NEW HAMPSHIRE: From 4,000 miles away, Saudi students in the US have been watching a political transformation unfold in their homeland with a renewed sense of hope for their own futures — and for the future of a country in a region beset by turmoil.
Since becoming crown prince in June, Mohammed bin Salman has embarked on a series of bold policies designed to curb corruption, push back against religious extremism and confront an expansionist Iran.
Domestically, social reforms have been high on the agenda, including the headline-grabbing decision to allow women to drive. Prohibitions on women driving had consistently been invoked by Saudi Arabia’s overseas friends and critics alike as an unacceptable restriction on civil rights.
“When I came to the US, the first thing I did was get my driving license and get my own car to drive,” said Siham Karkaah, a 33-year-old Saudi student from Riyadh. She arrived in the US in August, and is studying for a master’s degree in education at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
A month after she arrived, the crown prince issued a decree that means she will be able to drive when she returns to Saudi Arabia after completing her studies, something she plans to do.
“I have always been supportive of women’s rights, and I definitely believe in that and women’s freedom, and doing what you want to do as a woman.
“I fully support the changes that have been made. When I do go home, it will be to a different country,” she said.
Karkaah’s enthusiasm was echoed by other young Saudis studying in the US, who believe the crown prince understands their dreams and aspirations far better than previous leaders.
“It’s really important that the crown prince is close to our age; it means he understands our generation. We have a new way of thinking, and he does, too,” said Abdullah Al-Mutairi, 26, another SNHU student from the Kingdom.
He also supported the crown prince’s anti-corruption drive, which included seizing assets from some wealthy members of the Saudi royal family and prominent businessmen.
The crown prince’s methods have provoked concern in the US about respect for property rights and due process, although there is a widespread belief among US experts and Saudi expats that serious action against financial corruption was needed.
“I wasn’t expecting the crown prince to do what he did, but I’m glad he chose to,” Al-Mutairi, a business studies student, said.
Although supportive of the decision to let Saudi women drive, Al-Mutairi said the measure would run up against a strong strand of conservatism in Saudi society.
“Women may now be legally allowed to drive, but if there are men in their family who don’t want them to, that is a real barrier. The women could go to court, and they could win, but it might mean breaking ties with their family, which would be a huge sacrifice,” he said.
Saudi students typically come to the US to benefit from a learning environment they say is more open, supportive and of higher quality than they are able to get at home. Fees are usually paid by a Saudi government-funded scholarship fund, which also covers living costs.
SNHU, in the New Hampshire city of Manchester, is considered one of the most innovative higher education establishments in the US and has long been popular with Saudi students.
Another SNHU student, Hussam Samir Al-Deen, said he had longed to visit the US and had learned a great deal from his time there. He hopes to find work in the US after graduating, but expects to return home one day.
The 28-year-old from Jeddah said he tried to be a good ambassador for his nation. “Most Americans I’ve met have been very nice, but some have the wrong impression about Saudi Arabia and about Islam. I hope I have helped to improve their view,” he said.
Al-Deen said he and friends had suffered isolated cases of racism, or had been called terrorists by people in the street.
“I just ignore them, they don’t really understand what they are saying — most people are very kind,” he said.
His years studying in the US had changed him and some of his views on culture, he said. If there was one social reform that could be added to the list of those underway in Saudi, he hoped it would be a shift in the nature of personal relationships.
“In Saudi Arabia, it is more difficult to be friends with women, or to work alongside women, and it is not always accepted that you get to marry the woman you love. Instead you are supposed to marry and hope you fall in love with your wife afterwards. I would like to see those things change one day,” he said.
Saudi students abroad are watching in hope as dramatic reforms in the Kingdom promise a new era of optimism
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Saudi students abroad are watching in hope as dramatic reforms in the Kingdom promise a new era of optimism
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Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy
- Speech stresses progress made under King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh has held a symposium to mark the forthcoming International Day of Women in Diplomacy. It was attended by Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji, female diplomatic leaders, and ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.
Elkhereiji spoke of the importance of empowering women in diplomacy, citing the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in light of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
He noted that Saudi women now serve as ambassadors, leaders, and negotiators on the global stage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The symposium discussed efforts to support women’s diplomatic careers, the role of men in advancing change, and the unique contributions women bring to diplomacy.
Topics also included the global rise of women in diplomacy, their impact on foreign and domestic policy, and ways to enhance female participation in multilateral forums to address future challenges.
Saudi theatrical show ‘Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
- “Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology
The Ministry of Culture is to present the theatrical performance “Terhal” from Aug. 4-25 at Mayadeen Venue in Diriyah.
“Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It offers a visually captivating experience, telling the story of a young Saudi man who dreams of shaping his country’s future.
His journey across the Kingdom takes him through diverse landscapes and rich traditions, helping him to rediscover Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage. He returns to his village at the end with renewed confidence, wisdom, and hope.
