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In Episode 49, co-hosts Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler catch up after a short break over the Eid holidays before jumping into a DEEPDIVE on Saudi Arabia's new architectural guidelines, released by HRH the Crown Prince (along with a map!). Saudi Arabia is identifying and solidifying its heritage through new urban development guidelines that incorporate the kingdom’s indigenous design traditions. The initiative will serve as a guideline for developers, Saudi real estate businesses, and urban planning projects, ensuring that new developments complement their surroundings while integrating traditional architectural elements into modern designs.
The hosts discuss - and applaud - this move, as fans of architecture and especially with all of the unique looks that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
The hosts then get to the latest news, and discuss Telsa's market entry into Saudi Arabia, President Trump's Iftar dinner with HRH Princess Reema before the conclusion of Ramadan, and more.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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In a landmark episode of The Twenty30 Podcast, co-hosts Lucien Zeigler and Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed sat down in person for an exclusive interview with Suliman Almazroua, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of the 13 powerful ‘Vision Realization Programs’ identified as “the driving force behind Vision 2030.” A former Aramco executive with decades of experience at the intersection of technology and operations, Almazroua was tapped to lead NIDLP during a critical moment for Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation. Under his leadership, NIDLP has made remarkable progress — with over half of its Vision 2030 targets already completed five years ahead of schedule.
The interview covers a wide spectrum — from Vision 2030 and sectoral innovation to workforce development and Saudi Arabia’s push toward private-sector competitiveness. Where once industries leaned heavily on government support, today, companies are being challenged to rise above, develop competitive strategies, and deliver real market value. NIDLP is helping drive this evolution, particularly in sectors like logistics, where Saudi Arabia is actively disrupting traditional global models and introducing new efficiencies. The hosts also ask Suliman about the development of some of key sectors under NIDLP’s administration, including mining, industrial development, logistics, Saudi supply chains, and AI - and how he views Saudi talent and capabilities as a critical component of both his current and future success with NIDLP.
The interview is the first in an expansion of The TWENTY30 podcast to feature in-person, revealing conversations with the leaders and changemakers driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation forward.
To watch the in-person interview, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBLUbK8sF8Y
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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The Saudi-funded education organization 'Mawhiba' and its initiatives have a significant impact on young Saudi talent. The organization empowers young Saudis through STEM education and science competitions, including The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025. Bright young Saudis will visit Columbus, Ohio to compete - and win - international recognition on May 10-16. ISEF is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Mawhiba's success is part of a broader effort to advance Saudi education as part of Vision 2030 - one that's paying off. The hosts discuss the transformative changes in Saudi Arabia's education system, the rise of universities, and the empowerment of youth as future leaders.
After the DEEPDIVE on 'Mawhiba Capital', the hosts discuss the latest news, including:
•Discussing fresh data on the tourism space in Saudi Arabia from the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS)
•Reacting to the recent PIF/SCOPELY acquisition of the gaming division of Niantic, the company behind the popular mobile game Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion
•Highlighting a move by Saudi leadership, which approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries over Ramadan.
•Talking about the latest statement from Saudi authorities condemning the resumption of Israeli aggression on Gaza
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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How far has Saudi come in the development of its entrepreneurship and tech ecosystem? Hussein Atar, a leading venture capitalist and tech influencer who has been on the ground floor of the movement in Saudi Arabia, discusses the significant progress and road ahead for Saudi Arabia's goals of becoming a global technology powerhouse. He shares his journey from being a tech startup founder to leading a venture capital fund, highlighting key milestones and government initiatives that have fostered entrepreneurship in the region. Hussein also talks about recent investments, the role of failure in the ecosystem, and the future outlook for tech startups in Saudi Arabia. The conversation provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the burgeoning tech landscape of the Kingdom - both for entrepreneurs and investors.
Before the conversation and interview with Hussein, the hosts catch up and discuss some recent feedback on the show, before the conversation drifts off into an interesting non-sequitur regarding tattoos.
After the conversation, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia.
