‘Record achievements, promising indicators’: 2024 annual report for Vision 2030 released

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Saudi Arabia’s achievements in less than a decade under the Vision 2030 program has made it a global model for transformation, King Salman said on Friday. (SPA)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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‘Record achievements, promising indicators’: 2024 annual report for Vision 2030 released

  • Speaking nine years on from launch, King Salman said Kingdom would continue ‘journey of progress forward’
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he was proud of what the nation had achieved under the program

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s achievements in less than a decade under the Vision 2030 program has made it a global model for transformation, King Salman said on Friday.

Speaking on the ninth anniversary of the announcement of the Kingdom’s widespread economic and social reforms, the king said the country will continue together the construction process to achieve more sustainable development for future generations.

“We praise God for the remarkable progress our nation has achieved in less than a decade – progress that has positioned Saudi Arabia as a global benchmark for transformation,” he said.

“We take great pride in the unwavering dedication of our citizens, whose efforts have laid the foundations for a new era of growth. Together, we carry the journey of progress forward, united in shaping the future of our country for generations to come,” he added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he was proud of what the nation had achieved under the program and that there was renewed determination to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a leading country in the world.

“Nine years into Vision 2030, we stand proud of what our people have accomplished,” Prince Mohammed said.

“They have turned ambition into action and goals into milestones. We have not only met key targets – we have surpassed many.

“Looking ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. We will accelerate delivery, embrace every opportunity, and further elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global leader,” he added.

Kingdom Accelerates Toward Vision 2030: Record Achievements and Promising Indicators

A report released by the government to coincide with the anniversary said 85 percent of the more than 1,500 Vision 2030 initiatives had been completed or are on track, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Eight goals of the program had been achieved six years ahead of time.

The Kingdom’s unemployment rate had dropped to a historic low, achieving the 2030 target of 7 percent and 2.4 million Saudi men and women now work in the private sector.

The private sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP has exceeded the 2024 target and the assets of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have more than tripled since Vision 2030 was launched.

The report said Saudi Arabia had advanced 20 places in the Global Competitiveness Index to 16th place. Saudi household ownership had reached more than 65 percent, exceeding the 2025 target.

International tourism revenues increased by 148 percent compared to 2019 and the agricultural sector has increased its contribution to the GDP, reaching 114 billion riyals.

Education has also been boosted with four Saudi universities now ranked among the top 500 universities in the world.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) saw its assets under management triple to reach 3.53 trillion riyals ($940.8 billion), the report said.

Private sector participation has also strengthened, now accounting for 47 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, while the localization of the military industries sector advanced significantly, with local content reaching 19.35 percent, a major leap from just 7.7 percent in 2021.

The agricultural sector contributed 114 billion riyals to the national GDP in 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a regional business hub continues to rise, with over 571 international companies now establishing their regional headquarters in the Kingdom.

By the end of 2024, over 850,000 Saudi families had achieved home ownership, contributing to a rise in overall home ownership rates among Saudi households, which reached 65.4 percent. This was up from 47 percent in 2016 and already surpassing the target for the year.

Healthcare coverage now extends to 96.4 percent of population centers, placing the Kingdom within striking distance of its 2030 goal of 99.5 percent.

The push for healthier lifestyles is bearing fruit, with 58.5 percent of adults now engaging in at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, above the 2024 target. Among children and adolescents, 18.7 percent meet the daily 60-minute activity recommendation. These efforts have contributed to a rise in average life expectancy, which now stands at 78.8 years, edging closer to the Vision 2030 target of 80 years.

Digital transformation in the justice sector has also increased, with 98 percent of litigation sessions conducted electronically in 2024, which amounts to over 2.3 million digital court hearings.

Additionally, more than 5.3 million electronic powers of attorney were issued, benefiting over six million individuals.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors saw growth in 2024, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global cultural and leisure destination.

The country welcomed over 100 million tourists, exceeding its Vision 2030 target, while 76.9 million visitors attended entertainment events. Tourism revenue soared, with international tourism earnings up 148 percent compared to 2019.

Major development projects continue to take shape. In Qiddiya, the Aquarabia water park reached 81 percent completion, while Six Flags progressed to 87 percent.

Madinah was ranked among the world’s top 100 tourist cities, and AlUla became the first Middle Eastern destination to receive accreditation from Destinations International.

The Kingdom also advanced its position as a global sports and gaming hub. It secured the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will be the tournament’s largest edition to date and the first to be hosted solely by one nation. Meanwhile, the inaugural Esports World Cup was successfully launched.

On the cultural front, 16 Saudi cultural elements were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

King Saud University inaugurated the first specialized college of arts in the Kingdom, further strengthening the national creative sector. Saudi Arabia also made waves in the tech sphere with the ALLaM generative AI model, now integrated into IBM’s watsonx platform — enhancing Arabic-language content across international platforms.


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
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Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025
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King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

  • Directive issued after authorities in Tehran close their airspace following attack by Israel said to have targeted Iranian nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs
  • Plan for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide help to the stranded pilgrims presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: King Salman on Friday ordered Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in the Kingdom receive all necessary support until it is safe for them to return home.

The directive came shortly after Israeli authorities launched early-morning airstrikes against Iran, which they said targeted nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs. Tehran closed the country’s airspace in the aftermath.

The plan to provide help to stranded Iranian pilgrims was presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring they receive all necessary support.

The annual pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam that all Muslims are required to complete at least once during their lives if physically and financially able, concluded on Monday. Tens of thousands of Iranians visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj each year. More than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part this year and authorities described it as a success.

Iran retaliated to the Israeli attack later on Friday by targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, raising fears of prolonged and more-dangerous exchanges of fire.


Saudi crown prince discusses repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses repercussions of Israel-Iran clash with Macron, Meloni

  • The crown prince had separate phone calls with Macron and Meloni: SPA

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday talked with the leaders of France and Italy about the latest developments in the region, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

During a phone call, the crown prince and France’s President Emmanuel Macron discussed the repercussions of Israeli strikes on Iran, which has killed 78 people, including generals and scientists, and wounded 320 others.

Iran retaliated later in the day, raining missiles and weaponized drones on Israeli cities, causing destruction.

In a separate call with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the two leaders “emphasized the necessity of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, the importance of exercising restraint, and resolving all disputes through diplomatic means,” SPA said.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince spoke with US President Donald J. Trump, during which the duo also stressed the need for continued joint work to achieve security, peace, and stability in the Middle East.

Macron had also announced that because of the Israel-Iran clash, the UN conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians that France and Saudi Arabia planned to co-chair next week in New York had been postponed.

“While we have to postpone this conference for logistical and security reasons, it will take place as soon as possible,” he said at a press conference.