The TWENTY30
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. Hosted by Lucien Zeigler and Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed, The TWENTY30 is a new media network that will expand understanding of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region through real conversations, research, and insights on a variety of platforms.
Listen on:
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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.
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
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.
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
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.
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
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.
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
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.
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
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.
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
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.
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
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.
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
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.
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
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.