Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 24, 2025: The Future of Saudi Vision 2030, King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language

These sources offer a multifaceted view of the Middle East, primarily focusing on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives across various sectors like tourism, industry, and economic diversification, alongside its cultural and societal advancements such as the revitalization of traditional crafts and the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language. Concurrently, the texts address significant geopolitical tensions in the broader Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel and its potential global economic repercussions, especially concerning oil prices and supply chains. Furthermore, the collection touches upon the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by international aid efforts, and the United Nations’ evolving role amid global crises and funding shortages. Finally, a segment also explores advancements in media and entertainment, including the future of AI in journalism and upcoming film and television releases, while acknowledging the importance of public speaking skills in an increasingly digital world.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Tourism Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing a significant and unprecedented qualitative transformation, driven primarily by Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce reliance on oil.

Key aspects of Saudi tourism growth include:

• Strategic Vision and Goals: Vision 2030 has bet on tourism as a pivotal sector to bolster the national economy, with the goal of becoming a major tourism hub in the Middle East and globally, attracting millions of tourists from around the world. The Ministry of Tourism affirms it possesses the global expertise to create an exceptional tourism sector.
• Impressive Performance in 2024: The tourism sector achieved considerable success in recent years, including 2024, which saw approximately 116 million local and international tourists spending about 284 billion Saudi Riyals. This figure surpasses the landscape of 2023. This growth is described as “stunning,” with non-oil revenues, which include tourism, reaching 457.8 billion riyals by the end of 2023, marking a 175% increase.
• Contribution to Non-Oil Economy: Tourism has become a fundamental pillar of the non-oil economy, aligning with the government’s national transformation projects. The continuous growth in non-oil activities, including tourism, demonstrates the effectiveness of Vision 2030 in fostering a prosperous economy through diversifying growth drivers and opening new sectors. The non-oil economy in Saudi Arabia is projected to see a massive increase of 5.2% in 2025.
• Enabling Factors: This remarkable growth is a direct result of:
• Exceptional Government Support: A comprehensive national strategy, coupled with dozens of initiatives, programs, and seasons, has significantly bolstered the sector.
• Infrastructure Development: There has been substantial investment in developing new infrastructure and raising the readiness level for major international events.
• Streamlined Procedures: Efforts have been made to ease entry and exit procedures, including visa issuance for tourists.
• Diversified Offerings: Transformations in the quality of recreational, cultural, environmental, and tourism offerings have contributed to attracting various segments of visitors.
• Mega Projects: Flagship projects like AlUla, the Red Sea, Amaala, and Diriyah are central to developing recreational and cultural tourism, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global destination. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a crucial role in attracting local and international investments, including those in transformative projects like NEOM and The Red Sea.

The Kingdom’s investments in tourism, technology, and infrastructure are described as “bearing fruit” and paving the way for long-term growth, underscoring the adaptability of GCC economies to global changes.

Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Transformation: A Vision 2030 Leap

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing significant advancements in its healthcare sector, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and visitors. This growth is evident across various dimensions, from direct medical services and mental health initiatives to infrastructure development and regulatory improvements.

Key areas of healthcare advancement include:

