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Lucien, who is dividing the summer weeks between Riyadh and the USA, and Hanaa, who is all over the world this summer and recording from another London heat wave, begin the episode with a catch up on a topical menu of excellence, which quickly turns into a realization about working weeks in two hemispheres and how the two-day weekend quietly disappears for those who work often travel between Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the U.S. - no doubt a problem for many who listen to the show.  After a lengthy catchup, Hanaa's discusses her recent hosting of the Middle East Sports Investment Forum at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. She landed on a single thesis with co-host Kamil Badawi of Aspire, and it is the thing outsiders keep missing about doing business in the region. The hosts discuss what sports investment actually is and what it can mean. Lucien's discusses his recent on-stage interview with Danny Townsend, CEO of Surj Sports and PIF's investment arm for sport and his view on how Saudi investors are thinking about sports and economic growth.  📈 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.

Lucien (recording from Riyadh, mid-apartment move) and Hanna (in London, riding out an unlikely heat wave) open Episode 70 (!) catching up with each other. Between Arsenal's recent win of the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, and the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl, it is the year of Championship Hanaa. She lives within earshot of the Emirates Stadium in Islington, her son knows every chant and every stat, and the neighborhood has been in full kit ever since. Hanna is also headed to Miami this summer for a World Cup match, though she'd have preferred the Egypt v. Iran fixture in Seattle — her kids are still in school. And the wins keep on coming: On June 3rd, she'll be co-hosting the 7th edition of the Middle East Sports Investment Forum in London. Before the main segment, the hosts share a piece of listener feedback that landed: a message on LinkedIn, from a listener who said The Twenty30 "was one of the most valuable sources of information they had when deciding whether to accept a job offer in Riyadh." That's the whole point of the show, and the hosts don't take it lightly.  Then, Lucien does a deep dive on Riyadh Air. Lucien frames it personally first: he's taken six flights in the last six weeks, lives an hour and a half from Dulles in D.C., and values a direct flight more than almost anything else in travel. Saudia currently holds the only nonstop service from Washington and New York into Riyadh, which should make it the obvious choice — except that Saudia's in-flight internet on long-haul routes is essentially non-functional. He's been routing through Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai instead, noting that all three of those hubs have been noticeably quiet during the conflict. Every time he boards, the thought is the same: where is Riyadh Air? The answer is: closer than it looks. Riyadh Air received its GACA operating approval in February 2025 and operated its first flight — an invite-only Riyadh to London Heathrow service using a wet-leased Oman Air 787-9 — in April 2025. The commercial launch has been held up not by Riyadh Air but by Boeing. Seven fully built Riyadh Air 787-9s are currently sitting at Boeing's Charleston, South Carolina factory awaiting certification, with an eighth still on the final assembly line. The first A321neo delivery is expected in Q4 2026, with the 787 Dreamliners to follow. In January 2026, Riyadh Air locked in Neo Space Group as its WiFi provider for the A321neo fleet — Skywaves connectivity, up to 300 Mbps, free for Sphere loyalty members — layered on top of an existing Viasat contract for the 787 fleet that was signed in April 2025. The internet situation, in other words, is going to be the opposite of Saudia's. Qatar Airways already has Starlink and Lucien describes it as faster than his home connection. That's the bar -- let all airlines seek to best it! The initial network was leaked via Airport Coordination Limited and shows 15 destinations: Amman, Bangkok, Cairo, Dubai, Islamabad, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Manila, Mumbai, and Paris. Washington, DC is not on the list :( Three of those routes — Madrid, Manchester, and Jakarta — would be nonstop firsts from Riyadh. Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester were officially confirmed via Riyadh Air's social media on April 20th. In early May, the airline formally applied to the US Department of Transportation for a foreign air carrier permit with a request for expedited clearance — so DC may not be far behind. On May 19th, public ticket sales opened for the daily Riyadh to London Heathrow service launching July 1st. The aircraft will have four classes: Business Elite (four first-class suites on the first aircraft), Business (24 seats), Premium Economy (39 seats), and Economy. Hanaa flags premium economy as the sleeper feature. Qatar Airways doesn't offer it. British Airways isn't flying to Saudi at the moment. For families, or for anyone who can't justify business class on a personal trip, it fills a genuine gap. Lucien agrees — he's a last-minute booker and business class prices close to departure get punishing.  On the competitive landscape: Singapore Airlines announced four-times-weekly nonstop service from Singapore to Riyadh on the A350-900, scheduled to start June 2nd before being delayed by the conflict. That announcement read like a signal — Singapore Airlines effectively saying it wasn't going to let Riyadh Air own the premium international corridor into Saudi unchallenged. European carriers largely exited during the hostilities; Lufthansa pulled Lucien off a connecting flight in late January, rerouting him through London and adding a full day to his journey. British Airways still isn't flying to Saudi. The supply contraction has pushed prices up significantly on what routes remain. Riyadh Air stepping into this environment — with new aircraft, working internet, and routes that don't yet exist nonstop from Riyadh — is well-positioned (if it can seize the timing of this moment).  The workforce story is its own headline. Riyadh Air has received two million (two million!) applications across its hiring portals.  The hosts close the segment by zooming out. Airlines are structurally brutal businesses. What gives Riyadh Air a real edge, at least at launch, is route exclusivity and limited competition into Riyadh. As long as pricing is in range, travelers choose the direct. That simple fact, combined with Vision 2030's tourism and modernity goals, makes Riyadh Air something bigger than just an airline. King Khalid International Airport remained one of the most operationally open airports in the region during the conflict. The infrastructure is there. The aircraft are nearly there. Riyadh Air is coming. The episode wraps with a brief detour into domestic flying in Saudi — the Riyadh to Jeddah corridor, the high proportion of passengers in Ihram performing Umrah year-round, and genuine praise for Saudia's cabin crew and their quietly impressive ability to reshuffle seating at boarding so that women aren't seated next to unrelated men. Seamless, fast, and genuinely underappreciated. The one criticism of Saudia that neither host will let go: the internet! 📈 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.

