Saudi Arabia celebrates 94th National Day and remarkable achievements 
On this 94th National Day, Sept. 23, Saudi citizens recall the national struggle led by King Abdulaziz to unify Saudi Arabia under the banner of “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God,” to consolidate the principles of national unity, and to establish security and safety in the country.
They also recall on this glorious day, with pride and joy, the immense modern achievements of the Kingdom in all aspects of life, including health, education, economics, investments, technology, transportation, and logistics, which have reinforced socioeconomic growth and economic prosperity in the country, elevating it to a world-leading economic force.
Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom’s future is bright, especially with the launch of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016.
This vision has created a promising future roadmap for Saudi Arabia, leveraging the Kingdom’s unique strengths, its pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, its strong investment capabilities, and its strategic geographical position.
Vision 2030 has laid out a blueprint for the Kingdom’s financial security away from oil, aiming to diversify the economy, empower citizens, create a vibrant environment for both local and international investors, and present Saudi Arabia as a world leader in economic sustainability and growth.
Vision 2030 has laid out a blueprint for the Kingdom’s financial security away from oil, aiming to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and create a vibrant environment for both local and international investors.
It is worth noting that the Kingdom has reached the midpoint of its Vision 2030, and the annual report for 2023 has showcased impressive performances across several programs and initiatives.
Eighty-seven percent of Vision 2030’s 1,064 initiatives have been completed or are on track, and 81 percent of the 243 key performance indicators at the third level have achieved their targets, with 105 indicators surpassing their targets set for 2024-2025.
The Kingdom welcomed 106 million visitors in 2023, including 27.4 million international tourists, making it the second-fastest-growing tourism destination in the world.
The robust growth of non-oil sectors currently constitutes 51 percent of the country’s real gross domestic product.
This year, National Day highlights many achievements across several sectors of the economy in line with Vision 2030. These achievements have supported the Kingdom’s transformation, enabling it to grow its economy, empower its citizens, and deliver a future full of opportunity.
• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
