Al-Riyadh Newspaper 2nd October, 2025

The sources provide a broad overview of Saudi Arabia’s national initiatives and global engagements, aligning closely with its Vision 2030 objectives. Several texts detail the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural and creative sectors, exemplified by the launch of a new arts university and significant cultural investment funds, alongside hosting international events like the UNESCO Mondiacult conference. Furthermore, the documents highlight economic diversification and strategic partnerships, including the alignment of the Saudi-Chinese relationship with Vision 2030, and advancements in logistics and technology, such as operating the region’s first remote air traffic control tower. Lastly, the sources touch upon ongoing global and regional issues, including humanitarian crises in Gaza, international security forums, and domestic health campaigns.

Saudi Arabia Vision 2030: Progress and Pillars

Vision 2030 is the ambitious strategic framework driving significant national development and transformation across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a reported achievement rate of nearly 95% of its goals ahead of the specified timeframe.

The Vision was conceived by Prince Mohammed bin Salman and enjoys immense support from the leadership. It is described as a new vision that focuses on the well-being (رفاهيته) of the citizen, national development, and the nation’s independence. The ultimate goal is to transform the Kingdom into a global center for decision-making.

Key Strategic Pillars and Objectives

1. Economic Diversification and Fiscal Sustainability

A core objective of Vision 2030 is diversifying the economy away from oil. The government is committed to continuing financial and economic reforms that contribute to achieving Vision 2030 goals.

• Non-Oil Sector Growth: The budget spending plans for the coming fiscal year (2026) are aimed at supporting economic growth, focusing on high-return projects, with the non-oil sector acting as the primary driver of growth.
• Localization of Industries: The cooperation between Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and Honeywell to convert crude oil directly into chemicals is highlighted as supporting Vision 2030’s goals to diversify the economy and localize vital industries.
• Investments: Since its launch, investments in cultural infrastructure alone, in partnership with the public and private sectors, have exceeded 81 billion riyals.

2. Cultural and Human Capital Development

Vision 2030 aims to revolutionize culture (قلْب الثقافة). It positions culture not merely as an elite or recreational activity but as a crucial lever for economic and social development.

• Quality of Life and Reading: The Vision seeks to make reading an essential component of the cultural renaissance, integrating the book as a fundamental element of enhancing the quality of life (جودة الحياة).
• Cultural Infrastructure: Strategic initiatives include the launch of the Riyadh University for Arts, intended to be a leading center for cultural education, offering academic programs up to the PhD level. This step supports the development of the creative economy.
• Cultural Heritage: Promoting cultural heritage, such as placing the Jeddah Historic District page on Google Arts & Culture, aligns with Vision 2030’s aim to protect heritage and activate it as an influential component of national development.

3. Digital Transformation and Empowerment

The Vision is characterized by a significant digital transformation.

• AI and Technology: The Vision leads a major digital transformation, recognizing that skills like Prompt Engineering (AI) will become a pivotal element in content development and innovation across various sectors. The Kingdom seeks to be a source of innovation and knowledge rather than just a user of imported technologies.
• Societal Empowerment: Efforts by the Ministry of Human Resources to digitally empower all social groups, including elderly citizens (كبار السن), ensure their inclusion in the national development journey, aligning with the Vision’s goal of building a vibrant society and achieving sustainable development.

4. Tourism and Logistics

Vision 2030 places the tourism and hospitality sector at the forefront of key sectors used to diversify income sources.

• Tourism Goals: The goals include attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030, increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 10%, and generating approximately 1.6 million jobs. Festivals and entertainment events serve as positive drivers for achieving these tourism objectives.
• Urban Development: Efforts to humanize cities, such as the “Union of Neighborhoods” initiative, are consistent with Vision 2030. Furthermore, plans for Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah aim to enhance its status as a leading global destination, in line with the Vision’s objectives. The city of Dammam has also achieved the second rank nationally and third rank in the Arab world in the Numbeo Quality of Life Index for 2025, reflecting the development of services and infrastructure supporting Vision 2030 goals.
• Logistics Hub: The Vision also aims to consolidate the Kingdom’s standing as a global logistics hub (مركز لوجستي عاملي).

5. Women’s Empowerment

Empowering women is integrated into the Vision’s objectives. This is demonstrated by programs like the “Sisters of Men” award, which highlights the role of Saudi women in national development. Achievements in the labor market in Al-Qassim have shown that the percentage of women participating in the labor market surpassed the Vision 2030 target.

Saudi Vision 2030 Cultural Investment and Strategy

Cultural investment is a fundamental component of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strategic transformation under Vision 2030, marking a pivotal shift where culture is no longer a marginal or elite activity but a central lever for economic and social development.

