Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, also known as MBS, has introduced a series of social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia since his appointment as Crown Prince in 2017.

MBS launched Vision 2030 in April 2016, aiming to achieve comprehensive national development and reduce dependence on oil.

The vision includes restricting the powers of the religious police, which is a significant step towards curtailing the influence of the Wahhabi religious establishment.

MBS has also improved women's rights in Saudi Arabia, allowing women to apply for a passport without male guardian consent and to drive.

Additionally, women can now go to cinemas with their boyfriends due to amended laws, and over 175,000 women applied for driving licenses in a year and a half.

However, despite these improvements, Saudi authorities still discriminate against women as second-class citizens, and the male guardianship system still restricts women's rights and decisions.

MBS has also introduced social and economic reforms, including training for Pakistan's workforce and officials, and promoting economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The reforms have achieved great development in six years, and 99% of Saudi youth believe that Vision 2030 ensures a strong economy.

MBS has restricted the powers of the religious police and is promoting a more moderate form of Islam, with the Muslim World League transforming to promote tolerance.

Overall, MBS's 2030 vision for Saudi Arabia aims to develop the country at all levels and trends, with a focus on comprehensive development and renewal.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, also known as MBS, has introduced a series of social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia since his appointment as Crown Prince in 2017.

Title:

Content: On the anniversary of the sale of the Crown...
Al-Ajmi: The Kingdom has witnessed 6 years of achievements at all levels
He said that this was the result of a lot of clear and strategic planning, looking forward to a bright future for the country.
The expert and professor of digital media, Dr. Fahed bin Salem Al-Ajmi, said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed during the past six years a great development at all levels and trends, culminating in many achievements on the ground, which was the result of a lot of clear and strategic planning, looking forward to a bright future for the country.
In detail, Al-Ajmi explained that the past six years have made great achievements that confirmed that the decision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, to choose His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince was a historic decision in the interest of the nation and its future, with the support of an overwhelming majority of 31 votes out of 34. The young man who illuminated the Kingdom ’ s skies with many of the plans and strategies that culminated in the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030, for which His Highness served as an architect and a cornerstone of its strong and solid foundation.
He added that what His Highness has done in the past six years confirms the great and continuous volume of work in a busy journey to achieve the achievements that put the Kingdom in the ranks of the developed countries of the world, and those great and diverse achievements, which are not enough to mention the importance of their abundance and diversity and the strength of their impact on our tangible reality.
Al-Ajmi said: Citizens and residents of the Kingdom believe that the changes made by His Highness the Crown Prince, which were sponsored by the father leader King Salman bin Abdul Aziz - may God protect them - is a turning point at the level of the state.
Despite the existence of many global challenges and difficulties, and despite the Kingdom ’ s passing through difficult situations that served as a crossroads, His Highness went on to give young people a long-term perspective, making his country ’ s history and heritage a starting line to address the present and make his work towards the future in all fields. Internationally, according to an insight into the young leader, who soon became the talk of the world.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates the sixth anniversary of the pledge of His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to draw the joy of the people and write a new history of stability at the political level and achievements at the national level. The political, economic, developmental and social files, and this project continues to prove its success and the strength of the foundation on which it was built and confirm that whoever comes with such a vision is a successful leader with a great personality, which can be described as an "exceptional" personality, making his main concern the upliftment of the homeland and the citizen.
Al-Ajmi concluded by saying: “On the occasion of this precious and dear anniversary, we recall the great meanings of the youth inspirer, the leader of reforms and the change-maker to achieve the promising future in the march of prosperity of the homeland and the citizen under the generous care and guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. ”
News you might like.
No stories found.
Sabq Electronic Newspaper
sabq.org

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

MBS launched Vision 2030 in April 2016, aiming to achieve comprehensive national development and reduce dependence on oil.

Title:

