Mohammed bin Salman has introduced reforms as part of his 2030 vision to modernize Saudi Arabia's economy and reduce oil dependence.

The reforms include restricting the religious police's powers and improving women's rights, such as driving and workforce participation.

The Saudi government has reduced the powers of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue, limiting its role to awareness campaigns and epidemic control.

The Commission's 2016 reforms led to limited powers, increased personal freedoms, especially for women.

Women will soon be able to join the Commission, drive, and mix with men.

The Entertainment Authority was created in 2016 to manage events in Saudi Arabia, which have included mixed concerts and other activities.

Saudi activists have expressed anger over Riyadh Season's behavior, with a "Stop_Riyadh_Season" hashtag trending on Twitter.

The Saudi leadership promotes rationalization of religious discourse to achieve moderation.

Friday sermons aim to calm souls and soften feelings, delivered by preachers selected for their qualifications, experience, and national achievements.

Reform efforts in Saudi Arabia have been admired, but some scholars have been detained and tortured since 2017, prompting human rights campaigns.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fouzan and many scholars are restricted, with some denied access to lawyers and family, and monitored by informants.

Mohammed bin Salman's reforms have limited the Commission for Virtue's powers and moved the kingdom away from Wahhabism.

The Saudi government restricts non-Muslim worship and treats religious freedom as a privilege.

Saudi society still maintains traditional customs and religion, with some resisting Mohammed bin Salman's 2030 vision.

Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, modernize infrastructure, and ease restrictions on women, including driving and Hajj without a mahram.

The Saudi leadership has replaced the founding date from 1744 to 1727 and introduced Foundation Day to shift focus from religious to national identity.

The Saudi government has prioritized education, job creation, and invested in sectors like energy and infrastructure, planning to invest $5 billion in Turkey.

Mohammed bin Salman has entered into dialogue with Iran and Saudi Arabia seeks US security guarantees.

The reforms may significantly impact Saudi Arabia's social and economic landscape, although their long-term consequences are uncertain.

The reforms have improved the lives of Saudi women and youth and may drive economic growth.

Repression of activists and women's rights violations remain significant challenges.

Mohammed bin Salman's reforms could transform Saudi Arabia if managed to benefit all segments of society.

The international community has both supported and criticized Mohammed bin Salman's reforms, with some countries like the US seeking to rehabilitate his image, while others like Canada have criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The European community has rejected Mohammed bin Salman from international summits due to his human rights record.

Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 aims to reshape Saudi Arabia's oil-dependent economy and attract foreign investment, including 30 million tourists by 2030.

Vision 2030's implementation and outcomes have been impacted by external factors, including criticism of Mohammed bin Salman's human rights record, which has deterred foreign investment.

The Saudi government has made significant progress in implementing Vision 2030, driving non-oil GDP growth and expanding government spending to enhance economic growth.

The Public Investment Fund supports economic development, with 2.3 million Saudis employed and a tourism target of 150 million visitors by 2030.

The industrial domestic product is expected to reach SR895 billion by 2030, driven by economic diversification through private sector partnership.

Saudi Arabia is working to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependence by attracting young talent and Western companies.

The international community, particularly the US, China, and EU, has significantly influenced Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its economic and political development.

The success of Vision 2030 depends on attracting foreign investment, diversifying the economy, and improving human rights, with significant input from the international community.

The Saudi economy grew 8.7% in 2022, with the private sector growing 5.3% and unemployment decreasing to 8%.

In 2022, national workers in the private sector reached 2.2 million, with an Emiratization rate of 23.3% and women's labor market participation at 34.5%.

In 2022, a fiscal surplus of 103.9 billion riyals was achieved, with public expenditures of 1.2 trillion riyals, accounting for 28% of GDP.

The national economy showed resilience, and creating one million jobs is a key indicator of Vision 2030's success.

The government will assess and monitor each engine's achievement and operational needs, with results published quarterly.

The government will issue economic analyses and recommendations, and evaluate the vision's effectiveness through tangible results.

Vision 2030 achieved 75% of its targets, with the non-oil private sector PMI rising and inflation declining.

KPI targets for Saudi Vision 2030 led to increased public agency performance in Q3 2023, with more initiatives completed than in Q2 2023.

Indicators achieving targets rose, with investment spending boosting non-oil sectors and driving growth.

Private sector support and non-oil sectors continued to grow, with progress in areas like education, health, housing, and women's and youth empowerment.

Saudi Vision 2030 has achieved goals in its eighth year, with the Cabinet reviewing progress and signing agreements with several countries, including Pakistan, India, Congo, and Portugal.

The Cabinet praises progress of Saudi Vision 2030, which has three main axes: society, economy, and nation.

The vision aims to develop national identity and culture, promoting citizens' well-being and quality of life.

Alternative energy, artificial intelligence, and e-government are key areas of development in Vision 2030.

National transformation goals were achieved in 2020, and Saudi Vision 2030 is a path with sub-axes under main axes.

Non-oil GDP exceeded 50% of GDP in 2023, driven by rapid digital economy growth and R&D in emerging technologies.

Women's workforce participation in the kingdom has doubled since 2016.

Mohammed bin Salman has introduced reforms as part of his 2030 vision to modernize Saudi Arabia's economy and reduce oil dependence.

Title:

Content: In June, Saudi Arabia, along with two other Gulf states and Egypt, began putting pressure on Qatar on the grounds that Doha was providing financial support for international terrorism.
Saudi Arabia ’ s statements against Qatar could be taken as a joke, given that Riyadh itself has long financed the spread of fundamentalist Salafi Islam, which is often associated with extremism, writes Ayaan Hirsi Ali in an article for The New York Times.
Ivan Shilov IA REGNUM
The Saudis
On the one hand, Saudi Arabia ’ s actions against Qatar can be called a classic example of “whose cow is moaning ”.
On the other hand, Riyadh could use the smokescreen of the diplomatic crisis around Qatar to divert attention from the growing tensions within its own kingdom.
See also: Asia Times: US and China do not face the danger of the “Thucydides trap ”
The newly appointed crown prince of the Saudi throne, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, has promised to modernize the country ’ s economy, which includes measures to diversify the national economy to reduce its dependence on oil prices, expand trade, increase employment and eliminate some restrictions in public life.
However, within Saudi Arabia there are two factors that could put all plans of the crown prince in jeopardy.
First, the crown prince has a rival who can challenge him.
This is the former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef Al Saud, whom in November 2017 Mohammed bin Salman placed under house arrest and froze all his bank accounts.
The current crown prince has taken a very bold step, even by the standards of the royal dynasty.
However, Mohammed bin Nayef, who previously headed the secret intelligence of Saudi Arabia, can be a very dangerous enemy.
Ivan Shilov IA REGNUM
Saudi Arabia
Second, Mohammed bin Salman ’ s grand strategic reform plan, known as Vision 2030, poses a direct threat to the prestige and authority of the Wahhabi clergy in Saudi Arabia.
The clergy have influence, and they have a motive to try to thwart the Crown Prince ’ s plans.
If private enterprise begins to strengthen its position through reforms, the resources and influence of the clergy will decrease, therefore, the opportunities for retaining control over the kingdom will be reduced.
For centuries, the royal family relied on the support of the Wahhabi clergy to ensure the religious legitimacy of the ruling dynasty.
If modernization threatens to destroy the authority of the clergy, how long will it remain submissive to the crown prince?
Earlier, the crown prince made it clear that the influence of the clergy could become an obstacle to economic growth and reduce the dependence of the Saudi economy on oil.
In case of resistance of the clergy, the Crown Prince promised to take appropriate measures.
Most likely, the clergy will begin to openly resist the Westernization of the country with the same zeal with which Saudi Arabia seeks to attract foreign investors.
Since 1973, the Saudi government and its semi-official “charities ” have spent billions of dollars spreading Wahhabi ideology abroad.
The continuation of such a policy would be detrimental to the efforts of the international community to combat radicalization.
Saudi clerics have a powerful social network that provides a direct link to their supporters across the country.
The clergy can use this platform to undermine the plans of the Crown Prince and the position of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
In this regard, there is a risk of fomenting unrest in a country with a high youth unemployment rate.
In an effort to stifle dissent, in September 2017, Saudi Arabia detained several influential clerics who opposed Saudi Arabia ’ s position on Qatar.
In November, the fight continued, only under the guise of anti-corruption purges, in which more than 200 officials, large businessmen and members of the royal family were detained.
See also: “On whom should the US make the main bet in the Middle East? ”
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia ’ s Wahhabi clerics have extensive ties to Islamist organizations around the world.
Qatar can use these ties to discredit the crown prince in the eyes of international public opinion.
As a response to diverting attention from Saudi Arabia, Riyadh may intensify the conflict with Qatar.
The stakes are very high.
If the crown prince manages to carry out modernization, it will strike a blow to radical Islamism.
If modernization plans fail, the country could roll back several decades, continuing to export extremism abroad.
From the point of view of most Middle Eastern political players, any compromise is seen as a disgrace to the country.
Instead of accepting an ultimatum from Saudi Arabia, such as closing the news agency and severing ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, Qatar has only strengthened its alliance with Iran and Turkey.
Back in June 2017, the diplomatic crisis around Qatar seemed like a minor event in the Middle East, in 2018 it could trigger a big conflict.

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 reforms include restricting the religious police's powers and improving women's rights, such as driving and workforce participation.

Title:

Content: Analysis, Concepts, General Concepts, Side Feature, South Asia
Leave a comment

The Gulf Regimes Compete to Become World Capitals in Fahisha

On the 20th December, the media reported that the Ministry of Culture and Youth in the United Arab Emirates halted the censorship of nudity and other lewd scenes in movies played in its cinemas. Last year, the Gulf state granted unmarried people the right to live together and eased alcohol purchase and consumption controls. Meanwhile, in December, Saudi Arabia hosted a number of music concerts with international entertainers staging all forms of obscene performances and sexually explicit songs which glamourize illicit relationships and promiscuity, in front of crowds of men and women freely mingling and dancing together. The Saudi Arabia MDL Beast Soundstorm was attended by over 700,000 people and was praised by Turki al-Sheikh, head of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority, as one of the largest music festivals in the world. According to the Kingdom’s Assistant Minister for Tourism, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, the regime is planning to host up to 600% more concerts next year (2022) than in 2019 as part of its tourism strategy. These celebrations of fahisha (obscenity) are just one sordid component of Muhammad bin Salman’s corrupt 2030 Vision to liberalize the country and turn this blessed land into an entertainment hub in an attempt to bolster a failing economy that was reliant on oil revenues which are fast declining within the state. The Kingdom has also allowed unmarried foreign couples to rent hotel rooms together to boost its tourism industry. All this comes at a time when the regime is tightening the noose around the necks of those defending Islamic values within the state by banning Islamic groups and imposing lengthy jail sentences on Islamic scholars who criticize the corrupt unIslamic actions of the rulers. Earlier this year, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs defended its order to mosques to lower the volume of the Adhaan broadcast from their buildings and to cease the broadcast of the full prayers and sermons to their surrounding areas.