The show features stunning scenes inspired by Saudi landscapes, and highlights young Saudi talents alongside renowned international performers.
The second edition of “Terhal” builds on the success of its 2023 debut which celebrated Saudi culture, from performing arts to handicrafts, traditional attire and cuisine.
80% of Saudi adults reported using AI tools, with 1 in 3 using them regularly
- The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025
RIYADH: A study has revealed that 80 percent of Saudi adults now use AI tools, with one in three using them regularly.
This is almost double the number of adults in the US who report using one of the large language model-based chatbots — which was found to be 52 percent in a recent study by Elon University.
The findings are “a clear demonstration that technology and collaboration can unlock potential, and that we can directly contribute to the ambition of the Kingdom and their vision for the future,” said Anthony Nakache, MENA managing director for Google — which created the report with research agency Public First.
The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025.
It also interviewed people and businesses about their experiences using Google technology and data services.
The study found that people and businesses are embracing Al, with 53 percent of businesses in the Kingdom relying on at least one Al tool in their workflows.
About 90 percent of adults in Saudi Arabia say becoming an Al superpower should be a top priority and 88 percent of businesses agree that Al is an important opportunity for the Saudi economy.
The study also looked at Saudi Arabia’s usage of Google’s Gemini, and found that 53 percent of adults said they had used the Al assistant, with one in three users now using it daily.
The report found that 86 percent of users agreed that the tool helped them to be more productive.
A total of 90 percent of public sector workers said that AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work, and 70 percent said their job would be harder without access to AI tools.
“The report reflects our investment in accelerating the Kingdom’s ambitious journey toward a diversified, AI-driven economy,” Nakache added.
“Through significant investments, strong local partnerships and our AI-powered tools, we’re bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses and communities,” he said.
Public First is a global policy and strategy consultancy specializing in economic modeling and opinion research.
Saudi Arabia marks UN’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- Event aims to spotlight urgent need to address growing challenges
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has marked the UN’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an awareness event held annually on June 17.
The day aims to spotlight the urgent need to address the growing challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the event emphasized the importance of land restoration as a driver of opportunity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It helps to raise awareness of the critical role healthy ecosystems play in creating jobs, enhancing food and water security and strengthening economic resilience, the ministry added.
It also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography and climate which is home to a unique biodiversity adapted to a range of climatic conditions.
The Kingdom has launched several major environmental initiatives, most notably the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades.
The Kingdom is currently implementing 86 initiatives and programs with total investments exceeding SR705 billion ($188 billion), covering all aspects of the green economy.
These initiatives align with the core objectives of the SGI: reducing carbon emissions, expanding national afforestation, and protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
More than 313,000 hectares of degraded land across the Kingdom have now been restored, and 115 million trees planted.
MEWA has also launched the Environmental Awareness Initiative, which is designed to raise environmental literacy and support Sustainable Development Goals.
The plan also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and cross-sector collaboration — from public institutions to private and non-profit entities.
As part of its efforts to monitor marine habitats, the ministry has conducted extensive field surveys along the Red Sea coast, covering over 600 coral reef sites, 200 seagrass locations and 100 mangrove areas.
According to UN data, desertification, land degradation and drought remain among the most pressing environmental challenges today, impacting up to 40 percent of the Earth’s land surface.
As the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) reaches its midpoint, there is a critical need to accelerate restoration efforts on a global scale.
If current trends continue, the world will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, creating a restoration economy valued at over $1 trillion.
The planet is currently losing healthy land at a rate equivalent to four football fields per second.
Munira Al-Hazani, president and founder of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News: “Today, as we commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Saudi Botanical Society renews its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s invaluable botanical heritage and tackling the critical environmental challenges that threaten our land.
“At this distinguished event, SABS had the privilege of presenting its mission through a dedicated pavilion — an inspiring botanical garden that embodies our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.
“On this critical day, I urge all sectors — governmental, private, and civil society — to unite with shared purpose and commitment.”
Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations
- Ministry took regulatory measures against the violating companies, suspending their operations and liquidating their bank guarantees to cover alternative transport costs
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded violations by seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services to pilgrims, as stipulated in their approved programs.
It is part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance service quality for pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque, ensuring compliance with contracts in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve the pilgrim experience at every stage of their journey.
The ministry took regulatory measures against the violating companies, suspending their operations and liquidating their bank guarantees to cover alternative transport costs for affected pilgrims, ensuring services meet approved standards.
It highlighted its commitment to protecting pilgrims’ rights and providing services of the highest quality and professionalism.
The ministry also highlighted its zero-tolerance approach to negligence or breach of contractual obligations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It called on all Umrah companies to strictly adhere to approved regulations and deliver services according to designated schedules, ensuring quality and the comfort of pilgrims and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom.