Content: Friday 23rd September 2022 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
Arabic & International
King Salman.
A journey of reform and development
King Salman.
A journey of reform and development
September 23, 2022 02: 33
Ahmed Murad (Cairo)
Saudi Arabia ’ s 92nd National Day celebrations coincide with the eighth anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, as King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015.
Over the past eight years, he has achieved a long series of unprecedented achievements and reforms, making him one of the most prominent and important historical leaders of Saudi Arabia.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was sworn in as King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015, succeeding the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. King Salman began his reign by affirming his determination to continue the achievements witnessed by Saudi Arabia in the last three decades, implement an integrated reform and development program, promote the Kingdom ’ s domestic and foreign policy, and take positive positions on various local, regional and international issues.
Almost 70 years ago, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud began his career in public work, after being appointed Acting Prince of Riyadh Region on March 16, 1954, at the age of 19, and the following year he was appointed Governor and Prince of Riyadh Region with the rank of Minister. It has grown and flourished, making it a regional hub for travel and trade, and is home to millions of Saudi nationals and expatriates from all over the world to work within the Kingdom.
During his tenure in the Emirate of Riyadh, King Salman paid great attention to improving the level of infrastructure, where he oversaw the implementation of dozens and hundreds of infrastructure projects that made Riyadh a “global city ” with standard specifications and standards through the establishment of a network of highways and modern, as well as the establishment of many vital facilities, such as schools, hospitals, universities, museums, sports stadiums and recreational cities.
Mandate of the Covenant
In a new phase of King Salman bin Abdulaziz ’ s career, he was appointed Minister of Defense in November 2011, and the following year, on June 18, 2012, he was appointed Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, retained his position as Minister of Defense, and worked to modernize and develop the Saudi Armed Forces, which witnessed a remarkable leap in training and armament, as well as implementing a comprehensive plan to develop the entire sectors of the Ministry of Defense.
Development Programs
Over the past eight years, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been keen to implement comprehensive and integrated development programs to advance Saudi Arabia politically, economically and socially, and has achieved many achievements and reforms at various levels, which made Saudi Arabia ranked by the World Bank among the top 20 reformers in the world, and ranked second among the top high-income countries and G20 countries in terms of implementing business climate improvement reforms.
In the second year of his leadership, King Salman launched the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 on April 25, 2016, to be at the forefront of the development programs he adopted in order to achieve comprehensive national development, reduce the Kingdom ’ s dependence on oil, diversify sources of income through a package of economic reforms unprecedented in the Kingdom ’ s history, achieve financial stability, and other development programs that contributed to the increase in non-oil revenues by 15%, reduce the budget deficit by 48% foreign investment by 130%.
Under the patronage of King Salman, the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 has succeeded in achieving many achievements in the first five years, specifically during the period between 2015 and 2020, and with the beginning of 2021, a new phase in the process of achieving Vision 2030 began.
In the framework of this new phase, the National Investment Strategy was issued on October 11, 2021, which is expected to contribute to the growth of the national economy and diversify its sources, thus achieving many of the objectives of Vision 2030, including raising the contribution of the private sector to GDP to 65%, boosting foreign direct investment to 5.7% of GDP, increasing the proportion of non-oil exports from 16% to 50% of GDP, and reducing the unemployment rate to 7%.
Under the umbrella of the National Investment Strategy, investments of more than 12 trillion riyals will be injected into the local economy until 2030.
The biggest budget
For the first time in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the trend began under King Salman towards approving the general budget of the Kingdom by supporting and developing the national economy without relying mainly on oil as the sole source of national income, which was ranked by observers among the most important achievements in the history of the Kingdom.
In 2019, King Salman announced the largest budget in the history of the Kingdom, spending more than 1.1 trillion riyals, and revenues amounted to 975 billion riyals.
Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman, has transformed the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) into a sovereign fund with assets estimated at $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion, making it the largest sovereign fund in the world.
In the petroleum sector, Saudi Aramco announced in 2021 plans to produce 2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the giant Jafoura field by 2030, making the kingdom the third largest natural gas producer in the world.
Health and Education
King Salman has paid great attention to the health and education sectors, and the two sectors witnessed an unprecedented boom during the reign of King Salman through the implementation of many projects. In the health sector, several health centers were launched in the last eight years, including 4 for cardiac catheterization, 7 for tumors, 3 for obesity and its diseases, 5 for behavioral and developmental disorders, as well as the launch of 4 surgical robots specialized in general surgeries, urology and artificial intelligence laboratory. For health technical research, and to raise the level of health services provided by 600 health centers by applying the Wasfti system.
Work has also begun on the first robotic-mediated smart pharmacy at King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk.
In the education sector, King Salman has adopted several programs and plans to develop education and make a real renaissance in this vital sector. In this context, his decision came to merge the Ministries of Education and Higher Education into one ministry under the name of the Ministry of Education, allocate special programs for talented students, open special centers for the development of technical and engineering sciences in 32 schools across the Kingdom, and launch the “Your Job and Mission ” program. You come back after they come back.
On November 14, 2021, the Kingdom announced the launch of Prince Mohammed bin Salman City, the first non-profit city in the world, which aims to support young Saudi talents, and work to encourage learning and develop leadership skills among young people.
Blue oil.
The desalination industry has seen an unprecedented boom, as the kingdom has set records in the industry making it the world ’ s largest desalinated water producer and is expected to become a major hub for desalination technologies in the world, the Middle East and beyond, leading observers to call the industry a “new Saudi blue oil. ”
Saudi Arabia ’ s production of desalinated water currently stands at more than 9 million cubic meters per day, with production expected to reach more than 14 million cubic meters per day in 2025.
The Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation manages 33 desalination plants, including 8 on the Arabian Gulf coast and 25 on the Red Sea coast, and in 2018 won the award of the largest desalination system in the world from the Guinness World Book.
National Projects
Over the past eight years, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has adopted an expanded work map that included a package of giant national projects, most notably the establishment of Neom Industrial City (Oxagon), the largest floating structure in the world. The city is based on the same concepts as The Line communities launched in January 2021. 13% of world trade.
This is in addition to a giant project to redevelop the waterfront in the center of Jeddah ’ s Corniche with the aim of transforming it into a vital area, the King Salman Energy City project known as “Spark ”, with investments estimated at $1.6 billion, and the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport project with a capacity of more than 8 million passengers annually in its first phase, and 40 million passengers annually in the third phase.
In addition to the development of the petrochemical sector in Ras Al Khair Industrial City, the establishment of some other industrial cities, such as Jubail and Yanbu, and the development of a city for the automotive industry in order to attract investments, increase exports and provide jobs, and the repair of more than 4 million square meters of road networks.
In the housing sector, many housing projects have been implemented during the past eight years, including the provision of more than 282 residential products including housing units, land and subsidized financing to promote and develop the real estate sector in various regions of the Kingdom, as well as regulating the rental market and preserving the rights of parties during the rental process through the adoption of the “Ejar ” program.
Dar Al-Hijra is one of the most important residential projects launched during the reign of King Salman, and is one of the largest residential, hotel and commercial projects in Saudi Arabia, including 20 administrative towers, 80 residential towers, 80 hotels providing 40,000 rooms for pilgrims, as well as government, administrative and commercial offices accommodating 31,000 employees, a 400-bed hospital and a huge transit station.
King Salman is keen to develop the various regions of the Kingdom and achieve comprehensive development in them, and in this context, strategic offices were established in October 2021 to develop the areas of Al-Baha, Al-Jawf and Jazan, as well as the launch of a strategy to develop the Asir region by pumping 50 billion riyals in various investments.
All rights reserved to Al Ittihad Newspaper 2022 ©

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The vision includes restricting the powers of the religious police, which is a significant step towards curtailing the influence of the Wahhabi religious establishment.

Title:

Content: Moderate ideology: The silent Saudi revolution

Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

Published: 25th July 2023 12:34 AM  |   Last Updated: 25th July 2023 12:45 AM   |  A+A-

It has been ‘work in progress’ for some time now. Saudi Arabia is changing the tone and texture of its ideology from what has always been considered obscurantist to something that keeps with the times. Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

The kingdom has rapidly secured its position as a centre for cultural events, art exhibitions and film screenings. The nation’s Vision 2030 envisages and fully supports the expansion of the entertainment market to SR30 billion. Almost every domain of entertainment for which Saudi citizens earlier travelled far and wide is now available at home. This is thanks to a break from the past that the de facto ruler, Mohammad bin Salman (MbS), the Crown Prince, has initiated. It makes eminent sense in a nation seeking to develop itself beyond the energy sector with three visionary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and continuity in terms of ambition in comprehensive development.

All this translates into a modern civilisational outlook with technology, intellectualism, private investment, trade, tourism, academics and more, all becoming the prime domains of functioning. The traditional worldwide perception of Saudi Arabia as the centre of the obscurantist ideology of Islam and a nation with an anti-reformist outlook has persisted, and not without reason. A brief understanding of this is important to appreciate the degree of change that Prince MbS has been able to generate.

As the custodian of the Holy Shrines of Mecca and Medina and the land where Islam’s first message was delivered, the Saudi rulers and clergy have always been all-powerful, even more so after adopting the core ideology expounded by Saudi thinker Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. There is a long history behind this.

A virtual pact between the powerful clergy and the Royal Family has existed to promote the Wahhabi ideology in return for the powers that the Royals enjoyed. The pact saw enhanced clergy power after 1979 when the Shia Revolution occurred in Iran, the Saudi Ikhwan attempted a takeover of the Holy Shrine at Mecca, and the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Wahhabi ideology was about going back to the basics and making the faith much less tolerant by supporting ‘Takfir’, or the power of declaration of a believer as an apostate if Wahhabi tenets are not adhered to. The militant part of the ideology started to come to the fore after 1979. From segments of the Arab world to Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India, Indonesia, Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, militancy promoting the Saudi brand flourished, giving rise to the notion of a clash of civilisations.

