The TWENTY30

Generations of Saudis, defined

In Episode 26, the hosts begin by commenting off the cuff on an element of The TWENTY30's introduction track, and how an effect of Dr. Hanaa's voice made them think about a Rihanna song, which caused Hanaa to share some interesting things she learned in a recent singing instruction. Despite Lucien's pleas, Hanaa declined (!) to sing the Rihanna song she practiced in that class.
Hanaa then leads the show's DEEPDIVE segment with a discussion on generational identities in Saudi Arabia. A new report highlights Saudi Arabia's generations, and Hanaa notes how fascinating they are as they define the people of the Kingdom.
The hosts then get to the latest news on Saudi Arabia and conclude with the SHOUTOUT segment, highlight exceptional changemakers in Saudi Arabia. 
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Apple Podcasts:
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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. 

Saudi Minister: The Riyadh Metro will open this year

As The TWENTY30 reaches an exciting milestone of 10,000 subscribers (!) and 25 episodes, the hosts begin by reflecting briefly on the journey so far, and why they feel grateful and appreciative of all the listeners and viewers who have supported the show with subscriptions, follows, shares, and feedback (it’s not too late to do so, by the way! Click on the subscribe link wherever you’re listening or viewing today’s episode).
Last episode (#24) with special guest and former SIDF CEO Ibrahim Almojel, generated a large volume of positive feedback on the conversation. Hanaa and Lucien begin the show with a few minutes sharing a small portion of that feedback from that show with listeners and viewers. 
Then, the hosts do a DEEPDIVE on the announcement that the Riyadh Metro will launch this year. Lucien highlighted the Riyadh Metro project and its near-launch to address a common point of negative criticism he often hears about it — and that is how long it took to complete. Lucien makes the point that major transportation infrastructure projects around the world are more often delayed (and overbudget) than not, and in the United States especially, is par for the course. Hanaa notes that it is part of a wider theme in Saudi Arabia — the incredible transformation of human mobility in just the past few years.
The hosts conclude with news, including the discussion of a new VC fund, a wonderful-smelling IPO, an interesting cloud computing move at KACST, and a silly (but funny) college football scandal that included a little bit on Saudi Arabia.

Ibrahim Almojel, former CEO of the SIDF and leading investor, shares insights on Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation, NIDLP, and investment opportunities

Dr. Ibrahim Almojel joins The TWENTY30 hosts Hanaa and Lucien for an exclusive conversation in Episode 24. Almojel, who sits on the board of nearly a dozen of the most active government and private investment funds in Saudi Arabia, also lead Saudi Arabia’s most powerful industrial investment body for 5 pivotal years after Vision 2030 launched. During that time, Almojel not only transformed the fund into an investment powerhouse and ecosystem developer, he was also tasked with implementing the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of the most consequential transformation programs in the Vision.
 
The TWENTY30 hosts ask Almojel about all of the above. In the conversation, Almojel shares real stories of changes in governance, how the SIDF moved quickly to implement the NIDLP, and how talent in Saudi Arabia is transforming the Kingdom from the inside-out.
 
The hosts also discuss his investment career, including his investments as founding partner of his currently active and diversified fund, Khwarizmi Holding, backs specialized investment companies in venture capital (Khwarizmi Ventures), private equity (Khwarizmi Partners), and real estate (Urbium Capital). They also discuss the VC, PE, and mining sectors and gain his insight on how those sectors are beginning to mature.
 
After the exclusive interview with Ibrahim Almojel, the hosts discuss some of the latest news stories on Saudi Arabia.
 
Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:
 
Spotify:
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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. 
 
©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 
 
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.

Saudi Arabia, the World Cup, and the development of homegrown talent

In Episode 23, hosts Hanaa and Lucien discuss a recent interview with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sport Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud and how the Kingdom is going all-in on football with its recent finalized bid for the World Cup 2034 and major investments into stadiums and the development of local talent -- not just on the pitch but in the administration of its up and coming Saudi Pro League. The hosts conclude as always with the latest news out of Saudi Arabia, a new Arabic word for the episode, and shoutouts to Saudi changemakers playing a key role in the Kingdom's transformation. 

