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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Five years left, how much progress has been made and will it succeed?
Saudi Arabia is reshaping its future with Vision 2030, a plan built on people, progress, and purpose/ Image: File TL;DR Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia 's national plan to reduce its dependence on oil and reshape its economy and society. It focuses on three core goals: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious government. With five years to go, real progress is showing, from big infrastructure to rising foreign investment and social reforms. In 2016, Saudi Arabia made a big decision. It chose to change how the country works, not just economically, but socially and culturally too. The plan is called Vision 2030. It was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and it's one of the most detailed and ambitious national transformation strategies in the world. The goal is clear: reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on oil and open new paths for growth. That means investing in tourism, technology, clean energy, and education. It also means creating a more open and connected society, one where people, especially young Saudis and women, have more opportunities. And while many countries talk about change, Saudi Arabia is actually doing it. With five years left on the clock, Vision 2030 has already led to visible progress. Think of megaprojects like NEOM, policy shifts, and the growing presence of international businesses. The scale is big, but the direction is focused: build a more modern, more competitive country. Why Vision 2030? Saudi Arabia knew it had to change. Oil won't be the world's main engine forever, and the Kingdom wanted to get ahead of that shift. Vision 2030 was created to respond to this future. But it's not just about economics. It's also about improving quality of life, building trust in government, and making Saudi Arabia a place people want to live, work, and invest in. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Here's what the plan is built on: People: Prepare citizens for the future with education and skills. Business: Make it easier to invest, start a company, and grow. Government: Build a more open and efficient public sector. Since 2016, reforms have attracted global attention and funding. From clean energy to culture, the changes are happening on the ground. The country has opened up to visitors, encouraged foreign direct investment (FDI), and made space for ideas and industries that weren't part of the national story before. For Saudi citizens, this means more chances to learn, work, and create. For investors and entrepreneurs, it's a country that's open for business in ways it never was before. What Are the 3 Pillars of Vision 2030? 1. A Vibrant Society: Saudi Arabia is putting more focus on how people live day to day, not just their income, but their well-being. This means better access to culture, sports, healthcare, and public services. It's also about reconnecting with heritage and opening the country to visitors in new ways. 2. A Thriving Economy: The country is working to build a broader economy that doesn't depend on oil. That includes supporting small businesses, investing in tech and education, and making it easier for international companies to invest. It's about creating more jobs and better ones. 3. An Ambitious Nation: Behind all of this is a push to make government that's more transparent, more responsive, and better prepared for the future. It's also encouraging more people to get involved, from volunteering to helping shape public life. Targets for 2030: What's Actually Changing? Here are some of the most important goals set for 2030 and what they mean: 1. Vibrant Society Goals Raise life expectancy to 80 years (from 74) Get 40% of people exercising weekly (from 13%) Make sure 3 Saudi cities are in the world's top 100 Increase cultural spending to 6% of household budgets Welcome 30 million Umrah visitors annually Double the number of UNESCO heritage sites 2. Thriving Economy Goals Raise non-oil exports and grow the private sector's GDP share to 65% Increase women's workforce participation to 30% Grow SME contribution to 35% of GDP Increase FDI to 5.7% of GDP Lower unemployment to 7% Grow PIF assets from $159 billion to over $1.8 trillion Rank among the top 15 global economies 3. Ambitious Nation Goals One million Saudis volunteering every year Increase savings from 6% to 10% of household income Enter top five in global e-government rankings Improve from 80th to 20th in Government Effectiveness Index These aren't just numbers. They represent a serious shift in how the country works and what it prioritizes. And while not all goals are easy to hit, the direction is clear. What About Investors and Business? Private wealth, especially from ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices, is playing a key role. Many are no longer just investing money. They're working with Saudi partners to build clean tech hubs, smart cities, and future-facing tourism models. Projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Development are drawing serious global interest. These aren't just big-budget ideas, they're part of a real plan that depends on long-term infrastructure, water, energy, and digital systems. Vision 2030 isn't just a plan on paper. It's a national shift that's already happening and it has five years left to reach its goals. For Saudis, it means more choice, more opportunity, and a bigger place in the world. For the rest of the world, it's something worth paying attention to. FAQ 1. Is Vision 2030 only about economics? No. While the economy is a big focus, Vision 2030 is also about social reforms, improving government, and raising quality of life for everyone in Saudi Arabia. 2. What are the biggest changes people in Saudi Arabia will see? People will see better public services, more job opportunities, and access to entertainment, culture, and travel that weren't available before. Women and young people will also have more roles in society. 3. Can foreign businesses really succeed in Saudi Arabia now? Yes, the environment is changing fast. Regulations are improving, industries are opening up, and international companies are being invited in, especially in areas like tech, tourism, and green energy.