These corrupt regimes have unashamedly publicized their open contempt for the Deen of Allah (swt) and its beliefs and values. In fact, shamelessness has become the distinguishing mark of these rulers. They are the embodiment of those whom Allah (swt) describes as

(إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَشْتَرُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللّهِ وَأَيْمَانِهِمْ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلاً أُوْلَـئِكَ لاَ خَلاَقَ لَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ وَلاَ يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّهُ وَلاَ يَنظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلاَ يُزَكِّيهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ)

“…those who sell out God’s covenant and their oaths for a paltry price – they shall have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them, nor look at them, nor purify them on the Day of Judgement. And they will suffer a painful punishment.” [3: 77] They compete with one another in spreading vulgarity, lewdness and all that is evil across their lands, with utter disdain for the Words of Allah (swt),

(إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ)

“Indeed, those who like that Fahisha (immorality, indecency and Zina) should be spread (or publicized) among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know.” [24:19].

They represent the antithesis of the high moral values of Islam and its beliefs of Hayah, honour, protection of chastity and the sanctity of marriage. The Prophet (saw) said,

«إِنَّ لِكُلِّ دِينٍ خُلُقًا وَخُلُقُ الْإِسْلَامِ الْحَيَاءُ»

“Every way of life has its distinct characteristic. And the distinct characteristic of Islam is Hayah (modesty).” [Abu Dawood].

This moral decadence is being sold under the false banner of ‘modernization and progress’, while in truth, these regimes are simply chasing the heels of western states in the decimation of marriage, the family structure and the wellbeing of children as well as in the epidemic of sexual crimes against women that has been spread by liberal culture. What kind of modernization and progress is this? It is simply turning the clock back to the times of Jahiliyyah! Their ultimate desire is to extinguish the light of Islam in our lands and make their states replicas of western nations that are grappling with a mountain of social and moral problems.

All this should be a stark reminder to this Ummah that the sanctity of Islam will never be safe while these corrupt regimes continue to rule our lands and while the System of Allah (swt), the Khilafah (Caliphate) based upon the method of the Prophethood, the guardian of our Deen, remains absent from this world! It should be a powerful reminder of the vital need to re-establish this Islamic leadership in our lands without delay!

Dr. Nazreen Nawaz
Director of the Women’s Section in The Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir

Press Release
27 Jumada I 1443 – Friday, 31st December 2021
No: AH / 019 1443

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?

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 has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

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

The Saudi government has reduced the powers of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue, limiting its role to awareness campaigns and epidemic control.

Title:

Content: Reforms marginalize Saudi Arabia ’ s Commission for the Promotion of Virtue
Reforms marginalize Saudi Arabia ’ s Commission for the Promotion of Virtue
The role of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue in Saudi Arabia has diminished after the reforms initiated by the authorities following the accession of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where its role is limited to campaigns to raise awareness of ethics and confront the epidemic of COVID-19 and others after it represented a kind of religious police.
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia ’ s reforms following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ’ s tenure have increasingly sidelined the role of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue (CPVPV).
The body, which resembles the religious police, had considerable influence and prestige on the Saudi street, where its members closely monitored the application of Islamic law principles in the conservative kingdom before they were effectively stripped of their powers in 2016.
Comprehensive repairs
Ahmed bin Qasim Al-Ghamdi: The greatest mistake of the Commission was that it was following the individual mistakes of the people
Faisal, a Saudi teacher, decided to leave the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in order to preserve its marginalization in recent years, while the Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented opening coinciding with a campaign of religious and social reforms.
Faisal, a pseudonym, 37, who resigned months ago from the commission, said: “All of our authority has been taken away and we have no clear role at all. ”
The bearded man said in a meeting in eastern Riyadh: “Everything I was working to prevent him became completely legal, so I decided to resign. ”
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took office in 2017, the kingdom has seen social reforms that include allowing women to drive, allowing concerts, and ending the ban on mixing between men and women.
Faisal, who was wearing a dark cloak, added sarcastically, “In the past there was only one known body in Saudi Arabia, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue...
Today, the most important body is the Entertainment Authority, ” he said, referring to the Entertainment Authority, which was created by Saudi Arabia in May 2016 and is entrusted with managing and organizing various entertainment events that are witnessing a large turnout of both sexes.
Turki, a pseudonym for a former member of the body, said that "the existence of the body has become completely formal."
“We are no longer allowed to intervene and change any behaviors we once considered inappropriate, ” he said, noting that many continue to work“ for the sake of salary only. ”
In the past, the authority had considerable powers, including ensuring that people applied the rules of public decency and prohibited mixing, which included the right to request their personal documents, stalk them and arrest them.
The group ’ s cars roamed the streets, making sure women wore the black cloak exclusively, stalking people in cafes and malls and forcing shops to close during prayers.
Saud Al-Kateb: The work of the Commission has undergone a radical change, its role must be limited
Gradually, the would-be protesters disappeared from the streets, while the area of personal freedoms granted to the population, especially women, increased.
With the reduction of its role in the street, the Commission is finally launching campaigns to raise awareness of ethics, confront the epidemic and warn against seditious people, from digital screens, billboards in the streets and social media platforms.
Many of its members now spend the majority of their time in their offices without touching people in the streets, reflecting its diminished influence in the kingdom, especially among hardliners.
"The commission has become isolated," said a Saudi official, who asked not to be named, pointing to "a significant reduction in the number of its members, especially those who are not qualified to invite."
The exact number of its members is not known, but sources estimate that there are about 5,000 in the kingdom, where more than half of the population is under the age of 35, according to data released in 2020.
The young Saudi woman, who was previously harassed by HTS men for her colorful clothes, is now able to go out without a head covering and even smoke in the street.
The 26-year-old said while smoking with her colleague in central Riyadh during a break from work: “We didn ’ t even think about smoking in the street years ago. ”
“They were going to beat us with bamboo, ” she added, laughing, referring to the thin sticks used by the authority ’ s subordinates to river the people.
Ahmed bin Qassem al-Ghamdi, a former senior official of the commission who was removed from his post in 2015 because of his progressive views, said “the commission ’ s greatest mistake was that it was following people ’ s individual mistakes, ” which he said“ had a negative impact ” on its image.
The head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue, Abdulrahman al-Sindh, admitted in an October interview with the state television station Al-Akhbari that the Commission had previously committed “irregularities. ”
Al-Sindh, a university professor, attributed that the members of the commission were practicing “security issues without any reference, background or prior qualification. ”
He stressed that the Shariah of Muslims does not stipulate that “forbidding evil necessarily means removing evil, ” which is a major change in the body ’ s thinking in the past.
The body, which has long been criticised for its crackdown on women, plans to “recruit women ” into its ranks in the near future, Sindh said.
The head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue admitted that the Commission had committed violations in the past, pointing out that its members were practicing security issues without any reference.
The Saudi writer Saud al-Kateb said that "the work of the Commission has undergone a significant and radical change," noting that "its role must be limited and does not exceed the role of the official regulatory bodies."
It was not clear whether the reduction in the Authority's powers was accompanied by a reduction in its annual budget.
In 2018, the Shura Council overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to merge the body into the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, citing the need for it to continue to fight drugs.
Stéphane Lacroix, a professor at the Institute of Political Science in Paris, ruled out Saudi Arabia ’ s move to disband the commission.
“The body remains a sign of a distinct Saudi identity with which many conservative Saudis are associated.
“The most likely thing is to continue to reposition its role. ”
arabic

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.

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

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

The Commission's 2016 reforms led to limited powers, increased personal freedoms, especially for women.

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

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

Women will soon be able to join the Commission, drive, and mix with men.

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?

The Entertainment Authority was created in 2016 to manage events in Saudi Arabia, which have included mixed concerts and other activities.

Title:

Content: After the call to stop the "Riyadh Season"
The Saudi youth.
Between the closed hammer of Wahhabism and the anvil of loose entertainment
Monday 20 December 2021 - 03: 58 GMT
Mohammed bin Abdulwahab, the grandfather of the Al-Sheikh family, is the first to spread the doctrine that bears his name, the Wahhabi doctrine, in the land of Arabia, with the sword of Mohammed bin Saud, the grandfather of the Al-Saud family, and ironically, the end of this doctrine, or almost, at the hands of the grandson of the first, Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, and the grandson of the second Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
The World as a Collection
The Saud family had the upper hand in the context of the historical alliance that arose between Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab and Mohammed bin Saud, given that the elements of power were in the grip of Ibn Saud, and when the role of Mohammed bin Salman, to reach the throne, a young man did not exceed the age of 20, felt that the road will not be impassable to the throne as long as the Wahhabi institution in the joints of the state, To get rid of both.
In the beginning, he ended the power of the sheikhs of Wahhabism, and reduced the role of the Authority for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, in order to win young people to his side, after Wahhabism kept their breath, and in the second removed everyone who felt that he was competing with him, the Sultan of Al Saud and others and imprisoned them under various pretexts.
Since the youth represent the vast majority of the people, bin Salman tried to get closer to them, through the policy of openness, which he entrusted the implementation of one of the grandchildren of Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, called Turki al-Sheikh, who headed the entertainment authority, and used the wide powers granted by bin Salman, and opened the doors of Saudi Arabia wide to music groups, singing and dancing, and held loud and mixed concerts. Cut, gambling clubs and wine bars.
It is remarkable that the Saudi people, was the victim, to the grandparents and grandchildren of Sheikh Wal Saud, the grandparents and grandchildren, dealt with the Saudi people superior treatment, the grandparents imposed on him the closed Wahhabi doctrine, which was a distorted and false reading of the true Islamic religion, and spawned all the bloody Takfiri groups that appeared in the world without exception, and today imposed grandchildren, dissolution and moral decline In its western version, without any red lines, as entertainment!!
One of the most important symbols of moral laxity in the policy of openness led by Turki al-Sheikh in Saudi Arabia, is the "Riyadh Season", where mixed dance concerts are held, which do not find a counterpart even in countries known for opening to such concerts for many decades, but what happened in the current Riyadh season, made activists in Saudi Arabia, ringing the bell of danger, because of the dangers of moral deviation. They live in the shadow of Wahhabism.
Since Monday morning, the hashtag “Stop _ Riyadh _ Season _ Muttalib ” has been trending on Twitter in Saudi Arabia, where activists expressed their anger at the inappropriate behavior witnessed during the Riyadh season in the past days, thousands have tweeted this hashtag posting pictures and clips of young men and women dancing to loud music, and wearing bold clothes, stressing that these practices do not suit customs and traditions. The Saudi people, and it is absurd not to represent them.
Many commentators directed their contributions to the organizers of this season, considering that it is a waste of money and an alienation from the religion, customs and traditions that Saudi society still maintains to this day. Others felt that the gathering of huge crowds in light of the threat of Coronavirus and the mutated new strains is not wise, calling on the concerned authorities to stop the events immediately to avoid returning to point zero in relation to the spread of the epidemic.

