The TWENTY30

Is the nearly $500m for Ronaldo to return worth it?

Happy 4th of July! In Episode 57, the hosts catch up after a break and discuss some feedback, including one listener/viewer who asks the hosts to share something that listeners might not know about themselves. Then Lucien leads a Deep Dive into the return of Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. He's back! While the price tag is massive, it is very likely worth every penny for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing an extraordinary phase of growth, with undertakings that reinforce its global presence and soft power. The landmark decision for Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his career at Al Nasser - with a staggering price tag - is not merely about football; it's a strategic investment in soft power, one that so far has paid off in measurable and immeasurable ways for the Kingdom. Ronaldo, a global icon with unparalleled influence, enhances the Saudi Pro League's reputation and draws international attention to the kingdom's transformation. He’s also added a real-world dollar value boost to the Kingdom’s diversification goals - one that Lucien attempts to calculate in the Deep Dive. 
Ronaldo’s original move to Saudi Arabia catalyzed an influx of other renowned players like Benzema, Neymar, and many more into the Saudi Pro League, significantly boosting its global profile. Broadcast reach has expanded dramatically, and sponsorship inflows have surged, underscoring football's capacity to act as a uniting force.
Beyond economic impacts, Ronaldo serves as an aspirational figure for Saudi Arabia’s youth. The kingdom can leverage his global visibility to promote fitness, discipline, and healthy living—cornerstones of a vibrant society envisioned in Vision 2030.
The hosts then get to the news including:
•Selfridges, now a PIF company, launches insider member’s only club
•Michelin Stars are coming to the Kingdom
•99 future culinary leaders graduate from the ZADK Culinary Arts Academy
•Expo 2030: A New Horizon in Riyadh, with PIF now on board
📈 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. 

Esports World Cup's Faisal Bin Homran takes us inside Saudi Arabia's esports ambitions

Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, is at the forefront of a growing esports movement in Saudi Arabia and globally. In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major player, actively positioning itself as a global hub for esports. This ambition is making waves worldwide, driven by a strategy backed by none other than His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince - an avid gamer himself. 
Faisal joins hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler on the TWENTY30 for an exclusive conversation about his work overseeing what is now the world's largest esports tournament held annually in Riyadh: the Esports World Cup, which runs from July to August in 2025. With a prize pool of $70m and millions globally expected to tune in or visit to watch live, the Kingdom is betting big on the new sector. 
In the conversation with the TWENTY30, Faisal dives into the intricate ecosystem of organizations driving Saudi Arabia's esports goals. The Esports World Cup Foundation manages the global tournament and brand, while the Saudi Esports Federation handles local tournaments and talent development. Investment and infrastructure are supported by entities like the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its subsidiaries focused on game development and esports operations. Together, they form a cohesive unit, aligning efforts to establish Saudi Arabia as a center for gaming and esports. integrating consumers and investors into this exciting ecosystem. By hosting diverse events, including the growing Esports World Cup, they aim to convert casual audiences into dedicated esports fans. These efforts are supported by a thriving network of local and international partners, ensuring that every event is a holistic celebration of gaming culture.
The hosts also ask Faisal about the real-world logistics of hosting the Esports World Cup. Organizing an event of this magnitude is no small feat. Faisal emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and execution, beginning a year in advance. With numerous tournaments, stages, and arenas to manage, the challenge is substantial.
After the interview with Faisal bin Homran, hosts Lucien and Hanaa catch up on some of the latest news, including some interesting stories from the recent Haj, Saudi big cats in DC, an expectation-breaking performance from the Saudi economy to start 2025, 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. 

Saudi MMA chief Rasha Alkhamis talks growth of combat sports and vision for ecosystem

President and Chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation join co-hosts Hanaa and Lucien for an exclusive interview, shedding light on her journey from being the first Saudi woman certified as a boxing coach to holding prominent positions in international sports organizations and her new role as head of the Saudi MMA Federation. Rasha talks with The TWENTY30 about the significant investments and strategies driving the growth in the sport, with ambitious plans under Vision 2030. The 4-time Guinness Book of World Records-holder was also recently named one of ADWEEK’s Most Powerful Women in Sports 2025.
Before the conversation, the hosts catch up on feedback on Episode 54, with viewers and listeners chiming in on US-Saudi relations. After the conversation with Rasha, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news, including "reports" that alcohol is coming to the Kingdom.
📈 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. 