New York Post
a day ago
- Business
- New York Post
Saudi Arabia's ambitious $500B ‘The Line' development is getting a reality check — and going under a microscope
Saudi Arabia's plan to build a mirrored 'landscraper' city is now under the microscope. The wealthy Middle Eastern country is endeavoring to build a 105-mile linear city taller than the Empire State Building, but there may be recalibrations ahead. The kingdom recently tapped consultants to review the feasibility of their futuristic plans, insiders told Bloomberg. The Line was announced in 2017 as a zero-carbon city built between two glass skyscrapers. The lean metropolis, located in Saudi Arabia's northwestern desert, is designed to rise 1,600 feet high and house 9 million people. Advertisement Sci-fi-like renderings show networks of towers, walkways, an artificial river, hanging greenery and an end-to-end high speed rail. The car-less, road-less metropolis will cost an estimated $500 billion. 6 A rendering of the 105-mile Line as it reaches the coast. NEOM/AFP via Getty Images 6 A handout picture shows the design plan for the interior of the zero-carbon city. NEOM/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement 6 The Line is slated for completion in 2030, but experts are skeptical. NEOM/AFP via Getty Images The Line's sheer scale and high-tech surveillance infrastructure generated controversy from the beginning. The country's economic minister reaffirmed its ambitious 2030 completion deadline amid public scrutiny last year, but outside experts have proposed timelines closer to five decades. The Line is just one piece of a hyper-futuristic desert complex called Neom. The sprawling development project, funded from the coffers of Saudi Arabia's oil-rich sovereign wealth fund, plays into Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 — an effort to move its economy away from dependency on oil revenues. A unit of the country's public investment fund recently tapped consulting firms to take a look at plans for The Line, with a likely eye towards cost and feasibility. Advertisement 6 A satellite image of Neom construction progress. Gallo Images via Getty Images Neom, in a statement to Bloomberg, pointed out that strategic reviews of large developments are commonplace. 'The Line remains a strategic priority and Neom is focused on maintaining operational continuity, improving efficiencies and accelerating progress to match the overall vision and objectives of the project,' the statement said. But the move comes amid global scrutiny of the wealthy country's radical infrastructure agenda and pressures on public finances. The ambitious pet project of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was pitched at a time when the country was on better financial footing. The Saudi budget deficit grew in 2024 as the price of oil fell below what was needed to balance its budget. Advertisement 6 The Line's ambitious timeline or massive scale may need to be recalibrated. NEOM/AFP via Getty Images 6 An aerial view of construction on The Line in Neom. Giles Pendleton, The Line at NEOM While Neom and The Line could proceed as planned, it's possible that this strategic review will result in a smaller scale and a longer timeline. Job cuts are currently planned across Neom, one anonymous consultant told CNBC. But whether or not the cost proves too high, or the technology too ambitious, the work continues. The construction site of The Line is currently dotted with cranes, pile drivers, a new road and tracks for a high-speed rail system.