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

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?

Saudi activists have expressed anger over Riyadh Season's behavior, with a "Stop_Riyadh_Season" hashtag trending on Twitter.

The Saudi leadership promotes rationalization of religious discourse to achieve moderation.

Title:

Content: - A plus A.
The Kingdom has taken great care of preachers and preachers, mosques and mosques, imams and preachers, as the holders of Islamic science and religious discourse, and the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have contributed to the adoption of reform and renewal of religious discourse to achieve moderation today; through the approach of rationalization, based on the selection of qualified qualified,...
Our nation believes that the Friday sermon and prayer are an opportunity to renew the covenant with God, strengthen the bond with His side, and ease the burdens of the world and its problems; by listening to a sermon, which penetrates the hearts, sheds the eyes, reminds of God and the Hereafter, and clarifies what a Muslim should be of pure affiliation to religion, and to the prophetic ethics and the spirit of Islam.
Observers from inside and outside the Kingdom recorded their great admiration for the reform witnessed by the platforms in form and content, by taking care of the Friday sermon, ensuring its commitment to the prophetic method, and using the easy time of the sermon to calm the souls, soften feelings, reduce hostility, and do not overstep by praying on the violators or dissenters, in compliance with the saying of the right blessed and Almighty (you have your religion).
Without the generous patronage of the Saudi leadership and the humanization of the Kingdom ’ s vision, we would not have seen the rationalization of religious discourse and the formulation of a vision that does not lose sight of the reality of the situation and fate, religions bring closer and do not exclude, rituals love and hate, and moral behavior is the greatest common denominator among all human societies.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da ’ wah and Guidance plays its role in protecting the pulpits and preaching from every bearer of thought alien to the homeland and society. It develops the capacities of preachers and preachers who are conscious and wise and address people in the best way, without excessive or indifferent. Its functions and methods of work and its implementation, with emphasis on its necessity, and the need of man to restore his balance and maintain his tranquility, and to cherish the achievement of the national state over others.

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

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

Friday sermons aim to calm souls and soften feelings, delivered by preachers selected for their qualifications, experience, and national achievements.

Reform efforts in Saudi Arabia have been admired, but some scholars have been detained and tortured since 2017, prompting human rights campaigns.

Title:

Content: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Mohammed bin Salman turns on Sheikh Saleh Al-Fouzan and so we eat him
Mohammed bin Salman turns against Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan and so we end up with him
The crown prince had visited a member of the Council of Senior Scholars years ago at his home and made sure to check on him, but it seems that the situation has changed completely.
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A Saudi dissident revealed a resounding surprise for Sheikh Saleh al-Fouzan, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and the harassment he is subjected to by the authorities in the Kingdom.
The Saudi opposition and preacher Saeed bin Nasser al-Ghamdi said in a tweet through his account microblogging site “Twitter ”:“ Sheikh Saleh al-Fouzan is forbidden from lessons and from media appearances and accompanied by an informant attached to him to prevent anyone from communicating with him or registering for him. ”
He added: “It is not surprising that they did to Sheikh al-Luhaidan before, despite what he gave them in a covenant that did not boast as much of the hostility of religiosity as is the case today. ”
It should be noted that Mohammed bin Salman had visited Sheikh Al-Fawzan at his home in Riyadh, in April 2018, a recorded video showed Sheikh Al-Fawzan welcoming the Saudi Crown Prince and his companions, calling on the Crown Prince to enter his Council, but Ibn Salman apologized for entering before Sheikh Al-Fawzan, and said: “You are my father, Sheikh Al-Fawzan responded:“ God bless you and prolong your life. ”
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The Saudi media, which is considered as a whole calculated by the regime in the Kingdom, still convey statements about Sheikh al-Fawzan, only the local site “Tawasul ” to the commandments of the pilgrims of the House of God haram reviewed by Sheikh al-Fawzan, who said that the virtue of Hajj is great and its rewards are great.
During the scientific course “eloquence of the hermit to the jurisprudence of the faith and the rituals ”, Al-Fawzan gave a lesson“ remotely ” in the rehab of the Grand Mosque, in which he confirmed that God legislated the pilgrimage for his servants and made it one of the five pillars of Islam.
He said that the pilgrimage once in a lifetime is possible, and more than one time is free of the best gifts, gifts and obedience, and pointed out that the pilgrimage to the house of God is a great virtue, by which God atones sins and forgives sins and magnifies wages.
Extensive campaigns of harassment of preachers
It is noteworthy that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversees a wide campaign of harassment of scientists in the Kingdom, and jails huge numbers of them, so that no one objects to his projects that he launches and promotes, while other advocates are hired to serve his agenda, which is seen as targeting the conservative image of the Kingdom.
Human rights organizations and organizations often launch online campaigns in support of prominent scholars, academics, influencers and preachers, who have been victims of the Saudi authorities ’ arrest campaign for several years.
Among the most prominent scientists and academics detained in Saudi prisons since September 2017 are Issam al-Zamil, Dr. Salman al-Awda, Dr. Awad al-Qarni, Dr. Ali al-Omari, Dr. Mohammed Musa al-Sharif, Yusuf al-Ahmad, Abdul Aziz al-Abdullatif, Ibrahim al-Faris, and many others.
Human rights organizations say that the continued detention of academics, scholars, influencers and preachers throughout this period represents a blatant violation by the regime in Saudi Arabia against the elite and symbols of society.
Activists also report numerous abuses against detained preachers and scholars, such as secret trials, sleep deprivation, solitary confinement, torture through electrocution and severe beatings, handcuffs and feet, denial of access to a lawyer, denial of visits and communication with family, health negligence and denial of medicines.
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What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What internal changes has MBS implemented in Saudi Arabia?

Suppressed dissent--especially Islamist opposition

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fouzan and many scholars are restricted, with some denied access to lawyers and family, and monitored by informants.

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

Has consolidated his power and removed potential rivals

What internal changes has MBS implemented in Saudi Arabia?

Suppressed dissent--especially Islamist opposition

Mohammed bin Salman's reforms have limited the Commission for Virtue's powers and moved the kingdom away from Wahhabism.

Title:

Content: The Haddad.
“Son of Solomon ” uses the Shaykh al-Fawzan to expiate those who do not call for the guardian!
(Witness)
After Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman turned it into a mere “tail ” and stripped it of all its powers, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice published a new fatwa of a member of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh Saleh Al-Fouzan explaining the rule of those who refuse to pray to the Crown Prince, in a message addressed after the high level of public awareness and their opposition to the policies of“ Bin Salman ”.
According to the fatwa published through the Authority ’ s account on the microblogging site “Twitter ” and monitored by“ Watan ”, a question was received for “Al-Fouzan ” asking for opinion on who says I do not need to pray for the guardian, to respond“ Al-Fouzan ” saying: “Because you do not like the guardian. ”
He added: "This is evidence of hypocrisy because the guardian of Muslims loves and is called to him and this is the year of the believers that they love the rulers of the affairs of Muslims and pray for them success and guidance and help because their guidance is guidance to Muslims."
He said that the prayer of the rulers of the matter is one of advice, adding: "Religion is advice to Allah, His Messenger and the Imams of Muslims and their people."
He pointed out that the predecessors were calling for the imams of Muslims on the pulpits and their guidance and goodness.
This is good for the Muslims, and this is only denied by those who have the “spirit of the Kharijites, ” according to him.
The role of “Ibn Salman ” in the destruction of the religious institution
It is noteworthy that unlike the previous rulers of the Kingdom, some of whom carried reformist selves such as King Fahd bin Abdulaziz in the 1980s and King Abdullah in the past stage.
No one dared to challenge the religious establishment in Saudi Arabia as King Salman and his son did.
Since their arrival, they have worked to limit their role and reduce their impact in preparation for neutralizing them in a second stage.
Mohammed bin Salman ’ s reform initiatives have never been taken into account, especially with regard to restricting the function of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which previously served as a tool for imposing totalitarian militancy within Saudi Arabia and a determinant of the kingdom ’ s closed social and cultural landscape.
The new Saudi Arabia has for some time been trying to distance itself little by little from the radical religious trend.
In this context, several steps have been taken that have severely curtailed the role of the religious establishment and domesticated it.
In order to publicize the king and his crown prince and not to hinder the latter's effort to liquidate the remaining voices rejecting his policy.
The blasphemy of the Muslim Brotherhood
Mohammed bin Salman was largely successful when in November 2020 the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars issued a statement declaring the Muslim Brotherhood “a terrorist group that does not represent the method of Islam. ”
And follow its partisan goals contrary to the guidance of our religion, and cover up religion and practice what is contrary to the division and fomenting sedition and terrorism. ”
It is a political move par excellence that demonstrates bin Salman ’ s fear of certain Islamist currents and well-known leaders that could undermine his new authoritarian program.
Abandoning “Wahhabism ”
Bin Salman didn ’ t stop there, so he moved to top speed.
Soon, the crown prince put forward his project to reform the kingdom ’ s religious status, which could be called Islamic prestroika.
It calls for the first time to break with the Salafi Wahhabi school and abandon the vast arsenal of prophetic hadiths on which jurists have relied for centuries and have formed with the time the religiosity common today.
Arrest of Religious Scholars
Through his security arm and repressive apparatus, Mohammed bin Salman was able to divide the category of scholars into two categories.
The first section is an opponent who is branded as a traitor and working against the best interests of the country and carries a foreign agenda, silencing his voice and being sent to the cellars of prisons and detention centers.
The second venerates and elevates its status to become the ruler ’ s breadwinner to demolish the existing and replace it with a different model.
As a result, fatwas emerged in Saudi Arabia that legitimized the decisions of the Saudi crown prince, shined his image and defended his erroneous steps to absorb and degrade criticism.
Like the Imam of the Haram Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, who praised what he called “the march of renewal under the auspices of its rulers, and the keenness and interest of the ambitious young man updated inspiring the crown prince of this guarded country.
He continued with his vision of renewal and his vision of modernization despite the threats and pressures. ”
At a time when his country ’ s authorities assassinated journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The serpent turns into a son of Solomon.
Other clerics quickly joined the normalisation complex with MBS ’ s project, including Ayad al-Qarni, who expressed remorse for embracing old ideas and supporting the young prince ’ s “moderate foreign policies. ”
He used all his ability to slander and slander against Turkey and its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Arab siege of Qatar.
He had previously been one of the main supporters of his policies.
Abdul Aziz Al Rais and the input current
The Madkhali movement in Saudi Arabia is one of the most important propaganda tools adopted by the bin Salman regime.
To pass his agenda and his new project, he used them to strike at the Muslim Brotherhood and reinforce the hostile rhetoric directed at them.
Recently in the kingdom, there have been posters in the streets and public squares warning of what they call the Kharijites.
Some, such as controversial Salafi preacher Abdul Aziz al-Rais, have called for their execution.
Read also.
Source
Twitter is home
Salem Hanafi
- Salem Mohammed Hanafi, a Palestinian journalist and member of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
He is interested in political and Arab affairs and supervises the editing of political issues in the Hadhod section of the site "WATAN" has been tweeting out of the flock since 2018. "
He holds a Bachelor of Political Science from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at Al-Najah University in Nablus, Palestine.
- Master of Political Science from the Faculty of Law and Economic and Political Sciences at the University of Tunis El Manar in the specialization "Political Systems".
Currently, he is enrolled in the doctoral program at the same university to present a thesis entitled: "The Salafist Current and its Impact on the Democratic Decline in the Arab Spring Countries".
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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.

