance that made a difference in their path.
- الكوزميك مايند اتصال كوني! (Cosmic Mind: Cosmic Connection!) by Dr. Malha Abdullah The issue of knowledge and its connection to inspiration is a matter connected with familiarity and intimacy, and moves away from strangeness and alienation. It is an eternal issue from Plato until now. Plato dealt with this issue in the dialogue ‘Ion’ when he proved with argument and logic that both the poet and the reciter do not fully understand the reality of the subjects they may address. They lack sincerity in what they present, and they have always lacked it in creativity… subjects. Thus, he arrived at a general principle, which is undoubtedly the lack of trust in the soul filled with knowledge. ‘The poet and the reciter – or rather the creator and the performer – do not comprehend the truth, and therefore creativity and poetry do not lead to knowledge of the truth.’ Here, the creator is accused of being far from the truth, and therefore lacking. Since he is in a state of alienation and lack of knowledge and intimacy, he cannot convey knowledge, as he who loses something cannot give it. Thus, Plato demands that if a poet speaks about medicine, he must have full knowledge of medical sciences, and if he addresses history, he must study history in detail. As for how the creator can formulate an idea whose details he may not fully comprehend in an effective artistic framework, this is what Plato addressed in his book ‘The Republic’ under the title of madness, inspiration, or sacred madness.
- القمامة الإعلامية وتسميم وعي الجمهور (Media Trash and Poisoning Public Consciousness) by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Yousef In a media reality that is fast-paced, communicative, and dense with content, information, and abundant news across multiple platforms, a phenomenon known as ‘media trash’ has emerged. These are not mere material waste, but rather media content that is worthless, repetitive, and sometimes misleading, deviating from professionalism and spreading superficiality, with the aim of attracting attention and swaying emotions at any cost. This massive volume of content lacks credibility and quality, and is often produced randomly. This ‘trash’ includes fake news, fabricated or imaginary rumors, as well as articles, recordings, images, or videos that are shallow entertainment content without any verifiable sources, characterized by noise and emotional arousal for no cognitive or cultural purpose. Added to this are chaotic and sensational advertisements and hidden promotions that may market dishonest products or ideas.
- هل مديرك معجزة؟ (Is Your Manager a Miracle?) by Osama Al-Nuaimah This story happened with an Arab minister who was on an external visit as part of an important event organized by his ministry in a European country. One of my friends was part of the delegation and was one of the most active, giving, and dedicated employees of the ministry in his work, and he had always received praise and commendations from the minister and the ministry’s leaders. It so happened during that visit that an organizational error occurred, and the minister became furious and started shouting at that friend whom he found in front of him, blaming him in front of everyone. The wise friend controlled his nerves and did not respond to the minister and resolved the problem, even though he was not the cause of it, but others from the ministry team were. After the event successfully concluded amidst celebrations, that friend approached the minister to greet him and hand him his resignation letter, requesting to be relieved from his position in the ministry. The minister was shocked by the decision and his assistants informed him that the organizational error was not the responsibility of that friend. Moments later, my friend was surprised by the minister in front of everyone, thanking him for his excellent professional conduct and efforts, and speaking loudly with an apology. That friend found himself kissing the minister’s head, who was many years his senior, yet did not hesitate to apologize with great courage and retract his mistake.
- الحد الأدنى من الحماقة! (The Minimum of Folly!) by Dr. Issam Amanullah Bukhari There is a fool… and there is a naive person, and the degree varies in each from one person to another. And I assert that the disease of folly has become alarming and rapid in its spread, especially in the media… And it has not prevented folly, in its broad sense, from producing worthless people who have secluded themselves in their ignorance to broadcast thoughts and information, much of which is shameful. Not to mention the lies that cover it and the accompanying severe frustration! I ask here, from some of those who claim realism – whether in understanding, politics, economics, or sports – why do they insist on being fools, even though the facts are before them? You find them persistent and continuous in their stances during any television interview… and in every writing!.
- عقد التحول السعودي (The Saudi Transformation Decade) by Mohammed Al-Haidar The Saudi society has witnessed accelerating transformations over the past decade, extending to touch the depth of the social fabric and its inherited customs. Writer Fadel Al-Ameen has monitored the most prevalent bad habits in 2014, in his opinion. And today, after a full decade has passed, it is legitimate for us to ask: Have these habits withstood the raging winds of change? Or have they faded, or perhaps acquired new dimensions?. ‘The habit of discrimination and evaluation’ based on ethnic or tribal backgrounds was one of the most prominent observations made by Al-Ameen. And today, with increasing openness and expanding horizons in education and work, this view has begun to recede, even if it has not completely disappeared, because the youth generation, with its openness to diverse cultures, tends more to evaluate individuals based on their competence and human value, not on their origins.
- عيادة الأمراض الجلدية (Dermatology Clinic) A medical page prepared by specialized consultants concerned with health education and aims to raise the level of awareness and quality of life for the individual and society. Dandruff is not a contagious disease, it is about the shedding of dead skin cells but to a severe degree. There are factors that increase dandruff, which is excessive use of hair sprays, dry and cold weather and heating in homes. Also, psychological stress and anxiety play a role.
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By Amjad Izhar
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