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The TWENTY30

The TWENTY30

By: Lucien Zeigler and Hanaa Almoaibed
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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.Copyright 2024, Twenty30 Media Group, LLC, United States of America. All rights reserved. Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The impact and investment opportunities of Saudi Arabia's new real estate law
    Aug 8 2025

    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.

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    22 mins
  • Author and influencer Ghada AlMuhanna Abalkhail returns to discuss her latest book series and much more...
    Jul 31 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Is the nearly $500m for Ronaldo to return worth it?
    Jul 4 2025

    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.

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    48 mins
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