‘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.


‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

Updated 40 min 50 sec ago
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‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

  • Family favorite is part of Ithra’s Disney in Concert series along with ‘Frozen’

DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney’s “The Lion King” dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra.

“We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,” conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. “This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.”

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. (Supplied)

As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several “Harry Potter” films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.

For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.

• ‘We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,’ Ochsner told the crowd before the show.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on.

Originally released in 1994, “The Lion King” quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on. (Supplied)

The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.

At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.

Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning ‘The Lion King’ score while the film played on a large screen. (Supplied)

Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,” audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.

Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.

“It’s one of my favorite films,” Hassan’s nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.

Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film “at least five times” — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.

“I like the show so far. It’s really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,” he said.

“After watching the show, I’d like to play the piano,” Tia added.

The concert is part of Ithra’s cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney’s “Frozen,” giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.

Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.

 


Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

  • The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market

MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.

The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)

The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.

The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.

FASTFACTS

• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.

• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m

A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.

Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.

The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)

Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.

 


Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. (X @MOCCulinary)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

  • The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October.

The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027.

The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally.

The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom’s cuisine.

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage.

For Bocuse d’Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity.

For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of “Elevating Saudi Dessert.” There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom.

Hopeful chefs can register at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/40/?lang=ar.

 


Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

Updated 47 min 29 sec ago
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Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

  • Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the National Day celebration held by the Embassy of Rwanda at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mayor was received by Rwandan Ambassador to the Kingdom Eugene Segore Kayihura and other officials.

Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha. The pair discussed topics of common interest, the ambassador wrote on X.

 


Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

  • The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production

RIYADH: A daily event featuring Saudi brand stores and promoting local art, accessories and modern designs is taking place in Diriyah’s JAX District.

The event, which began on Wednesday and runs until July 8, is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products.

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)

Brands taking part are presenting a range of innovative pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production.