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

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 Saudi government restricts non-Muslim worship and treats religious freedom as a privilege.

Title:

Content: Recommended

Watchdog warns of 'alarming development' that undermines Saudi narrative of religious freedom reform

A new report by a congressionally mandated watchdog committee in the United States warns that "an alarming development" is underway affecting religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, challenging the government's narrative of reform amid the ongoing power shifts from the religious establishment to the ruling family.

While there is some improvement in the country's atmosphere, Shi'a Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-Muslim communities continue to face restrictions and targeting, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in an update.

"The ongoing power shifts from the Saudi religious establishment to the ruling family has created some opportunities for reforms to guardianship laws, textbooks, and social policies impacting religious freedom," a statement from USCIRF, which is tasked with advising Congress and the State Department, reads.

"However, the trend of retrying prisoners and sentencing others to decades in prison for peaceful religious dissent is an alarming development that undermines the Saudi narrative of reform."

The kingdom is "issuing egregiously long sentences against those who dissent from its singular interpretation of Sunni Islam," the commission warns, adding the kingdom doesn't even spare Sunni dissidents.

Shi'a Muslims who participated in protests against religious discrimination over a decade ago remain tied up in legal battles or imprisoned. Some facing execution were minors when they allegedly committed their offenses, the report notes.

"Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and other non-Muslim communities are prohibited from building houses of worship or manifesting their beliefs in public in Saudi Arabia," it adds.

While public worship continued to be prohibited for non-Muslim minorities in Saudi Arabia, these communities were reportedly subjected to less harassment by security officials than in years past, the report acknowledges.

In Saudi Arabia, a leading U.S. ally, most citizens are Muslim, primarily Sunni. But according to some estimates, about 1.5 million Christians, mostly foreigners, live in Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism, described as "ultraconservative," is the dominant form of Islam in the kingdom.

One problem in Saudi Arabia is, the report suggests, that the kingdom continues to treat freedom of religion as a privilege granted by the state rather than a right guaranteed under international law.

This attitude "undercuts the Saudi narrative of progress toward being a global cosmopolitan hub of business and tourism," it says, adding, "These initiatives are a driving force in Saudi domestic and foreign policy, including its relationship with the United States."

"The Saudi government has made meaningful initial reforms of the religiously-based male guardianship system but has not yet addressed its underlying structural, religiously justified elements that position women as legal minors for life," the report concludes.

Although the U.S. State Department has repeatedly designated Saudi Arabia as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) since 2004, an indefinite waiver was put in 2006 on taking an otherwise legislatively mandated action as a result of the CPC designation.

Countries subject to the State Department's CPC designation face negative consequences, including the possibility of crippling sanctions.

Human rights defenders say Western governments need to take religious freedom more seriously in their dealings with Saudi Arabia and not trade it for other strategic needs.

In the report, USCIRF recommends that the U.S. government "continue to publicly and privately express to Saudi government officials its great concern over Saudi Arabia's particularly severe religious freedom violations."

"Such restrictions impede Saudi progress toward its goal of becoming a regional economic hub and raise the cost of public U.S. government engagement with Saudi Arabia," USCIRF contends.

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Saudi society still maintains traditional customs and religion, with some resisting Mohammed bin Salman's 2030 vision.

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

Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, modernize infrastructure, and ease restrictions on women, including driving and Hajj without a mahram.

Title:

Content: The square project.
A new step by bin Salman for “changing identity ”? | Politics and economics | In-depth analysis with a broader perspective than DW | DW | 12.03.2023
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The square project.
A new step by bin Salman to “change identity ”?
Is Saudi Arabia moving towards more identity modernization?
A new project in the capital Riyadh mimics the shape of the Kaaba, in a context that is witnessing a shift from the Saudi leadership towards easing the historical and religious dimension.
The giant cube in the middle of the new square project has nothing to do with the Kaaba in Mecca, although there is a similarity in the geometry.
A huge project announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the name of "Square Project" in the capital Riyadh, with a width, height and length of 400 meters, which will be in the center of Riyadh, with the aim of developing the largest "Downtown", where the Saudi leadership plans to be the largest city center in the world.
The project includes "an innovative museum, a university specializing in technology and design, a multi-use theater and areas for live and entertainment shows," the Saudi Press Agency announced a few days ago, and is scheduled to be completed in 2030.
The project resembles the Kaaba in its geometric form, which has left a great controversy on social media sites.
Bruno Schmidt Fuerherd, a political analyst from Cambridge University, told DW that “in the Saudi public sphere, religion is increasingly being replaced by culture, ” denying that cube-shaped architecture is something specific to the Kaaba.
Change Date of Incorporation
This new square is not the only change in Saudi Arabia; it has been preceded by other steps that confirm a trend towards modernizing the country.
For the first time, the anniversary of the founding of the Saudi state was celebrated last year, and the occasion was designated on February 22 of each year, known as "Foundation Day", in addition to the Saudi National Day celebrated on September 23 of each year, and dates back to the occasion of the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
The most important thing in establishing the "Foundation Day" is to change the date of the founding of the country from 1744 to 1727.
The year 1744 is linked to the agreement between the ruling Al Saud family and the cleric Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the leader of the so-called Wahhabi Islam, who remained in control of Saudi Arabia for decades.
The agreement includes Abdul Wahab's support for the House of Saud in power, from a religious point of view, while the ruling family financially supports the Wahhabi family and allows it to have authority over education and public morals, and even laws were the same Wahhabi.
In 1727, it is related to the rise to power of Mohammed bin Saud as the founder of the first Saudi state, after his control of the Emirate of Diriyah north of Riyadh.
“The new interpretation of the birth of the state clearly underestimates the role of religion, ” says Schmidt Feuerhard, highlighting that“ the goal is a national campaign to celebrate non-religious holidays. ”
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia declared Flag Day, a day officially celebrated for the first time on March 11, 2023, which dates back to the day the current Saudi flag was approved by King Abdulaziz.
The royal decree referred to the Testimony of Tawhid as symbolizing "the message of peace and Islam" while the sword symbolizes "strength, nobility, wisdom and prestige".
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs also announced major changes to the rules of the month of Ramadan, including urging not to bring children to mosques, prohibiting collection of donations inside mosques, not to be absent from work except for the utmost necessity, taking into account the conditions of people in Taraweeh prayers and supplications, and prohibiting the use of cameras in mosques.
Change in a general context
These changes have generally been accepted by a large number of Saudis, and Schmidt Fuerherd points to several explanations for the phenomenon, including sending tens of thousands of Saudis abroad with full government funding, that have made them receptive to these cultural changes in the country.
Education and job creation for Saudi youth have also become priorities for the kingdom, a key part of Vision 2030, announced by the crown prince during his rise in politics, since he was crown prince ’ s deputy.
Since 2016, Mohammed bin Salman has announced a series of decisions to change the face of the conservative kingdom.
This included diversifying the economy by not making it focused on oil, modernizing the country ’ s infrastructure, creating a recreational policy that allowed the establishment of music festivals and the opening of cinemas, and the largest beneficiaries are the women of the Kingdom, which eased restrictions on them, including allowing driving and Hajj and Umrah without a mahram, and mixing became normal, as well as abolishing the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Mohammed bin Salman wants to modernize Saudi society without guaranteeing political freedoms
Freedom is not guaranteed!
Activist Loujain al-Hathloul spent three years in prison for defending women ’ s rights. Last year, 34-year-old Salma al-Shehab was sentenced to 34 years in prison for liking or tweeting about human rights in the kingdom. Noura bint Saeed al-Qahtani was sentenced to 45 years in prison. For the same reason.
“While there are more social freedoms, the state wants to remain the owner of change. ”
Schmidt Feuerherd says, “So any form of political activity is thwarted, and critics and opponents are portrayed as traitors to the nation. ”
Jennifer Hollis / EG

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 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?

