The TWENTY30

A special episode to celebrate Saudi National Day on Monday, September 23! The TWENTY30's special guest contributor, Ghada Almuhanna, a visual anthropologist who is widely followed through her Instagram account documenting interesting Saudi photos and art, joins to talk all things Saudi National Day on the 94th anniversary.  Saudi National Day celebrates the formal unification of the Kingdom in 1932. Ghada joins hosts Lucien and Hanaa for a lively and fun discussion of the evolution of National Day celebrations, how patriotism is expressed uniquely across Saudi regions, and the recent tradition of officially taking the day off since a royal decree in the 2010s. The conversation also delves into the joyous public displays, visual competitions among companies, and the heartwarming cultural practices that come to the forefront during this national holiday. The conversation also includes a lively debate over the best dates in the Kingdom... The hosts conclude the episode as always with SHOUTOUTS. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com     You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

From Tabuk, a mid-size city in Saudi Arabia's northern region, to a PHD from Duke University and now founder of one of Saudi Arabia's most successful startup companies, Dr. Hassan Albalawi's incredible journey represents a successful investment by Saudi Arabia into the promise of its citizens. In Episode 28, Dr. Hassan sits down with The TWENTY30's Lucien Zeigler and Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed for an exclusive interview and conversation to discuss the genesis and growth of WakeCap, an innovative and fast-growing construction technologies company that allows employers to monitor the safety and productivity of workers on the job site. WakeCap is scaling and expanding quickly, with 100 employees and operating partnerships with some of the largest construction companies in the world, including Aramco, Bechtel, and many others. WakeCap's solutions are now the go-to for companies seeking to protect and incentivize their employees and boost productivity to get projects completed safely. The company recently acquired a Silicon Valley-based startup in July 2024, and is using that investment to create a new R&D center for the company in the center of America's innovation capital. Now, it's expanding beyond the Middle East region, working in New York and elsewhere in one of the most significant exports of Saudi-made technologies in the Kingdom's history. Hassan is the eldest in a family of 14 children. His first time on an airplane was as a teenager to travel to the United States for college and graduate school with limited English. When he left the U.S., he did so with a PHD in Engineering from one of top 10 universities in the country, and was ready to begin his journey as an entrepreneur. Hanaa and Lucien ask him about his experiences in the U.S. before diving into his journey as a Saudi startup founder years before the Kingdom began making huge investments into technologies and developing its ecosystem. The hosts also ask Hassan about the opportunities and challenges in the construction sector in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, the development of entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia today, and the future of WakeCap as a potential unicorn in the coming years. After the conversation, Dr. Hanaa and Lucien conclude with SHOUTOUTS. Dr. Hanaa's Shoutout is to the recently-passed Safeya Binzagr, famed Saudi artist who inspired many with her books and museums long before the Vision's reforms.  Lucien's Shoutout is to Younis Altewejri and Francesco Luigi Carusi, founders of The Rustic Bakery in Riyadh, which was recently shortlisted for the Riyadh 2024 Time Out awards.  *** The TWENTY30 is now the leading bi-weekly podcast on Saudi Arabia in English! Our founders thank everyone for subscribing and following as we de-code Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation in English and share stories of the changemakers playing crucial roles in the Kingdom's changes. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWr... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... YouTube:    / @thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.