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Hatim Alshammari IFGICT: Smart City Professional
Riyadh, KSA – In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and its burgeoning smart city initiatives, Hatim Alshammari has officially become the first individual in the Kingdom to earn the prestigious Smart City Professional (SCP) certification from the International Federation of Global ICT (IFGICT). This achievement not only highlights Alshammari's dedication to cutting-edge urban development but also underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to building intelligent, sustainable, and high-quality urban environments. IFGICT, recognized as the world's largest ICT federation and a proud partner of the United Nations (UN), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), stands at the forefront of global ICT standards and certifications. Their Smart City Professional certification is a rigorous program designed to equip individuals with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to conceptualize, implement, and manage smart city projects effectively. The certification covers a wide array of critical areas, including understanding smart city frameworks, compliance standards (including IFGICT, IEEE, and ITU guidelines), methodologies for smart city auditing, evaluating initiatives through KPIs, and addressing crucial ethical considerations like privacy and data protection. For Hatim Alshammari to achieve this certification first in a nation actively pursuing mega-smart city projects like NEOM and The Line, it signifies a deep understanding of the global best practices and the intricate challenges involved in urban digital transformation. Hatim Alshammari's journey to becoming Saudi Arabia's pioneering certified Smart City Professional is rooted in a rich and diverse professional background. With over eight years of experience as a process engineer in the demanding oil and gas industry, he has cultivated a robust skill set spanning operations, project execution, and, significantly, digital transformation initiatives. This foundation in optimizing complex systems and leveraging technology for efficiency directly translates to the demands of smart city development. His Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University provided him with a strong analytical and problem-solving framework. Beyond his engineering prowess, Alshammari has consistently sought to broaden his expertise, holding certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and credentials in critical domains such as governance, risk management, compliance, and AI governance. These varied certifications demonstrate a holistic understanding of how technology, strategy, and ethical considerations intertwine in large-scale projects. 'My professional interests have evolved to include sustainability, smart city development, and the integration of emerging technologies with global development objectives,' states Hatim Alshammari. This evolution is a testament to his foresight and adaptability, recognizing the shifting global landscape towards sustainable and technologically advanced urban living. His background in managing complex industrial processes and spearheading digital transformations within a vital industry provides a unique perspective on implementing smart solutions on a city-wide scale. He understands the importance of robust infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, and seamless integration of various technological components – all vital for a truly smart city. Saudi Arabia is not just dabbling in smart city concepts; it is investing heavily in realizing a futuristic urban landscape as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030. Projects like NEOM, with its ambitious concepts such as 'The Line,' and the Red Sea Project, are globally recognized as exemplars of smart and sustainable urban planning. These initiatives aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy to create environments that prioritize efficiency, connectivity, environmental sustainability, and an unparalleled quality of life. The Kingdom's strategic emphasis on smart cities necessitates a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of these mega-projects. Hatim Alshammari's IFGICT Smart City Professional certification positions him as a key asset in this transformative national endeavor. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that these projects adhere to international best practices, uphold ethical standards in technology deployment, and effectively utilize data to optimize urban services. The presence of a certified Smart City Professional like Hatim Alshammari in Saudi Arabia brings several critical advantages: IFGICT's SCP certification ensures that professionals are well-versed in globally recognized standards and methodologies for smart city planning and implementation. This means Saudi Arabia's smart city projects can be developed with an assurance of quality, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. A core component of smart city development is the effective use of data. Alshammari's expertise in process engineering and digital transformation, combined with his SCP knowledge, will facilitate the creation of data-driven strategies for everything from traffic management and resource allocation to public safety and environmental monitoring. With a personal interest in sustainability, Hatim Alshammari's certification will contribute directly to Saudi Arabia's goals of building environmentally conscious cities powered by renewable energy and optimized for resource efficiency. This is crucial for achieving the Kingdom's long-term environmental objectives. His background in governance, risk management, and compliance, augmented by the SCP certification, makes him invaluable in navigating the complex regulatory and ethical landscapes of smart city development, particularly concerning data privacy and the responsible use of AI. As the first in KSA to achieve this significant certification, Hatim Alshammari serves as an inspiration for other Saudi professionals to pursue specialized knowledge in smart city development, thereby building a local talent pool critical for the Kingdom's future. Hatim Alshammari's achievement is more than just a personal accolade; it's a significant stride for Saudi Arabia as it continues its journey towards a technologically advanced and sustainable future. With his unique blend of engineering expertise, digital transformation leadership, and newly acquired smart city certification, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom's urban landscapes into intelligent, livable, and truly innovative centers. His pioneering spirit exemplifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to Vision 2030, demonstrating that the nation is not just dreaming of smart cities, but actively building them with globally recognized expertise. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Shahad Ameen's Hijra selected for 82nd Venice Film Festival spotlight