Since the launch of Vision 2030, investments in cultural infrastructure, in partnership with both the public and private sectors, have already exceeded 81 billion riyals.

The Cultural Investment Conference

The scale and strategic importance of cultural investment were recently highlighted by the Cultural Investment Conference, which the sources describe as an unprecedented cultural and economic event.

Key Outcomes and Financial Commitments:

• Total Agreements: The conference resulted in the signing of 89 strategic agreements and deals.
• Investment Value: The total value of the investment funds and agreements launched during the conference exceeded 2.5 billion riyals.
• New Investment Funds: Several specialized funds were announced to stimulate the creative economy:
• A new film investment fund with a volume of 375 million riyals.
• A fashion fund valued at 300 million riyals.
• A Cultural Assets Fund amounting to 850 million riyals. This asset fund includes a direct contribution of 200 million riyals from the Cultural Fund and is designed to cover sectors such as arts, digital content, media, and fashion.

This major financial influx reflects culture’s strong entry into the economic equation, recognizing the sector as a promising and attractive destination for capital.

Investing in Human Capital and Education

A core principle of Saudi Arabia’s approach to cultural investment is that it does not stop at tangible projects and infrastructure, but must include human capital.

• Riyadh University for Arts: The Minister of Culture announced the establishment of the Riyadh University for Arts. This institution is intended to be a leading academic center for cultural education.
• The university aims to be among the top 50 international universities specialized in arts and culture.
• It will offer comprehensive academic programs, including short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, to equip students with the skills needed for the creative and innovative sectors.
• The establishment of this university is expected to provide an educational base for the national talent pool, supporting the development of the creative economy and aligning with global transformations in creative industries.
• Job Creation: The emphasis on human capital is driven by significant labor market projections. The cultural sector is rapidly growing, and the demand for qualified cultural competencies is expected to increase annually by 7%. This growth is anticipated to create over 300,000 new jobs in the coming decade. The university itself aims to graduate between 25,000 and 30,000 students by 2040.

Cultural Policy, Soft Power, and Global Positioning

Cultural investment also serves broader national and international goals:

• Economic Diversification: Culture is viewed as a crucial lever (رافعة) for economic and social development and a fuel for the future. The expansion of the creative economy is a key strategy for diversifying the economy and transforming innovative ideas into marketable products and services.
• Soft Power and Diplomacy: Culture has been explicitly positioned as a tool for Saudi soft power (القوة الناعمة). The cultural and economic impact of these investments is understood to be inseparable from political and diplomatic dimensions.
• Global Events: The Kingdom’s commitment to cultural development is further underscored by its role as a host for major international events, such as the upcoming UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies for Sustainable Development (Mondiacult), which is scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia in 2029.
• Digital Heritage Preservation: Cultural investments include leveraging digital technology for heritage preservation, such as the launch of the Jeddah Historic District page on the Google Arts & Culture platform. This initiative aims to utilize modern digital techniques to showcase the cultural and historical value of the region to a global audience.
• Cultural Infrastructure and Identity: Initiatives like the International Riyadh Book Fair confirm that cultural projects are not merely gatherings for books but seasons of awareness and cultural carnivals. Furthermore, advancing culture, literature, publishing, and translation is viewed as fundamental to building collective consciousness and safeguarding intellectual resources against ignorance and cognitive fragility.

Saudi-Chinese Strategic Partnership: Vision 2030 and Belt-Road Alignment

Saudi-Chinese relations are characterized by a strategic partnership that has developed rapidly and achieved advanced results, driven by the personal care and guidance of the leadership in both countries. These ties are not merely transactional but reflect a deep shared political awareness, values, and a unified destiny.

Key Pillars of the Relationship

1. Strategic Alignment and Economic Cooperation

A core focus of the bilateral relationship is economic integration, particularly the successful alignment between China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

• Trade Volume: Cooperation has intensified across all levels, solidifying political trust. The total volume of bilateral trade has impressively exceeded $100 billion for three consecutive years.
• Sectoral Focus: Economic cooperation spans crucial sectors, including energy, infrastructure, petrochemicals, the digital economy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and green development.
• Investment: Saudi investors find wide opportunities in China’s industrial, technological, and innovation sectors. Conversely, Chinese interest in the Kingdom is growing, highlighted by the announcement that the Ori Group, a Chinese entity, plans to invest over 2 billion riyals to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh. This office will focus on the film industry, tourism, fashion, education, and cultural events.
• Strategic View: Saudi Arabia views China as a reliable partner capable of contributing to its economic transformation and diversification of income sources under Vision 2030.