Riyadh Season, a globally unique and dynamic annual series of events in Saudi Arabia, is back for 2024-2025. It's *so* back -- and this year is likely to be the best yet. Lucien leads the episode's DEEPDIVE segment on the season, now well-established and evolving with new offerings each year, includes a diverse range of activities such as theme parks, concerts, pop-up restaurants, sports events, and fashion shows across multiple venues in Riyadh. Some key highlights for this year include the introduction of notable sports events like tennis and boxing matches, UFC, elite soccer games, and fashion showcases by designers like Elie Saab. Dr. Hannah and Lucien highlight some of these events. Lucien emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Riyadh Season, describing it as a 'tradition' that is constantly changing and improving, reflective of Saudi Arabia's dynamic evolution. We encourage listeners to check out the full 294-page booklet on Riyadh Season events and explore the variety of free and paid activities available. The DEEPDIVE segment couldn't possibly conclude without Hanaa making sure that everoyne knows that other upcoming seasons are happening too, including in her beloved home of in the Eastern Province.  The hosts conclude with top news items from the week, including: •A discussion of solar and renewables in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi energy company ACWA Power has secured SAR9.7bn (US$2.6bn) in financing for the construction of three large-scale solar PV power plants in Saudi Arabia •A new investment law in Saudi Arabia. On August 11, 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unveiled a new Investment Law to enhance attraction of international investments and equality between domestic and foreign investors.  •Wild thunderstorms and rain in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia was struck by thunderstorms and flash flooding on most of its Red Sea on Friday with footages on social media showing roads inundated and cars stranded in floodwater. •The growing Saudi fintech ecosystem. Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the number of fintech companies in Saudi Arabia reached 224 by the end of Q2 2024, surpassing the Financial Sector Development Program's (FSDP) target of 168 companies for the same period. SHOUTOUTS: In the episode's SHOUTOUTS segment, highlighting exceptional Saudis or others driving change in the Kingdom, the hosts draw attention to: •Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, for what he's doing growing the game in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as LIV GOLF announced its first tournament in Riyadh.  •Abdulrahman Al-Qurashi, who won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com     You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

In Episode 26, the hosts begin by commenting off the cuff on an element of The TWENTY30's introduction track, and how an effect of Dr. Hanaa's voice made them think about a Rihanna song, which caused Hanaa to share some interesting things she learned in a recent singing instruction. Despite Lucien's pleas, Hanaa declined (!) to sing the Rihanna song she practiced in that class. Hanaa then leads the show's DEEPDIVE segment with a discussion on generational identities in Saudi Arabia. A new report highlights Saudi Arabia's generations, and Hanaa notes how fascinating they are as they define the people of the Kingdom. The hosts then get to the latest news on Saudi Arabia and conclude with the SHOUTOUT segment, highlight exceptional changemakers in Saudi Arabia.  Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com     You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

As The TWENTY30 reaches an exciting milestone of 10,000 subscribers (!) and 25 episodes, the hosts begin by reflecting briefly on the journey so far, and why they feel grateful and appreciative of all the listeners and viewers who have supported the show with subscriptions, follows, shares, and feedback (it’s not too late to do so, by the way! Click on the subscribe link wherever you’re listening or viewing today’s episode). Last episode (#24) with special guest and former SIDF CEO Ibrahim Almojel, generated a large volume of positive feedback on the conversation. Hanaa and Lucien begin the show with a few minutes sharing a small portion of that feedback from that show with listeners and viewers.  Then, the hosts do a DEEPDIVE on the announcement that the Riyadh Metro will launch this year. Lucien highlighted the Riyadh Metro project and its near-launch to address a common point of negative criticism he often hears about it — and that is how long it took to complete. Lucien makes the point that major transportation infrastructure projects around the world are more often delayed (and overbudget) than not, and in the United States especially, is par for the course. Hanaa notes that it is part of a wider theme in Saudi Arabia — the incredible transformation of human mobility in just the past few years. The hosts conclude with news, including the discussion of a new VC fund, a wonderful-smelling IPO, an interesting cloud computing move at KACST, and a silly (but funny) college football scandal that included a little bit on Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Ibrahim Almojel joins The TWENTY30 hosts Hanaa and Lucien for an exclusive conversation in Episode 24. Almojel, who sits on the board of nearly a dozen of the most active government and private investment funds in Saudi Arabia, also lead Saudi Arabia’s most powerful industrial investment body for 5 pivotal years after Vision 2030 launched. During that time, Almojel not only transformed the fund into an investment powerhouse and ecosystem developer, he was also tasked with implementing the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of the most consequential transformation programs in the Vision.   The TWENTY30 hosts ask Almojel about all of the above. In the conversation, Almojel shares real stories of changes in governance, how the SIDF moved quickly to implement the NIDLP, and how talent in Saudi Arabia is transforming the Kingdom from the inside-out.   The hosts also discuss his investment career, including his investments as founding partner of his currently active and diversified fund, Khwarizmi Holding, backs specialized investment companies in venture capital (Khwarizmi Ventures), private equity (Khwarizmi Partners), and real estate (Urbium Capital). They also discuss the VC, PE, and mining sectors and gain his insight on how those sectors are beginning to mature.   After the exclusive interview with Ibrahim Almojel, the hosts discuss some of the latest news stories on Saudi Arabia.   Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.    About The TWENTY30 Podcast New futuristic cities built from scratch. Giga-projects. Major sports investments. Trillions in spending. An economy and society changing so quickly even locals sometimes can’t believe their eyes. Saudi Arabia is on a mission to change itself from a conservative society with an oil-dominated economy to a modern and open society with a diversified economy - and to become a global tourism destination. Such a transformation has never before been attempted, and the stakes for the Middle East - and the world - are high. The TWENTY30 is a new media network and podcast that explores the seemingly endless dimensions of the social and economic transformations in Saudi Arabia, which few living outside the Kingdom can truly grasp. From the creator and co-host of The 966 Podcast comes a new platform that tackles the news, issues, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as it continues forward in a full-throttle effort to remake itself while the world watches. Featuring exclusive interviews, frank conversations, and in-depth topic exploration, The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters.