• Enhancing Pilgrim and Visitor Health Services:
• The Kingdom is deeply committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services to pilgrims, including well-equipped hospitals and medical centers staffed by qualified professionals using the latest technologies. The success of the Hajj season, enabled by advanced services and technology, underscores the nation’s capacity to manage complex health operations for millions of visitors.
• The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah, and Guidance in Medina offers awareness and guidance services to visitors, including digital library screens in major mosques, providing scientific materials in 51 international languages to help pilgrims perform rituals correctly.
• Clinical and Specialized Medical Initiatives:
• The “Painless Birth” initiative in the Qassim region provides a safe and effective option for pain relief during natural childbirth using epidural anesthesia, implemented across three health facilities: Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Buraidah, King Saud Hospital in Unaizah, and Al-Rass General Hospital. This initiative includes specialized training for medical and nursing teams to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
• The Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group organizes its 25th intensive pediatric course, accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. This program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of medical, technical, nursing, and administrative cadres, thereby improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients.
• Mental Health and Well-being Programs:
• The Riyadh Health Cluster emphasizes that while stress and anxiety are natural responses to daily pressures, prolonged and unmanaged levels can be harmful, affecting focus, productivity, and physical health.
• Different anxiety disorders are highlighted, including phobias, panic attacks, social anxiety, and separation anxiety, along with their symptoms and potential causes.
• Strategies for managing stress and anxiety include reducing caffeine intake, regulating diet and sleep, engaging in enjoyable activities, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and seeking medical treatment through medication and psychological sessions from specialists.
• Separately, a study highlights the significant loss of productivity (over $500 billion annually in the US) due to interruptions, which can lead to increased stress levels and negatively impact health.
• Regulatory and Infrastructure Enhancements:
• The General Authority for Food and Drug is urged to develop its analytical infrastructure for specialized laboratories and storage, ensuring the safety of food, medicines, and treatments.
• There is a call to create large databases for treatments and mandate health institutions to register patient information for those receiving these treatments. The “Tameni” application is also recommended for expansion to include medical devices, supplements, food products, and additives.
• The Shura Council discussed ensuring the quality of services and accelerating the implementation of programs and initiatives related to social security and empowerment clinics, emphasizing compliance with safety and occupational health standards.
• The importance of integrating preventative health programs into mandatory health insurance packages (“preventative health insurance packages”) is also noted.
• The Saudi Central Bank plays a crucial role in advancing the digital economy and financial inclusion, including support for FinTech initiatives like “SADAD,” which can streamline healthcare-related financial transactions.
• Research and Development in Health-Related Fields:
• The Islamic University in Medina launched a “Support for Applied Interdisciplinary Research” initiative to back vital research projects and find innovative solutions to local and international issues. This includes research in areas like digital future economies, sustainability, and infrastructure for Medina, which could encompass healthcare infrastructure development.
• An Australian study presented findings warning of the impact of repeated head impacts in football (soccer) on brain chemistry, potentially increasing the risk of dementia. This research emphasizes the need for caution and suggests restricting head impacts in training, especially for youth players.
• Women’s Empowerment in Healthcare Leadership:
• The Riyadh Health Cluster launched the “Women Leaders Club” to support and empower female professionals within its facilities. This initiative aims to develop leadership skills, boost their roles in decision-making, and contribute to the development of the health sector under female leadership.

These advancements collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach to modernizing and strengthening its healthcare system, not only through direct medical provisions but also through foundational support, technological integration, and a focus on public well-being.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Economic Diversification and Growth

Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification is a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to transform the Kingdom into a global economic powerhouse by significantly reducing its reliance on oil and fostering growth across various non-oil sectors. This ambitious transformation is driven by a comprehensive national strategy with numerous initiatives and programs.

Key aspects and drivers of Saudi economic diversification include:

• Vision 2030’s Core Objective: The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 explicitly bets on diversifying national income sources away from oil, striving to become a major economic hub and achieve sustainable development. This vision seeks to enhance the quality of life and build a prosperous economy by developing new sectors and growth drivers.
• Impressive Non-Oil Economic Growth:
• The non-oil economy has shown “stunning” growth, with non-oil revenues, including tourism, reaching 457.8 billion Saudi Riyals by the end of 2023, marking a 175% increase.
• The annual industrial production index for non-oil activities increased by 5.3% in 2024, driven by the performance of all non-oil economic activities compared to 2023. Experts affirm this growth validates the effectiveness of Vision 2030.
• The non-oil economy in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow by a massive 5.2% in 2025.
• Strategic Sector Development: The diversification strategy focuses on several key sectors:
• Tourism: A pivotal sector aimed at attracting millions of tourists to enjoy the Kingdom’s natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Mega-projects like AlUla, the Red Sea, Amaala, and Diriyah are central to developing recreational and cultural tourism. The tourism sector achieved significant success in recent years, with approximately 116 million local and international tourists spending around 284 billion Saudi Riyals in 2024. Tourism is also highlighted as a main driver for growth in other GCC economies, contributing an estimated 13% to Dubai’s GDP in 2025.
• Industry: The Kingdom possesses a strong industrial infrastructure, supported by the availability of raw materials and energy at competitive prices. Initiatives like the “Made in Saudi” program aim to empower the industrial sector and boost exports. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has launched a second set of incentives to stimulate industrial sectors and enhance competitiveness. In 2024, the manufacturing industry index increased by 4.7%.
• Renewable Energy: Saudi Arabia leverages its high sun exposure for solar energy production, with pioneering projects such as the Sudair Solar Energy city and the NEOM Green Hydrogen project, which is the world’s largest of its kind.
• Technology and Digital Transformation: The Kingdom has made significant progress in digital transformation, with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) leading this shift. The FinTech sector is experiencing rapid growth supported by a stimulating regulatory environment. An initiative called “SAMAI” aims to empower one million Saudis with AI tools through advanced training programs in partnership with leading global technology companies, fostering a knowledge-based economy and national competencies in AI.
• Financial Sector: Characterized by stability and activity, the financial sector has seen growth in digital banking services under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The Public Investment Fund (PIF) plays a crucial role in attracting local and international investments and is pivotal in financing transformative projects like NEOM and the Red Sea. The PIF recently established a global commercial paper program to add a new financing tool, supporting its long-term funding efforts and showcasing its flexible financing strategy.
• Logistics and Transportation: Capitalizing on its strategic location between three continents, Saudi Arabia aims to become a global logistics platform, investing heavily in ports, airports, and railway networks.
• Mining: The Kingdom holds vast mineral wealth, estimated at over 5 trillion Riyals, including gold, bauxite, copper, and phosphates, spread across more than 5,300 sites.
• Empowering the Private Sector and Entrepreneurs: The government actively promotes an environment conducive to investment, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and offering incentives to foreign investors, including full ownership in certain sectors. Platforms like “Invest in Saudi” facilitate investor entry into the Saudi market and the launch of mega-projects. Emphasis is also placed on entrepreneurship, particularly among youth, through support and funding programs. Local municipalities are also actively launching investment opportunities to foster private sector partnership.
• Human Capital Development: Investing in human capital is an integral part of diversification, with initiatives like “SAMAI” for AI training and various educational and training programs to prepare a new generation of leaders. The Shura Council also discussed accelerating programs related to social security and empowerment clinics.