Princess Fahda Bandar Al-Saud talks tourism, transformation, and ‘The Traveling Panther’

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set to be the fastest growing in the Middle East over the next decade, with an average annual growth of 11%. Joining hosts Hanaa and Lucien this week on the MAINSTAGE segment of The TWENTY30 Podcast is HH Princess Fahda Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi tourism entrepreneur who transformed a popular instagram hobby into a thriving tourism services and consultancy business called ‘The Traveling Panther’ that is now a leader in the space and works closely with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism.
In this exclusive conversation with The TWENTY30 Podcast, Princess Fahda discusses the status of the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, which recently soared past a goal of 100 million tourists by 2030 *6 years ahead of schedule.* That achievement caused authorities, who are preparing for major global events in the coming decade, to revise upward its goals for 2030 and beyond. The rapid development of the sector is a key piece of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 social and economic transformation plans, and it is full speed ahead for the public and private sector to develop a thriving industry in Saudi Arabia.
Princess Fahda also emphasized the diverse beauty of the Kingdom across its 13 different regions, shared some of her personal experiences traveling across the Kingdom (and often off the beaten path), and why she believes visiting Saudi Arabia is a must to really understand the deep roots and historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s place in the world today and in the past.
After the discussion with HH Princess Fahda, the hosts get to some of the latest news on Saudi Arabia, including:
🎸A Saudi heavy metal rock band making history in Germany…
🤳Hands-free driving in Saudi Arabia…
📈SABIC’s eye-watering profits in the latest quarter…
👶 And, the birth of a new baby announced for the Crown Prince of Jordan and Princess Rajwa of Jordan are parents and his Saudi wife (Mabrook!). Welcome baby Iman!
 
Lucien and Hanaa conclude episode 22 with the ‘SHOUTOUTS’ segment, acknowledging the good people doing the real work to advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This week, Lucien gave a shoutout to one of his dearest and oldest friends, Dr. Abdulaziz Alanazi from King Saud University, winner of a prestigious international prize on water, and Dr. Hanaa gave her shoutout to Alaa Alsheikh, who recently gave a great interview on an Arabic podcast.
 
***
A note from the Hosts:
The TWENTY30 Podcast is on a slightly modified schedule between July 21-September 1.
****
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.
 
***
 
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 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC. 
 
©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

The new development that will change Riyadh’s housing market

Hosts Lucien and Hanaa, both located in the U.S. for the first time (though on opposite coasts), catch up on their recent travel and share some feedback from a listener. Before the DEEPDIVE segment, the hosts also share a new segment they're introducing this episode, a "SHOUTOUTS" portion to conclude the program, which shares stories of people who are doing interesting, good, or productive work - especially as it relates to the advancement of Vision 2030 and the transformation underway -- the very subject of this podcast.
 
In the DEEPDIVE, Lucien gives an overview of a new massive real estate development outside Riyadh. Dubbed "Banan City," this project spans 10 square kilometers and will feature over 20,000 smart homes. The community aims to blend modernity and tradition by offering essential services, educational institutions, and smart city technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. That leads to a discussion of housing market in Saudi Arabia, the Construction market in Saudi Arabia, and a lot more. 
 
In the news, the hosts once again talk football (soccer?), and IMG's new partnership with the Saudi Pro League, an update on the Saudi economy and oil, and more.
 
To conclude the show and others going forward, the hosts introduce the SHOUTOUTS segment - recognizing impactful individuals and their recent impressive accomplishments like Abdul-Rahman Al-Gabban of Bechtel Saudi Arabia and Samar Sultan of META. Al-Ghabban recently launched the first Saudi Arabia chapter for buildingSMART International, the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. 

How many new football stadiums are coming to Saudi Arabia?

In Episode #20 (!) of The TWENTY30 Podcast, hosts Hanaa and Lucien catch up on all the feedback they've gotten over the past week, which included a flood of positive comments on Fatima Batook's episode (#19). Then the hosts get to Lucien's DEEPDIVE segment, which is an overview and analysis of all of the stadiums that Saudi Arabia is building now as the Kingdom rolls up its sleeves and begins preparation for both The 2027 AFC Asian Cup (the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup) and, of course, the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The DEEPDIVE was prompted by the announcement of the Kingdom's newest planned stadium at New Murabba, which is inspired by the native acacia tree in Saudi Arabia and is truly a unique and amazing design for the capital city's new district, owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. 
Lucien makes the point that, these days, stadiums must offer much more than just a venue for sports, as that business model has proven to be weaker to more expensive stadium builds that offer revenue-generating opportunities for events when teams aren't playing.
The hosts then get to the news. In the News this week:
•The groundbreaking strategic cooperation between Riyadh Air and Delta Airlines, highlighting the potential benefits for travelers and the aviation sector.
•The U.S.-Saudi framework agreement for space collaboration
•Goldman Sachs' forecast on peak oil demand and its implications for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
•The burgeoning movie theater industry in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on IMAX's expansion and the evolving cinema culture
***
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://twenty30.beehiiv.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. 
 