In Episode 23, hosts Hanaa and Lucien discuss a recent interview with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sport Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud and how the Kingdom is going all-in on football with its recent finalized bid for the World Cup 2034 and major investments into stadiums and the development of local talent -- not just on the pitch but in the administration of its up and coming Saudi Pro League. The hosts conclude as always with the latest news out of Saudi Arabia, a new Arabic word for the episode, and shoutouts to Saudi changemakers playing a key role in the Kingdom's transformation. 

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set to be the fastest growing in the Middle East over the next decade, with an average annual growth of 11%. Joining hosts Hanaa and Lucien this week on the MAINSTAGE segment of The TWENTY30 Podcast is HH Princess Fahda Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi tourism entrepreneur who transformed a popular instagram hobby into a thriving tourism services and consultancy business called ‘The Traveling Panther’ that is now a leader in the space and works closely with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism. In this exclusive conversation with The TWENTY30 Podcast, Princess Fahda discusses the status of the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, which recently soared past a goal of 100 million tourists by 2030 *6 years ahead of schedule.* That achievement caused authorities, who are preparing for major global events in the coming decade, to revise upward its goals for 2030 and beyond. The rapid development of the sector is a key piece of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 social and economic transformation plans, and it is full speed ahead for the public and private sector to develop a thriving industry in Saudi Arabia. Princess Fahda also emphasized the diverse beauty of the Kingdom across its 13 different regions, shared some of her personal experiences traveling across the Kingdom (and often off the beaten path), and why she believes visiting Saudi Arabia is a must to really understand the deep roots and historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s place in the world today and in the past. After the discussion with HH Princess Fahda, the hosts get to some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including: 🎸A Saudi heavy metal rock band making history in Germany… 🤳Hands-free driving in Saudi Arabia… 📈SABIC’s eye-watering profits in the latest quarter… 👶 And, the birth of a new baby announced for the Crown Prince of Jordan and Princess Rajwa of Jordan are parents and his Saudi wife (Mabrook!). Welcome baby Iman!   Lucien and Hanaa conclude episode 22 with the ‘SHOUTOUTS’ segment, acknowledging the good people doing the real work to advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This week, Lucien gave a shoutout to one of his dearest and oldest friends, Dr. Abdulaziz Alanazi from King Saud University, winner of a prestigious international prize on water, and Dr. Hanaa gave her shoutout to Alaa Alsheikh, who recently gave a great interview on an Arabic podcast.   *** A note from the Hosts: The TWENTY30 Podcast is on a slightly modified schedule between July 21-September 1. **** Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   ***   About The TWENTY30 Podcast New futuristic cities built from scratch. Giga-projects. Major sports investments. Trillions in spending. An economy and society changing so quickly even locals sometimes can’t believe their eyes. Saudi Arabia is on a mission to change itself from a conservative society with an oil-dominated economy to a modern and open society with a diversified economy - and to become a global tourism destination. Such a transformation has never before been attempted, and the stakes for the Middle East - and the world - are high. The TWENTY30 is a new media network and podcast that explores the seemingly endless dimensions of the social and economic transformations in Saudi Arabia, which few living outside the Kingdom can truly grasp. From the creator and co-host of The 966 Podcast comes a new platform that tackles the news, issues, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as it continues forward in a full-throttle effort to remake itself while the world watches. Featuring exclusive interviews, frank conversations, and in-depth topic exploration, The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters.   ***   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