Hanaa and Lucien are BACK. The hosts catch up with each other, with Lucien discussing a recent long-haul trip back to the United States from Saudi Arabia (with 3 children in tow!). The hosts take some time to discuss their show’s recent deliberate break since the start of Ramadan, and why they paused for a bit during the regional conflict. They share some thoughts on where Saudi Arabia goes from an inflection point now that will ripple through diplomacy, business, and culture.   They also catch up with each other’s recent professional developments; Hanaa talks about her work building a new mission-led ed-tech agency and a forthcoming GCC book on women and vocational education. That led to Lucien’s curiosity (a mini interview!) in Hanaa’s views on how the advent of AI, already a major game-changer in labor and employment, will affect jobs and particularly youth as they enter key phases in the development of their thinking on career paths - something Hanaa has spent a great deal of time understanding. Hanaa discusses how AI is a genuine accelerant for personalized learning, but in schools it is a very different beast — and without a deliberate readiness strategy that protects young people's wellbeing and keeps humans in the loop, the technology deepens the very crisis it promises to solve. Hanaa frames AI in education through the lens of how young people actually learn and aspire, not through the technology itself. She talks about how AI in schools cannot be regulated like AI anywhere else because of two concerns that are paramount with AI for youth: safety and mental health.

The TWENTY30's co-hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler sit down with Saud Alturki, Saudi music producer, curator, and founder of Brij Entertainment ahead of the release of his third album, High Octane. A project two and a half years in the making, the track list reads like a love letter to hip hop royalty. Busta Rhymes. Swizz Beatz. West Side Boogie. Rhapsody, whom Saud calls his favorite female MC alive today.    Working with his creative director Chindi, who turned every production conversation into something closer to a therapy session, Saud landed on a concept that's deeply rooted in where he's from, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.   Saud takes us back to the beginning: a freshman at McGill in Montreal, freezing through his first Canadian winter and discovering that music wasn't just something he loved — it was something he could do. A move to LA, a chance encounter at a Verizon store with a gospel-tinged R&B singer named Bernard, and seven years of patience later, he finally put out his first single. That story alone sets the tone for everything that follows: Saud is someone who builds slowly, deliberately, and for keeps.   But the conversation doesn't stop at the album. Saud talks about what it really takes to build a music industry in Saudi Arabia — not just a music scene. Venues, labels, studios, government support, festivals like Middle Beast that have built an entire ecosystem around artists. He's careful to say Saudi isn't quite an industry yet, but the infrastructure is finally arriving, and the talent — including his Brij Entertainment artist Hajaj, the first Saudi to perform at Grammy weekend in LA — is already outpacing it.   There's also a sharp, honest take on the streaming era, why dropping albums in 2025 is "not the best move" (and why he's doing it anyway), the emerging Saudi genre Hoppe — a fusion of Sambri and hip hop that he wishes he'd invented — and what he tells young artists in Riyadh who have every resource he never had at 17.   High Octane drops after Ramadan.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defense Show (WDS 2026), joins hosts Lucien Zeigler and Hanaa Almoaibed for an exclusive interview and conversation ahead of the upcoming event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 12. Andrew shares insights into the unique aspects of WDS and gives us a behind the curtain look at one of the world's premiere defense and aerospace exhibitions and gatherings for the industry, and highlights how the event differentiates itself with live air displays and a focus on integration across various defense domains. The conversation delves into the logistical complexities of organizing such a large-scale event, including collaboration with government entities and the importance of stakeholder feedback. As the show approaches, the TWENTY30 talks with Andrew about the innovations and growth expected at this year's event, aiming to solidify WDS's position as a leading global defense exhibition. Before the conversation with Andrew Pearcey, the hosts catch up as they kick off programming for the new year and highlight some formatting changes going forward as the show continues to grow in audience and engagement.  📈 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.

