Al-Riyadh Newspaper, May 23-24, 2025: Vision 2030, Nation’s Commitment To Peace, Economy, Arts and Culture

These articles from the Al-Riyadh newspaper, dated May 23-24, 2025, cover a range of topics related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The pieces highlight the nation’s commitment to peace and its role in facilitating a high-level international conference on a Palestinian settlement. The articles also discuss the Saudi economy, including the budget, oil revenue projections, and the increasing adoption of electronic payments. Finally, they celebrate the Kingdom’s achievements in education, arts, and culture, particularly focusing on international recognition and the development of local talent and infrastructure.

Saudi Vision 2030: Ambition and Achievements

Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2016, is described in the sources as a strategic transformation that aims to reshape the future of the Kingdom. It is presented not merely as a strategic document for economic and developmental trajectory, but as the birth of a new era grounded in ambition, innovation, and openness. The vision seeks to transform the Kingdom from reliance on oil to economic diversification and to build a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious nation. It involves empowering people, developing infrastructure, and diversifying resources through a series of wide-ranging projects and initiatives.

Driven by Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge society and an innovation-based economy, the Kingdom has focused on developing human capital through comprehensive reform in the education system, launching scholarship and training programs, and supporting talents in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These efforts have led to Saudi students becoming globally competitive and winning awards in international competitions such as ISEF. Notable achievements include winning 27 awards (9 special, 18 grand) at ISEF 2024 and 23 international awards (14 grand, 9 special) at ISEF 2025, accumulating a total of 75 ISEF awards by 2022. Success in these areas also contributes to the quality of education and scientific research.

Digital transformation is highlighted as one of the basic pillars of Vision 2030. The Kingdom has achieved significant global rankings in this domain, including fourth globally in the UN e-Government Development Index for 2024, and first regionally and second among G20 countries in the digital services index. Riyadh was ranked third globally among 193 cities in the WSIS 2024 awards. The Kingdom also shows high capacity in cyber security, reaching the second rank globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia attained the third global rank in the average speed of 5G networks according to the 2025 Opensignal report. Various platforms have received global acclaim for facilitating services and achieving community satisfaction, winning awards from organizations like the United Nations and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Vision 2030 has also brought significant development in the tourism, heritage, and culture sectors, which are key objectives aiming to strengthen national identity and open the Kingdom to the world. An example includes Al-Ula village being selected among the best tourist villages globally by the UN World Tourism Organization in 2023. Cultural and heritage awards help promote national identity and increase tourism.

Economically, the vision aims for diversification and reduced dependence on oil. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth and diversification, in line with Vision 2030. In 2023, PIF was the most active sovereign wealth fund globally. The Kingdom has advanced to the 15th position globally in the ease of doing business index, thanks to improvements in licensing systems, finance, digital infrastructure, and intellectual property protection. Saudi Arabia was also recognized as the “Best investment destination in the Middle East” in 2022.

Awards in environment and sustainable development initiatives, such as the Arab Parliament Award for the “Middle East Green Initiative” and the “NEOM” project, underscore the Vision’s focus on these areas. Innovations in renewable energy and environmental engineering align with sustainability goals and support efforts to preserve natural resources. Sports are also considered one of the basic pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, with success in hosting sports events reflecting the Kingdom’s capabilities.

The success and achievements under Vision 2030, including the numerous international awards, are seen not as coincidences but as the result of a clear vision, decisive leadership, smart investment, and an ambitious people. The Vision relied on national strengths, Arab and Islamic depth, geographical location, and investment power. This strategic transformation has changed the image of the Kingdom regionally and globally, making it a focus of international attention. It has transformed the Kingdom into an active international player beyond its role as an oil power and made it a global model for national transformation. Vision 2030 is described as a story that became a global inspiration due to its combination of realistic ambition and effective implementation. Winning international awards reinforces the Kingdom’s reputation and trust among international partners, contributing to its soft power and attracting foreign investment and expertise.

The achievements and awards are viewed not as the end but as a starting point, and the Kingdom looks confidently towards continuing its path of excellence and leadership in the future. The work continues to maintain the high level achieved. Linking strategic awards to the objectives of Vision 2030 makes these recognitions effective tools for achieving tangible results in implementing the Vision’s goals across various sectors like economic diversification, human capital development, digital transformation, sustainability, and soft power.

Saudi Vision 2030: International Awards and Recognition

International awards are presented in the sources as significant indicators of Saudi Arabia’s progress and transformation under Vision 2030. They are not merely recognitions but are considered effective tools for achieving tangible results in implementing the Vision’s goals across various sectors. These awards contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation and building trust among international partners.