Hosts Lucien and Hanaa, both located in the U.S. for the first time (though on opposite coasts), catch up on their recent travel and share some feedback from a listener. Before the DEEPDIVE segment, the hosts also share a new segment they're introducing this episode, a "SHOUTOUTS" portion to conclude the program, which shares stories of people who are doing interesting, good, or productive work - especially as it relates to the advancement of Vision 2030 and the transformation underway -- the very subject of this podcast.   In the DEEPDIVE, Lucien gives an overview of a new massive real estate development outside Riyadh. Dubbed "Banan City," this project spans 10 square kilometers and will feature over 20,000 smart homes. The community aims to blend modernity and tradition by offering essential services, educational institutions, and smart city technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. That leads to a discussion of housing market in Saudi Arabia, the Construction market in Saudi Arabia, and a lot more.    In the news, the hosts once again talk football (soccer?), and IMG's new partnership with the Saudi Pro League, an update on the Saudi economy and oil, and more.   To conclude the show and others going forward, the hosts introduce the SHOUTOUTS segment - recognizing impactful individuals and their recent impressive accomplishments like Abdul-Rahman Al-Gabban of Bechtel Saudi Arabia and Samar Sultan of META. Al-Ghabban recently launched the first Saudi Arabia chapter for buildingSMART International, the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. 

In Episode #20 (!) of The TWENTY30 Podcast, hosts Hanaa and Lucien catch up on all the feedback they've gotten over the past week, which included a flood of positive comments on Fatima Batook's episode (#19). Then the hosts get to Lucien's DEEPDIVE segment, which is an overview and analysis of all of the stadiums that Saudi Arabia is building now as the Kingdom rolls up its sleeves and begins preparation for both The 2027 AFC Asian Cup (the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup) and, of course, the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The DEEPDIVE was prompted by the announcement of the Kingdom's newest planned stadium at New Murabba, which is inspired by the native acacia tree in Saudi Arabia and is truly a unique and amazing design for the capital city's new district, owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.  Lucien makes the point that, these days, stadiums must offer much more than just a venue for sports, as that business model has proven to be weaker to more expensive stadium builds that offer revenue-generating opportunities for events when teams aren't playing. The hosts then get to the news. In the News this week: •The groundbreaking strategic cooperation between Riyadh Air and Delta Airlines, highlighting the potential benefits for travelers and the aviation sector. •The U.S.-Saudi framework agreement for space collaboration •Goldman Sachs' forecast on peak oil demand and its implications for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 •The burgeoning movie theater industry in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on IMAX's expansion and the evolving cinema culture *** Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names ("Lucien" @TheTWENTY30.com) or ("Hanaa" @thetwenty30.com) or email "Hosts" @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ***   About The TWENTY30 Podcast New futuristic cities built from scratch. Giga-projects. Major sports investments. Trillions in spending. An economy and society changing so quickly even locals sometimes can’t believe their eyes. Saudi Arabia is on a mission to change itself from a conservative society with an oil-dominated economy to a modern and open society with a diversified economy - and to become a global tourism destination. Such a transformation has never before been attempted, and the stakes for the Middle East - and the world - are high. The TWENTY30 is a new media network and podcast that explores the seemingly endless dimensions of the social and economic transformations in Saudi Arabia, which few living outside the Kingdom can truly grasp. From the creator and co-host of The 966 Podcast comes a new platform that tackles the news, issues, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as it continues forward in a full-throttle effort to remake itself while the world watches. Featuring exclusive interviews, frank conversations, and in-depth topic exploration, The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters.   ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