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 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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Well well well look who's back! In episode 45 of The TWENTY30, the hosts catch up at the start to talk about the start of Ramadan, leading to a discussion about how the month typically changes lives, working hours, and of course, dining habits for Saudis. After the hosts catch up from a short break, Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE into Saudi Arabia's booming nonprofit sector, which is ahead of Vision 2030 targets and increasingly contributing to Saudi Arabia's GDP. A new report, "Prospects for the Non-Profit Sector 2025," prepared by the King Khalid Foundation, highlights that the sector has exceeded SR100 billion in economic contribution for the first time, a major milestone. The non-profit sector now contributes equivalent to 3.3 percent of Saudi GDP. After the DEEPDIVE, the host catch up on some of the latest news, including a row between PIF and PWC, AI in Saudi Arabia, Aramco's dividend, an expansion for the popular MDLBeast events company, and more.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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Meet Omar AlMaeena and Safwan Modir, founders of RedSea Camel Company and stars of the hit Netflix series 'Camel Quest.' Tired of their jobs and longing for something new, Omar and Safwan took a big leap in 2021, leaving their previous work in finance, entertainment and hospitality and founded a camel breeding farm in the largely-bucolic Qassim region of Saudi Arabia - not an easy leap for two guys from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's second largest city.
When they launched Redsea Camel Company, they became the first camel owners to incorporate a company and treat Camel breeding as a business, with packages and camel care for customers and digitizing the whole process. Omar and Safwan are also into camel racing, and created the first Saudi Camel racing team.
They knew their journey was going to be interesting - why not film it? So they did. And the two launched a film company and filmed their journey in forming their camel breeding and camel racing businesses, which got picked up by NETFLIX and within 48 hours, their show "Camel Quest" made it to Netflix's top 10 ranking in the region.
Omar and Safwan talk with The TWENTY30 about the businesses they're running and share anecdotes from their journey as entrepreneurs in this new and growing field in Saudi Arabia. They also use the podcast to make a special announcement about what's next!
Before the conversation, co-hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler catch up and debate a phrase in English that differs depending on which coast of the United States you're from. They also read some interesting feedback on previous shows and tease some upcoming LIVE interviews in Riyadh this month.
After the interview, the hosts jump into some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including new measures to fight corruption, a decision on school uniforms in Saudi Arabia, a big car zone at KAEC, and an interesting drama that played out over X on boxing in Saudi Arabia.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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In Episode 43 of the TWENTY30 Podcast, co-hosts Lucien and Hanaa discuss a major milestone in the Saudi banking sector with the launch of the Kingdom's first all-digital bank, STC Bank. In Lucien's DEEPDIVE, he shares the journey of the bank from a small and unknown entity to acquisition by STC to approval by the Saudi Central Bank (aka SAMA) roughly 8 years later, and why it is a watershed moment for the banking sector and fintech in Saudi Arabia. The approval by SAMA opens the doors to more operators in this space - but it was done with caution, putting consumer protection above speed - a contrast with the rapid digitization of other sectors and services in Saudi Arabia.
Before the DEEPDIVE, the hosts catch up with Lucien boasting at Riyadh's beautiful weather this time of year in comparison to Hanaa's London, before teasing some upcoming live and in-person interviews the TWENTY30 will be conducting in just a few weeks from Riyadh.
After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news, including Saudi Arabia's IPO boom and why that's not translating to wider market performance, INTERPOL's Riyadh HQ, art in Jeddah, and last but certainly not least, Hans Zimmer and the reported plans for a Hans Zimmer treatment of the Saudi National Anthem.
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 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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In Episode 42, Hanaa Almoaibed leads a deepdive examining the evolution and milestones of women's football in Saudi Arabia and the rapid establishment and scale of the sport in just a few years. Recently, NEOM released a report entitled 'Pioneering Change: Women's Football in Saudi Arabia,' highlighting just how far things have come for the popular sport in the Kingdom for women, and the incredible ecosystem and societal benefits it has had so far. Multiple factors are propelling this success, including government investment, grassroots initiatives, high-profile coaching, and strategic partnerships. Roles of female coaches as role models and comprehensive marketing efforts to build a fan base and increase visibility are paying off - and defying both expectations in the Kingdom, and stereotypes outside of it.
Before the DEEPDIVE, Lucien and Hanaa catch up on the latest things happening for Lucien in Saudi Arabia, including his resolution of a mobility issue and a recent Uber accident.
After the DEEPDIVE, the co-hosts run through some interesting news happening from Saudi Arabia this week, including an exciting start to 2025 for Saudi Arabia's tech scene, Saudi Arabia at DAVOS, U.S.-Saudi relations in the Trump era, and much more.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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In Episode 41, regular guest contributor, influencer, and Saudi cultural consultant Ghada AlMuhanna joins hosts Lucien and Hanaa to talk about Riyadh's new metro system, now fully launched and operational in the Kingdom's capital. The hosts and Ghada talk about their perceptions and impressions riding the metro for the first time - what's great, what's unique, and how the metro is impacting culture and life in the city. The Riyadh metro is more than just a transportation system - it's a major cultural shift for a city where just a few years ago, women couldn't drive and the mixing of genders in public was not allowed. It also represents a elevation in mobility for millions of people, including the Kingdom's massive youth population, who are now able to get around without a car.
