The TWENTY30

EPISODE #50! Saudi Arabia's soaring position on the Global Youth Index + Hanaa's 'Dragon Era'

In this episode, hosts Lucien and Hanaa take a moment at the start to celebrate the 50th episode milestone of the TWENTY30 Podcast. Now with 45,000+ subscribers, the hosts reflect a little on the journey so far while noting it is just the beginning. Dr. Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE, with a discussion on the findings in the recently released the Global Youth Index 2024, which assesses youth development across 40 countries. They delve into Saudi Arabia's performance in youth development, highlighting improvements in education and entrepreneurship.
The hosts would like to thank all of our subscribers, viewers, and listeners for your support over 50 episodes and helping us grow! 🙏 
📈 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:
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Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206
 
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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. 

What Saudi Arabia's new urban architectural guidelines means for residents, visitors

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:
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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. 

CEO of NIDLP Suliman Almazroua talks Vision 2030 Progress, Saudi Arabia's Industrial Development

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. 

The success of Mawhiba and Saudi Arabia's advances in education

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. 

The rise of Saudi Arabia's tech ecosystem with seasoned Saudi investor Hussein Attar

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. 

How Saudi Arabia's nonprofit sector boomed - plus MDLBeast's expansion, PWC drama and more

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. 

Saudi stars of Netflix hit 'Camel Quest' Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir talk camel breeding, racing, and life on screen

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. 
 

Why the STC bank news is a significant milestone for banking and fintech in Saudi...plus, Hans Zimmer!

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.

How Saudi women's football defies gravity - and stereotypes about the Kingdom

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. 

Let's talk about the Riyadh Metro...

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.