In Episode 19, hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler talk with Fatima Batook, a trailblazer for Saudi women in sports and the founder of Teema, the first Saudi Arabian sports apparel brand. Fatima discusses her transformative journey in the world of fitness and sports. She shares her experiences and challenges establishing spinning and fitness studios across Saudi Arabia and the region, and observations from her roles serving on various boards in the Kingdom, including the Saudi Business Women's Executive Council, the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Al Qadisiyah Football Club. Fatiwma delves into the changes she’s observed in the sports sector, driven by Vision 2030, and the significant role of women in this transformation. She also reflects on the challenges of creating opportunities for women to participate in sports and the support from the society. The conversation also touches on the grassroots efforts to engage young Saudis in sports, the developments within the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the remarkable progress of Al Qadisiyah Football Club. Fatma emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to formalize the sports sector through new regulations and laws.  Watch the conversation here with Fatima on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ovgD7WA-Riw?si=ssVwODAlb0uyxHNr&t=1  After the conversation, Lucien and Hanaa talk about some of the latest news stories emerging from Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi reinsurance company's capital boost through a PIF subscription deal, the granting of Saudi citizenship to global talents to aid in Vision 2030, the re-establishment of the Saudi Canadian business council, and the Saudi Pro League's push to attract more international football talent. The hosts also touch on the economic revival in Saudi-Turkish relations and various initiatives aimed at bolstering trade and investment between the two nations.  *** The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30 Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://thetwenty30.com You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com. The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.  ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

Saudi Arabia's transformation is full speed ahead. So how is it going so far? The latest IMF report on Saudi Arabia ("Saudi Arabia: Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission") is, in some ways, a report card on Saudi Arabia's reforms and the changes happening to the Kingdom's economy. Successes in non-oil growth, employment, inflation control, and financial sector stability top the performance report for the IMF.  The IMF notes that Saudi Arabia’s "unprecedented economic transformation is progressing well. Prudent macroeconomic policies, transformative changes—including through fiscal reforms and in the regulatory business environment—and strong domestic demand have helped prop up non-oil growth. Inflation remains contained. Spending reprioritization and recalibration of major spending programs are ongoing. Efforts to diversify the economy have started to bear fruit." Lucien and Hanaa discuss the report and some of the recommendations from the IMF.  The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of some of the latest news headlines.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming one of the more attractive up-and-coming markets for international investors. The TWENTY30 Podcast welcomes Abdulaziz Alnaim, Managing Director of London-based Mayar Capital and seasoned equities investor known for his "value investing" strategy, to discuss why his fund waited to enter the Saudi market as a investor - and why the market is evolving into one with strong opportunities now and recently.  Abdulaziz shares his journey to become an experienced investor with a successful fund with Mayar Capital shaping future opportunities around the world and in the Kingdom.  Before the MAINSTAGE conversation and interview with Abdulaziz Alnaim, the hosts catch up on Hanaa's recent business trip to Asia for the week. Hanaa was in Singapore and presented a paper on vocational education in Saudi Arabia at the Middle East Institute in Singapore. The hosts discuss a little bit about how the TWENTY30 Podcast is growing.  After the conversation on the Mainstage with Abdulaziz, the hosts discuss recent news on Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Aramco's investment in a joint venture with Renault and Geely, Saudi Arabia hosting the first eSports World Cup, and the launch of Jeddah Season 2024. The hosts also discuss KFUPM students winning a prestigious drone competition in Maryland, the Saudi embassy in London hosting a seminar on Saudi women's achievements, and Aqua Power signing significant solar energy project deals. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30 Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   About the TWENTY30 Podcast: New futuristic cities built from scratch. Giga-projects. Major sports investments. Trillions in spending. An economy and society changing so quickly even locals sometimes can’t believe their eyes. Saudi Arabia is on a mission to change itself from a conservative society with an oil-dominated economy to a modern and open society with a diversified economy - and to become a global tourism destination. Such a transformation has never before been attempted, and the stakes for the Middle East - and the world - are high. The TWENTY30 is a new media network and podcast that explores the seemingly endless dimensions of the social and economic transformations in Saudi Arabia, which few living outside the Kingdom can truly grasp. From the creator and co-host of The 966 Podcast comes a new platform that tackles the news, issues, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as it continues forward in a full-throttle effort to remake itself while the world watches. Featuring exclusive interviews, frank conversations, and in-depth topic exploration, The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