***
 
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. All rights reserved. 

Trailblazer for Saudi women and fitness entrepreneur Fatima Batook on Saudi Arabia's sporting vision, female sports participation and more

In Episode 19, hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler talk with Fatima Batook, a trailblazer for Saudi women in sports and the founder of Teema, the first Saudi Arabian sports apparel brand. Fatima discusses her transformative journey in the world of fitness and sports. She shares her experiences and challenges establishing spinning and fitness studios across Saudi Arabia and the region, and observations from her roles serving on various boards in the Kingdom, including the Saudi Business Women's Executive Council, the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Al Qadisiyah Football Club.
Fatiwma delves into the changes she’s observed in the sports sector, driven by Vision 2030, and the significant role of women in this transformation. She also reflects on the challenges of creating opportunities for women to participate in sports and the support from the society.
The conversation also touches on the grassroots efforts to engage young Saudis in sports, the developments within the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the remarkable progress of Al Qadisiyah Football Club. Fatma emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to formalize the sports sector through new regulations and laws. 
Watch the conversation here with Fatima on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ovgD7WA-Riw?si=ssVwODAlb0uyxHNr&t=1 
After the conversation, Lucien and Hanaa talk about some of the latest news stories emerging from Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi reinsurance company's capital boost through a PIF subscription deal, the granting of Saudi citizenship to global talents to aid in Vision 2030, the re-establishment of the Saudi Canadian business council, and the Saudi Pro League's push to attract more international football talent. The hosts also touch on the economic revival in Saudi-Turkish relations and various initiatives aimed at bolstering trade and investment between the two nations. 
***
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.
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. 
©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved. 

A report card on Saudi Arabia's transformation

Saudi Arabia's transformation is full speed ahead. So how is it going so far? The latest IMF report on Saudi Arabia ("Saudi Arabia: Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission") is, in some ways, a report card on Saudi Arabia's reforms and the changes happening to the Kingdom's economy. Successes in non-oil growth, employment, inflation control, and financial sector stability top the performance report for the IMF. 
The IMF notes that Saudi Arabia’s "unprecedented economic transformation is progressing well. Prudent macroeconomic policies, transformative changes—including through fiscal reforms and in the regulatory business environment—and strong domestic demand have helped prop up non-oil growth. Inflation remains contained. Spending reprioritization and recalibration of major spending programs are ongoing. Efforts to diversify the economy have started to bear fruit."
Lucien and Hanaa discuss the report and some of the recommendations from the IMF. 
The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of some of the latest news headlines.

Abdulaziz Alnaim, Managing Director of Mayar Capital, talks value investing, reforms, and the rise of the Saudi market

Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming one of the more attractive up-and-coming markets for international investors. The TWENTY30 Podcast welcomes Abdulaziz Alnaim, Managing Director of London-based Mayar Capital and seasoned equities investor known for his "value investing" strategy, to discuss why his fund waited to enter the Saudi market as a investor - and why the market is evolving into one with strong opportunities now and recently. 
Abdulaziz shares his journey to become an experienced investor with a successful fund with Mayar Capital shaping future opportunities around the world and in the Kingdom. 
Before the MAINSTAGE conversation and interview with Abdulaziz Alnaim, the hosts catch up on Hanaa's recent business trip to Asia for the week. Hanaa was in Singapore and presented a paper on vocational education in Saudi Arabia at the Middle East Institute in Singapore. The hosts discuss a little bit about how the TWENTY30 Podcast is growing. 
After the conversation on the Mainstage with Abdulaziz, the hosts discuss recent news on Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Aramco's investment in a joint venture with Renault and Geely, Saudi Arabia hosting the first eSports World Cup, and the launch of Jeddah Season 2024.
The hosts also discuss KFUPM students winning a prestigious drone competition in Maryland, the Saudi embassy in London hosting a seminar on Saudi women's achievements, and Aqua Power signing significant solar energy project deals.
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://twenty30.beehiiv.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.
 
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 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC. 
 
©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.