Saudi Arabia’s energy resources always dictated US policy. A grey zone existed here with simultaneous US support to Israel and Saudi Arabia, stacked primarily against Iran and the collective Arab will against Israel. A couple of factors brought the trigger for change. Among them were the discovery of shale gas in the US and the progressive decline in US dependency on Saudi energy resources. Second was the dwindling Saudi economy and the realisation that in an energy-based economy, without expansion into other domains of economic development, such as trade, technology, tourism, investments, entertainment and intellectual research, Saudi Arabia would waste its opportunities and resources. The tremendous advantage of being the centre of the Islamic world could give it enduring leadership status if it could neutralise the rising militancy within Islam. Nations all around, such as the UAE, had fully utilised their possessions and drawn major economic attraction due to pragmatism followed in all domains, including faith issues. The position of women in Saudi society, in particular, had a damning effect on the nation.

Nothing changes without a leader and a vision. Saudi Arabia was fortunate to get MbS, although his personal equation with the US has remained strained for various reasons, not the least being the Khashoggi factor. However, none of that has affected his intent of modernising the nation and for that, a more moderate form of Islam within the kingdom is necessary. To his credit, he has convinced the clergy of the need to follow his vision, which will also project Islam differently to many others who follow the Saudi guidelines on faith.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, from Saudi Arabia, who recently visited New Delhi for six days, is the Secretary General of the Muslim World League. The organisation was once at the forefront of promoting obscurantist ideology but is now transformed, as is evident from Sheikh al Issa’s message in New Delhi. The Sheikh’s belief which he transparently shared is that a whole generation of Muslims has grown up with an ideology that has given them a negative view of other faiths and an intolerantly sectarian understanding of their own.

In his several meetings with intellectuals, leaders and clergy from diverse faiths in India, he emphasised the role of the clergy in any faith. He admitted that Islam had earned a bad name for itself due to the acts of a few and the refusal of the followers to condemn those acts. He spoke of the role of family and education and decried religious teachers’ unsupervised education of young Muslim children. He mentioned that when intolerance and militancy were rising, people feared confronting them. His most poignant argument was that such obscurantism and militancy cannot be eliminated in the typical military way; they have to be removed from the roots by narratives stronger than the ones expounded.

Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit to India was symbolic of what appears to be the fading of the intolerant and militant element of Islam, but we cannot read too much into this. That change is taking place at the ideological centre is positive, but there is no guarantee of permanency. It is also not necessary that the message from Saudi Arabia is gelling with the vast Muslim populations worldwide. These populations are enmeshed with their local cultures and unlikely to follow examples. What is true is that a message supporting reformation has emanated from the nation considered the custodian of the shrines and, by many, of the faith. Nurturing this and taking it beyond is now the challenge.

Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd)

Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir

(atahasnain@gmail.com)

flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

MBS has also improved women's rights in Saudi Arabia, allowing women to apply for a passport without male guardian consent and to drive.

Title:

Content: Despite the government ’ s alleged reforms,
Widespread violations of women ’ s rights in Saudi Arabia
Sunday 01 January 2023 - 05: 52 GMT
The widespread German network Deutsche Welle has highlighted the persistence of widespread violations of women ’ s rights in Saudi Arabia despite alleged government reforms.
World - Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities continue to discriminate against women as second-class citizens with an unchanging authoritarian guardianship system and strict disobedience laws and rules that restrict the rights of unmarried women.
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the so-called “social and economic reform ” dubbed Vision 2030 in April 2016, the status of women has changed dramatically, with the network seeing that some laws were in favor of women and others headed for the worse.
While women activists like Loujain al-Hathloul were jailed for three years following a drive for women to drive, the relevant legislation was changed in 2018 — and according to research firm Statista — within a year and a half, more than 175,000 women applied.
Driving license in Riyadh.
Other laws have been amended since 2018, meaning women are now allowed to apply for a passport without the consent of a male guardian and go to cinemas with their boyfriends.
Lina al-Hathloul, the sister of women ’ s activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who is the head of communications and surveillance at the London-based ALQST Human Rights Organisation, said: “The regime of repression is still in place ” in Saudi Arabia.
Because of the male guardianship system, girls and women still rely on male guardian consent for most decisions.
In case of disobedience, these guardians, who could be fathers, husbands, brothers or sons, are entitled to be sent to so-called “care homes ” — forever, al-Hathloul said.
Moreover, this year, three court rulings starkly emphasized the Saudi ambivalence between men and women.
In January, a court in the city convicted Yasser M.
Verbal sexual harassment of a woman.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison and a fine of 5,000 rials (1,265 euros / $1,330).
Yasir M was one of the first cases to be convicted following the tightening of Saudi legislation to combat sexual harassment in 2019.
But in August, PhD student Salma al-Shehab, 34, was sentenced to 34 years in prison, and a month later Noura bint Saeed al-Qahtani was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Both were convicted of retweeting human rights calls.
“The result is fear — people no longer know what the red lines are, ” said al-Hathloul. For her, the liberation of women ’ s rights over the past four years is nowhere near what Saudi women really want.
“We want to live in Saudi Arabia without fear and be able to claim our rights. ”
According to the 2019 Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS), Saudi Arabia ranks lowest globally.
According to the index, female labor force participation remains low across the region despite a rapid rise in female education rates and improved access to health care.
Women hold only 16 per cent of legislative seats in MENA countries compared to 25 per cent globally.
Certain States actively suppress women's rights by persecuting women's rights activists.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Saudi Arabia, where authorities arbitrarily arrest and detain women ’ s rights leaders with impunity.
The authorities of the House of Saud, a legitimate permanent resident of the United States, arrested Aziza al-Yousef in May 2018 on charges related to her peaceful human rights activism.
Despite her provisional release in March 2019, Ms. Al-Yousef cannot leave the Kingdom due to pending charges in court.
Source: Saudi Leaks

How has Saudi Arabia empowered women and increased their labor market participation under Vision 2030?

By removing restrictions on freedom of movement

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

Additionally, women can now go to cinemas with their boyfriends due to amended laws, and over 175,000 women applied for driving licenses in a year and a half.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

However, despite these improvements, Saudi authorities still discriminate against women as second-class citizens, and the male guardianship system still restricts women's rights and decisions.

MBS has also introduced social and economic reforms, including training for Pakistan's workforce and officials, and promoting economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Title:

Content: PM, Saudi Royal court adviser discuss ways to boost economic ties

Pakistan

They reviewed the progress on the Saudi investment in Pakistan

Follow on

RIYADH (APP) - Adviser at the Royal Court and General Secretary of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council Mohammed bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Saturday and discussed the ways to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Both sides expressed exceptional warmth for further promoting economic relations between the two countries. They reviewed the progress on the Saudi investment in Pakistan, during the visit of the delegation led by Saudi foreign minister to Pakistan.

Al-Tuwaijri and his delegation expressed deep interest in the Saudi investment by the Saudi government and companies in Pakistan.

He said after the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister to Pakistan, work had started on priority basis on the Saudi investment in Pakistan.

The work has started on war footing in investment in Pakistan, which includes investment from both the public and private sectors, he added.

