Introducing: This Month in Saudi

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Saudi Streets' monthly newsletter, where we dig into the last month of news out of the Kingdom.

September 11, 2025

August ‘25 Edition

Hala Wallah and welcome to our first issue of This Month in Saudi.
In our new newsletter, we’ll be diving into the latest in business, tech, arts and culture, as well as the big projects turning heads across the country.

We have a packed issue for you this month, with big AI news, as well as news within the gaming, culinary, and hospitality spaces.

But first — a few public service announcements:
The Tourism Ministry mandated a 20-hour minimum stay rule at hospitality facilities. If you’re planning on booking a stay, you can learn more here.

And starting this August, the Kingdom reformed its work permit system introducing a skill-based visa program. The move is expected to impact millions of foreign workers and advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms. If this impacts you or someone you work with, you can find the details here.

Now, let’s dive in.

THIS MONTH IN TECH

Saudi Arabia Begins Local Deployment of OpenAI’s Newest Models

CEO of Humain Tareq Amin. Credit: Reuters

Saudi Arabia has begun hosting OpenAI’s newest open-source models inside its borders, giving developers and organizations access to advanced artificial intelligence systems without relying on foreign data centers. The deployment comes through a partnership between HUMAIN, a Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed tech company, and Groq, a US-based firm known for high-speed AI chips.

This makes Saudi Arabia the first country in the region to provide local access to AI models of this scale and capability.

Humain is also preparing to release Humain Chat, an Arabic conversational app powered by its flagship model Allam 34B, by the end of the month.

To learn more about these models and what this will change for end users, read the full articles here and here.

Saudi stealth comedy game Azooma Escape just hit #1 globally

Dodging Arab hospitality — but gamified? Homegrown PC game Azooma Escape developed by Ash Games Studio, climbed to the number one spot on Steam’s Popular Upcoming global chart on 19 August 2025, marking a historic first for the Kingdom and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. If you’re interested in finding out what makes the game so special, click here for the full article.

Saudi to Host First Ever Esports Nations Cup in November 2026

Esports goes national in Saudi: The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the Esports Nations Cup — a new biennial global tournament where players will compete representing their countries rather than clubs — with the inaugural event set to take place in Riyadh in November 2026. This is set to build on the Kingdom’s growing role as a global esports hub, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and invest heavily in gaming and digital entertainment. Details about the tournament are still sparse, but here’s what we know so far.

THIS MONTH IN GIGAPROJECTS

Saudi Arabia Launches Tender for the World’s Tallest Sports Tower in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard Foundation has launched a tender to build the world’s tallest sports tower, rising 130 meters in the heart of Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard — the longest linear park on the planet. This landmark structure will feature more than 30 sports facilities, including the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall standing at 98 meters and a fully enclosed 250-meter running track, offering a unique urban sports experience on 84,000 square meters of space.

The tower is part of a visionary 135-kilometer corridor blending sports, art, and culture, designed to promote an active, healthy lifestyle while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. Approved by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this iconic project aims to elevate Riyadh’s global standing and quality of life, making it a future hub for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Get the details here.

THIS MONTH IN BUSINESS & INNOVATION

Shebara Resort Nominated for First Ever MICHELIN Guide Architecture & Design Award

Photo credit: Shebara Resort

Sustainable design pays off: Shebara Resort on the Red Sea’s Sheybarah Island has been nominated for the inaugural global Architecture & Design Award by the MICHELIN Guide, highlighting its innovative approach to luxury and sustainability. The resort features a number of signature villas powered entirely by an on-site solar farm, reflecting its commitment to 100 percent renewable energy and regenerative tourism principles. There’s more to learn about this unique resort’s now-award-nominated design, and you can read it here.

Shebara is among the hotels and resorts that make up the Red Sea Project, a flagship development under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, designed to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for sustainable luxury tourism.

