It was 2016 and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman envisioned an ambitious program – the “Saudi Arabia Vision 2030”.
The initiative undoubtedly, aspires for a lot. To begin with, it aims to diversify the community.
The main objective of the Saudi Arabia Visoin 2023 is to reduce the nation’s reliance on oil production, contributing greatly to the economy, society, and culture.
The so-called “resource curse” which is the over-dependence on a single resource, is a predicament that the Saudi government has been trying to escape.
By simply involving other sources of income such as taxes, fees, and returns from the sovereign wealth fund will surely reshape the economy.
These changes and shift in strategy would reduce the country’s reliance on volatile oil prices and as a result, create a more sustainable economic model.
That’s not it, the plan also aims to boost the private sector’s contribution to the economy.
The Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 initiative focuses on creating more employment opportunities for the citizens.
A development like this would help citizens become less dependent on government subsidies and public salaries and instead switch to independency and self-sufficiency.
Pillars of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
As Saudi Arabia embarks on its transformative journey with Vision 2030, the roadmap outlines three core pillars that serve as the main focus areas for achieving the nation’s ambitious goals.
These pillars cascade into specific strategic objectives, enabling the effective implementation of programs across various sectors.
A Vibrant Society: One of the key pillars of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 is the creation of a vibrant and inclusive society.
This pillar aims to nurture a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for Saudi citizens, fostering a strong sense of national pride and cultural identity.
Strategic objectives under this pillar include promoting a healthy and active population, facilitating enriching living experiences, and strengthening the fabric of Saudi society through shared values and traditions.
A Thriving Economy: Central to the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 is the goal of establishing a thriving and prosperous economy.
This pillar focuses on diversifying the nation’s economic base, reducing its dependence on oil revenues, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Strategic objectives involve developing a robust private sector, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to investment and job creation.
An Ambitious Nation: The third pillar of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 revolves around Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a pioneering and influential nation on the global stage.
This pillar emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled and talented workforce, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Strategic objectives under this pillar include enhancing government effectiveness, promoting sustainable development, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading player in various sectors.
Through these three pillars – a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation – Saudi Arabia aims to transform itself into a modern, prosperous, and influential country, capable of meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the 21st century.
Where we are now with the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
2024 marks the eighth year since the plan came into action. According to the 2023 annual report, the journey looks promising.
The track record is unquestionably impressive. paints a picture of remarkable success in implementing its ambitious initiatives.
The report showcases an impressive track record, with 87 percent of the 1,064 initiatives planned for 2023 either completed or progressing according to plan.
One of the key highlights of the report is the performance against the carefully crafted key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2023.
Out of the 243 metrics established, a remarkable 81 percent have achieved their third-level targets, a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to its goals.
These achievements are a testament to the country’s determination to transform itself into a vibrant, thriving, and ambitious nation.
The progress made in 2023 serves as a powerful reminder of Saudi Arabia’s ability to turn ambitious plans into tangible results, laying a solid foundation for continued success in the years to come.
As the world watches with keen interest, the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 continues to gather steam, propelling the nation toward a future of prosperity, innovation, and global influence.