2. Defense and Security Integration

The relationship has reached a new strategic level through security cooperation, which observers note is essential for stabilizing the region.

• Joint Strategic Defense Agreement: A major shift occurred with the signing of the “Joint Strategic Defense Agreement” in Riyadh in September 2025.
• Unity of Destiny: The agreement explicitly stipulates that “any armed external aggression against either Riyadh or Islamabad is considered an aggression against both”. This moves the relationship beyond mere security coordination to a “unity of destiny”.
• Regional Stability: This agreement reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a linchpin in regional security, affirming that the security of the Gulf is linked to the security of South Asia. It also aims to enhance capacities in defense industries, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies, supporting Vision 2030’s goals for diversifying the economy and localizing vital industries.

3. Cultural and Human Exchanges

Cultural ties and popular exchanges are actively increasing.

• Cultural Year: The year 2025 marks the “Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year”.
• Cultural Programs: More than 40 cultural events in the fields of arts, cinema, and education are being organized jointly.
• Language and Tourism: There is a visible increase in cultural rapprochement, particularly through the teaching of the Chinese language in Saudi universities and schools, as well as increased student and tourist visits.
• Visa Policy: The Saudi government has implemented a policy providing unilateral visa exemption for Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports, which was broadly welcomed.

4. Diplomatic and Future Outlook

The relationship is guided by mutual aspirations for a prominent global role and shared commitment to international stability.

• High-Level Greetings: The leadership of the two countries, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, exchanged congratulations with President Xi Jinping on China’s National Day, praising the distinguished relations and the commitment to their growth in all fields.
• Upcoming Summits: China is preparing to host the Second China-Arab Summit and the Second China-GCC Summit next year (2026), following the success of the first summits held in Riyadh in December 2022. These meetings are anticipated to drive relations toward comprehensive and deeper development in the new era.
• Global Governance: China has presented its Global Initiatives (Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global Governance), which are seen as contributing stability and certainty to a turbulent world. The Chinese side is committed to working with Saudi Arabia to implement these initiatives to build a shared future community for humanity.
• Chinese Ambitions: China continues to advance steadily towards modernization and high-quality development, with projections showing its contribution to global economic growth stabilizing around 30%, acting as one of the largest stable and reliable engines for the world.

Saudi Strategic Security: Alliances, Cyber, and Gaza

Regional security is a critical and multifaceted concern addressed across the diplomatic, military, digital, and humanitarian fronts within the context of the sources, often intersecting with Saudi Arabia’s domestic strategic goals, such as Vision 2030.

I. Strategic Alliances and Defense Cooperation

Saudi Arabia’s approach to regional security has reached a new strategic level through security cooperation, particularly with China and Pakistan.

The Joint Strategic Defense Agreement: The cornerstone of this new strategic posture is the “Joint Strategic Defense Agreement,” signed in Riyadh in September 2025.

• Unity of Destiny: The agreement explicitly states that “any armed external aggression against either Riyadh or Islamabad is considered an aggression against both,” a clause moving the relationship beyond mere coordination to a “unity of destiny”.
• Regional Hub: This agreement reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a linchpin in regional security. Observers note that this partnership affirms the security of the Gulf is linked to the security of South Asia.
• Capacity Building: The defense partnership aims to enhance capabilities in defense industries, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies, supporting Vision 2030’s goals for diversifying the economy and localizing vital industries.
• Diplomatic Message: The defense agreement with Pakistan sends a strong message that the Kingdom seeks to build alliances based on mutual respect and serves the interests of the region’s peoples, while adhering to the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

II. Multilateral Dialogue and Global Positioning

The Kingdom emphasizes its role as a pivotal force for stability and a host for major international security discussions.

• Munich Security Conference: Saudi Arabia hosted the opening meeting of the leaders of the Munich Security Conference in AlUla, attended by nearly 100 high-level external and security policy officials.
• Dialogue Commitment: The Kingdom’s hosting of the conference affirms its commitment to the principle of international dialogue and strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues. This event gathered senior officials from different countries to discuss current security challenges and explore solutions for regional and international issues, including Gaza, global food security, and climate and energy security.

III. Cyber Security as a Pillar of National and Regional Stability

In the contemporary environment, cyber security is treated not as a mere technical issue but as a crucial pillar of national security and a basis for maintaining social peace.