The Saudi leadership has replaced the founding date from 1744 to 1727 and introduced Foundation Day to shift focus from religious to national identity.

What does MBS believe Saudi Arabia should rely on to maintain regime stability?

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

The Saudi government has prioritized education, job creation, and invested in sectors like energy and infrastructure, planning to invest $5 billion in Turkey.

Title:

Content: 0.
Saturday 24 December 2022 h 09: 50
Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Investment Association...
Dimensions and objectives
Developments in this region of great geopolitical importance, especially after the start of the war in Ukraine, are the location and influence of Saudi Arabia ’ s two main regional rivals, Iran and Turkey.
At the same time, the Republic of Azerbaijan is the country that has seen the highest level of development in relations with Riyadh compared to other Central Asian countries.
In this regard, the 7th Investment Forum of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held several days ago in Baku.
According to the report of the Saudi Press Agency, the activities of this forum include presentations on the investments of the two countries and dialogue sessions on a number of issues with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations in various fields.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of the Baku-Riyadh business meeting, noting that the bilateral cooperation agenda is expanding.
Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment and co-chair of the Saudi-Azerbaijan intergovernmental committee, expressed his hope for the success of the joint committee meeting.
Officials from both sides stressed the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation and discussed the participation of Saudi companies in renewable energy production projects in Azerbaijan.
In January 2022, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy announced that Saudi ACWA Power had started construction of a wind power project north of the capital Baku, worth about $300 million.
The head of the Saudi delegation said his country was interested in investing in new energy projects as well as in agriculture and other fields.
Saudi Arabia is also active in the reconstruction of the liberated areas of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Al-Falih expressed the hope that this cooperation will lead to prosperity in the region.
Economic Cooperation Records
The First Trade Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in September 2014 in Baku under the title "Arab Capital Flows to the Republic of Azerbaijan" and discussed with 100 Saudi companies investment development strategies in the two countries.
The funds of Saudi companies were supposed to be used in the sectors of construction, services, hotel construction, tourism, food and industrial production in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Based on the joint memorandum signed, the two sides agreed to analyze each other ’ s economic capabilities and build their economic activities on them.
In December 2021, the joint committee of the two countries held its sixth meeting in Riyadh and discussed strengthening cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, technology and culture, and this year the seventh round will be held in Baku.
With successive joint meetings, the level of economic cooperation has increased.
According to the announced statistics, Saudi Arabia has currently invested more than $370 million in infrastructure and economic sectors of Azerbaijan, and with the strengthening of cooperation, there is a positive perspective of bilateral relations.
About 26 Saudi companies are active in conducting transactions between the two countries, and the Saudi Fund for Development is actively involved in building local infrastructure, including canals, roads, schools and establishing water supply and sanitation networks.
In 2019, the trade volume between the two countries increased by 33% and is growing every year.
The volume of trade exchange between the two countries in 2021 was about $30 million, but the Saudis are trying to increase this level of trade, and the joint committee can help in this regard, Azerbaijan imports most of the livestock products including sheep meat, cheese and petrochemical products from Saudi Arabia and exports black minerals and agricultural products to Saudi Arabia.
Azerbaijan has many capacities in the field of energy and economic infrastructure, which are suitable for attracting foreign investment.
Saudi Arabia ’ s active presence in Azerbaijan is also linked to global changes and developments in recent months.
The normalization of Saudi relations with Turkey, a key ally of Baku, played an important role in Riyadh ’ s new policies in Azerbaijan.
Saudi Arabia recently announced that it plans to invest $5 billion in the Turkish economy, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears to have played an important role in strengthening ties between Riyadh and Baku.
Because of Azerbaijan ’ s strategic location in the Caucasus and its proximity to Central Asia, Saudi Arabia can use the country ’ s potential to implement its ambitious projects in this region.
The fact that Saudi Arabia is making a lot of investments in Azerbaijan ’ s energy sector is based on the fact that this country earns a lot of income from this, and investing in this vital sector allows Riyadh to influence Baku ’ s policies.
Given that the two countries are also present in OPEC +, increased energy cooperation is what Riyadh is looking for.
Indeed, according to observers, one of the goals of Saudi Arabia is to expand relations with Azerbaijan in the field of energy, as well as to ensure that Baku follows Riyadh ’ s policies regarding oil prices and quotas to reduce or increase crude oil production, to get a share in the implementation of oil, gas and petrochemical projects, because the more investment in infrastructure, the stronger the Saudi influence.
Promotion of Wahhabi Thought
Since the presence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Islamic countries, especially Shiites, is linked to religious and cultural issues as well as economic issues, a similar scenario is being implemented in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In the past decades, the Saudis have made additional efforts to promote Wahhabi ideas in Muslim lands and influence the public opinion of the Muslim world about Saudi Arabia.
After the declaration of independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991 and at the same time as the chaos and problems of people's livelihood worsened, Wahhabi institutions entered the country under the guise of providing assistance and charity.
According to reports, Saudi Arabia also began to recruit students of religious studies at the Islamic University of Madinah, in fact, in line with the Wahhabi movement in the Republic of Azerbaijan from the beginning, it managed to create a Wahhabi movement through Azerbaijani learners at the Islamic University of Madinah.
In the past two decades, the number of sending Wahhabi missionaries to Azerbaijan has also increased, and some sources estimate the number of Salafis based in Azerbaijan to be more than 50,000, some of whom are engaged in promoting Wahhabi ideas.
The more Salafist and Wahhabi ideas spread in Azerbaijan, the easier it would be for the Saudis to enter the country and align it with their policies.
On the other hand, the government of Azerbaijan has also provided platforms for Saudis to browse.
In recent years, Baku has imposed extensive restrictions on Shia religious activities and banned mourning in public during the month of Muharram.
The Baku government ’ s opposition to Shia ideas could be a good opportunity to promote Wahhabism.
Political and regional objectives
Due to the fact that the Caucasus region has become very important in the past years, the Saudis are also trying to prepare a role for themselves in this region.
Although Saudi Arabia has adopted an almost neutral stance in the Armenia-Azerbaijan tension, the increase in bilateral relations with Baku in the economic and military spheres shows that the Saudis are more on the Baku front.
The fact that the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a large part of the countries of the Caucasus, Central Asia and even Turkey are Muslims, compared to Armenia, a predominantly Christian and Western-backed country, Baku is significant in the eyes of Riyadh, which claims to be the leader of the Muslim world.
In addition, we can even talk about Riyadh ’ s opportunistic view on the issue of increased tensions between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan in recent months, even though the Saudis, as mentioned, have a neutral official position in most Central Asian conflicts.
On the other hand, Azerbaijan ’ s position on the edge of the Caspian Sea allows Saudi Arabia access to this maritime zone.
The importance of the Caspian Sea increased after the Ukrainian crisis, and this location will in the future play an important role in the transport of goods between East and West, North and South.
By developing its relations with Baku, Saudi Arabia can play an active role in plans to transfer energy from the Caspian Sea, which are aimed at shortening Iran ’ s hand.
Another important issue is that Azerbaijan has extensive relations with the Zionist entity and has established close military security relations with the Zionist entity, and in recent months, with the opening of the Baku embassy in Tel Aviv, these relations have been further strengthened.
Therefore, Saudi Arabia, which is on the path of normalizing relations with the Zionist entity, is trying to develop its relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Because these three actors are currently in conflict with Iran, bringing them together in one camp, that is, on the border with their common enemy.
Item number: 1031753
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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 has entered into dialogue with Iran and Saudi Arabia seeks US security guarantees.

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Okaz (Washington) @ OKAZ _ online
The New York Times and Bloomberg on Thursday agreed that US President Joe Biden, who arrives in Jeddah on Friday, as part of his first trip to the Middle East since taking office, discovered that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz is a person who cannot be bypassed.
Despite Biden ’ s pledge to “reorient ” U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, it is Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has the leverage to determine where the reorientation should go.
With the torrent of problems he found himself mired in by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its implications for oil prices, and the belief that Iran was expanding its nuclear capabilities, Biden had to face the fact that the only way to do so was through Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The photographs of Biden as a guest of Saudi Arabia will confirm Prince Mohammed bin Salman ’ s position as leader of the most important country in the Middle East.
It will also enhance the Saudi crown prince ’ s vision of his country and its important place in the world.
The New York Times noted the great reform measures that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman succeeded in achieving, especially in terms of improving the status of Saudi women, reforming the structures of the Saudi government administration, and opening up the entertainment, tourism, and sports industries.
Prince Mohammed faces daunting tasks to diversify the Saudi economy away from relying on oil alone, but the rise in oil prices caused by the war in Ukraine has provided the kingdom with huge financial surpluses that have allowed the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to expand its foreign investments.
She pointed out that the Saudis had their grievances against US policies in the region, especially Washington ’ s negotiation with Iran, and it is aware that Iran is providing funding and arms to the Houthi militia in Yemen, which uses Iranian missiles and booby-trapped drones to launch attacks on Saudi cities and oil facilities.
Nor did Washington appreciate the Saudi crown prince ’ s considerable efforts to avert a regional dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia by agreeing to enter into dialogue with Iran through Iraqi mediation in Baghdad.
In an interview with The Atlantic in April, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was asked if Biden had misunderstood him, and the crown prince replied, “I simply don ’ t care. ”
Saudi Arabia ’ s announcement that President Biden and the Saudi crown prince will hold “formal talks ” during their meeting in Jeddah simply means that Biden will find a Saudi leader who knows he has something the United States needs and wants something in return.
Yasmine Farouk, a researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, suggested that this could include formal security guarantees or cooperation in areas other than oil.
The Saudis want to be treated as a partner of the United States.
Today, U.S. partners are talking to the United States not just about security and oil, but about technology, climate, and energy.
Although such cooperation may take time, Biden ’ s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a victory that amounts to Prince Mohammed bin Salman ’ s “victory. ”
After Russia ’ s invasion of Ukraine transformed global energy markets, it has been clear for months that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not someone the president of the United States can avoid as he seeks to combat rising oil prices and isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She pointed out that Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia was preceded by shuttle diplomatic efforts aimed at mending the alliance between Riyadh and Washington since Biden's inauguration as president.
Instead of being a show of U.S. influence, Biden ’ s visit will reflect shifts in the dynamics of the situation: as the U.S. economy heats up energy prices, Saudi Arabia earns $1 billion a day from sales of its crude oil.
Saudi officials say the most important aspect of Biden ’ s visit to the kingdom is its symbolism — that it will draw a line between the past and the need to move forward.
A Saudi government official said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman simply wanted the United States to reaffirm its security commitment to the region.
Yasmine Farouk, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said previous U.S. administrations had failed to notice that Saudi political calculations had changed: “They believe they can deal with Saudi Arabia today as they did with previous Saudi administrations, and get what they want.
Today you are dealing with a country that does not feel that it owes you anything. ”

How has Saudi Arabia's foreign policy shifted under MBS?