Before the conversation with Ghada, hosts Lucien and Hanaa read a critical comment received from a subscriber and respond with their thoughts.
After the conversation, the hosts get to the latest news from Saudi Arabia, including:
•A groundbreaking mining joint venture (JV) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between two of Saudi Arabia's largest companies
•A downward revision for Saudi Arabia's economic forecast in 2025
•The first Sotheby's art auction coming up in Diriyah
•A historic win for Saudi Arabia at the Dakar Rally 2025 by a Saudi billionaire
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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The TWENTY30 kicks off 2025 with Episode 40 (!) after a short break over the holiday season with Lucien now in Riyadh joining from King Saud University and Dr. Hanaa having completed several weeks in Saudi Arabia over the break. The hosts catch up on Lucien's move with family and discuss the weather and the exciting guests coming up on the show in the coming weeks. Lucien leads a DEEPDIVE on Saudi Arabia's new "livestock city" planned for the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia and the hosts discuss the strategic investment as important for the Kingdom's food sustainability and security needs. Then the hosts jump into the news, including a discussion of a wild waterspout caught on camera off the Kingdom's Red Sea coast, some surprising results for the Kingdom's FDI drive, major reforms for the Kingdom's stock market and CMA, and a huge pay increase for Saudi Arabia's private sector employees.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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Happy Holidays to The TWENTY30’s growing community of listeners and viewers! In Episode 39, co-hosts Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler are joined by Dina Amin, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission to talk about how Saudi Arabia is developing homegrown artistic talent and the work she’s doing in building an art ecosystem from the ground-up. The Visual Arts Commission, as part of the Ministry of Culture, is tasked with ensuring Saudi Arabia develops into a vibrant creative community - and in appointing Dina in 2020 - are already full speed ahead. Dina spent over two decades in the space as part of Christie’s and other art houses around the world, and brought her energy and deep experiences from New York, London and Dubai to the role. With year-round events and activities now happening in Saudi Arabia, and a concerted effort to develop and foster local artists, Saudi Arabia is now emerging as a force on the global arts scene.
Before the conversation, Lucien and Hanaa catch up on the Holiday season, Lucien’s forthcoming annual move to Riyadh, and an interesting find Dr. Hanaa made recently in her home town of Al-Khobar, where she is spending the holiday season. Hanaa also gives us her review of Riyadh’s new metro, which she rode this week for the first time.
After the conversation with Dina, Lucien and Hanaa catch up on the latest news, including a British broadcaster’s planned walk across Saudi Arabia, a big dig project at Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a producer of batteries, and a discussion about the status of job creation in Saudi Arabia.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
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.
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Saudi Arabia has soared up in UN rankings on digital government and e-government, jumping 25 places in the latest UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024. Not only that, but Riyadh city is - amazingly - now ranked 3rd GLOBALLY among 193 cities worldwide. The high rankings are welcomed in Saudi Arabia, but for residents and regular visitors, it is not all that surprising. The Kingdom’s e-government services across a variety of platforms are impressive, efficient and reliable - and used with ease in everyday life in Saudi Arabia.
In EPISODE 28, Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE on the newest rankings and talks about the role of the Digital Government Authority (DGA) in driving these changes, the new 'Platform Code' initiative, and the comprehensive report on digital transformation strategies touching on governance, efficiency, and critical data management and security challenges.
Before the DEEPDIVE, the hosts catch up on holiday season preparations, discuss upcoming travel to the region and discuss Dubai as a place to visit with Children.
After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts get to some of the latest and most interesting news on Saudi Arabia, including, of course, the news that Saudi Arabia is finally confirmed as host for the 2034 FIFA WORLD CUP (!), a flurry of activity on sustainability in Saudi Arabia, Tim Cook’s visit to the Kingdom and the opening of the first Apple store, and the RED SEA FILM FESTIVAL with a notable face missing from the action on the red carpet.
📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. 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.
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Much of the talk inside and outside of Saudi Arabia is about the Kingdom’s giga-projects. Can they be done? Will their impact match or exceed the investment? Although 6 giga-projects are now actively being built in Saudi Arabia, none are the first. Jubail Industrial City is the original, and as the first successful giga-project, offers a blueprint for the successful completion and economic payoff of other giga-projects as the Kingdom transforms.
Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia is hosting the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities 2024. Representatives of UNESCO learning cities from around the world are descending on Jubail to attend the event and discuss strategies for promoting climate action through lifelong learning.