He said a delegation comprising Saudi business community and investors would soon visit Pakistan.

Al-Tuwaijri, who is In Charge of the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia, told the prime minister in detail about the said project.

He said, “We want that the economic relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should move forward in the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030.”

According to the Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia would provide all kinds of assistance for providing training to the Pakistan workforce and government officials.

A detailed briefing was given to the prime minister on the reforms agenda of Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan wanted to benefit from the successful reforms policy of Saudi Arabia to modernise governance structure of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had fraternal relations which were strengthening with the passage of time, adding economic relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had entered a new phase.

He said notable progress was made regarding investment in different sectors in Pakistan by Saudi Arabia, during the visit of the delegation led by Saudi foreign minister.

“We are moving with a lightning speed after the progress made during the visit of the Saudi delegation to Pakistan,” he added.

The PM said the people of Pakistan had immense regard and respect for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Excellency King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

He thanked the Saudi Crown Prince and the Prime Minister for their warm welcome and magnificent hosting.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum Musadiq Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan and high level officials were also present.

Advertisement

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The reforms have achieved great development in six years, and 99% of Saudi youth believe that Vision 2030 ensures a strong economy.

Title:

Content: Saudi youth: Vision 2030 guarantees a strong economy and a better future
T + T - normal size
Saudi Arabia ’ s 92nd National Day celebrations, under the slogan “We Have a Home ”, will be an important occasion during which almost all Saudi youth show confidence that the Kingdom is moving in the right direction and that their coming days are better, as revealed by the results of the 14th annual ASDA ’ A BCW Arab Youth Survey announced yesterday.
Almost all young Saudis surveyed (99%) are confident that Vision 2030 will ensure a strong economy for the Kingdom, while a similar 97% believe their next days are better, while they also believe that the Kingdom ’ s economy is moving in the right direction, nine out of ten believe they will have a better life than their parents. Jobs and economic growth.
Recent government reforms to the private sector are very popular among Saudi youth, with 96% saying they support measures that stimulate private sector participation in the national economy, 93% saying they strongly support reforms that encourage citizens to play a greater role in the business sector, while more young Saudis say they prefer business over government jobs and a quarter (23%) say they would like to work independently or with their families....
Equal rights
In the face of Western stereotypes of Saudi Arabia, more than two-thirds of young Saudis (68%) say men and women have equal rights, 61% say they have equal employment opportunities, and 96% believe a greater presence of women in the labor market will benefit the kingdom.
More than two-thirds of Saudi youth (69%) believe religion is the most important element in expressing their identity, 82% believe that preserving their religious and cultural identity is more important than building a more globalized society. At the same time, three-quarters of young Saudis (79%) say religion plays too much of a role in the Middle East.
High Popularity
For their part, Saudi youth are among the most prominent users of social media.
Their most popular platforms are WhatsApp (98%), Snapchat (84%), YouTube (83%), Twitter (73%), TikTok (60%), and Facebook (55%). The popularity of Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter has risen to 60%, while the daily use of Facebook has dropped from 82% in 2020 to 55%, and social media is the most prominent news source for 43% of Saudi youth surveyed, followed by television 27% and electronic sources 23%.
The number of Saudis who shop online has doubled over the past five years, with 58% saying they buy products and services online and social media at least once a month in 2018, to almost all respondents who said they currently shop online.
Print Email

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

MBS has restricted the powers of the religious police and is promoting a more moderate form of Islam, with the Muslim World League transforming to promote tolerance.

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Avoiding actions that cause dissent, encourage violence, or spread dangerous ideas

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

Overall, MBS's 2030 vision for Saudi Arabia aims to develop the country at all levels and trends, with a focus on comprehensive development and renewal.

Title:

Content: Study: The Crown Prince ’ s philosophy of management is a compass for the Kingdom ’ s renaissance and achievements within the framework of “Vision 2030 ”
She said he takes a strategic approach based on inclusivity, a duality of modernization, originality, boldness and realism.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Al-Qarar Center for Media Studies has issued a new study that provides an analytical reading of the philosophy of His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the administration, which represents a compass for the Kingdom ’ s renaissance and its successes and achievements within the framework of the pioneering development vision “Saudi Vision 2030 ”.
This came in conjunction with the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the pledge of His Highness as Crown Prince.
The study was based on the monitoring and analysis of a series of speeches, speeches, meetings, statements and statements of His Highness the Crown Prince (may God protect him), the number of which reached (16) articles during the period from 2018 to the current year 2022.
The study concluded with a set of results, including the Crown Prince ’ s adoption of a strategic approach to management based on several pillars, most notably comprehensiveness in approach, dual modernization and originality, boldness and realism, in addition to uniqueness and excellence, universality of presentation, as well as openness to all, and always looking forward.
The study pointed to the adoption of His Highness the Crown Prince in his speeches and statements primarily on logical probabilities in the process of influence and persuasion, through addressing the mind with evidence and proofs, using the language of numbers, logical reasoning, and comparisons between the past, present and the future, in addition to proving what has been achieved on the ground effectively, and citing the reports of international institutions.
The study pointed out that Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may Allah support him, is betting in achieving the comprehensive development process on the Kingdom's own capabilities, especially the great Saudi people.
She pointed out that the language of his speech includes many central actors, which he always mentions clearly, most notably the Saudis, especially the young men and women of the Kingdom, as well as the economic, social, cultural and civilizational potential of the Kingdom, as well as the regional and international status of the Saudi state, whether at the economic, political or Islamic level.
The decision center study concluded that HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God protect him, follows a philosophy based on inclusiveness and renewal in all aspects of life, noting that HRH was able to convey the conviction of his comprehensive development project "Vision 2030" to every Saudi citizen, which made the people united in order to achieve the desired progress.
News you might like.
No stories found.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?


Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, commonly referred to as MBS, has been the driving force behind Saudi Arabia's transformation since his appointment as Crown Prince in 2017.

He is the architect of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at developing the country at all levels.

Vision 2030 was launched on April 25, 2016, by King Salman, with the primary goal of reducing the country's dependence on oil and diversifying its income sources to achieve financial stability.

The vision has achieved great development in six years, making the Kingdom a more developed country.

MBS has introduced a series of social and economic reforms as part of Vision 2030, including restricting the powers of the religious police and improving women's rights.

He has restricted the influence of the Wahhabi religious establishment, which has been a significant shift in the country's approach to religion and governance.

The traditional pact between the clergy and the Royal Family has been altered under MBS, allowing for a more modern and moderate approach to Islam.

Women's rights have improved significantly under MBS' rule, with women now able to apply for a passport without male guardian consent, drive, and attend cinemas with their boyfriends.

Over 175,000 women applied for driving licenses within a year and a half, indicating a significant shift in women's participation in society.

However, despite these improvements, female labor force participation remains low, and women hold only 16% of legislative seats in MENA countries.

MBS has also introduced measures to combat sexual harassment, with Saudi legislation being tightened in 2019.

