JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has announced a plan for the next five years to triple revenue from non-oil sources, tax expatriates and goods, reduce water and electricity subsidies, cut public sector salaries and ensure a greater involvement of the private sector in the economy, as part of a long-term initiative to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
The details of the SR268 billion National Transformation Program (NTP), contained in a 112-page document, were approved late Monday by the Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The NTP is part of Vision 2030, being spearheaded by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The NTP aims to boost non-oil revenue to SR530 billion by 2020, creating some 450,000 non-government jobs, according to comments by ministers, documents given to the media at a press conference in Jeddah on Monday, and reports from the Saudi Press Agency and other sources.
The plan aims to “enhance the level and quality of services” provided by government and “achieve a prosperous future and sustainable development,” it said. The NTP, which includes over 500 projects and initiatives as well as performance indicators for ministries and other government agencies, will cost around SR270 billion to implement, the document stated.
Minister of State Mohammed Al-Asheikh said the cost would have no impact on Saudi budget spending, and added that a further SR300 billion was expected to be contributed to NTP initiatives by the private sector.
The plan aims to increase the percentage of government debt to gross domestic product from 7.7 percent to 30 percent. Under Vision 2030, new non-oil revenue is expected to come from the introduction of a value-added tax, “sin taxes” on sweet drinks and tobacco, and fees imposed on the private sector.
Al-Asheikh said there were no plans to introduce income tax for citizens. However, the NTP document showed that the government will spend SR150 million to prepare income tax for expatriates, which refers to a tax on remittances recently mooted by the Shoura Council’s finance committee of 6 percent in the first year, reducing to 2 percent permanently from the fifth year of service.
The core goals of the plan is to create more than 450,000 jobs outside the government sector by 2020, have the private sector fund 40 percent of projects during the period, reducing financial pressure on the state, and with more than SR270 billion in goods and services produced locally instead of abroad, reducing imports and creating job opportunities.
The ministers present at the press conference outlined their priorities, including Minister of Civil Service Khalid Al-Araj, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdul Rahman Al-Fadli, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih and Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammed bin Saleh Bentin.
The Justice Ministry is planning to reduce the time taken to resolve commercial cases from 575 days to 395 days, and improve the enforcement of contracts. The aim is to reduce the number of lawsuits handled by the courts and ensure each judge’s caseload is reduced from 455 to 299 by 2020.
The Finance Ministry plans to introduce various tax measures but no details of this was provided in the document; apply fees on the registration of real estate and on profits from real estate; and raise non-oil state revenues from SR163.5 billion in 2015 to SR530 billion by 2020.
In addition, the ministry would cut public salaries and wages as a proportion of the state budget from 45 percent to 40 percent; balance the budget by 2020; raise government debt from 7.7 percent to 30 percent of gross domestic product; raise Saudi Arabia’s credit rating from A1 to Aa2; and increase state assets from SR3 trillion to SR5 trillion.
The Economy and Planning Ministry plans to reduce the percentage of delayed state projects from 70 percent to 40 percent, cut electricity and water subsidies by SR200 billion, and reduce non-oil subsidies by 20 percent, the document stated.
The Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Ministry is responsible for boosting annual non-oil commodity exports from SR185 billion to SR330 billion; lift the percentage of power plant electricity generation through “strategic partners” from 27 percent to 100 percent; and boost dry gas production capacity from 12 billion standard cubic feet per day to 17.8 billion.
The Health Ministry will spend SR4.7 billion to reform and restructure primary health care; the Communications Ministry will privatize the Saudi Postal Corporation; and the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will increase housing units to very needy families from 10,400 to 101,700.
The Housing Ministry will spend SR2.8 billion on a loan guarantee program and take other steps to promote home ownership; the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage will raise the number of direct jobs in tourism from 830,000 to 1.2 million; and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority will raise direct foreign investment from SR30 billion to SR70 billion.
At the press conference on Monday, Al-Falih said that the ministry was working with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu on developing the energy sector.
