Hala guys! 👋🏼

This week, we’re spotlighting powerful and emotional stories making headlines across the Kingdom, from Hamdan Al-Turki’s long-awaited return home after nearly 20 years in a U.S. prison, to a Saudi pilot’s breathtaking 14-stop aerial adventure over Alaska, and a heartwarming story of a man who secretly donated his kidney to his best friend.

Catch more details across our Instagram, Snapchat, and Podcast shows!

Let’s dive into all the latest happenings!👇🏼

LOVIN NEWS

Hamdan Al-Turki Returns To Saudi Arabia After Spending 20 Years In A U.S. Prison🇸🇦

• After nearly 20 years in a U.S. prison, Saudi national Hamdan Al-Turki has officially returned to the Kingdom, marking the end of a long legal battle that began with a 28-year sentence handed down in 2006 by a Colorado court💪🏻

• His defense team uncovered a legal error in the original trial, prompting a retrial request. The judge acknowledged the mistake, supported by letters highlighting Hamdan’s positive impact in prison and the high cost of his medical care, leading to his release on May 9, 2025👏🏻

• Hamdan’s journey home included a heartfelt moment enjoying traditional Saudi coffee. His return is seen as a powerful symbol of justice, perseverance, and reunion after years of separation from his family and homeland😍

LOVIN FEATURE

Saudi Pilot Flies Over Alaska In A 14-Stop Aerial Adventure! 🛩️

• ✈️ Saudi’s very own Captain Mishaal Fahad Al-Sudairy just soared to new heights with an epic 4,450 km journey across Alaska - all in just 7 days and in a tiny Piper Arrow aircraft!

• 🧊 From icy runways to glacier-filled skies, he and American pilot Captain Mark Kalkins made landings in 14 remote cities, taking in some of the most jaw-dropping views Alaska has to offer.

• 🌍 More than just a flight, this adventure was about pushing limits, embracing the wild, and proving that the Saudi spirit of exploration knows no bounds!

SHARABLE

🍿 Sharable bits and tips!

• Rainy season in the south of Saudi is giving the coziest vibes! 🌧

• This is why everyone should visit Abha! 🌿🌤️

• These young Saudis are up early for Fajr prayer and everyone’s loving it! 🤍

• The Qiddiya projects are almost done and it’s got everyone excited! 🎢

LOVIN COMMUNITY

Saudi Man Secretly Donates Kidney To Best Friend In Beautiful Act Of Brotherhood 💪🏻

•  🫀 Imagine waking up from surgery only to find out your best friend secretly gave you his kidney - no warning, no big talk, just pure love. That’s exactly what happened between Shaaker and Fahad, two Saudi friends of 17 years, and it’s giving real-life drama series vibes!

• 📺 The jaw-dropping reveal happened on live TV, when Shaaker told the world he was the anonymous donor who saved Fahad’s life. Tissue match? Check. Zero hesitation? Double check. Heroic stealth mode? Activated. We’re not crying, you are 😭

• 🇸🇦 This heartwarming story is part of a bigger movement. With over 1,700 live organ donations recorded in Saudi Arabia in 2024 alone. Shaaker’s quiet bravery is inspiring a national conversation about organ donation, friendship, and what it really means to show up when it counts.

LOVIN NEWS

Qiddiya & Adeera Join Forces To Redefine Saudi Hospitality 👏🏻

• 🏨 Saudi hospitality is getting a major glow-up — and Qiddiya City is at the center of it all! In a game-changing move, Qiddiya Investment Company has partnered with Adeera Hospitality (PIF-backed and proudly local!) to operate an entire lineup of hotels in the Kingdom’s future capital of entertainment, culture, and sports.

• 🇸🇦 This is next-level Saudi hospitality. Adeera is launching three brand-new hotel concepts, all inspired by the Saudi national anthem: Alia (elevated Saudi luxury), Sama (vibrant five-star lifestyle), and Noor (smart, stylish essentials for the modern traveler).

• 🎢 With Qiddiya gearing up to welcome millions to attractions like Six Flags Qiddiya and Aquarabia, these hotels are about to be the place to stay. This collab is more than just comfy beds — it’s a Vision 2030-powered statement: Saudi is ready to rival the world in hospitality, culture, and unforgettable guest experiences.

REGIONAL UPDATES

Bahrain Is Going Through A Serious Heat Wave This Month! 🥵

• 🔥 If stepping outside lately felt like walking into a sauna, you’re not imagining things — Bahrain is hitting some of its hottest and most humid days of the year, right on schedule as August kicks off!

• 🌡️ Daytime temps are soaring between 43°C and 45°C, but with humidity levels spiking up to 90%, it feels like 50°C in some spots, especially around midday.

• 🌬️ The forecast calls for sticky, hot days all week with variable winds, high humidity (especially at night), and waves around 1 to 3 feet. August is known as the brutal peak of summer here, thanks to intense heat combined with sea moisture making the air feel heavy and draining.

👇🏼 TUNE IN to the latest episode of The Lovin Riyadh Show!

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