“The genius of Saudi Arabia’s enterprise is that it’s power projection by consent. Investors and fans want what bin Salman is selling, governments have limited recourse and critics are left to grasp at standard, out-dated arguments.” Aaron Ettinger, More than money: The geopolitics behind Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy [The Conversation]
“The EU wants to strengthen its energy security by cementing ties with the GCC, following European states’ decision to cut dependence on Russian gas imports since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The states have also underlined the EU-Opec dialogue’s importance in stabilising energy markets, reducing volatility and “enhancing the security of energy supply”.” Energy security at centre of EU-GCC collaboration [Arabian Gulf Insight]
“And today, at just 27, Naim – better known as Noor Stars – is the biggest Arab female YouTube star on the planet, with 21.1 million subscribers to her channel. Add to that nearly 16 million on Instagram, 3.4 million on Facebook, 10.3 million on TikTok, and 3 million on Snapchat – combined with her podcasts – Naim has nearly 60 million followers across her multiple platforms.” How Noor Stars became the Arab world’s biggest YouTube star [Arabian Business]
“The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, decided to raise the Saudization rates for four healthcare jobs in the private sector. These include radiology (65%), medical laboratories (70%), clinical nutrition (80%), and physical therapy (80%). The first phase begins six months after the issuance of the decisions, starting on April 17, 2025.” Saudi Arabia to localize 4 healthcare jobs [Argaam]
“We received many ‘health warnings’ about the challenges of replicating a successful UAE business model and brand into Saudi Arabia. I recall one meeting where I was told “Saudi Arabia is the graveyard of UAE businesses”! All I can say to anyone reading this is, don’t listen to the naysayers… get yourself on the ground, invest in a Saudi based team, and don’t look back.” Loren Holland, CEO and Founder, GymNation, Saudi Arabia’s Fitness Movement: GymNation to Accelerate Expansion Following Opening of 20th Location [Fitt Insider]
“Hollywood has made films the same way for over 100 years, but digital technology has changed those rules. That is what is exciting about a country like Saudi Arabia, because it has the support and enthusiasm of the government but it is not beholden by the old systems. It’s going to be AI first, mobile first, all of that innovation is going to come from here.” David Unger, CEO of the US’ Artist International Group. Saudi Arabian film sector can lead on innovation, says agent David Unger [Screen Daily]
“The program has completed six phases, with 444 flights and over 1,400 flight hours, deploying 8,753 rain-seeding flares to generate 5 billion cubic millimeters of rainfall. Launched as an outcome of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, the program aims to increase rainfall, expand vegetation cover, and address climate challenges, desertification, and drought. Initial operations began in Riyadh, Hail and Qassim.” Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security [Arab News]
“Chronological age is simply the amount of time that has passed since a person was born, representing a straightforward count of years. In contrast, biological age reflects the condition of a person’s body and how well it is functioning relative to their chronological age. This considers various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health status.” HRH Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, vice president of research at Saudi Arabia’s Hevolution Foundation, Saudi Arabia, GCC embrace biological age testing in push for healthier aging [Al-Arabiya]