He said there were more than 130 initiatives to be financed mostly by the private sector at an estimated cost of more than SR103 billion until 2020. Aramco has signed several agreements with international companies for the completion of the World Marine Industries and Services Complex, which will directly and indirectly create 80,000 jobs in the medium term, and reduce the need for billions in imports.
Al-Fadli said the ministry is seeking to achieve 16 strategic objectives, which includes ensuring food security in the Kingdom, through the development of an effective program for strategic storage, agricultural investment abroad, and a national program to reduce waste based on international experiences and standards. Bentin said the Kingdom was spending a great deal to improve services for Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
National Transformation Program 2020 to spur growth
National Transformation Program 2020 to spur growth
Saudi women embrace natural beauty: a fresh take on changing standards
- Trend focuses on simplicity over perfection
- Consumers take more mindful approach
RIYADH: Women in Saudi Arabia have been embracing a more natural approach to their beauty routines in recent years, focusing on sustainability, health and authenticity over heavy makeup and curated perfection.
Arab News spoke to several women who described how this trend reflects a deep alignment with personal and societal values — prioritizing routines that enhance their natural features while promoting overall well-being and environmental sustainability.
For Laila Al-Ghamdi, this change is personal. “A few years ago, I would say natural beauty was everything to me. As a young teenager, my whole world used to revolve around the epitome of beauty,” she said. “Nowadays, healthier choices are influencing my decisions, and ironically, they’re the ones that make me prettier.”
This shift is supported by local brands that cater to these changing standards. One standout is LOCA Beauty, a Saudi brand with a focus on sustainability that was founded in 2018.
“LOCA Beauty was born out of a desire to provide innovative solutions that align with the Saudi lifestyle,” said Mai Al-Mohaimeed, marketing director of LOCA. “We focus on natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, which resonates deeply with our customers.”
Similarly, Asteri, another brand, empowers women with vegan products that withstand harsh weather conditions while celebrating the region’s natural beauty.
Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold. It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.
Munira Al-Ahmad, Local
Sustainability is central to the natural beauty movement in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and health effects of their purchases. Local brands are rising to meet this demand with eco-friendly materials and safe ingredients.
Glossig, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes, combines cultural storytelling with artistic innovation to enhance individuality. Meanwhile, Mai Ward and Jayla emphasize sustainability and luxury — Mai Ward celebrates Saudi heritage through handcrafted, sustainable products, while Ladeena focuses on organic solutions, delivering skin-friendly products infused with natural oils and butters.
For women like Rawan Al-Zahrani and Munira Al-Ahmad, these brands have become trusted choices.
“I love how LOCA products feel luxurious yet sustainable. Their makeup products are my go-to because they offer such an amazing glow to my skin,” Al-Zahrani said.
Al-Ahmad, meanwhile, praised Asteri for its innovative solutions. “Asteri’s products feel like they’re made for me — lightweight but effective, perfect for our environment,” she said.
Social media has also played a transformative role in this cultural shift. Platforms such as Instagram have become spaces for clean beauty enthusiasts to share tips and inspire others. Influencers highlight natural products and promote mindful consumerism.
“I follow several Saudi influencers who promote natural beauty and share tips on skincare and makeup,” Al-Zahrani said. “Their advice has helped me simplify my routine and focus on products that work for me.”
While local brands are thriving, they face significant challenges in competing with international giants. In a market saturated with global names it is difficult for smaller brands to stand out.
“Being a local beauty brand presents both opportunities and challenges,” Al-Mohaimeed said. “This also provides us with an opportunity to emphasize what sets us apart — our deep understanding of the Saudi market and the cultural nuances that shape our consumers’ needs.”
Changing beauty standards also reflect a generational change. Younger Saudis are more open to challenging traditional norms and exploring new ideas, driving innovation in the beauty industry. Natural beauty is becoming more about celebrating individuality and authenticity.
“Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold,” Al-Ahmad said. “It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.”