The Vision 2030 plan includes investment from both the public and private sectors, with investments of over 12 trillion riyals to be injected into the local economy until 2030.

The plan aims to grow the economy, with a focus on developing a thriving economy and a vibrant society in Saudi Arabia.

MBS has adopted a strategic approach to management, with inclusivity and a focus on the Saudi people's capabilities for development.

He has emphasized comprehensive development and renewal, conveying conviction to Saudi citizens for unity.

The Muslim World League has transformed under MBS' influence, promoting a more tolerant and moderate form of Islam.

A survey of Saudi youth found that 99% believe Vision 2030 ensures a strong economy, and 96% support private sector participation.

Additionally, 68% of Saudi youth say men and women have equal rights, and 61% say men and women have equal employment opportunities.

However, 79% of Saudi youth say religion plays too much of a role, indicating a desire for a more balanced approach to religion and governance.

MBS has been appointed Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and has introduced social and economic reforms, including a cabinet reshuffle.

The reforms have been widely supported, with 93% of Saudi youth supporting reforms for citizens in the business sector.

Overall, MBS' Vision 2030 has been a significant step towards transforming Saudi Arabia, with a focus on social and economic reforms, and a more moderate approach to Islam.

The vision has achieved significant progress, but there is still more work to be done to address the challenges facing the country.

MBS' leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving this transformation, and his commitment to comprehensive development and renewal has been evident throughout his tenure as Crown Prince.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, commonly referred to as MBS, has been the driving force behind Saudi Arabia's transformation since his appointment as Crown Prince in 2017.

Title:

Content: On the anniversary of the sale of the Crown...
Al-Ajmi: The Kingdom has witnessed 6 years of achievements at all levels
He said that this was the result of a lot of clear and strategic planning, looking forward to a bright future for the country.
The expert and professor of digital media, Dr. Fahed bin Salem Al-Ajmi, said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed during the past six years a great development at all levels and trends, culminating in many achievements on the ground, which was the result of a lot of clear and strategic planning, looking forward to a bright future for the country.
In detail, Al-Ajmi explained that the past six years have made great achievements that confirmed that the decision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, to choose His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince was a historic decision in the interest of the nation and its future, with the support of an overwhelming majority of 31 votes out of 34. The young man who illuminated the Kingdom ’ s skies with many of the plans and strategies that culminated in the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030, for which His Highness served as an architect and a cornerstone of its strong and solid foundation.
He added that what His Highness has done in the past six years confirms the great and continuous volume of work in a busy journey to achieve the achievements that put the Kingdom in the ranks of the developed countries of the world, and those great and diverse achievements, which are not enough to mention the importance of their abundance and diversity and the strength of their impact on our tangible reality.
Al-Ajmi said: Citizens and residents of the Kingdom believe that the changes made by His Highness the Crown Prince, which were sponsored by the father leader King Salman bin Abdul Aziz - may God protect them - is a turning point at the level of the state.
Despite the existence of many global challenges and difficulties, and despite the Kingdom ’ s passing through difficult situations that served as a crossroads, His Highness went on to give young people a long-term perspective, making his country ’ s history and heritage a starting line to address the present and make his work towards the future in all fields. Internationally, according to an insight into the young leader, who soon became the talk of the world.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates the sixth anniversary of the pledge of His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to draw the joy of the people and write a new history of stability at the political level and achievements at the national level. The political, economic, developmental and social files, and this project continues to prove its success and the strength of the foundation on which it was built and confirm that whoever comes with such a vision is a successful leader with a great personality, which can be described as an "exceptional" personality, making his main concern the upliftment of the homeland and the citizen.
Al-Ajmi concluded by saying: “On the occasion of this precious and dear anniversary, we recall the great meanings of the youth inspirer, the leader of reforms and the change-maker to achieve the promising future in the march of prosperity of the homeland and the citizen under the generous care and guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. ”
News you might like.
No stories found.
Sabq Electronic Newspaper
sabq.org

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

He is the architect of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at developing the country at all levels.

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

Vision 2030 was launched on April 25, 2016, by King Salman, with the primary goal of reducing the country's dependence on oil and diversifying its income sources to achieve financial stability.

Title:

Content: Friday 23rd September 2022 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
Arabic & International
King Salman.
A journey of reform and development
King Salman.
A journey of reform and development
September 23, 2022 02: 33
Ahmed Murad (Cairo)
Saudi Arabia ’ s 92nd National Day celebrations coincide with the eighth anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, as King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015.
Over the past eight years, he has achieved a long series of unprecedented achievements and reforms, making him one of the most prominent and important historical leaders of Saudi Arabia.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was sworn in as King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015, succeeding the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. King Salman began his reign by affirming his determination to continue the achievements witnessed by Saudi Arabia in the last three decades, implement an integrated reform and development program, promote the Kingdom ’ s domestic and foreign policy, and take positive positions on various local, regional and international issues.
Almost 70 years ago, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud began his career in public work, after being appointed Acting Prince of Riyadh Region on March 16, 1954, at the age of 19, and the following year he was appointed Governor and Prince of Riyadh Region with the rank of Minister. It has grown and flourished, making it a regional hub for travel and trade, and is home to millions of Saudi nationals and expatriates from all over the world to work within the Kingdom.
During his tenure in the Emirate of Riyadh, King Salman paid great attention to improving the level of infrastructure, where he oversaw the implementation of dozens and hundreds of infrastructure projects that made Riyadh a “global city ” with standard specifications and standards through the establishment of a network of highways and modern, as well as the establishment of many vital facilities, such as schools, hospitals, universities, museums, sports stadiums and recreational cities.
Mandate of the Covenant
In a new phase of King Salman bin Abdulaziz ’ s career, he was appointed Minister of Defense in November 2011, and the following year, on June 18, 2012, he was appointed Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, retained his position as Minister of Defense, and worked to modernize and develop the Saudi Armed Forces, which witnessed a remarkable leap in training and armament, as well as implementing a comprehensive plan to develop the entire sectors of the Ministry of Defense.
Development Programs
Over the past eight years, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been keen to implement comprehensive and integrated development programs to advance Saudi Arabia politically, economically and socially, and has achieved many achievements and reforms at various levels, which made Saudi Arabia ranked by the World Bank among the top 20 reformers in the world, and ranked second among the top high-income countries and G20 countries in terms of implementing business climate improvement reforms.
In the second year of his leadership, King Salman launched the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 on April 25, 2016, to be at the forefront of the development programs he adopted in order to achieve comprehensive national development, reduce the Kingdom ’ s dependence on oil, diversify sources of income through a package of economic reforms unprecedented in the Kingdom ’ s history, achieve financial stability, and other development programs that contributed to the increase in non-oil revenues by 15%, reduce the budget deficit by 48% foreign investment by 130%.
Under the patronage of King Salman, the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 has succeeded in achieving many achievements in the first five years, specifically during the period between 2015 and 2020, and with the beginning of 2021, a new phase in the process of achieving Vision 2030 began.
In the framework of this new phase, the National Investment Strategy was issued on October 11, 2021, which is expected to contribute to the growth of the national economy and diversify its sources, thus achieving many of the objectives of Vision 2030, including raising the contribution of the private sector to GDP to 65%, boosting foreign direct investment to 5.7% of GDP, increasing the proportion of non-oil exports from 16% to 50% of GDP, and reducing the unemployment rate to 7%.
Under the umbrella of the National Investment Strategy, investments of more than 12 trillion riyals will be injected into the local economy until 2030.
The biggest budget
For the first time in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the trend began under King Salman towards approving the general budget of the Kingdom by supporting and developing the national economy without relying mainly on oil as the sole source of national income, which was ranked by observers among the most important achievements in the history of the Kingdom.
In 2019, King Salman announced the largest budget in the history of the Kingdom, spending more than 1.1 trillion riyals, and revenues amounted to 975 billion riyals.
Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman, has transformed the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) into a sovereign fund with assets estimated at $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion, making it the largest sovereign fund in the world.
In the petroleum sector, Saudi Aramco announced in 2021 plans to produce 2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the giant Jafoura field by 2030, making the kingdom the third largest natural gas producer in the world.
Health and Education
King Salman has paid great attention to the health and education sectors, and the two sectors witnessed an unprecedented boom during the reign of King Salman through the implementation of many projects. In the health sector, several health centers were launched in the last eight years, including 4 for cardiac catheterization, 7 for tumors, 3 for obesity and its diseases, 5 for behavioral and developmental disorders, as well as the launch of 4 surgical robots specialized in general surgeries, urology and artificial intelligence laboratory. For health technical research, and to raise the level of health services provided by 600 health centers by applying the Wasfti system.
Work has also begun on the first robotic-mediated smart pharmacy at King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk.
In the education sector, King Salman has adopted several programs and plans to develop education and make a real renaissance in this vital sector. In this context, his decision came to merge the Ministries of Education and Higher Education into one ministry under the name of the Ministry of Education, allocate special programs for talented students, open special centers for the development of technical and engineering sciences in 32 schools across the Kingdom, and launch the “Your Job and Mission ” program. You come back after they come back.
On November 14, 2021, the Kingdom announced the launch of Prince Mohammed bin Salman City, the first non-profit city in the world, which aims to support young Saudi talents, and work to encourage learning and develop leadership skills among young people.
Blue oil.
The desalination industry has seen an unprecedented boom, as the kingdom has set records in the industry making it the world ’ s largest desalinated water producer and is expected to become a major hub for desalination technologies in the world, the Middle East and beyond, leading observers to call the industry a “new Saudi blue oil. ”
Saudi Arabia ’ s production of desalinated water currently stands at more than 9 million cubic meters per day, with production expected to reach more than 14 million cubic meters per day in 2025.
The Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation manages 33 desalination plants, including 8 on the Arabian Gulf coast and 25 on the Red Sea coast, and in 2018 won the award of the largest desalination system in the world from the Guinness World Book.
National Projects
Over the past eight years, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has adopted an expanded work map that included a package of giant national projects, most notably the establishment of Neom Industrial City (Oxagon), the largest floating structure in the world. The city is based on the same concepts as The Line communities launched in January 2021. 13% of world trade.
This is in addition to a giant project to redevelop the waterfront in the center of Jeddah ’ s Corniche with the aim of transforming it into a vital area, the King Salman Energy City project known as “Spark ”, with investments estimated at $1.6 billion, and the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport project with a capacity of more than 8 million passengers annually in its first phase, and 40 million passengers annually in the third phase.
In addition to the development of the petrochemical sector in Ras Al Khair Industrial City, the establishment of some other industrial cities, such as Jubail and Yanbu, and the development of a city for the automotive industry in order to attract investments, increase exports and provide jobs, and the repair of more than 4 million square meters of road networks.
In the housing sector, many housing projects have been implemented during the past eight years, including the provision of more than 282 residential products including housing units, land and subsidized financing to promote and develop the real estate sector in various regions of the Kingdom, as well as regulating the rental market and preserving the rights of parties during the rental process through the adoption of the “Ejar ” program.
Dar Al-Hijra is one of the most important residential projects launched during the reign of King Salman, and is one of the largest residential, hotel and commercial projects in Saudi Arabia, including 20 administrative towers, 80 residential towers, 80 hotels providing 40,000 rooms for pilgrims, as well as government, administrative and commercial offices accommodating 31,000 employees, a 400-bed hospital and a huge transit station.
King Salman is keen to develop the various regions of the Kingdom and achieve comprehensive development in them, and in this context, strategic offices were established in October 2021 to develop the areas of Al-Baha, Al-Jawf and Jazan, as well as the launch of a strategy to develop the Asir region by pumping 50 billion riyals in various investments.
All rights reserved to Al Ittihad Newspaper 2022 ©

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The vision has achieved great development in six years, making the Kingdom a more developed country.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

MBS has introduced a series of social and economic reforms as part of Vision 2030, including restricting the powers of the religious police and improving women's rights.

Title:

Content: Despite the government ’ s alleged reforms,
Widespread violations of women ’ s rights in Saudi Arabia
Sunday 01 January 2023 - 05: 52 GMT
The widespread German network Deutsche Welle has highlighted the persistence of widespread violations of women ’ s rights in Saudi Arabia despite alleged government reforms.
World - Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities continue to discriminate against women as second-class citizens with an unchanging authoritarian guardianship system and strict disobedience laws and rules that restrict the rights of unmarried women.
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the so-called “social and economic reform ” dubbed Vision 2030 in April 2016, the status of women has changed dramatically, with the network seeing that some laws were in favor of women and others headed for the worse.
While women activists like Loujain al-Hathloul were jailed for three years following a drive for women to drive, the relevant legislation was changed in 2018 — and according to research firm Statista — within a year and a half, more than 175,000 women applied.
Driving license in Riyadh.
Other laws have been amended since 2018, meaning women are now allowed to apply for a passport without the consent of a male guardian and go to cinemas with their boyfriends.
Lina al-Hathloul, the sister of women ’ s activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who is the head of communications and surveillance at the London-based ALQST Human Rights Organisation, said: “The regime of repression is still in place ” in Saudi Arabia.
Because of the male guardianship system, girls and women still rely on male guardian consent for most decisions.
In case of disobedience, these guardians, who could be fathers, husbands, brothers or sons, are entitled to be sent to so-called “care homes ” — forever, al-Hathloul said.
Moreover, this year, three court rulings starkly emphasized the Saudi ambivalence between men and women.
In January, a court in the city convicted Yasser M.
Verbal sexual harassment of a woman.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison and a fine of 5,000 rials (1,265 euros / $1,330).
Yasir M was one of the first cases to be convicted following the tightening of Saudi legislation to combat sexual harassment in 2019.
But in August, PhD student Salma al-Shehab, 34, was sentenced to 34 years in prison, and a month later Noura bint Saeed al-Qahtani was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Both were convicted of retweeting human rights calls.
“The result is fear — people no longer know what the red lines are, ” said al-Hathloul. For her, the liberation of women ’ s rights over the past four years is nowhere near what Saudi women really want.
“We want to live in Saudi Arabia without fear and be able to claim our rights. ”
According to the 2019 Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS), Saudi Arabia ranks lowest globally.
According to the index, female labor force participation remains low across the region despite a rapid rise in female education rates and improved access to health care.
Women hold only 16 per cent of legislative seats in MENA countries compared to 25 per cent globally.
Certain States actively suppress women's rights by persecuting women's rights activists.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Saudi Arabia, where authorities arbitrarily arrest and detain women ’ s rights leaders with impunity.
The authorities of the House of Saud, a legitimate permanent resident of the United States, arrested Aziza al-Yousef in May 2018 on charges related to her peaceful human rights activism.
Despite her provisional release in March 2019, Ms. Al-Yousef cannot leave the Kingdom due to pending charges in court.
Source: Saudi Leaks