• Threat Definition: Cyberattacks are no longer limited to hacking devices or networks; they now threaten the economy, culture, and social stability, and can even be used as a tool for terrorism and spreading extremism.
• Vision 2030 Integration: Saudi Arabia has established the National Cybersecurity Authority and launched the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence to qualify national competencies.
• Global Diplomacy: Cyber security is now a major topic on the table of global diplomacy, integrated into UN security issues and initiatives promoting responsible behavior standards for states in cyberspace. The global initiatives presented by China (Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global Governance) are also viewed as contributing stability and certainty to a turbulent world.

IV. Regional Flashpoints and Humanitarian Security (Gaza)

The conflict in Gaza highlights severe regional instability and deep humanitarian crises, prompting urgent diplomatic and aid efforts.

• Intensified Conflict: The sources detail a new “bloody night” in Gaza due to intensive Israeli shelling targeting civilian homes, residential neighborhoods, and civil institutions, leading to dozens of casualties, including children and women.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The situation is marked by the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, including:
• Internal Displacement: An estimated 1,000,000 displaced persons are concentrated in Khan Younis in a densely populated area, raising fears of a major health and environmental catastrophe.
• Starvation: Fatalities due to famine and severe malnutrition are increasing, with the total number of deaths from malnutrition and starvation rising to 455, including 151 children.
• Movement Restrictions: The Israeli military announced the closure of “Al-Rashid Street,” a vital coastal road connecting north and south Gaza. This move isolates the north from the rest of the strip, heightening the suffering and humanitarian plight of the residents.
• Diplomatic Solution: Saudi Arabia, in partnership with France, presented the “New York Declaration” in July 2025, which calls for a serious push toward resolving the Palestinian issue through peaceful means, centered on the two-state solution. The diplomatic weight of this position is noted by the subsequent recognition of the Palestinian state by four out of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus 147 member states.
• Global Solidarity Fleet: An effort to break the siege involved the arrival of the largest naval fleet of global solidarity, consisting of nearly fifty ships carrying over 500 activists from more than 45 countries, underscoring the international complexity of the regional security challenge.

Saudi Aviation Technology: AI, Virtual Towers, and Drones

Aviation technology is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and logistical aspirations under Vision 2030, characterized by the adoption of advanced digital solutions, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and specialized equipment for both commercial and safety applications.

1. Remote Virtual Control Towers

The Kingdom has achieved a qualitative leap in air traffic management by successfully operating the first remote virtual control tower in the region at AlUla International Airport.

• Mechanism and Location: The remote tower system manages AlUla International Airport’s air and ground traffic from a control center located at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
• Advanced Technology: This virtual tower relies on advanced digital systems and technologies, including high-resolution 360-degree cameras and advanced sensing devices. It also utilizes AI for data analysis and comprehensive monitoring of air traffic.
• Strategic Impact: The operation of this technology is a crucial step toward realizing a digital and innovative future for the aviation sector. It supports Vision 2030 goals by enhancing AlUla’s status as a global logistics hub in the northwest of the Kingdom and boosting the tourism sector.
• Operational Benefits: The project, implemented by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company (SANS), confirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing air navigation services. The virtual tower aims to increase operational efficiency and service effectiveness, while also reducing construction and logistical costs.

2. Drones and AI in Public Safety

Aviation technology is also deployed in public safety and emergency response by the Saudi Civil Defense, as demonstrated by the innovations showcased at the Intersec 2025 exhibition.

• The “Saqr” (Falcon) Drone: This drone is considered one of the most prominent innovations for enhancing the speed of response to accidents.
• It is designed for rapid deployment, especially in difficult-to-reach or high locations.
• It has a reservoir capacity of up to 100 liters of water or foam for firefighting, with the ability to fly up to 200 meters high.
• The “Saqr” drone has already proven successful, having been launched for the first time during the past Hajj season as part of a support system for rapid response and protection of lives and property.
• Smart Platform: The Civil Defense also uses the “Smart Platform,” which employs the latest AI techniques to enhance safety and security. This platform allows for predictive analysis and real-time monitoring of potential incidents, such as fires, smoke emissions, and abnormal crowd congestion in the holy sites.

3. Localization and Industrial Development

The broader technological and industrial transformation objectives outlined in Vision 2030 support the localization of vital industries, which has implications for the aviation sector:

• Petrochemical Technology: A major collaboration between Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and Honeywell is focused on developing next-generation technology to convert crude oil directly into chemicals. This initiative supports economic diversification and the localization of vital industries. The goal is to maximize the value of every barrel of crude oil and improve the efficiency of energy consumption.
• Defense Industry: Maintenance and operation concerning aviation technology are prioritized in the military sector, as evidenced by tenders announced by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

Overall, these developments reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging advanced digital and AI solutions to transform the aviation industry, enhance logistics, and bolster national security.