MUST-READS

• Meet the ​Music ​Entertainment Company Making Saudi Arabia the World’s Most Pioneering New Live Music Destination

  Born out of a burning desire to foster a homegrown music and live events scene, and in turn, nurturing ventures like MDLBEAST Records and world-class events such as the Soundstorm music festival and XP Music Futures conference, MDLBEAST is transforming Saudi Arabia into the elite music destination of the future. Now, the group has turned its attention to the Kingdom’s venues and infrastructure, embarking on a history-making project shaping the country’s live music scene with a slew of new venues and creative spaces for collaboration.

• New research shows life in ancient Saudi Arabia was complex and thriving
  A team of researchers led by Jane McMahon from the Discipline of Archaeology find new evidence that shifts the perception of how people lived in north-western Saudi Arabia during the Neolithic period. To date, little has been known about people living in north-western Saudi Arabia during the Neolithic – the period traditionally defined by the shift to humans controlling food production and settling into communities with agriculture and domesticated animals.

• Inside Saudi Arabia’s royal palaces being transformed into luxury tourism hotspots

  PIF-owned hospitality company, the Boutique Group, is working to develop significant cultural and historical palaces across Saudi Arabia, to transform them into ultra-luxury boutique hotels. Royal palaces across Saudi Arabia – including the former residence of King Saud bin Abdulaziz and ones that have hosted international figures like former US President Richard Nixon and the late Princess Diana – are undergoing a renovation and restoration project to preserve the historical sites and transform them into luxury tourism destinations.

• Aramco Digital, World Wide Technology ink partnership to transform Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure

  “Last year we announced our ambitious plans to expand into the Middle East region with the goal of establishing a US-centric technology innovation hub. Today’s partnership with Aramco Digital marks a significant chapter in our mission to provide cutting-edge technology solutions in the region,” said Omar Mir, International Board Member at World Wide Technology.

• How Swizz Beatz Climbed to the Top of Saudi Arabia’s Camel Racing Scene

  He now travels to Saudi Arabia so often that he considers it a second home. He is a co-founder of a roller-skating rink in the desert retreat of AlUla, where the camel race was held, and keeps an apartment in the capital, Riyadh; a few years ago, he was granted Saudi citizenship.

• Saudi Arabia Tops Edelman’s Trust Index for National Leadership

  Saudi Arabia has topped the global trust rankings in Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer. The report from the global consulting and PR firm shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals. The 24th edition of the report also finds that 78% of respondents trust the Saudi business sector, and over 80% have strong confidence in the nation's leaders and scientists to manage innovation.

• Who were granted Saudi citizenship?

  A Royal Decree was issued to grant Saudi citizenship to a number of scientists, physicians, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished talents with unique expertise and specializations.

• A new esports tournament in Saudi Arabia promises to be a game-changer – but it’s also caused division in the industry

  The Esports World Cup (EWC) – which began on July 3 – has brought together professional gamers, publishers and fans from across the world for an eight-week competitive gaming bonanza. Its record-breaking prize pool of more than $60 million has raised eyebrows and Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation which is organizing the event, told CNN Sport that the spectacle will help unite the industry.

• Saudi King, Crown Prince congratulate new Iran president on election win

  Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the new president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on his election victory. “On the occasion of your victory in the presidential elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we are pleased to send you our sincere congratulations and best wishes for success, looking forward to continuing to develop relations between our two brotherly countries and peoples, and continuing coordination and consultation in order to enhance regional and international peace and security.”

• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Expands Access to Literature

  From April 29 to May 5, thousands of people filled the vast halls of Abu Dhabi’s largest conference center to attend the 33rd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. While the event itself was founded in 1981, the scale and impact of the fair have grown tremendously. In 2020, for example, the fair took place over two days at a small cultural center on Saadiyat Island, an artificial island home to the United Arab Emirates’ Cultural District. Three years later, the fair had grown into a weeklong vibrant and expansive festival, providing a platform for more than 1,350 exhibitors from 90 countries – almost 150 more than the 2023 fair and including 12 additional countries. More than 230,000 visitors enjoyed free access to a wide variety of talks, book signings, and exhibitions. At the fair’s conclusion, more than 160,000 books were sold.

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