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

He has restricted the influence of the Wahhabi religious establishment, which has been a significant shift in the country's approach to religion and governance.

Title:

Content: Moderate ideology: The silent Saudi revolution

Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

Published: 25th July 2023 12:34 AM  |   Last Updated: 25th July 2023 12:45 AM   |  A+A-

It has been ‘work in progress’ for some time now. Saudi Arabia is changing the tone and texture of its ideology from what has always been considered obscurantist to something that keeps with the times. Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

The kingdom has rapidly secured its position as a centre for cultural events, art exhibitions and film screenings. The nation’s Vision 2030 envisages and fully supports the expansion of the entertainment market to SR30 billion. Almost every domain of entertainment for which Saudi citizens earlier travelled far and wide is now available at home. This is thanks to a break from the past that the de facto ruler, Mohammad bin Salman (MbS), the Crown Prince, has initiated. It makes eminent sense in a nation seeking to develop itself beyond the energy sector with three visionary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and continuity in terms of ambition in comprehensive development.

All this translates into a modern civilisational outlook with technology, intellectualism, private investment, trade, tourism, academics and more, all becoming the prime domains of functioning. The traditional worldwide perception of Saudi Arabia as the centre of the obscurantist ideology of Islam and a nation with an anti-reformist outlook has persisted, and not without reason. A brief understanding of this is important to appreciate the degree of change that Prince MbS has been able to generate.

As the custodian of the Holy Shrines of Mecca and Medina and the land where Islam’s first message was delivered, the Saudi rulers and clergy have always been all-powerful, even more so after adopting the core ideology expounded by Saudi thinker Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. There is a long history behind this.

A virtual pact between the powerful clergy and the Royal Family has existed to promote the Wahhabi ideology in return for the powers that the Royals enjoyed. The pact saw enhanced clergy power after 1979 when the Shia Revolution occurred in Iran, the Saudi Ikhwan attempted a takeover of the Holy Shrine at Mecca, and the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Wahhabi ideology was about going back to the basics and making the faith much less tolerant by supporting ‘Takfir’, or the power of declaration of a believer as an apostate if Wahhabi tenets are not adhered to. The militant part of the ideology started to come to the fore after 1979. From segments of the Arab world to Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India, Indonesia, Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, militancy promoting the Saudi brand flourished, giving rise to the notion of a clash of civilisations.

Saudi Arabia’s energy resources always dictated US policy. A grey zone existed here with simultaneous US support to Israel and Saudi Arabia, stacked primarily against Iran and the collective Arab will against Israel. A couple of factors brought the trigger for change. Among them were the discovery of shale gas in the US and the progressive decline in US dependency on Saudi energy resources. Second was the dwindling Saudi economy and the realisation that in an energy-based economy, without expansion into other domains of economic development, such as trade, technology, tourism, investments, entertainment and intellectual research, Saudi Arabia would waste its opportunities and resources. The tremendous advantage of being the centre of the Islamic world could give it enduring leadership status if it could neutralise the rising militancy within Islam. Nations all around, such as the UAE, had fully utilised their possessions and drawn major economic attraction due to pragmatism followed in all domains, including faith issues. The position of women in Saudi society, in particular, had a damning effect on the nation.

Nothing changes without a leader and a vision. Saudi Arabia was fortunate to get MbS, although his personal equation with the US has remained strained for various reasons, not the least being the Khashoggi factor. However, none of that has affected his intent of modernising the nation and for that, a more moderate form of Islam within the kingdom is necessary. To his credit, he has convinced the clergy of the need to follow his vision, which will also project Islam differently to many others who follow the Saudi guidelines on faith.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, from Saudi Arabia, who recently visited New Delhi for six days, is the Secretary General of the Muslim World League. The organisation was once at the forefront of promoting obscurantist ideology but is now transformed, as is evident from Sheikh al Issa’s message in New Delhi. The Sheikh’s belief which he transparently shared is that a whole generation of Muslims has grown up with an ideology that has given them a negative view of other faiths and an intolerantly sectarian understanding of their own.

In his several meetings with intellectuals, leaders and clergy from diverse faiths in India, he emphasised the role of the clergy in any faith. He admitted that Islam had earned a bad name for itself due to the acts of a few and the refusal of the followers to condemn those acts. He spoke of the role of family and education and decried religious teachers’ unsupervised education of young Muslim children. He mentioned that when intolerance and militancy were rising, people feared confronting them. His most poignant argument was that such obscurantism and militancy cannot be eliminated in the typical military way; they have to be removed from the roots by narratives stronger than the ones expounded.

Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit to India was symbolic of what appears to be the fading of the intolerant and militant element of Islam, but we cannot read too much into this. That change is taking place at the ideological centre is positive, but there is no guarantee of permanency. It is also not necessary that the message from Saudi Arabia is gelling with the vast Muslim populations worldwide. These populations are enmeshed with their local cultures and unlikely to follow examples. What is true is that a message supporting reformation has emanated from the nation considered the custodian of the shrines and, by many, of the faith. Nurturing this and taking it beyond is now the challenge.

Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd)

Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir

(atahasnain@gmail.com)

flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

The traditional pact between the clergy and the Royal Family has been altered under MBS, allowing for a more modern and moderate approach to Islam.

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

Women's rights have improved significantly under MBS' rule, with women now able to apply for a passport without male guardian consent, drive, and attend cinemas with their boyfriends.

How has Saudi Arabia empowered women and increased their labor market participation under Vision 2030?

By removing restrictions on freedom of movement

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

Over 175,000 women applied for driving licenses within a year and a half, indicating a significant shift in women's participation in society.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

However, despite these improvements, female labor force participation remains low, and women hold only 16% of legislative seats in MENA countries.

MBS has also introduced measures to combat sexual harassment, with Saudi legislation being tightened in 2019.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The Vision 2030 plan includes investment from both the public and private sectors, with investments of over 12 trillion riyals to be injected into the local economy until 2030.

