Saudi Vision 2030: the hope of Middle East nations 
Nearly seven years have passed since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce its dependence on oil and develop public sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and transportation.
Since its inception, Vision 2030 has fostered a strong sense of nationalism and hope for a better future among the Saudi people, especially the youth. Despite initial skepticism, the progress made thus far shows that the vision has the potential to be a transformative force not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the wider Middle East region.
As we approach the anniversary of the launch of Vision 2030, its influence on the region is undeniable. Numerous posts on social media in the last few years, for instance, from Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan and other Arab countries show that the youth view Saudi Vision 2030 as an opportunity for the region to become more stable and prosperous and as a way to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. They see the plan and the Kingdom’s leadership as a potential model for other countries in the region and hope that it can help address some of the underlying economic and social challenges that have contributed to instability in the Middle East for decades.
The success of the ambitious plan depends on the Kingdom’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead and collaborate with other countries in the region toward a shared vision for a brighter future.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan highlighted the progress of Vision 2030 during his speech at the Davos conference this year, saying: “The Kingdom’s economy is going to be the fastest growing economy in the world this year through a very ambitious reform program — Vision 2030.”
Through this strategic framework, the Kingdom has the potential to be an influential force in the Middle East, leading to increased stability, prosperity and positive change, which makes Vision 2030 a regional-historical vision for the Arab and Islamic world.
As the plan continues to unfold, Riyadh, in my opinion, is likely to become an increasingly influential player on the international stage. As we observe Vision 2030 from the beginning, the Kingdom no longer solely relies on oil for income. It has rediscovered other sources of strength that have been previously untapped: its religious legacy, mineral resources, educated population, and strategic location. The progress made in just a few years has been remarkable and has defied the expectations of naysayers.
The success of Saudi Vision 2030 depends on the Kingdom’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead and collaborate with other countries in the region toward a shared vision for a brighter future. The Kingdom has already achieved many of its goals, and Saudi Vision 2030 has strengthened its position in various areas. A recent example of this is the Beijing-backed Saudi-Iran deal, which, if successful, could prove to be a game-changer, transforming the entire Middle East.
• Nasser bin Hamed Al-Ahmad is a political analyst. Twitter @nasseralahmad3