These comprehensive efforts, supported by strong government backing and strategic investments, underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a diverse, sustainable, and resilient economy for the future.

Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Renaissance: Vision 2030 in Action

Saudi Arabia is actively and extensively advancing its arts and culture sector, driven by the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of life and build a prosperous economy by diversifying national income sources away from oil. Culture is viewed not as a luxury but as one of the state’s languages, a central component of a comprehensive national project, and a means to present the Kingdom’s image to the world.

Key areas of advancement in arts and culture include:

• Vision 2030’s Cultural Ambition and Investment:
• The Kingdom’s leadership, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has approached culture as a vital element in building the Saudi individual and showcasing the Kingdom globally. His expressed love for the arts is seen as a deeper philosophy for Saudi Arabia’s transformation.
• This commitment is evident in the substantial increase in household spending on culture, which rose from 2.9% to 6%, with a target of contributing 3% of the GDP by 2030. This marks a shift where culture has transformed from an option to a policy, and from an activity to an economy.
• The Vision’s overarching aim is to build a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious nation.
• Heritage Preservation and Promotion:
• Traditional Crafts: The Sadu Weaving Art: Sadu, a traditional craft rooted in Bedouin life and a significant art of weaving, is at the forefront of heritage preservation efforts.
• The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as the “Year of Handcrafts,” aiming to celebrate heritage skills and revive them with a contemporary spirit.
• Sadu is recognized for its simplicity, diverse colors, and symbolic patterns, utilizing natural materials like goat hair, camel hair, and sheep wool, spun manually with traditional tools.
• Its geometric patterns and colors hold deep meanings, symbolizing aspects of local identity, life balance, protection, fertility, and solidarity.
• “Sadu Weaving” was listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020, further solidifying its global recognition. It is now being integrated into modern fashion and interior design, demonstrating its continued relevance.
• Urban Heritage Documentation: The Heritage Authority has significantly expanded the National Urban Heritage Register, adding 5,969 new urban heritage sites, bringing the total to 34,171 sites. These sites reflect the rich and diverse architectural heritage across various regions, including Makkah, Qassim, Asir, and Hail. This initiative protects these sites from encroachment or neglect and ensures their preservation for future generations.
• Historical Sites and Infrastructure: Projects like the King Salman Park in Al-Qasab showcase modern, sustainable design aimed at improving quality of life and offering recreational and cultural spaces. The development of the Hada and Taif road highlights a historical route with potential for significant tourism and residential projects, envisioned as a global destination. The restoration of 130 historical mosques further underscores the commitment to preserving architectural and religious heritage.
• Cultural Hubs and Events:
• King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra): Ithra continues to be a prominent cultural institution, recognized with the King Abdulaziz Quality Award (Silver Level) for its excellence in institutional performance and commitment to quality and innovation. It also received the “Mostadam” certificate (Silver Level) for its environmental and social impact.
• Ithra is actively engaged in international cultural exchange, such as its participation in the “Concéntrico” International Festival for Architecture and Design in Spain, where it presented an installation (“Roots of Warmth”) inspired by Saudi agricultural heritage and showcased a sensory experience (“Summer Delights”) celebrating local produce. These initiatives aim to spread Saudi identity and creative development globally.
• The Salama Center in Medina serves as an interactive destination connecting visitors with the city’s vibrant areas, incorporating modern infrastructure with recreational and cultural content.
• “Hayazan” Play: The Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah staged the play “Hayazan” to honor its late author, Ahmed Al-Samman, reinforcing the importance of preserving artistic legacies.
• Literary, Publishing, and Language Development:
• International Presence: Saudi Arabia, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority, actively participates in international events like the Seoul International Book Fair. These participations highlight the transformation of the Saudi cultural sector, enhance its literary presence on the global stage, and foster cultural and intellectual cooperation.
• Global Collaborations: The Research and Cognitive Communication Center in Riyadh has hosted international delegations, such as from China, to discuss mutual translation and strengthen cultural ties through publishing and media initiatives.
• Arabic Language Preservation: The King Salman Global Complex for Arabic Language plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Arabic language. It recently completed a program to qualify 25 Arabic language teachers for non-native speakers from 13 countries, aiming to build bridges of knowledge and strengthen the language globally. The sources emphasize the importance of safeguarding Arabic against the increasing influence of foreign words, especially among youth, to maintain its status as the language of the Quran and a core part of national identity.

