Explain Saudi Arabia To Me - Omar Alomran, Thmanyah
Dec 19, 2024
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Omar Al-Omran, the public face of Thmanyah and co-host of Alfajr Podcast, dives into the evolving media landscape in Saudi Arabia. He discusses the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, highlighting economic diversification and profound cultural changes, especially regarding women's rights. Omar shares insights on the Middle Beast festival, which celebrates a changing social dynamic, and explores the impact of sleep on mental health amid shifting marriage norms. He emphasizes the importance of travel for cultural exchange, advocating for understanding rather than imposing perspectives.
Thmanyah's innovative content strategy has made it a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia's evolving media landscape, engaging audiences through podcasts and video production.
The ambitious Vision 2030 initiative is driving significant cultural and economic transformation in Saudi Arabia, empowering youth and diversifying career opportunities beyond traditional employment.
Deep dives
Thamanya: A New Media Powerhouse
Thamanya has established itself as a significant player in the media landscape of Saudi Arabia by specializing in podcasts and video content. Originally founded in 2016, the company gained international recognition for its podcast 'Finjan', which holds a Guinness World Record for the most viewed podcast video on YouTube. Thamanya not only produces various podcasts but has also expanded into filmmaking and written content, offering a holistic media approach that resonates with its audience. As the company continues to grow, it reflects the broader shifts occurring in Saudi society in terms of media consumption and the changing landscape of information dissemination.
Navigating Cultural and Economic Changes
Omar Al-Omran highlighted the significant cultural and economic transitions in Saudi Arabia, particularly with the rise of Vision 2030. This initiative aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and promote sectors like tourism and entertainment. The ongoing changes have created new economic opportunities, and the younger generation is increasingly aware of the value of education and entrepreneurship. This shift is evident in how society is starting to celebrate innovation and more varied career pathways, moving away from the traditional reliance on government jobs.
Rapid Development and its Impacts
The pace at which Saudi Arabia is implementing large-scale projects and societal reforms has been described as remarkable, with ambitious initiatives like Neom and the Red Sea Project leading the way. The Crown Prince's commitment to modernization has energized many Saudis, particularly the youth, who make up a significant portion of the population. This rapid development is not just economic but also societal, as citizens witness improvements in social freedoms and opportunities. Events like Middle Beast festival symbolize a cultural evolution and signify the country’s desire to create more engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.
The Future of Media and Cultural Identity
The future of media in Saudi Arabia, as reflected in Omar's experiences, is increasingly intertwined with the nation's cultural identity and the desire for international recognition. With the burgeoning film industry following the lifting of cinema bans, new storytelling methods are being explored to share Saudi narratives globally. The government’s support for artistic ventures allows for greater creative expression, which historically had been somewhat limited. As Saudi Arabia continues promoting its achievements and cultural richness, it is anticipated that media will play an integral role in fostering a positive image on the world stage.
I'm in Riyadh this week. It's my first time. I'm here for a new creator conference called Impaq Makers. It's run by the Ministry of Media.
I spent a few days exploring the city and speaking to people. But a strategist friend Faisal Alshareef told me about a big YouTube channel here called Thmanyah. I asked if I could meet them and interview them. Faisal made it happen.
Thmanyah have a Guinness World Record for the most-viewed YouTube video but, if you're like me, I bet you've never seen it.
One of Thmanyah's public faces is Omar Almoran. He hosts a weekly news podcast called the Alfajr Podcast.
In this episode, recorded in the Thmanyah office, I try to understand the kinds of change happening in Saudi Arabia as well as their scale and pace.
You can find Omar here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-alomran-kfupm/
Follow me here:
http://www.instagram.com/markpollard
Strategy classes are here:
http://www.sweathead.com
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