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:

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The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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:

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

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📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.

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:

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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.

In Episode 49, co-hosts Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler catch up after a short break over the Eid holidays before jumping into a DEEPDIVE on Saudi Arabia's new architectural guidelines, released by HRH the Crown Prince (along with a map!). Saudi Arabia is identifying and solidifying its heritage through new urban development guidelines that incorporate the kingdom’s indigenous design traditions. The initiative will serve as a guideline for developers, Saudi real estate businesses, and urban planning projects, ensuring that new developments complement their surroundings while integrating traditional architectural elements into modern designs.

The hosts discuss - and applaud - this move, as fans of architecture and especially with all of the unique looks that Saudi Arabia has to offer.

The hosts then get to the latest news, and discuss Telsa's market entry into Saudi Arabia, President Trump's Iftar dinner with HRH Princess Reema before the conclusion of Ramadan, and more.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

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📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.

In a landmark episode of The Twenty30 Podcast, co-hosts Lucien Zeigler and Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed sat down in person for an exclusive interview with Suliman Almazroua, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of the 13 powerful ‘Vision Realization Programs’ identified as “the driving force behind Vision 2030.” A former Aramco executive with decades of experience at the intersection of technology and operations, Almazroua was tapped to lead NIDLP during a critical moment for Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation. Under his leadership, NIDLP has made remarkable progress — with over half of its Vision 2030 targets already completed five years ahead of schedule.

The interview covers a wide spectrum — from Vision 2030 and sectoral innovation to workforce development and Saudi Arabia’s push toward private-sector competitiveness. Where once industries leaned heavily on government support, today, companies are being challenged to rise above, develop competitive strategies, and deliver real market value. NIDLP is helping drive this evolution, particularly in sectors like logistics, where Saudi Arabia is actively disrupting traditional global models and introducing new efficiencies. The hosts also ask Suliman about the development of some of key sectors under NIDLP’s administration, including mining, industrial development, logistics, Saudi supply chains, and AI - and how he views Saudi talent and capabilities as a critical component of both his current and future success with NIDLP.

The interview is the first in an expansion of The TWENTY30 podcast to feature in-person, revealing conversations with the leaders and changemakers driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation forward.

To watch the in-person interview, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBLUbK8sF8Y

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

The 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.