Saudi Arabia has received numerous international awards across diverse fields:

• Academic and Innovation Awards:
• Saudi students have become globally competitive, winning awards in international competitions like ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair) and the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO). Notably, students won 27 awards (9 special, 18 grand) at ISEF 2024 in Los Angeles, and 23 international awards (14 grand, 9 special) at ISEF 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. By 2022, the Kingdom had accumulated a total of 75 ISEF awards. Saudi students also won awards at the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE) for innovations in medical, environmental, and technological fields.
• Saudi research teams have won the King Faisal Global Prize for Science in 2021 and 2024 for significant research in areas like cancer treatment and renewable energy, reflecting the quality of scientific research in the Kingdom.
• A prominent Saudi female engineer was honored in 2023 with an award from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for her innovation of a smart system for water desalination using solar energy, highlighting the Kingdom’s adoption of modern technologies for environmental and water resource challenges.
• Awards in innovation and technology include the UAE Innovates Award and a golden award for architectural engineering at Expo 2020 Dubai for the design of the Saudi pavilion and its innovations. The Shuaqeeq Steam Power Plant project also received a PMI-KSA Project Excellence award for outstanding project management.
• Digital Transformation and E-Government Awards:
• The Kingdom has achieved high global rankings in digital transformation, placing fourth globally in the UN e-Government Development Index for 2024.
• It ranked first regionally and second among G20 countries in the digital services index.
• The city of Riyadh was ranked third globally among 193 cities and won a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS 2024) award for its National Data Bank project and the Estishraf platform.
• Various platforms, including Tawakkalna, Absher, and Sehhaty, have received global acclaim from organizations like the United Nations and WSIS for facilitating services and achieving community satisfaction.
• Saudi Arabia also attained the second rank globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index and the third global rank in the average speed of 5G networks according to the 2025 Opensignal report.
• Economic and Investment Awards:
• In 2022, Saudi Arabia was recognized as the “Best investment destination in the Middle East” at the Investor’s Choice Awards. This award reflects the significant progress in the business environment, including improvements in investment regulations, simplified procedures, and attractive incentives for foreign investors.
• Saudi startups have also received awards, such as “Baraka” winning Best Startup in the Middle East at Step Conference in Dubai in 2023.
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) was the most active sovereign wealth fund globally in 2023.
• The Kingdom advanced to the 15th position globally in the ease of doing business index, largely due to improvements in licensing systems, finance, digital infrastructure, and intellectual property protection.
• A study indicated that the Kingdom ranked third globally in the index for financing startups in 2024.
• A CEO of SABIC was recognized in Forbes’ “Global CEOs to Watch” list in 2021 for successful leadership in industry and technology, reflecting the Kingdom’s vision for diversifying income sources and relying on modern technology.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Awards:
• The Kingdom received the Arab Parliament Award for the “Middle East Green Initiative” and the “NEOM” project as notable environmental and developmental initiatives at regional and international levels.
• Awards in environment, renewable energy, and urban planning align with sustainability goals and efforts to preserve natural resources.
• The “Mena” digital gateway for the agriculture category also won a WSIS award in 2022, surpassing over 947 projects from 109 countries.
• Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Awards:
• Al-Ula village was selected among the best tourist villages globally by the UN World Tourism Organization in 2023.
• Cultural and heritage awards promote national identity and increase tourism, contributing to the “Heritage” محور (pillar) within Vision 2030.
• Sports:
• Sports are considered one of the basic pillars of Vision 2030, and success in hosting sports events reflects the Kingdom’s capabilities [Source does not provide specific sports awards won, but mentions sports as a pillar and includes a sports section about football teams].

These awards serve as a “soft power” tool, conveying diplomatic and cultural messages through achievements and excellence. They contribute to building an influential global profile for the Kingdom. The international recognition creates communication channels and enhances trust with the world, portraying the Kingdom as a safe, responsible, and modern partner. Economically, this international appreciation contributes to opening markets, facilitating capital flow, and attracting talent, redefining the Kingdom as a platform for opportunities rather than just a consumer market.

The sources emphasize that these achievements and awards are not accidental but are the result of a clear vision, decisive leadership, smart investment, and ambitious people. They are viewed not as the conclusion but as the starting point for continuing the path of excellence and leadership. Linking these strategic awards to the objectives of Vision 2030 makes them effective tools for achieving the Vision’s goals across various sectors.

Saudi Arabia Tax Revenue Estimates 2025

Based on the sources and our conversation history, there is limited information specifically about “Gulf Budgets 2025” as a whole.

However, the sources do provide details regarding Saudi Arabia’s estimated financial situation for the year 2025, specifically concerning tax revenues. The Saudi Ministry of Finance expects tax revenues for 2025 to reach around 379 billion Saudi Riyals. This amount is estimated to constitute about 32 percent of the total revenues. The sources indicate a predicted increase in tax revenues of up to 4 percent compared to the estimates for 2024. This expected growth is attributed to the continued recovery of economic activity and improvements made in tax administration mechanisms and collection. Taxes on goods and services are noted to contribute the largest portion of these revenues, reaching an estimated 77 percent.

The sources do not contain information about the budgets or financial estimates for other Gulf countries for 2025.

Saudi Arabia: Innovation, Education, and Global Recognition

Drawing on the sources and our conversation history, Education and Innovation are presented as fundamental components driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030. The Kingdom has strategically prioritized these sectors to build a knowledge society and an economy based on innovation.

This focus involves comprehensive reforms within the education system, launching scholarship programs, and investing in the development of human capital, providing training and support for talented individuals, particularly in the critical fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These initiatives are not merely about improving internal capabilities but also about enabling Saudi students and researchers to become globally competitive.