These diverse efforts collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive and strategic approach to enhancing its arts and culture sector as a cornerstone of its national development and global engagement.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: A Green Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a comprehensive range of environmental initiatives as a fundamental pillar of its Vision 2030 strategy. This strategic focus aims to foster a sustainable future, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to a prosperous and diversified economy by prioritizing environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Key environmental initiatives and their impacts include:

• Greening and Reforestation Efforts:
• “Saudi Green Initiative”: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is spearheading ambitious goals under this initiative. In the Makkah region alone, the plan aims to plant nearly 1 billion trees by 2100 across 43 main zones, which is projected to rehabilitate approximately 4.5 million hectares of land across the Kingdom.
• Significant Progress in Makkah: The Center’s collaborative efforts with 45 governmental and private entities in Makkah have already resulted in the planting of approximately 7.3 million trees. They are currently working on 7 projects in the region, encompassing 1.3 million trees and 29,807 shrubs. Environmental indicators in Makkah have shown a “remarkable improvement” in vegetation cover in recent years.
• Urban Greening: Local municipalities are also contributing significantly. The King Salman Park in Al-Qasab, for instance, spans 80,000 square meters and was designed with modern, sustainable principles, aiming to improve quality of life and reduce air pollution. Similarly, the Baqiq Municipality completed the redevelopment of a 21,000 square meter park and walkway, increasing green spaces by over 7,300 square meters and planting more than 50 trees and 9,500 diverse flowers. These efforts align with the Quality of Life Program within Vision 2030.
• Conservation and Biodiversity Protection:
• Nature Reserves Management: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Authority has updated its entry and recreation mechanisms for the Thumama and Dahna reserves. Visitors now require a daily permit, obtained in advance through the official website, to protect the natural environment, flora, and wildlife. Strict environmental regulations are enforced, prohibiting hunting, logging, direct ground fires, vehicle trampling of plants, littering, noise, and visual distortion. These measures have led to a “remarkable recovery” of flora and fauna in recent years.
• Endangered Species Preservation: The Saudi Falcons Club has achieved a notable environmental milestone by successfully increasing the population of the endangered Houbara bustard (locally known as “Al-Wukari”) to 14 falcons, up from only two pairs previously. This “Haddad” program aims to enhance biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and preserve the traditional heritage of falconry, aligning with Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability objectives.
• Sustainable Resource Management:
• Regulating Grazing: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has begun issuing grazing permits in areas such as Jabalh Park in Zulfi, Rawdat Al-Sabla and Ma’ila Park in Dawadmi, and areas in the Northern Borders region. This initiative aims to regulate grazing, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance biodiversity.
• Sustainable Agriculture: In AlUla, the focus is on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly the cultivation of date palms, which are a major strategic crop in the region. AlUla boasts over 3.1 million date palms across 16,579.40 hectares, contributing to food security and the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
• Broader Environmental Commitments:
• The National Center for Vegetation Cover also supports global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
• The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in preserving and developing camel heritage, recognizing camels as a vital part of national identity, culture, and their role in food security and the rural economy.

These comprehensive efforts demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strategic commitment to building a diverse, sustainable, and resilient environment for future generations, transforming environmental protection from an option into a core national policy and an integral part of its economic and societal development.

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

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