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.

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