The important conference comes as Jubail celebrates 50 years since its inception - from a greenfield desert and remains of an old fishing village to the world’s largest industrial city, accounting for an astonishing 7% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP. Through one of the greatest collaborations in Saudi history between U.S.-based Bechtel, with a long track record of success in Saudi projects, and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the city of Jubail is a story of achievement for ambitious projects in Saudi Arabia.
Before the DEEPDIVE on Jubail, the hosts discuss Thanksgiving in Saudi Arabia and traditions during the American holiday week, and also discuss the successful opening of Riyadh’s metro project this week.
After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts get to some of the latest news topics driving the day in the Kingdom.
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The TWENTY30’s Saudi real estate guru, Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research at Knight Frank Middle East, is back! Faisal joins hosts Lucien and Hanaa to discuss some of the latest research and findings from Knight Frank, the leading consultancy on real estate in the Middle East region, and to give listeners an update on the booming real estate market in Saudi Arabia. There’s been a 38% surge in real estate transactions across all asset classes in the country, and the conversation covers the complex factors driving the housing market, including government initiatives under Vision 2030, the rise in home ownership rates, and the challenges faced due to an increasing number of young Saudis and expats moving to Riyadh. Faisal also provides an update on the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia as tourism booms, noting the rising hotel room rates and the demand for more diverse accommodations is driving the discussion on the ground. The conversation also delves into the complexities of meeting the housing demand in the face of rapid urbanization and changing cultural expectations among Riyadh's residents.
After the conversation with Faisal, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news in Saudi Arabia.
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Episode 35! Co-hosts Lucien and Hanaa kick off the episode discussing the recent addition to Lucien's family, and catch-up on Hanaa's recent travels to Saudi Arabia to speak at a CSR Forum in Riyadh, as well as visit her hometown and family in the Eastern Province.
Then, joining the hosts on the MAINSTAGE is Faris Al-Sulayman, co-founder at Haala Energy, a leading Saudi solar energy company that installs solar power projects for commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients. Faris joins The TWENTY30 for an exclusive conversation about the growth of Haala, the challenges and opportunities in solar power in the Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia’s broader green goals with the Saudi Green Initiative. They also discuss his journey as a first-mover in the solar space in Saudi Arabia, Haala's incubation at KAUST just north of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and how the business plans to grow as solar becomes a viable option for commercial and residential clients in the coming decade.
A graduate of Georgetown University with a Masters from the London School of Economics, Faris is active with Haala while pursuing a PhD from LSE in London.
After the discussion, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news in Saudi Arabia, and conclude with a unusual SHOUTOUT to cap Episode 35.
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It's FII week in Riyadh! 📈 That means the who's who of the finance, investment, and business world are descending upon the Saudi capital for Saudi Arabia's largest annual event - the 8th Future Investment Initiative held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC).
Co-hosts Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler talk about the event and discuss some elements of the program and speakers, as well as the surrounding events and vibe of the city as it hosts visitors from around the world.
Before the DEEPDIVE on FII, the hosts discuss a new NEWS format for The TWENTY30, which allows the hosts more space to discuss and engage on the topics that matter for Saudi Arabia. User and data feedback and input from 33 Episodes prompted the slight modification to the segment, which the hosts note is already significantly more enjoyable for hosts and listeners alike. The TWENTY30 team hopes you agree!
After discussing FII, in the new format for the NEWS segment, the hosts cover a range of interesting developments in Saudi Arabia, including:
•Sindalah Island is the first Neom project to open doors, and a handpicked selection of guests are getting the first glimpse of the place ahead of FII, according to Bloomberg.
•Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on the Chinese outbound tourism market as part of its strategy to transform the kingdom into a global tourism hub, according to SKIFT.
•Roberto Mancini walks away from Saudi Arabia as head coach of the national team after 14 pretty unsuccessful months as coach...
•Ground has officially been broken in Saudi Arabia for what is expected to be the “world’s largest building" - The New Mukaab, part of the new murraba project.
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Lama Khaiyat, CEO of Awtada, a boutique Saudi consultancy and public policy advisory firm, joins hosts Hanaa and Lucien to discuss the world of consulting in Saudi Arabia and the rapid growth of her firm.
The consultancy market in Saudi Arabia reached $3.2 billion in 2023. The market grew by 17.5% in 2022, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.5% through 2029. But recently, multiple outlets have reported of a "recalibration" of Vision 2030 projects that involves a reprioritization of spending, putting a pinch on some of the larger consultancies operating in the Kingdom. But the recalibration is an opportunity for boutique consultancies to step up, Khaiyat tells the TWENTY30.