Episode 16 of The TWENTY30 Podcast hosted by Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler once again finds the two hosts on direct opposite sides of the planet, with Hanaa in Singapore speaking at a conference and Lucien on vacation at his home in the United States. Listener feedback takes a light-hearted turn with comments on Lucien's “improving” tan, leading to a broader discussion on the cultural implications and personal anecdotes surrounding names and their meanings in different regions. The episode's DEEP DIVE centers on a comprehensive new report from the Energy Institute, co-authored by KPMG and Kearney, detailing fossil fuel use in 2023. The report reveals that global fossil fuel consumption, driven largely by coal and oil, has reached record levels, with emissions surpassing 40 gigatons of CO2. The hosts discuss the urgency of these findings amidst a warming planet and increasing climate change impacts. They point out that although there is notable growth in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, especially in Europe and China, fossil fuels are still ever as dominant.   The hosts wrap the episode with a discussion of some of the latest news and reports on Saudi Arabia.   In the news this week: •We begin with the Saudi Journalists Association's first-ever participation in the International Federation of Journalists' annual meeting, held in London. This milestone event marks a significant step for Saudi journalism on the global stage, as representatives from around the world gather to discuss the state of journalism, the challenges it faces, and the importance of international cooperation.   •A crucial worker safety regulation introduced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Starting June 15th, 2024, a ban on working under direct sunlight between noon and 3 p.m. will be enforced. This measure aims to enhance the safety and health of outdoor workers during the scorching summer months, preventing heat-related illnesses and improving overall worker productivity. The importance of such regulations is underscored as Saudi Arabia strives for rapid and safe development.   •Saudi Arabia's achievements in the cybersecurity sector. The kingdom has secured second place in the Global Cybersecurity Index and made significant gains in the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) for 2023. With a notable jump in the overall competitiveness ranking, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity landscape. The National Cybersecurity Authority plays a pivotal role in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and economic sectors from cyber threats, showcasing Saudi Arabia's leadership in this vital area.   •Brazilian planemaker Embraer's strategic interest in Saudi Arabia as a key defense market. As Saudi Arabia looks to replace its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules, Embraer is engaging with the kingdom to expand sales of its C390 Millennium military transport jet. This potential purchase highlights Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and bolster its strategic partnerships.   •The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has published the annual performance report for the Saudi finance and real estate company sector for 2023. The report reveals a notable increase in paid-up share capital, total assets, and net income, reflecting the sector's solid financial performance and expanding economic landscape. The classification of loan portfolios and the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also discussed, providing insights into Saudi Arabia's diversified economic growth.   Hanaa concludes the show by sharing the Arabic word/phrase of the day.   Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority recently published new guidelines for the offering and listing of foreign companies on the Kingdom’s Main Market, the Tadawul. Leading Saudi attorney and go-to advisor for nearly every major IPO in the past decade (including Saudi Aramco’s blockbuster 2020 listing and recent share sale) Salman Al-Sudairi joins The TWENTY30 Podcast for an exclusive conversation about the new rules and guidelines, the evolution of the Kingdom’s stock market, and how Vision 2030’s reforms are pushing greater interest in investing in Saudi Arabia. Salman Al-Sudairi is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, one of the leading law firms in Saudi Arabia. He’s worked on roughly 50 IPOs and offerings on the Saudi Stock Market, and has experience advising on all aspects of sukuk transactions and IPOs. Qualified to practice in both New York and Riyadh, Salman advises government entities, local and international companies, and private equity funds in complex commercial transactions in a wide range of industries. The new guidelines published by Saudi authorities clarify rules surrounding the three avenues through which non-Saudi companies may list their shares in Saudi Arabia, a subject of interest for companies looking to establish their presence in the Kingdom and tap into its capital markets. The regulations also stipulate that a non-Saudi company that wishes to cross-list or dual-list on the Main Market “must demonstrate the added value that it will bring to the Saudi Exchange and the Saudi economy as a whole.” Salman also discusses with The TWENTY30 Podcast the status of the legal profession in Saudi Arabia, the challenges and opportunities facing lawyers and companies working on setting up their operations in the Kingdom, and looks ahead to new changes and reforms potentially on the horizon. Joining The TWENTY30 Podcast hosts Lucien and Hanaa, Salman Al-Sudairi also discusses human capital in Saudi Arabia, particularly in his profession, and how he feels it is important for established large law firms to train and develop young Saudi legal talent. In addition to his role as leading markets advisor and attorney, Salman was also appointed by Supreme Order from HRH Crown Prince Mohmmed bin Salman in 2023 to serve on new board of directors of King Saud University. He also serves as a Member Board of Trustees at the Red Sea Film Foundation. You can read Latham & Watkins LLP’s report on the new changes, authored by Salman, here: https://www.lw.com/admin/upload/SiteAttachments/Saudi-Exchange-Publishes-Guidelines-for-Offering-and-Listing-of-Foreign-Companies.pdf Get The TWENTY30 Podcast in your inbox so you don't miss anything on our coverage of Saudi Arabia's transformation. Sign up free here: thetwenty30.beehiiv.com Follow The TWENTY30 on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-twenty30/   Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