RIYADH — Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's highly anticipated second feature Hijra has been officially selected to screen in the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, taking place from August 27 to September 6, 2025. The selection marks a major milestone for Ameen, whose debut film Scales also premiered at Venice, represented Saudi Arabia in the Oscars, and went on to win over 15 international awards. With Hijra, Ameen returns to Venice as both writer and director, teaming up with renowned Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji as lead producer. Described as a poetic road movie set in 2001, Hijra follows a grandmother traveling from the south of Saudi Arabia to Mecca with her two granddaughters. When one of them disappears, the journey shifts northward in search of her, revealing the emotional and physical landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Filmed in nine diverse locations — from AlUla and Tabuk to NEOM and Jeddah — the film is a cinematic exploration of intergenerational womanhood, identity, and belonging. 'Hijra is one of the most challenging films I've ever worked on,' Ameen said. 'We believed deeply in telling this story about Saudi women through a rich human and historical context.' The film features Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhafiri, and newcomer Lamar Fadan in the lead role of Janna, with a special appearance by Baraa Alem. It is a co-production between Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Center, and Ideation Studios, with support from Film AlUla, NEOM, Ithra, and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation. International distribution is handled by CAA, with CineWaves distributing in Saudi Arabia and Film Clinic Indie Distribution managing regional rights across the Arab the scenes, Hijra boasts a high-caliber international crew, including editor Hervé de Luze (The Pianist), cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz (The Vast of Night), and composer Armand Amar (Bab'Aziz), alongside Saudi talents Meznah Alharbi and Toufic in Saudi Arabia's landscapes and soul, Hijra reaffirms the Kingdom's cinematic rise — blending global storytelling with a deeply local voice. — SG
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to....
95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to.... It might sound strange, but Saudi Arabia a country full of deserts actually imports sand from other countries like Australia, China, and Belgium, according to the OEC (Observatory of Economic Complexity). While this may seem confusing at first, there's a good reason behind it, especially as the country pushes forward with its huge Vision 2030 development plans. Why can't Saudi use its own desert sand? Although deserts are full of sand, this cannot be used for constructions because the sand found in deserts has been shaped by wind for thousands of years, which makes the grains very smooth and round. This type of sand doesn't work well for making concrete, because it doesn't hold together properly when mixed with cement and water. For construction especially for strong buildings, roads, and other big projects rough and angular sand grains are needed and these type of sand are found in riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors, not deserts. The sharper grains stick together better and make concrete stronger. A bigger problem around the world This situation in Saudi Arabia highlights a bigger global issue: there's a growing shortage of the right kind of sand used for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that the world uses about 50 billion tonnes of sand every year, making it the most-used solid material on Earth. But only a small portion of that sand is actually good enough for construction. So even in a desert country like Saudi Arabia, builders often have to look beyond their borders to get the right kind of sand to meet their needs. Australia's role in supplying sand to Saudi Arabia Australia has become one of the world's top suppliers of high-quality construction and silica sand. According to the OEC, in 2023, Australia exported about USD 273 million worth of sand, making it the second-largest sand exporter globally out of 183 countries. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that imported this sand. In the same year, Saudi Arabia bought around USD 140,000 worth of natural construction-grade sand from Australia. The topic gained attention again on social media in 2024, especially as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with huge projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. The Global sand problem The world is running low on the kind of sand needed for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the planet is facing a 'sand crisis' and the problem comes from uncontrolled sand mining, which is causing serious harm to the environment. Rivers are being eroded, animal habitats are being destroyed, and many natural ecosystems are losing their biodiversity. To solve this, some countries are looking at other options, like: M-sand (manufactured sand) which is made by crushing rocks into fine particles that work well for construction. Recycled construction waste is an old concrete and building materials are being reused to reduce the need for fresh sand.