The success of these efforts is evidenced by numerous international awards and recognitions across various domains:

• Academic and Student Achievements: Saudi students have achieved significant global recognition. At the ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), the Saudi team won 27 awards (18 grand, 9 special) in Los Angeles in 2024 and 23 international awards (14 grand, 9 special) in Columbus, Ohio, in 2025. By 2022, the Kingdom had accumulated a total of 75 ISEF awards. Saudi students also won awards at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) and the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE) for their innovations in medical, environmental, and technological areas.
• Research and Scientific Excellence: Saudi research teams have been honored with the King Faisal Global Prize for Science in both 2021 and 2024, acknowledging important research, such as advancements in cancer treatment and renewable energy. These awards reflect the high quality of scientific research being conducted within the Kingdom and enhance its status as a significant scientific hub in the region.
• Innovation and Technology: The Kingdom has received awards highlighting its progress in innovation and technology. This includes the UAE Innovates Award and a golden award for architectural engineering at Expo 2020 Dubai for the Saudi pavilion’s design and innovations. A prominent Saudi female engineer was recognized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for her innovative smart system for water desalination using solar energy, demonstrating the Kingdom’s adoption of modern technology to address environmental and water resource challenges.
• Digital Transformation and E-Government: Saudi Arabia has achieved high global rankings in digital transformation. It ranked fourth globally in the UN e-Government Development Index for 2024 and first regionally and second among G20 countries in the digital services index. The city of Riyadh was ranked third globally among 193 cities and received a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS 2024) award for its National Data Bank project and the Estishraf platform. Platforms like Tawakkalna, Absher, and Sehhaty have received global acclaim from organizations like the United Nations and WSIS for facilitating services and achieving community satisfaction. The Mena digital gateway for agriculture also won a WSIS award in 2022.
• Innovation Ecosystem and Environment: The Kingdom ranked third globally in the index for financing startups in 2024 according to the Global Innovation Index issued by WIPO, and is among the top countries in institutional innovation activity growth. It also advanced to 15th globally in the ease of doing business index, partly due to improvements in areas like digital infrastructure and intellectual property protection. Initiatives stimulating innovation and digital transformation have led to the development of smart government services.

These international awards are not seen as mere accolades but as effective strategic tools contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s image and objectives. They serve as a form of “soft power,” conveying diplomatic and cultural messages through achievements and excellence. Winning these awards enhances the Kingdom’s international reputation, builds trust with global partners, and portrays it as a modern, capable, and responsible country. Economically, this recognition contributes to opening markets, facilitating capital flow, attracting talent, and redefining the Kingdom as a platform for opportunities.

Furthermore, these achievements have a profound internal impact. They create a positive competitive culture among students and researchers, inspire new generations to enter STEM fields, and raise aspirations by showcasing winners as role models. Awards lead to tangible outcomes such as additional funding for research, improved university rankings, and the establishment of research clubs and incubation programs. They also facilitate the building of sustainable international partnerships through joint research and development agreements and technology transfer initiatives.

The sources emphasize that these accomplishments are the result of a clear vision, decisive leadership, smart investment, and ambitious people, and are considered a starting point for continued excellence and leadership. Linking these strategic awards to the goals of Vision 2030 makes them powerful instruments for achieving tangible results across various sectors.

Point of Sale Systems: Trends and Benefits

Based on the provided sources, the discussion around Points of Sale (POS) systems focuses on market trends, influencing factors, and their benefits within the retail and services sectors.

The market for Point of Sale devices is influenced by increasing concerns regarding security and privacy, particularly concerning data breaches.

Despite these concerns, several factors are driving the market’s growth. The increasing popularity of modern car services (“خدمات السيارات الحديثة”) is noted as a key driver. Many companies have begun adopting advanced Point of Sale systems to integrate modern functions, such as those for drive-thru lines (“خطوط خدمة السيارات”), kitchen operations (“وعمليات المطابخ”), and administrative processes (“والعمليات الإدارية”), which ensures a more efficient and smoother fulfillment of orders. Examples of fast-food chains like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Panera integrating drive-thru features into their POS systems are given. The growing reliance on mobile POS systems has also created new opportunities, enabling companies to offer faster and more flexible payment solutions.

The sources highlight that the increase in adopting these systems is positively affecting the market, driven by the increase in Return on Investment (ROI) that POS systems provide. Furthermore, the necessity for effective management of increasing demands, inventory tracking (“تتبع المخزون”), and the integration of in-store and online sales channels (“دمج المبيعات داخل المتاجر وعبر الإنترنت”) has bolstered the need for these systems. The widespread use of contactless payments (“المدفوعات الالتالمسية”) and Near Field Communication (NFC) devices (“أجهزة الاتصال قريب المدى”) across different sectors has also significantly boosted market growth.

Money transfer companies are noted to offer innovative financial solutions designed to meet the needs of various sectors. These Point of Sale systems are stated to enhance profitability and simplify commercial operations and inventory management for retail traders (“تجار التجزئة”).

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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