Lama shares her journey from Oxford to the Big 4 and how she felt that her best path toward growth and success was through founding her own firm and providing a Saudi-first lens for clients.
After the conversation with Lama, the hosts get to some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, and conclude with SHOUTOUTS to the exceptional people driving the Kingdom's transformation.
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In Episode 32, co-hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler share thoughtful feedback from Episode 31 and the TWENTY30's exclusive conversation with entrepreneur Iyad Aldalooj, which elicited tons of comments and excitement from many in and outside of Saudi Arabia. Then the hosts get to a DEEPDIVE on Saudi women in the workforce, and how the labor market transformation in Saudi Arabia has significantly advanced opportunities for women to work and pursue careers in various fields and sectors throughout the Kingdom.
The hosts conclude with the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including:
•The Saudi stock market is struggling after a summer rally, with the Riyadh bourse enduring its worst fourth-quarter start in years as regional tensions soar.
•Will Smith is set to give a talk on the opening day of the sophomore edition of the Saudi Film Confex, taking place in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh between Oct. 9-12.
•Saudi Arabia is preparing to make a multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen and will launch a new company to produce the much hyped low-carbon fuel
•Saudi Arabia has consolidated its branding push with Atlético Madrid by paying for naming rights to the Spanish club’s stadium for the next nine years. Atlético, which has been sponsored by Saudi state-owned Riyadh Air since last season, said Wednesday that its Metropolitano stadium will be known as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano henceforth until 2033.
The hosts conclude as always with the SHOUTOUTS segment, and in this episode, combine their shoutout together to wish a very important person in Saudi Arabia well after surgery.
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Iyad Aldalooj started Penny Software after serving as an executive for Careem, the mobility startup which exited for $3 billion to Uber Technologies.
Penny is now one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing startups with SAR 1 billion in transactions in 2023 and customers worldwide. In an exclusive interview and conversation with hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler, Iyad shares his journey, which begins in the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia. After studying at the University of Nebraska in the United States, he fell in love with entrepreneurship. When he moved back to the Kingdom, he joined Careem, where he was an executive when the company exited. He then became one of the inaugural members of the Saudi Leadership Society and the Misk 2030 Leaders Program. Now, with the venture-backed Penny Software, he tells Lucien and Hanaa that despite his early success with Penny, he's committed building a solution for the long run while contributing to the prosperity of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its drive to create a technology ecosystem from the ground-up. The transformation happening in the Kingdom has changed the mindset of Saudi Arabia's tech-enabled youth, creating a vibrant landscape for disruptive technologies to thrive. Iyad shares his journey and experiences to-date, his stories of success and challenges with venture capital fundraising in Saudi Arabia, and much more with The TWENTY30 in this exclusive interview and conversation.
After the conversation with Iyad, Hanaa and Lucien catch up on some of the latest news from Saudi Arabia.
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YouTube:
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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.
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Episode 30! 🤩 Hosts Hanaa and Lucien kick off the show catching up on a busy week with tons of travel ahead. In this episode, Hanaa does a DEEPDIVE into Saudi Arabia as a luxury market and destination for fashion and luxury goods. A recently-released report titled 'New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia' by the TOGETHER group and the Future Laboratory group explores the evolving luxury market in Saudi Arabia, focusing on affluent consumers, the impact of women entrepreneurs, and the increasing significance of youth in shaping trends.
The report is loaded with interesting statistics: 88% of affluent KSA nationals also believe it is important that luxury brands contribute to the empowerment of women in the region; 91% of affluent Saudis mention that convenience is important to them when considering a luxury purchase, and so much more. The hosts discuss some of the key themes such as authenticity, innovation, technological integration, and the balance between global trends and local culture are discussed. It is a fascinating look at the spending habits of Saudi high-net-worth individuals, emphasizing the importance of personalized offerings and bespoke experiences.
It also delves into the rise of women's economic influence due to Vision 2030, highlighting their growing role in the workforce and entrepreneurial landscape. For the youth, the report underscores their digital savviness and preference for luxury experiences, indicating a dynamic shift in consumer culture. Concluding the episode, Dr. Hannah and Lucien emphasize the transformative power of the luxury sector in shaping Saudi Arabia’s future, echoing the report’s call to embrace authenticity and innovation while respecting heritage.
The hosts round out episode 30 with a discussion of some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including:
•Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Satellite Plans (and a hope that its work will lead to better in-flight internet…)
•Saudi Arabia's Nuclear Program Developments
•WeWork Founder Expands to Saudi Arabia
•Topgolf and Callaway's Expansion in Saudi Arabia and a changing golf landscape in the Kingdom.
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.
- Visa fler
