Network: Various

Release date: April 27, 2021

Main topics: Vision 2030, Economy, Education, Petrochemical Sector, COVID-19, Yemen, US relations.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gave an interview on the fifth anniversary of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. The interview was hosted by Saudi journalist Abdulla Al-Mudaifer and broadcast on various networks, including national television.

The crown prince appeared on the Liwan Al Mudaifer Show to discuss developments in the ambitious national strategy, which aims to transform the Kingdom and prepare it for a post-hydrocarbon age.

In the interview, the crown prince explained in detail the thinking behind Vision 2030, past achievements, the challenges of ensuring its implementation and future goals.

He also made headlines after putting forward facts and figures on Saudi Arabia’s economy. He said that the Kingdom had no plans to introduce income tax and that the 15 percent increase in VAT in the Kingdom was not a permanent measure, but a precautionary one, which would “ensure a long-term future for Saudi citizens.”

When asked about his criteria for selecting team members, the crown prince referred to “passion” as the most important part in success. “The most important thing there should be is passion,” he said. “The person in charge should have the passion, so when he assumes a certain position, it should be his passion — his personal passion.”

The crown prince also spoke about moderation in the application of Islamic laws, challenged Wahhabism and stressed the need for religious reform and a review of sources of religious legislation.

When talking about relations with Tehran, the crown prince noted the importance of having “a good and distinguished relationship with Iran,” and said that the Kingdom is working to find solutions to Iran’s certain “negative behavior,” which he said included its nuclear and missile programs, and support for illegal militias.