The reforms may significantly impact Saudi Arabia's social and economic landscape, although their long-term consequences are uncertain.

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Content: Extensive reforms in the Kingdom in 2022
Financial: The reforms of the Crown Prince have great support from the youth
2020-12-28 at 08: 16
The Citizen - Translated by Hala Abdulrahman
The Financial Times pointed out that the Kingdom is carrying out extensive reforms under the auspices of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in rapid steps that enjoy great support from the Kingdom ’ s youth.
Extensive repairs
The newspaper reported that the year 2022 witnessed extensive changes in the Kingdom, based on the ambitious Vision 2030 launched by the Crown Prince, and the year 2022, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, launched an important series of reforms.
These reforms include renewing and diversifying the economy to make it less dependent on oil and more open to other sources such as tourism.
The Kingdom is trying to attract young talent and Western companies in the face of growing global and regional competition, in addition to providing a more modern lifestyle.
Support for youth and women
The newspaper praised the elements of the empowerment of Saudi women and their inclusion in many fields and participation in many activities, which enabled them to achieve achievements at the local and regional level, while the Saudis welcomed these steps and enjoyed great popularity and support.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received widespread support from Saudi youth.
The words of support and motivation for young people are always present in most of the speeches of the Crown Prince, which was evident during the launch of the National Intellectual Property Strategy, which is one of the possibilities to achieve the objectives of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030, aimed at building an intellectual property system that supports the economy based on innovation and creativity.
The real power.
“We have minds and energies that are passionate about innovation and creativity, and by enabling it, the Kingdom will be a fertile environment for the knowledge economy through an integrated intellectual property system that supports the development of innovative technologies and industries and contributes to the growth of enterprises.
In 2016, His Highness the Crown Prince announced the future vision of Saudi Arabia 2030, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that youth are the real force to achieve the national vision, which he believes will be achieved only through the Saudi youth, which is one of the most prominent advantages in Saudi Arabia.
Since then, Vision 2030 has placed youth as a pillar and roadmap to empower them, get out of the oil mantle, invest, and diversify economic incomes.

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

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

The reforms have improved the lives of Saudi women and youth and may drive economic growth.

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

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

Repression of activists and women's rights violations remain significant challenges.

Title:

Content: Amnesty International: The pace of executions and repression of activists is on the rise in Saudi Arabia | DW Arabia | Breaking news and perspectives from around the world | DW | 03.08.2021
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Amnesty: The pace of executions and repression of activists is on the rise in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has stepped up executions and resumed prosecution of activists following the end of Riyadh ’ s G20 presidency, Amnesty International said in a report that suggested “any illusion of reform was merely a public relations campaign. ”
Symbolic image
Amnesty International said on Tuesday (3 August 2021) that Saudi Arabia has stepped up executions and intensified its crackdown on human rights activists and dissidents “immediately after ” its G20 presidency ended in late 2020.
Lynn Maalouf, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “As soon as the G-20 spotlight faded on Saudi Arabia, the authorities resumed their relentless pursuit of people who dared to freely express their views or criticize the government. ”
Amnesty said that recorded executions in Saudi Arabia fell by 85 percent in 2020, but after the end of Riyadh ’ s G20 presidency, they resumed with the execution of nine people in December 2020 alone.
At least 40 people were executed between January and July 2021, more than the 27 people executed in 2020.
Amnesty said the executions followed “unfair ” trials and included confessions extracted under torture.
Saudi Arabia chaired the G20 summit last year and organized the leaders ’ summit in November hypothetically against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Intensifying persecution of activists
In the first half of the year, people were also sentenced to so many years in prison for satirical online posts that “in one case, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced a humanitarian worker to 20 years in prison for a simple tweet criticizing the kingdom ’ s economic policies. ”
Since handing over the presidency of the group, the kingdom has tried, sentenced or ratified the sentences of at least 13 people after "unfair" trials before the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC), which was set up in 2008 to try cases linked to the fight against terrorism.
In at least three cases, people who have already served a long prison sentence for peaceful activism have been re-arrested, re-sentenced in new cases, or their sentences have been increased.
She spoke of activist Israa al-Ghomgham, who was sentenced to eight years in prison with a similar travel ban in February, and activist Mohammed al-Rabiah, who was sentenced to six years in prison in April 2021.
Amnesty said the released activists faced a judicially imposed travel ban, a ban on using social media and a ban on speaking out, calling these conditions “violations of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. ”
She also pointed out that the release of activists Loujain al-Hathloul, Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sada during the current year was carried out under "strict conditions", especially as they face the risk of re-arrest because of the failure to drop the charges against them.
"Public Relations Campaign"
Since becoming crown prince in 2017, MbS has implemented some economic and social reforms, including allowing women to drive and travel outside the country without a mahram and reopening cinemas.
But her deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa questioned the credibility of those promises, saying: “The brief pause in repression that coincided with Saudi Arabia ’ s presidency of the G20 summit last November suggests that any illusion of reform was just a public relations campaign. ”
“If the Saudi authorities want to show they are serious about respecting human rights, the first step is to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. ”
WB / AGM (DBA, AFB, KNA)
Selections

What internal changes has MBS implemented in Saudi Arabia?

Suppressed dissent--especially Islamist opposition

Mohammed bin Salman's reforms could transform Saudi Arabia if managed to benefit all segments of society.

Title:

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Biden cooperates with Saudi Arabia ’ s central bank on tough reforms to get rid of Khashoggi ’ s shadow
2022 / 7 / 16 19: 01 （ Updated on 7 / 16 19: 41 ）
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U.S. President Joe Biden (left) flew to Saudi Arabia on the 15th to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed Salman (right) and others. (Anadolu News Agency)
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(Central News Agency reporter Zhong You Zhen Istanbul 16, the murder of dissident journalist Khashoggi, once put the reputation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman in jeopardy.
US President Joe Biden, who has criticized this incident, began his first trip to the Middle East in office this week and engaged with the Crown Prince. Whether the Khashoggi case has been lacklustre and whether the crown prince can rule out the road to the Middle East remains to be seen.
Since the hardline Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became Saudi Arabia ’ s crown prince five years ago, he has pushed through a series of reforms that have shaken conservative Saudi Arabia and eliminated any threat to its status.
The 36-year-old prince is tall and often referred to by the initials MBS.
His bearded, deep voice and energy are visible everywhere, from the much-funded desert city of NEOM to the seven-year military campaign in neighbouring Yemen.
AFP reported on the 14th that Mohammed Salman is said to prefer fast food and is a player in the online game Call of Duty.
Of course, he is also super rich, not only sitting on a $500 million yacht, a French castle, and heard that he also has a painting by Renaissance magnate Leonardo da Vinci.
However, the Saudi authorities denied this rumor.
Unlike a British accent, suits and other Saudi siblings with an Oxford degree, Mohammed Salman is unique.
Dressed in a traditional robe and sandals, he entertained his family and friends at a lavish desert camp with a roast lamb meal.
In addition, he married only one wife, unlike other members of the royal family.
When King Salman ascended to the throne in early 2015, he appointed Mohammed Salman as defense minister.
Soon after, Mohammed Salman also became involved in economic policy, overseeing state-owned oil companies and Saudi military operations against Yemen.
Muhammad Salman has many titles, and the diplomatic community refers to him as “Mr. Almighty ”.
The reform-minded Crown Prince also led the most dramatic changes in Saudi Arabia's recent history.
Under his watch, the religious police are like paper tigers, the decades-old ban on women driving has become a thing of the past, and the cinema has reopened.
Film festivals, operas, heavyweight boxing and professional wrestling competitions are held.
In addition to these innovations, Mohammed Salman arrested dissidents and forced religious organizations to obey orders. In 2017, he consolidated his power in the name of anti-corruption, detaining about 200 princes and business people at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the capital, Riyadh.
Externally, the crown prince pursued a strong diplomacy that dragged Saudi Arabia into the quagmire of regional rivalries: the Yemen war, hostility to the Shiites in Iran, and the blockade of Qatar for three years.
He is also said to be involved in the detention of the Lebanese prime minister.
Author Ben Hubbard ’ s Muhammad Salman is “highly controversial. ” His supporters praise the Crown Prince as the long-awaited leader of the Middle East, while opponents attack him as a cold-blooded dictator.
In 2018, Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
U.S. intelligence believes that Mohammed Salman ’ s approval of the operation caused a serious setback to the crown prince ’ s image.
However, the crown prince has a good relationship with then-US President Donald Trump and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, and he has exchanged views with Kushner.
Agence France-Presse analysis, this contact has been a great help to the crown prince in dealing with the Khashoggi incident.
During his presidential campaign, Biden vowed to take Khashoggi ’ s murder seriously, making Saudi Arabia invisible on the world stage.
With words still in his ears, Biden arrived in Saudi Arabia on the 16th and greeted Wang with fists.
The crown prince did not respond when an American journalist shouted to Muhammad Salman, "Will you apologize to his (Khashoggi) family?"
When the reporter was taken away from the scene, a faint smile appeared on Mohammed Salman ’ s face.
According to outside analysis, this may indicate that the Crown Prince, who is less than 40 years old, returns to international politics and will be in power for more than half a century or more, with the blessing of the visit of American leaders. (Editor: Zhou Yongjie) 1110716
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Biden to discuss oil prices with Middle East countries to provide food security assistance

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

The international community has both supported and criticized Mohammed bin Salman's reforms, with some countries like the US seeking to rehabilitate his image, while others like Canada have criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

Title:

Content: Saudi Arabia and Canada agree to restore diplomatic ties
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie announced that the two countries will appoint ambassadors to each other.
Ottawa has named Jean-Philippe Lanto as its envoy to Riyadh.
Bin Salman (Gettyimages)
Saudi Arabia and Canada announced on Wednesday an agreement to restore their diplomatic relations and to close a dispute that erupted in 2018, including the expulsion of representatives and the suspension of commercial dealings, after Ottawa condemned Riyadh on the basis of its human rights record.
The kingdom ’ s foreign ministry said the agreement was mainly due to talks held by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok in November 2022.
"With the desire of both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to the status quo ante," it said in a statement.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry confirmed the agreement on the return of relations to the previous one.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie announced that the two countries would appoint ambassadors to each other.
Ottawa has named Jean-Philippe Lanto as its envoy to Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia did not specify who it chose to represent.
Riyadh announced in August 2018 that it had asked the Canadian ambassador to leave, recalled its ambassador in Ottawa, and froze business dealings with Canada because of what it considered “interference ” by the latter in its internal affairs.
The move followed a strong demand by Ottawa for Riyadh ’ s immediate release of civil society activists arrested by Saudi authorities as part of a wave of arrests at the time.
Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of diktats and any interference in its internal affairs.
Canada said it was "deeply concerned" by the move, but said it would "always stand up for the protection of human rights, especially women's rights and freedom of expression around the world".
Trudeau's government "will not hesitate to promote these values and we believe that this dialogue is essential to international diplomacy," she said.
The move to expel the ambassador entailed measures such as Saudi Arabia halting its student scholarship programs to Canada, while Arab countries took positions supporting the kingdom in the crisis.
The re-establishment of ties comes in the context of a series of recent diplomatic moves by Riyadh, which analysts believe reflect the ambitions of Saudi Arabia, especially the de facto ruler of the kingdom, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to strengthen its presence on the world stage.
One of the most notable moves in recent months has been the signing of a Chinese-sponsored deal to resume ties with Iran ’ s main regional rival after years of estrangement.
Riyadh also restored diplomatic relations with the Syrian regime after they were severed following the outbreak of the conflict in Syria in 2011, and welcomed President Bashar al-Assad to the Arab summit it hosted in Jeddah last week.
The summit itself saw the surprise participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country has been facing a large-scale invasion of Russia since early last year.
Riyadh has also opened channels of communication with the Houthi rebels in a bid to end the war it is leading against them in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia hosts representatives of both sides in the Sudanese conflict and, in cooperation with the United States, announced their agreement to a seven-day truce that officially began on Monday night.
Analysts say Riyadh ’ s agenda is clear: to reduce unrest abroad and engage in economic and social reforms at home, especially Vision 2030, which is mainly aimed at diversifying sources of income and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
Despite a series of sweeping reforms spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom ’ s human rights record continues to draw international criticism and from rights groups.
The kingdom has long been criticised for its high execution rates.
The Saudi authorities say that the defendants have exhausted all stages of litigation, stressing that "the government of the Kingdom is keen to establish security, achieve justice and implement the provisions of God in all those who encroach on the safe."
In 2022, 147 people were executed, more than double the 69 executions in 2021, according to an AFP tally.

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

The European community has rejected Mohammed bin Salman from international summits due to his human rights record.

Title:

Content: The severe isolation suffered by bin Salman reflected on his deteriorating psychological state
Tuesday 21 September 2021 - 02: 19 GMT
Sources in the Saudi Royal Court revealed the severe isolation suffered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflected on his deteriorating psychological state and bad mood in light of the severe weakness of his reality internally and externally.
World - Saudi Arabia
According to Saudi Leaks, the sources said that the position of bin Salman has become weak globally as it is weak internally more than ever before, which clearly shows the state of isolation he suffers.
Unlike regional leaders, Mohammed bin Salman appears confined to his headquarters in the coastal city of Neom, making no overseas visits and no official personal invitations.
The sources stressed that the exploitation of the childish acts carried out by Mohammed bin Salman and the focus of light on them will hit him in the killing, so it must work to market his mistakes and give them the necessary permanence, he does not strengthen and does not have the necessary capabilities to face such crises.
According to the sources, bin Salman is going through a dangerous psychological situation, to the extent that one of the ministers close to him confirms that the crown prince is collapsed and his mood is fickle and he changes appointments and is confused during meetings.
Since the beginning of this year, bin Salman has not found any country to receive him and his trips outside the Kingdom have been interrupted for about two years, showing the extreme isolation he suffers.
This year, which preceded it, marked the least active period and foreign visits for Mohammed bin Salman since he came to the crown prince in mid-2017.
European countries have strongly rejected any participation by Mohammed bin Salman in the Arab-European summit held in Egypt because of his human rights violations.
Reliable sources in the royal court spoke of efforts and contacts made by bin Salman ’ s team over the past year to secure a European visit to help improve his image, but his request was strongly rejected.
Mohammed bin Salman did not dare to participate in the meetings of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled in New York days later, despite the importance of the international forum and the wide participation of world leaders.
The main reason for the absence of bin Salman the nature of his internationally pariah personality because of his crimes internally and externally is what was confirmed by an article published by the American newspaper “Washington Post ”.
In the article, authors Sean Harris and John Hudson said that the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi “has made bin Salman a pariah in the international community, and that US President Donald Trump has tried hard to rehabilitate him and bring him back to the international arena. ”
Reports by international human rights organizations and the Western media highlight bin Salman ’ s approach to rule by repression and crushing any opposition.
He has been implicated in the arrest of dozens of preachers, human rights activists, journalists and tribal sheikhs, as well as the detention of princes and businessmen and the looting of their money.
It also highlights the collapse of bin Salman ’ s plans to attract foreign investment and revitalize the kingdom ’ s economy, which is suffering a record decline due to the failure of the economic vision 2030 launched by the crown prince.
In addition, the criminal war on Yemen and the killing of thousands of civilians tarnished the image of bin Salman and turned him into a war criminal who is being demanded to be tried internationally.
In addition, the crown prince has recorded an abject failure to protect the kingdom ’ s facilities and an inability to respond, especially from the Iran-backed Ansar Allah group, the Houthis.
Observers agree that the Kingdom has been plagued by a reckless ruler whose primary concern is to hold on to his chair and throne without any regard for the interests and future of his people.

Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 aims to reshape Saudi Arabia's oil-dependent economy and attract foreign investment, including 30 million tourists by 2030.

Title:

Content: After five years in power, Prince Mohammed bin Salman is back on the international stage with Biden ’ s visit.
RIYADH (AFP) - Five years after becoming crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman is poised to reassert his position internationally once again, with US President Joe Biden visiting the region and having long been sidelined by the West over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul.
Announcement
Biden's visit, which comes amid the war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices, completes Mohammed bin Salman, 36, from his isolation, after visits to the kingdom by the leaders of France, Britain and Turkey.
On June 21, 2017, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, 86, named his son Mohammed as crown prince, and the latter immediately began a campaign of unprecedented economic and social reforms, but at the same time, he suppressed all opposition and tightened his grip on the country.
The crown prince has become the de facto ruler of the kingdom, one of the world ’ s largest oil exporters, in a reform process that has turned all aspects of life in the kingdom upside down.
But Khashoggi ’ s killing has cast such a shadow over Prince Mohammed ’ s tenure that Biden ’ s visit next month to Saudi Arabia, once a traditional trip for U.S. leaders, is highly controversial.
Khashoggi, who was close to Saudi power before becoming a critic of the crown prince, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 and dismembered by Saudis from the kingdom.
A US intelligence report concluded that Prince Mohammed approved the arrest or killing of Khashoggi.
The Saudi crown prince denies the accusations.
After the visits of French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Biden ’ s visit is a new recognition of the status of the Saudi crown prince.
Yasmine Farouk of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace believes that Washington has been the center of opposition to Mohammed bin Salman in terms of public official statements and mobilization in the West.
"This is exactly what Mohammed bin Salman has wanted for the past year and a half: a meeting and a photo with Biden as his counterpart," a diplomat living in Riyadh told AFP.
Women behind the wheel
Today, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has fingerprints in all the policies of the Kingdom and its society.
His reforms included abolishing the requirement for women to wear the black abaya and removing restrictions on their movements without the consent of their parents.
The wearing of the abaya and headscarf is now optional.
Women were also allowed to attend concerts and sporting events.
In 2018, they were finally allowed to drive.
The kingdom has also relaxed its guardianship system, allowing women to issue passports and travel outside the country without the consent of their male relatives.
This has contributed to the entry of women into the workforce, which has had a positive impact on the economy.
However, Saudi Arabia ’ s approach to women ’ s issues remains incomplete, especially with regard to those who dare to oppose it.
In 2018, authorities arrested dozens of women human rights defenders, most of them just a month before the women ’ s driving ban was lifted, including those who dared to challenge the driving ban.
In November 2017, authorities arrested dozens of princes and senior officials for questioning over corruption or disloyalty at the luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh.
Hussein Ibish, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said Prince Mohammed "linked his comprehensive cultural, social and artistic revolution...
with a dramatic concentration of political power "in his hand.
"Close all obvious sources of direct opposition in order to control" the country, he said.
Expanding beyond borders
Prince Mohammed has also made his mark on his country ’ s foreign policy.
Two months after his father, King Salman, ascended the throne, and while he was defense minister, he pushed for military intervention in Yemen.
Riyadh formed a military coalition of several countries that carried out this intervention to support government forces against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
As a result of the war, Yemen is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people directly or because of its aftermath, and pushed millions to the brink of famine, according to the United Nations.
Saudi Arabia has come under criticism, including from the United States, over the conflict, particularly when coalition air strikes have killed civilians.
In a sign of its desire to get out of the Yemeni quagmire, Saudi Arabia helped broker a truce in Yemen that began in April.
The boycott of Qatar, announced three weeks before Prince Mohammed takes office on June 21, was also a manifestation of Saudi foreign policy influenced by bin Salman ’ s influence.
But analysts say the kingdom has finally begun to adopt a conciliatory approach in the region, citing, for example, its involvement in direct talks with Iran, its regional rival, and Prince Mohammed ’ s recent statement that Israel is a “potential ally ” of his country amid regular reports of Saudi-Israeli rapprochement.
The most important element of Prince Mohammed ’ s Vision 2030 is reshaping his country ’ s oil-dependent economy.
The plan, which includes attracting about 30 million foreign tourists a year by 2030, is based on mega projects such as NEOM, the futuristic $500 billion science-fiction city with flying taxis and working robots.
Yasmine Farooq says Mohammed bin Salman “is the center of power (behind the change), but he has done nothing that was not already up for discussion in the public sphere. ”
Christian Ulrichsen, an analyst at Rice University's James Baker Institute, said: "Having achieved much of the argument that only he can change Saudi Arabia by 2030, the next several years will be crucial for Mohammed bin Salman and depend on him achieving tangible results that meet expectations."