Gordon Ramsay Academy to Launch First International Branch in Saudi Arabia

The Gordon Ramsay Academy is set to make its international debut in Riyadh’s Narjis View Mall. This branch of the academy will be the third worldwide and the first outside the United Kingdom, and it will provide a wide range of courses and diplomas designed to accommodate all skill levels — from absolute beginners to the more seasoned chefs. Interested in taking cooking classes with the in the Master Chef’s kitchen? You can find out more here.

Saudi’s Alkhobar Embarks on Digital Tree Documentation to Become a Smart Green City

One hundred thousand trees in Alkhobar: The Eastern Province Municipality has launched an initiative to document and digitize trees across Alkhobar, with the goal of transforming the city into the Kingdom’s first smart green city. In its initial phase, the project will involve the recording and digital tagging of over 100,000 trees.

Did you know that Alkhobar ranks 61st in the 2025 Smart Cities Index. This initiative is expected to shoot the city up that ranking. Get the details here.

Saudi Hospital Sets Record with 10 Kidney Exchanges in 48 Hours

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh recently performed 10 kidney exchange transplants over two consecutive days, setting a global record. The procedures took place on August 13, coinciding with World Organ Donation Day.

But what exactly is a kidney exchange, and why is this achievement significant? Find out here.

THIS MONTH IN ARTS & CULTURE

Artist Spotlight: Tamtam Takes Saudi Music Beyond Khaleeji Sound

Photo credit: @tamtamsound on Instagram

Tamtam, a Saudi singer-songwriter raised between Riyadh and Los Angeles, is reshaping Saudi music by blending traditional Arabic poetry with contemporary sounds across genres like alternative R&B and pop. With a unique voice and a passion for storytelling, she challenges the conventional Khaleeji mold, offering deeply personal and culturally rich music that speaks to identity, gender equality, and creative freedom.

Beyond her artistry, Tamtam is a pioneer building the Saudi music community through her independent label Goast Flower and initiatives like the country’s first public music database for artists and industry professionals. Her work not only amplifies emerging talent but also fosters collaboration and connection in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, positioning Saudi music for global recognition and impact.

Read the full story of how Tamtam made her name and fame here.

‘Pride in Our Nature’: Saudi Arabia Unveils Theme and Visual Identity for 95th National Day

As Saudi Arabia prepares to celebrate its 95th National Day on September 23, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has unveiled this year’s official theme and visual identity: “Pride in Our Nature.”

The theme highlights values deeply rooted in Saudi society — generosity, authenticity, ambition, solidarity, vision, and hospitality — through a modern design approach grounded in local heritage. Get the breakdown of how these ideas reflect in the identity here.

Saudi Film Commission Opens Oscar Submissions to Filmmakers for First Time

Off to the Oscars? The Saudi Film Commission announced that filmmakers across the Kingdom can now submit their own works for consideration as Saudi Arabia’s official entry to the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

This change marks the first time the country has introduced an open-call process, replacing the previous system in which the commission itself selected the entry internally according to its own standards. Read all about it here.

THIS MONTH IN SPORTS & WELLNESS

Qiddiya Teams Up with Faldo Series to Develop Youth Golf in Saudi Arabia

Qiddiya City has partnered with the Faldo Series to develop youth golf in Saudi Arabia, unveiling a new 18-hole championship course designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, set to open in 2026. The course, located by the Tuwaiq Mountains, will feature innovative design elements and floodlighting for night play, alongside a state-of-the-art clubhouse and academy opening in 2028, making Qiddiya a regional hub for golf development and youth empowerment. More details on the partnership here.

This Saudi Wellness Festival Lets You Run, Cycle, and Meditate in Iconic Landscapes

The AlUla Wellness Festival returns from 24 October to 1 November, offering a unique blend of fitness and mindfulness set against AlUla’s stunning natural and historic landscapes. The festival features new mass participation events like the Duathlon, Half Marathon, triathlon, and a 24-Hour Endurance Race, alongside yoga and Les Mills fitness classes at iconic locations.

Designed for all fitness levels, the event invites participants to challenge their bodies, calm their minds, and connect with a vibrant community in one of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking settings. Read more about the event here.

For your calendar