Eid Mubarak! In Episode 14, the hosts welcome Ghada Almuhanna back onto The TWENTY30 for her monthly segment to share insights into the diverse and culturally rich photographs taken during Hajj by pilgrims and the significance of these images. They highlight stories of personal experiences, historical visuals, and viral content that captures the essence of this spiritual journey. The conversation spans from the logistics and preparation for Hajj to the historical attempts of Europeans to document Mecca, showcasing Hajj as a unique and profound event uniting Muslims globally.

Before the conversation with Ghada, the hosts discuss the latest in Saudi sports investments, with news that the Kingdom is eying the creation of a new boxing league that would disrupt the sport.

The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of the latest news on Saudi Arabia.

Abdulrahman Sandokji, a Riyadh-based leading documentary filmmaker joins hosts Hanaa and Lucien in Episode 13 of The TWENTY30 for an exclusive discussion about the status of film and cinema in Saudi Arabia and discusses his journey from having his first camera at age 15 to becoming a notable figure in the industry, directing and producing numerous projects featured on major broadcast channels and festivals, including the 10th Saudi Film Festival.

Sandokji recently finished a documentary called “Underground” about Saudi Arabia’s growing music scene and reacts to the experience of filming the documentary, which follows artists around the Kingdom. He also discuses the impact YouTube had on his career, the significant role of the Ministry of Culture in supporting Saudi filmmakers, and his successful investigative documentaries like 'Phosphine.' He also shares his insights on the growing interest and importance of documentaries in Saudi Arabia, along with advice for aspiring filmmakers. His upcoming projects focus on exploratory TV series about ancient Saudi civilizations.

Before the conversation with Abdulrahman, the hosts discuss Hanaa’s deepdive, which is a discussion of fashion in Saudi Arabia in the context of what visitors should wear, what to expect and how to be respectful after a discussion of this topic a few weeks ago on the Kingdom’s Red Sea Fashion Week prompted a desire to spend more time on this subject. Hanaa highlights how the laws have changed over time and places this story of transformation within modesty laws and the fading role of the Haia.

The episode finishes up, as always, with some interesting recent news topics, including:

-The Red Sea Film Foundation's storytelling training for aspiring filmmakers and a showcase of international documentaries

-Preparations for Hajj, with 2.1 million pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia and extensive logistical planning to ensure their safety.

-Saudia’s negotiations with Boeing for wide-body jets,

-A successful separation surgery of conjoined twins by a Saudi medical team

-The rebranding and new identity of Al Qadisiyah Football Club.

For Episode 13’s “Arabic Word of the Show” summary, the hosts also explore the cultural practice of entering a room where people are eating without interrupting their meal.

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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.

Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, Knight Frank Middle East joins The TWENTY30 Podcast hosts Lucien and Hanaa for a discussion on a wide range of topics on Saudi Arabia's booming real estate sector, giga projects, construction, and other developments. Knight Frank is one of the world's leading real estate consultancies, and the reports that it produces especially on the markets in the Middle East is second-to-none. Its latest, "Destination Saudi," is over 140 pages of facts and data released by Knight Frank -- part of which stems from a survey done by the organization on consumer habits and interests in real estate in Saudi Arabia.

Before the conversation with Faisal, the hosts discuss Hanaa's DeepDive, which is the status of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives in Saudi Arabia and how the Kingdom is evolving with ESG at the forefront of public and private sector management.

The hosts conclude as always with a discussion of the news, including Hajj Preparations, a slow down in investment deals, drug smuggling, a new Saudi semiconductor hub, and the latest with OPEC+.

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.

©The TWENTY30. All rights reserved.