In this special episode of The TWENTY30 Presented by Bechtel Saudi Arabia, hosts Lucien and Hanaa dedicate the full episode to analyze the significance and future impact of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince to Washington as a new era in US-Saudi relations begins. This episode features three separate interviews from experts to break down the visit's meaning and to speak to a changing and enhanced relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.  After a full recap of the visit and the various agreements and deals signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the hosts first welcome onto the show Dr. Mansour Almarzoqi, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Director of the Center for American Studies at Riyadh's Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies to talk about the visit within the context of the long history between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and how Saudi Arabia, now emerging as a global "middle power" is of strategic and economic importance to the United States - which was recognized in the welcoming for HRH the Crown Prince.  Next, the hosts welcome on Saudi businessman Bader Alreziza, joining the show from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, to break down the reception and impact from the business community and speak to the existing and new opportunities that will emerge from the landmark meeting.  Then, the hosts speak to the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh (AMCHAM) and Partner at PWC, Darrell McGraw, on how Saudi Arabia is changing as a business and investment landscape, why the energy on the ground in Saudi Arabia is palpable and vibrant now, and how technology cooperation is the new big opportunity for the two countries to further grow their tight bilateral relationship.   After the three interviews, Lucien and Hanaa distill their conversations and provide their take on the new dynamic, business opportunities, and how enduring players in Saudi Arabia -- like U.S.-based Bechtel -- show a model for success in doing business in Saudi Arabia.  The TWENTY30 team is honored to collaborate with Bechtel, whose enduring projects built the Saudi Arabia of today, and whose work today building the Saudi Arabia of tomorrow makes the company an integral part of the Kingdom’s transformation and story of change, which is the subject of The TWENTY30 media channels. Bechtel’s partnership with the TWENTY30 on this episode reflects the company’s over 8 decades of building infrastructure, major projects, transportation systems, mining and minerals, energy and renewable energy, ports, and giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, proving itself time and again not only as the go-to partner for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision, but also a steady partner for Saudi Arabia dedicated to the Kingdom’s enduring national prosperity. To learn more about Bechtel’s work in Saudi Arabia, go to https://www.bechtel.com/regions/middle-east/. 📈 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.

In Episode 64, hosts Hanaa and Lucien kick off by catching up on more travel and some interesting feedback they received. Then Hanaa leads a DEEPDIVE on how Saudi Arabia is building a national skills ecosystem to reshape its economy and elevate its global influence - and leaning on the power of cultural storytelling as it transforms itself. That's a facet of Vision 2030 that isn't headline-grabbing and is a patient build over time, but starting to pay off for the Kingdom. Skills are no longer just a workforce issue; they are a strategic asset - one Saudi Arabia is seeking to leverage to and through 2030. The hosts then get into some interesting news emerging from the Kingdom, including Saudi Arabia's ambitious infrastructure projects, a coffee-driven IPO boom, and leadership changes.  📈 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.

