There are few countries in the world going through such seismic changes at such supersonic speed. That’s what’s happening here in Saudi Arabia. So when you hear about new projects in the kingdom, you’ve probably heard about them being in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
So what is Saudi Vision 2030?
The big, all-encompassing vision aims to transform society and is already having a sweeping effect on its arts, entertainment and restaurant scene. While its big-budget giga-projects, which include UNESCO World Heritage Sites and brand-new cities, will boost tourism to the kingdom.
The mastermind behind the Saudi Vision 2030 is His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is seen by the outside world as a reformer. HRH Prince Mohammed is determined to diversify the economy so that it’s less dependent on black gold – oil. “It is an ambitious yet achievable blueprint,” he declared.
What would take most countries decades to achieve, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to accomplishing in under 15 years. Like all great visionaries, he has a strategy – the three main objectives are to create a vibrant society, thriving economy and ambitious nation.
Okay, so what are the three pillars of Saudi Vision 2030?
A vibrant society
Saudi Arabia is one of the final frontiers when it comes to tourism, as it only swung open its doors and offered visas in 2019. Saudi aims to increase its capacity to welcome Umrah (pilgrimages to Mekkah) from eight million to 30 million each year. It also wants to up its UNESCO World Heritage Site count and already has six to date, including the impressive 200,000-year-old AlUla.
Not so long ago, cinemas and live music were not permitted. Now, with the national programme Daem, which means meaningful entertainment (don’t expect to find art for art’s sake here), cultural venues have been opening up and showcasing local talent.
Today, sports events such as Golf Saudi and concerts including those at the upcoming Riyadh Season, are commonplace. Celebrity chefs and world-famous restaurants are descending on the capital – there’s already David Burke and ROKA, while regional heavyweights including Time Out Market favourites BB Social Dining and Reif Japanese Kushiyaki are coming soon.
The everyday Saudi will also be affected, as the government want to improve its citizens’ quality of life, healthcare and life expectancy, taking it from 74 years to 80 years.
A thriving economy
To keep the cash flowing, there are more jobs for locals being created – better known as Saudisation. Expect to see more women at work, too, as the government aims to increase the female workforce from 22 percent to 30 percent.
Budding entrepreneurs (of which Riyadh has plenty) can now take advantage of business-friendly regulations and easier access to funding. While the country is also expanding its foreign direct investments and non-oil exports.
An ambitious nation
It’s not about the money, money, money, the vision wants to attract one million volunteers each year in health care, education and cultural programmes.
The vision states that it strives for transparency, effective governments and engagement with citizens. This translates to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and top be among the top five nations on the E-Government Survey Index.
Protecting the environment is part of the plan. Not only are futuristic cities like NEOM rising out of the desert, but there will also be eco-friendly. Aquaculture is being promoted and the country’s vital resources will be protected – don’t expect any empty shelves here anytime soon.
If you talk to locals, you’ll sense a genuine sense of excitement around Saudi Vision 2030. Not only are lives being transformed with vast changes that will affect housing, work and leisure time, but the vision also wants to increase household savings and income.
For more information on Vision 2030, visit vision2030.gov.sa.