Eid Mubarak! In Episode 14, the hosts welcome Ghada Almuhanna back onto The TWENTY30 for her monthly segment to share insights into the diverse and culturally rich photographs taken during Hajj by pilgrims and the significance of these images. They highlight stories of personal experiences, historical visuals, and viral content that captures the essence of this spiritual journey. The conversation spans from the logistics and preparation for Hajj to the historical attempts of Europeans to document Mecca, showcasing Hajj as a unique and profound event uniting Muslims globally. Before the conversation with Ghada, the hosts discuss the latest in Saudi sports investments, with news that the Kingdom is eying the creation of a new boxing league that would disrupt the sport. The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of the latest news on Saudi Arabia.

Abdulrahman Sandokji, a Riyadh-based leading documentary filmmaker joins hosts Hanaa and Lucien in Episode 13 of The TWENTY30 for an exclusive discussion about the status of film and cinema in Saudi Arabia and discusses his journey from having his first camera at age 15 to becoming a notable figure in the industry, directing and producing numerous projects featured on major broadcast channels and festivals, including the 10th Saudi Film Festival.  Sandokji recently finished a documentary called “Underground” about Saudi Arabia’s growing music scene and reacts to the experience of filming the documentary, which follows artists around the Kingdom. He also discuses the impact YouTube had on his career, the significant role of the Ministry of Culture in supporting Saudi filmmakers, and his successful investigative documentaries like 'Phosphine.' He also shares his insights on the growing interest and importance of documentaries in Saudi Arabia, along with advice for aspiring filmmakers. His upcoming projects focus on exploratory TV series about ancient Saudi civilizations. Before the conversation with Abdulrahman, the hosts discuss Hanaa’s deepdive, which is a discussion of fashion in Saudi Arabia in the context of what visitors should wear, what to expect and how to be respectful after a discussion of this topic a few weeks ago on the Kingdom’s Red Sea Fashion Week prompted a desire to spend more time on this subject. Hanaa highlights how the laws have changed over time and places this story of transformation within modesty laws and the fading role of the Haia. The episode finishes up, as always, with some interesting recent news topics, including:  -The Red Sea Film Foundation's storytelling training for aspiring filmmakers and a showcase of international documentaries -Preparations for Hajj, with 2.1 million pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia and extensive logistical planning to ensure their safety.  -Saudia’s negotiations with Boeing for wide-body jets,  -A successful separation surgery of conjoined twins by a Saudi medical team -The rebranding and new identity of Al Qadisiyah Football Club.    For Episode 13’s “Arabic Word of the Show” summary, the hosts also explore the cultural practice of entering a room where people are eating without interrupting their meal.   Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.

Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, Knight Frank Middle East joins The TWENTY30 Podcast hosts Lucien and Hanaa for a discussion on a wide range of topics on Saudi Arabia's booming real estate sector, giga projects, construction, and other developments. Knight Frank is one of the world's leading real estate consultancies, and the reports that it produces especially on the markets in the Middle East is second-to-none. Its latest, "Destination Saudi," is over 140 pages of facts and data released by Knight Frank -- part of which stems from a survey done by the organization on consumer habits and interests in real estate in Saudi Arabia.  Before the conversation with Faisal, the hosts discuss Hanaa's DeepDive, which is the status of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives in Saudi Arabia and how the Kingdom is evolving with ESG at the forefront of public and private sector management.   The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of the news, including Hajj Preparations, a slow down in investment deals, drug smuggling, a new Saudi semiconductor hub, and the latest with OPEC+. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/   You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.   The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.    ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.   

Saudi Arabia's leading contemporary artist Manal Aldowayan joins The TWENTY30 for an exclusive conversation and interview to discuss the Venice Biennale, her journey from computer science major to leading artist, and the development of art in Saudi Arabia. Aldowayan is representing Saudi Arabia at the 2024 Venice Biennale with a multimedia installation entitled Shifting Sands: A Battle Song, showing from April to November. Manal AlDowayan is one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant contemporary artists working internationally. Her work, which spans various mediums including photography, sound, sculpture, and participatory practice, interrogates traditions, collective memories, and the status and representation of women. AlDowayan’s work has been exhibited regionally and internationally in the most prestigious art institutions such as  the Guggenheim and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, The British Museum, and many others. Born in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1973, AlDowayan currently lives and works between London and Dhahran. Before the conversation, co-hosts Hanaa and Lucien discuss Aramco's recent announcement of a share sale and some look into how a shift in dividends may attract more foreign investors.  The host wrap up the show as always with a discussion of some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia.  Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/ You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com. The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.  ©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. *** About The TWENTY30 Podcast New futuristic cities built from scratch. Giga-projects. Major sports investments. Trillions in spending. An economy and society changing so quickly even locals sometimes can’t believe their eyes. Saudi Arabia is on a mission to change itself from a conservative society with an oil-dominated economy to a modern and open society with a diversified economy - and to become a global tourism destination. Such a transformation has never before been attempted, and the stakes for the Middle East - and the world - are high. The TWENTY30 is a new media network and podcast that explores the seemingly endless dimensions of the social and economic transformations in Saudi Arabia, which few living outside the Kingdom can truly grasp. From the creator and co-host of The 966 Podcast comes a new platform that tackles the news, issues, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as it continues forward in a full-throttle effort to remake itself while the world watches. Featuring exclusive interviews, frank conversations, and in-depth topic exploration, The TWENTY30 is the first bi-weekly English program of its kind dedicated to uncovering and highlighting the road ahead for Saudi Arabia and the region and why it matters.

This week, the hosts welcome onto the TWENTY30 Mr. Ramzi Abukhadra, Chairman of the Board of UBS Saudi Arabia and longtime banker in the Kingdom to give an overview and some analysis on the banking sector in Saudi Arabia. How far has the banking sector in Saudi Arabia progressed? How can local banks compete with a flood of international heavyweights? And where is Riyadh’s real estate market going as major government-backed projects begin to enter the market?   Lucien and Hanaa take the opportunity to ask these questions and more in the program’s “MainStage” segment, which the hosts are excited roll out now to our growing audience with some consistency going forward.   Ramzi’s brilliance is on full display in the conversation with Lucien and Hanaa, which takes advantage of Ramzi’s seasoned and experienced outlook with the market in Saudi Arabia.   Before the interview, the hosts discussion Hanaa’s “DeepDive,” which is a conversation about Zadk, the culinary organization in Saudi Arabia that is doing amazing work in the space and helping to serve as an incubator for the future culinary talent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   After the interview with Ramzi, the hosts discuss some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia.   SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30   Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free: https://twenty30.beehiiv.com/