After a whirlwind month of travel, Lucien and Dr. Hanaa are back on The TWENTY30 Podcast—and strap in, because they have a LOT of catching up to do. A lot has happened in the fast-paced, fast-changing Kingdom over the past few weeks. The hosts try to tackle as much of it as they can in this episode to kick off the season and a regular schedule of content excellence for listeners and viewers.  In this show, Lucien leads a DEEPDIVE on the latest "Giga Project" coming to Saudi Arabia: The monumental King Salman Gate project—Mecca’s 12 million m² transformation. The new designs and visuals released by authorities are impressive, but so too are the plans for  heritage preservation. The move is a play to enhance religious tourism as part of Saudi’s economic diversification. The move also reflects the reality of Saudi Arabia as host to the largest annual human migration event on the planet for millions of followers of Islam, and to make that journey more inspirational, peaceful and safe for visitors to the Kingdom. After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts roll up their sleeves for an expanded NEWS segment, covering the launch of Riyadh University of the Arts (RUA), a first-of-its-kind institution nurturing the next generation of Saudi creatives, Saudi’s film industry, Riyadh Fashion Week, MDLBeast Soundstorm 2025 (Cardi B!), and what we know right now about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s planned U.S. visit. We're so back! 📈 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 Arabia is now a leading market for education investment. In this conversation, Basma Bushnaq, Partner at PWC, discusses the evolving landscape of schools, the demand for quality teachers, and the future of education in Saudi Arabia and globally. The significant reforms and investment opportunities driven by Vision 2030 has created an almost unrecognizable and booming market in the Kingdom. She shares her personal journey in education, the challenges and opportunities within the sector, and the importance of collaboration and local partnerships in implementing effective educational practices.  Before the conversation, Hanaa and Lucien, long overdue for a catchup, discuss Lucien's recent trip to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (Hanaa's home town!), Hanaa's recent retreat, "painting the town red" in Riyadh, and more. We're back! 📈 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.

Back from vacation (so back) and ready to hit the ground running with a normal schedule, the TWENTY30 co-hosts Lucien and Hanaa begin the show by catching up after the break. Then, Hanaa leads an interesting DEEPDIVE segment on Saudi Arabia's "Quiet Revolution," which is major progress with legal reforms for individuals and businesses in the kingdom as it continues to transform. New laws and a series of regulations has made doing business in Saudi Arabia so much easier than before, and legal reforms have empowered women and redefined social issues for the better for citizens and residents. These are changes that don't draw the headlines or curiosity as some giga-projects or sports (for example) but underpin all that's happening in Saudi Arabia.  After the DEEPDIVE, the hosts discuss HUMAIN and Saudi Arabia's new AI capabilities, solar in Saudi Arabia, 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.

Saudi Arabia's transformative new real estate law opens doors for international ownership and is set to redefine the Kingdom's property landscape and charm global investors with new opportunities. Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for Knight Frank Middle East sits down with co-hosts Lucien and Hanaa to discuss the landmark new law, which allows foreign buyers to buy property in Saudi Arabia.  The hosts ask Faisal to break down what's in this new law and speak to the impact the law might have on prices, foreign investment, and the potential for the new law to catapult Saudi Arabia toward becoming the world's next hot real estate opportunity.

We're so back! And so is Ghada Almuhanna Abalkhail, the TWENTY30's cultural expert, who returns to the show to discuss her latest book series that explores the concept of the Saudi homeland through archival photographs. She shares insights and observations behind creating the books and the photographs that define them,  emphasizing the emotional connection to the photographs she selects. Ghada also reflects on the challenges of compiling artifacts and textiles for her work, and highlights influential figures in her life who inspire her passion for cultural heritage and history. The conversation touches on the significance of preserving cultural narratives through photography and the importance of collaboration in her projects.  After the conversation with Ghada, the hosts catch up on just some of the latest news from Saudi Arabia, including a rise in Saudi millionaires (and wealth equality) in the Kingdom, a new law for foreign ownership of housing, 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.

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.

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.

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.