Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a journey of hope to reality

It is not surprising that Saudi Arabia was named one of the 10 most influential countries in the world in 2023 by CEOWORLD magazine, a leading publication for CEOs, chief financial officers, senior executives, business leaders, and high net worth individuals. Saudi Arabia was ranked ninth, behind Japan, the UK, Germany, France, India, Russia, China and the US. This is a recognition, among many, that is a testament to the remarkable progress and transformation the Kingdom has undergone since the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 on April 25, 2016.

There has been tremendous change on several fronts, which has lifted the mood in the country. The enthusiasm from citizens and non-citizens can be felt on every street corner. As we approach the eighth anniversary of the plan’s announcement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has become one of the biggest construction sites in the world, with many giga projects in progress, and a global tourist hotspot.

Discussions about Vision 2030 have shifted. Rather than people just discussing future possibilities, there is now a noticeable acknowledgment of the Kingdom’s accomplishments. This includes the completion of a part of the Red Sea project, the development of AlUla, and the hosting of large-scale sports competitions.

The unwavering commitment to progress, coupled with the growing sense of national pride, positions Saudi Arabia as a nation on the rise.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is also fostering a strong sense of patriotism among citizens. This is being achieved through various means, particularly education and the celebration of events including Saudi Founding Day, Saudi National Day, and Saudi Flag Day. The goal of these initiatives is to reinforce the shared values and aspirations that are at the core of Vision 2030, which is instilling a sense of pride and unity among the populace.

The unwavering commitment to progress, coupled with the growing sense of national pride, positions Saudi Arabia as a nation on the rise. The Kingdom is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage in the years to come. In addition, Vision 2030 has outlined a pathway to prosperity for Middle East and other nations.

The Kingdom is no longer dependent solely on oil for revenue. A couple of weeks ago, the Ministry of Economy and Planning said that non-oil economic activity in Saudi Arabia made up 50 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2023, the highest percentage ever.

To conclude, the fact that discussions about Vision 2030 now focus on current accomplishments rather than hopes for the future proves how far the Kingdom has come in recent years. The country’s giga projects and programs have fostered a sense of pride and solidarity among its people. It is also clear that there is a greater confidence and trust in Saudi Arabia’s leadership among foreign investors, which bodes well for the future.

• Nasser bin Hamed Al-Ahmad is a political analyst. X: @nasseralahmad3