By choosing products and routines that align with their values, Saudi women are redefining the beauty industry, shaping a more sustainable future one natural step at a time.
GCC secretary general receives British ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton at the GCC Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the progress of negotiations on the free trade agreement signed between the GCC and the UK and reviewed the latest regional and international developments, the General Secretariat wrote in a statement.
Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership, serving the aspirations and mutual interests of both sides.
Saudi authorities warn of inclement weather as country braces for heavy rainfall
- Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday
- Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Makkah, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather.
The National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah.
Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added.
Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom, according to the NCM.
It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions.
Meanwhile, Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday. Some areas in the capital also were lashed by hail.
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas, forcing the Civil Defense to warn against venturing into flooded areas and valleys.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives.
“We follow the weather conditions in some areas of the Kingdom, and call for staying away from valleys and water bodies,” the Civil Defense posted on X.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it added.
Makkah Governorate on X posted several videos of heavy rains, thunderstorm and waterspouts.
Social media is filled with videos from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the Red Sea City of Jeddah, showing streets and city roads flooded, and cars submerged as result of heavy rainfall.
According to the NCM, winds over the Red Sea will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 20-50 km per hour. Waves may range from one meter and a half to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.
KSrelief delivers critical food, shelter aid to Syrian families
- Saudi aid agency also launches voluntary program to support Syrian healthcare sector
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Tuesday distributed food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in the Rif Dimashq governorate of Syria, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Also on Tuesday, KSrelief distributed food and shelter aid in the village of Nasib, in the Daraa governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
To date, seven planes carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter materials have arrived at Damascus International Airport as part of a Saudi relief airlift.
Additionally, 60 Saudi trucks containing essential supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria as part of a Saudi relief land bridge operated by KSrelief.
On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the country’s new leadership to rebuild after years of civil war.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
Recently, Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qassem met with the KSrelief team in Damascus, where they discussed ways to deliver aid to the Syrian people and coordination between the Saudi aid agency and civil society organizations in the country.
Al-Qassem commended the support provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief and praised the Kingdom’s prompt response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Syrian Minister of Health Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa also met with the KSrelief team and discussed ways to contribute to addressing the needs of the Syrian healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, KSrelief continues implementing its project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in the town of Arsal.
In one month, the Arsal Primary Health Care Center received 12,676 patients and provided 23,386 services across various departments.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need, particularly Syrian refugees affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
KSrelief also announced the opening of registration for the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians. The program aims to support the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts by providing critical emergency and medical services to Syrians in need.
The initiative covers surgery, psychological support, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, and prosthetics, among other treatments.
Registration is available here.
Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols
- Known across the Arab world for their elegance, quality and intricate embroidery
RIYADH: Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts, which are sought-after across the Arab world for their exquisite tailoring, quality and intricate embroidery.
The Hasawi bisht is favored by dignitaries, officials and businesspeople for its aesthetics as well as the rich culture it represents, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
They come in dark or light fabrics depending on taste, the occasion and season.
These garments are often adorned with silk thread, as well as golden and silver zari embroidery in shades of yellow, reddish hues, and white, the SPA reported.
Handmade bishts continue to be in demand despite machine-made options.
Certain families in Al-Ahsa and elsewhere in the Kingdom are renowned for their expertise in crafting handmade and artisanal bishts, with meticulous attention to design, shape and embroidery.
Prices vary based on craftsmanship, fabric quality, and the type of zari used. Fabrics from Japan or Kashmir, along with German zari, are factors in determining cost.
Winter bishts, woven from camel hair, come in varying quality and are distinguished by their thickness and weight compared to those made for summer.
Bisht fabrics are woven in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, with China and India offering similar manufactured options, the SPA added.
The embellishment of the winter Hasawi bisht initially had silk thread, and later incorporated golden and silver.
Stitching the karmuk, the wide section adorned with zari, can take 14 days by hand, while a machine can complete the task in two hours.