How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

The plan aims to grow the economy, with a focus on developing a thriving economy and a vibrant society in Saudi Arabia.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

MBS has adopted a strategic approach to management, with inclusivity and a focus on the Saudi people's capabilities for development.

Title:

Content: Study: The Crown Prince ’ s philosophy of management is a compass for the Kingdom ’ s renaissance and achievements within the framework of “Vision 2030 ”
She said he takes a strategic approach based on inclusivity, a duality of modernization, originality, boldness and realism.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Al-Qarar Center for Media Studies has issued a new study that provides an analytical reading of the philosophy of His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the administration, which represents a compass for the Kingdom ’ s renaissance and its successes and achievements within the framework of the pioneering development vision “Saudi Vision 2030 ”.
This came in conjunction with the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the pledge of His Highness as Crown Prince.
The study was based on the monitoring and analysis of a series of speeches, speeches, meetings, statements and statements of His Highness the Crown Prince (may God protect him), the number of which reached (16) articles during the period from 2018 to the current year 2022.
The study concluded with a set of results, including the Crown Prince ’ s adoption of a strategic approach to management based on several pillars, most notably comprehensiveness in approach, dual modernization and originality, boldness and realism, in addition to uniqueness and excellence, universality of presentation, as well as openness to all, and always looking forward.
The study pointed to the adoption of His Highness the Crown Prince in his speeches and statements primarily on logical probabilities in the process of influence and persuasion, through addressing the mind with evidence and proofs, using the language of numbers, logical reasoning, and comparisons between the past, present and the future, in addition to proving what has been achieved on the ground effectively, and citing the reports of international institutions.
The study pointed out that Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may Allah support him, is betting in achieving the comprehensive development process on the Kingdom's own capabilities, especially the great Saudi people.
She pointed out that the language of his speech includes many central actors, which he always mentions clearly, most notably the Saudis, especially the young men and women of the Kingdom, as well as the economic, social, cultural and civilizational potential of the Kingdom, as well as the regional and international status of the Saudi state, whether at the economic, political or Islamic level.
The decision center study concluded that HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God protect him, follows a philosophy based on inclusiveness and renewal in all aspects of life, noting that HRH was able to convey the conviction of his comprehensive development project "Vision 2030" to every Saudi citizen, which made the people united in order to achieve the desired progress.
News you might like.
No stories found.

He has emphasized comprehensive development and renewal, conveying conviction to Saudi citizens for unity.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The Muslim World League has transformed under MBS' influence, promoting a more tolerant and moderate form of Islam.

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Avoiding actions that cause dissent, encourage violence, or spread dangerous ideas

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

A survey of Saudi youth found that 99% believe Vision 2030 ensures a strong economy, and 96% support private sector participation.

Title:

Content: Saudi youth: Vision 2030 guarantees a strong economy and a better future
T + T - normal size
Saudi Arabia ’ s 92nd National Day celebrations, under the slogan “We Have a Home ”, will be an important occasion during which almost all Saudi youth show confidence that the Kingdom is moving in the right direction and that their coming days are better, as revealed by the results of the 14th annual ASDA ’ A BCW Arab Youth Survey announced yesterday.
Almost all young Saudis surveyed (99%) are confident that Vision 2030 will ensure a strong economy for the Kingdom, while a similar 97% believe their next days are better, while they also believe that the Kingdom ’ s economy is moving in the right direction, nine out of ten believe they will have a better life than their parents. Jobs and economic growth.
Recent government reforms to the private sector are very popular among Saudi youth, with 96% saying they support measures that stimulate private sector participation in the national economy, 93% saying they strongly support reforms that encourage citizens to play a greater role in the business sector, while more young Saudis say they prefer business over government jobs and a quarter (23%) say they would like to work independently or with their families....
Equal rights
In the face of Western stereotypes of Saudi Arabia, more than two-thirds of young Saudis (68%) say men and women have equal rights, 61% say they have equal employment opportunities, and 96% believe a greater presence of women in the labor market will benefit the kingdom.
More than two-thirds of Saudi youth (69%) believe religion is the most important element in expressing their identity, 82% believe that preserving their religious and cultural identity is more important than building a more globalized society. At the same time, three-quarters of young Saudis (79%) say religion plays too much of a role in the Middle East.
High Popularity
For their part, Saudi youth are among the most prominent users of social media.
Their most popular platforms are WhatsApp (98%), Snapchat (84%), YouTube (83%), Twitter (73%), TikTok (60%), and Facebook (55%). The popularity of Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter has risen to 60%, while the daily use of Facebook has dropped from 82% in 2020 to 55%, and social media is the most prominent news source for 43% of Saudi youth surveyed, followed by television 27% and electronic sources 23%.
The number of Saudis who shop online has doubled over the past five years, with 58% saying they buy products and services online and social media at least once a month in 2018, to almost all respondents who said they currently shop online.
Print Email

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

Additionally, 68% of Saudi youth say men and women have equal rights, and 61% say men and women have equal employment opportunities.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

However, 79% of Saudi youth say religion plays too much of a role, indicating a desire for a more balanced approach to religion and governance.

MBS has been appointed Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and has introduced social and economic reforms, including a cabinet reshuffle.

Title:

Content: ISSN 2330-717X

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince MBS Named Prime Minister

By

King Salman ordered on Tuesday the appointment of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia as part of a cabinet reshuffle, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Advertisement

Under royal decrees issued by the king, Prince Khalid bin Salman will become Defense Minister amidst a cabinet reshuffle, SPA added.

The reshuffle also saw the appointment of Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan as Minister of Education.

The ministers keeping their positions are the energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, minister of investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, minister of interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and minister of finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan.

Prince Abdullah bin Bandar also remains as minister of the National Guard, Walid Al-Samaani stays in his role as Minister of Justice, while Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh is also remaining Minister of Islamic Affairs.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan will remain as Minister of Culture, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal keeps his role as Minister of Sports.

Advertisement

Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah will also stay in his role as Minister of Hajj and Umrah, while Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi also remains as Minister of Commerce.

Elsewhere, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef stays minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ahmed Al-Khateeb as minister of Tourism, Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim as minister of Economy and Planning, and Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel as Minister of Health.

The SPA report also stated that any Saudi cabinet session attended by King Salman will remain chaired by the king.

Arab News

Arab News is Saudi Arabia's first English-language newspaper. It was founded in 1975 by Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz. Today, it is one of 29 publications produced by Saudi Research & Publishing Company (SRPC), a subsidiary of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG).

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The reforms have been widely supported, with 93% of Saudi youth supporting reforms for citizens in the business sector.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

Overall, MBS' Vision 2030 has been a significant step towards transforming Saudi Arabia, with a focus on social and economic reforms, and a more moderate approach to Islam.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

The vision has achieved significant progress, but there is still more work to be done to address the challenges facing the country.

MBS' leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving this transformation, and his commitment to comprehensive development and renewal has been evident throughout his tenure as Crown Prince.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?