A 'Rebirth" of the U.S.-Saudi relationship? U.S.-Saudi Business Council CEO Charles Hallab discusses new era after Trump vist

Charles Hallab, President and CEO of the US-Saudi Business Council, joins The TWENTY30 co-hosts Lucien Zeigler and Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed to react to the impact and importance of U.S. President Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia. Hallab, who recently became President and CEO of the longstanding organization after a lifelong career (and portion of his childhood!) in Saudi Arabia and in U.S.-Saudi business relations, characterizes the recent visit as more than a reset in relations, emphasizing the excitement and energy among young Saudis and the opportunities for US companies. The co-hosts speak with Charles about the durability of the new paradigm, how the real work is ready to be done in strengthening the relationship, and the ongoing challenges with updating perceptions about the Kingdom and the need for better storytelling to convey the progress being made under Vision 2030. Charles, a lawyer by trade, also discusses the impact of the legal reforms that have made doing business in Saudi Arabia more accessible. 
 
Before the interview with Charles Hallab, the co-hosts catch up on recent travel to Saudi Arabia, where both hosts were over the past two weeks. Then the hosts get to the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including Franklin Templeton is ramping up its presence in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia launches TOURISE to reshape global tourism, Saudi Arabia accelerates auto industry localization, and the iconic American rock band Guns and Roses performs 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. 

What does the surge in Saudi patent filings mean for the Kingdom?

In Episode #53, Lucien, on his last day in the U.S. before returning to Saudi Arabia on Friday and Dr. Hanaa, joining from Muscat, Oman, catch up with each other, with Dr. Hanaa giving her impressions from her inaugural trip to Oman and Lucien boasting about the weather in the U.S. right now. Then, the hosts get to a DEEPDIVE led by Lucien. The innovation landscape in Saudi Arabia just got a big boost on the back of news highlighting a significant increase in patent filings in Saudi Arabia, which has significant long-term economic implications and serves as a promising data point on the development and diversification of the Saudi economy. 
After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts get to some of the latest news and storylines on Saudi Arabia, including the diplomatic implications of naming the 'Arabian Gulf', recent government reshuffles in Saudi Arabia, the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative aimed at environmental sustainability, and the launch of luxury hospitality projects by the Boutique Group.
📈 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. 
 

How is Vision 2030 doing?

Hanaa and Lucien catch up and read some feedback on recent episodes to kick off Episode 52, in a rare moment in which both are recording the episode from their homes in the UK and US, respectively. Then, Lucien leads a DEEPDIVE into the Vision 2030 report for 2024, released this week. Over the past year, several Vision 2030 targets have been reached ahead of schedule. Others have been exceeded entirely. Progress includes achievements in tourism, employment, and PIF's gains, but the report also addresses areas needing improvement like FDI. Lucien makes the point that, data and findings aside, the report itself is valuable - it's a genuine effort to prioritize accountability and transparency by Saudi authorities to ensure that progress continues forward. 
 
The hosts conclude as always with a round up of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including a rave review of the 1001 Festival by MDLBEAST, Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed to Pay Off Syria’s debt to the World Bank, a fresh US-Saudi push to cooperate on developing a nuclear program in the kingdom, and (another) large US private equity plans to set up shop in Saudi Arabia this year.
📈 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. 

Much ado about the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia?

In Episode 51, Dr. Hanaa, fresh off of her recent trip to Japan with her family, discusses her visit there and the hosts share observations of that amazing country. Lucien recaps his recent experience and outcomes from Riyadh's Human Capability Initiative 2025. After the hosts catch up, Dr. Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE on the Eastern Province and a recent podcast interview in Arabic in which the topic of growth and investment into the "EP" (as Lucien calls it) is addressed. There are misconceptions about the Eastern Provinces' progress and development, especially in relation to other areas of the Kingdom. 
The hosts conclude as always with NEWS from the Kingdom, including reacting to Riyadh Air's Boeing 787 cabin designs, F1, Saudi Arabia's growing tourism workforce, The 11th Saudi Film Festival, 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. 
 
©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

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:
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. 

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:
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. 

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.