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

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

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

Vision 2030's implementation and outcomes have been impacted by external factors, including criticism of Mohammed bin Salman's human rights record, which has deterred foreign investment.

Title:

Content: The First Yemeni Scene
Activists and bloggers have launched a campaign that exposes the mirage of Vision 2030, long promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing it as a lifeline for the Saudi economy.
The campaign was launched after five years of Vision 2030 and the failure of the Crown Prince to implement it through the hashtags # Mirage2030 and # Mirage2030.
The tweets stressed that Vision 2030 is nothing but a mirage and illusion, as its programs have remained ink on paper and the dates have become less credible despite the warning of Saudi experts to the indiscreet crown prince.
They stressed that Vision 2030 and its promises, such as cutting oil in 2020, are empty promises to numb the people and a mirage that moves away from the Kingdom as it approaches its deadlines.
They highlighted that the outcome of the booming economy has only increased the burden on the Saudi citizen, while anyone who demanded his rights was imprisoned or killed, while prisons were filled with scientists and activists under the vision of its alleged slogan, the dignity of the citizen.
The tweets pointed out that the war in Yemen, the bombing of the oil company Aramco and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi added to the mud and the decline of foreign investment, which was one of the pillars of Vision 2030.
Forbes magazine has previously revealed that indicators began to abound about the existence of real problems threatening the project of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for development and economic reform, known as "Vision 2030".
These indicators include the sharp collapse in foreign investment over the past year, rising unemployment among Saudis, especially with the increase in the number of expatriate workers, and the private sector struggling to achieve some growth.
The biggest “dramatic ” evidence that the Saudi economy is not doing well is the sharp decline in domestic investment, with net foreign direct investment (FDI) falling, according to UN figures, to $1.4 billion, from about $7.5 billion a year earlier.
Analysts say the kingdom ’ s drive to diversify its economy and move away from dependence on oil revenues through private sector development appears to be a difficult goal to achieve.
Although Saudi businessmen say Saudis must be confident that the situation has changed and the country is moving forward, Forbes reports that, along with economic problems, there are problems that may surface and affect Mohammed bin Salman ’ s Vision 2030 project, including strong opposition from within the royal family and growing anger among large segments of the Saudi population, especially the unemployed.
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How much foreign direct investment (FDI) did Saudi Arabia attract from 2017-2020 after MBS's anti-corruption crackdown and the Khashoggi incident?

$15 billion--40% of 2008 levels( showing investor caution)

The Saudi government has made significant progress in implementing Vision 2030, driving non-oil GDP growth and expanding government spending to enhance economic growth.

Title:

Content: RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the remarkable achievements made by Saudi Arabia ever since the launch of its Vision 2030 and the government’s relentless efforts to implement structural reforms in the financial and economic sectors. The Crown Prince, who is also chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, said this in a statement issued on the occasion of the approval of the state’s general budget for the fiscal year 2024 by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored that the Kingdom is witnessing sustainable economic growth in light of the great development capabilities and opportunities that the Kingdom enjoys within the framework of the Vision 2030 to enable it to move forward towards a better future worthy of its status in accordance with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. “This produced a clear and prominent impact on the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of non-oil sectors.”

The Crown Prince affirmed the commitment made by the government in the budget for the fiscal year 2024 so as to enhance economic growth through the expansion of government spending. “The budget figures announced by King Salman come supportive and enabling many programs and initiatives. These include investments to strengthen infrastructure, raise the quality of services provided to citizens, expatriates and visitors, in addition to developing promising economic sectors, enhancing investment attraction, stimulating industries, and raising the proportion of local content and non-oil Saudi exports,” he said while praising the effective and important role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the National Development Fund.

The Crown Prince emphasized that work would continue to develop the Kingdom’s public financial performance, by increasing financial capacity and building government reserves, in a way that enhances the capacity of the Kingdom’s economy, maintains sustainable levels of public debt, and enables it to confront any developments or crises that may arise in the future. “The increase in spending is mainly due to the government’s keenness to continue developing the level of public services provided to citizens, expatriates and visitors, as well as to implement many projects and expand spending on sectoral and regional development strategies that would achieve positive structural changes, leading to expanding and diversifying the economic base,” he said.

The Crown Prince stressed the government’s keenness on developing and strengthening partnership with the private sector so as to enable and motivate it to play its major role in achieving economic diversification, as far as to enable the labor market to absorb more of the Saudi workforce, create job opportunities in the labor market and reduce unemployment rates among Saudis. “The total number of Saudis in the labor market this year jumped to 2.3 million, in addition to improving the investment environment to be an attractive environment that contributes to raising the proportion of domestic and foreign investment, developing non-oil exports and improving the non-oil trade balance of payments,” he said.

The Crown Prince emphasized that the journey of economic diversification continues through supporting promising sectors, as the Kingdom works to raise tourism targets to 150 million visitors internally and externally by 2030 in addition to building an effective sports sector through the “Investment and Privatization Project for Sports Clubs,” in order to achieve the goals of the Vision 2030 in the sports sector, as these sectors are witnessing rapid growth and providing diverse opportunities.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s determination to develop its industrial sector, as it is one of the most important vital sectors in the Saudi economy, by diversifying the industrial base and value chains through the “National Strategy for Industry'', which focuses on 12 sub-sectors to diversify the industrial economy and raise the industrial domestic product by around three times compared to the year 2020, reaching SR895 billion in 2030 to be a major contributor to the development of non-oil exports. This is in integration with the important role of the PIF as it is the investment arm that contributes and complements the efforts undertaken by the government in diversifying the economy, and the pivotal role of the National Development Fund and its affiliated funds in providing concessional financing to the private sector, he pointed out.

Speaking about the pivotal and leadership role of the Kingdom, the Crown Prince stressed the Kingdom’s role regionally and internationally, and its endeavor to ensure that the countries of the world enjoy security and stability, as they are the main factors for development and prosperity, and its keenness to develop and stabilize supply and value chains in a way that serves the development and economic prosperity of all countries of the world.

The Crown Prince stressed the Kingdom’s determination to continue the development momentum during the coming year and in the medium and long term with boosting the attractiveness of the Kingdom’s economy as a base for local and foreign investments besides diversifying the economy through the development of all economic sectors.

© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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 Public Investment Fund supports economic development, with 2.3 million Saudis employed and a tourism target of 150 million visitors by 2030.

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

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

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

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

The industrial domestic product is expected to reach SR895 billion by 2030, driven by economic diversification through private sector partnership.

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

Saudi Arabia is working to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependence by attracting young talent and Western companies.

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

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

The international community, particularly the US, China, and EU, has significantly influenced Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its economic and political development.

The success of Vision 2030 depends on attracting foreign investment, diversifying the economy, and improving human rights, with significant input from the international community.

Title:

Content: Paris Fashion Week: Mohammed Ashi brings CHANGE in Saudi Arabia's culture to the ramp

The Saudi fashion industry is just one facet of a broader strategy pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the country's economy and foster social changes.

First Published Jul 6, 2023, 2:10 PM IST

In a remarkable milestone for Saudi Arabia's cultural evolution, Mohammed Ashi, a Saudi designer, made his debut at Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant moment in the kingdom's push into the global fashion scene. Ashi, known for dressing top celebrities, described this achievement as the pinnacle of his career. The event coincided with Saudi Arabia's announcement of its own fashion week scheduled for October, as the country aims to tap into new retail opportunities valued at $32 billion annually.

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The Saudi fashion industry is just one facet of a broader strategy pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the country's economy and foster social changes. This approach involves redirecting the nation's oil wealth towards investments in movies, sports, video games, tourism, and other cultural endeavors. While skeptics initially viewed these initiatives as mere smokescreens to deflect attention from human rights concerns, the reforms have surpassed expectations by introducing substantial and transformative changes.

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Yousef Akbar, a fashion designer who established his brand in Australia and has dressed renowned celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Rita Ora, expressed his astonishment at the magnitude of the transformation. He never anticipated such progress while growing up, and starting his fashion label in Australia seemed to determine the course of his career. However, he now operates his business from Jeddah, highlighting the growing opportunities within Saudi Arabia's burgeoning fashion scene.

"For the first two years, I almost didn't believe it was real, but then I realised, wow, it IS real," said 37-year-old Yousef Akbar, who began his eponymous fashion label in Australia in 2017.

"I really never thought when I was growing up that this would happen. When I started my brand in Australia, I thought my whole life would be there since I'm a fashion designer," Akbar added.

Also read: Why Saudi Arabia's oil production cuts are a risky gamble

The Saudi Fashion Commission aims to capitalize on newfound freedoms regarding public dress and the flourishing private sector, projecting a remarkable 48 percent surge in retail sales to $32 billion between 2021 and 2025. In line with this vision, the commission has launched the Saudi 100 brands program, fostering local designers and nurturing a homegrown industry.

Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, believes that the country's rich heritage and existing brand presence lay the groundwork for a thriving fashion industry, dispelling the notion that Saudi Arabia is starting from scratch.

"Just because the country wasn't exposed to the rest of the world doesn't mean they are starting now," he told AFP in Paris. "I had an event for a brand this week that's been running since the 70s."

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It is important to acknowledge that LGBTQ individuals face severe repression in Saudi Arabia, as the country criminalizes same-sex relations. Despite this, the authorities are apparently turning a blind eye to the influence of queer designers and couturiers within the fashion industry.

Susanne Koelbl, author of "Behind the Kingdom's Veil," suggests that as long as individuals maintain loyalty to the ruler and their families approve, the authorities are choosing to overlook these aspects.

"Maybe you can't dance naked on the table, but almost anything else is possible now, as long as your family is OK with it and you are loyal to the ruler," Koelbl told AFP.

With opposition largely repressed and religious leaders stripped of power, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces few obstacles in implementing his well-planned and long-scheduled reform agenda, which is dramatically reshaping Saudi society. This process of change brings new and significant opportunities, particularly for women, who are experiencing a shift in societal roles and expectations.

"It's a well-planned, long-scheduled reform process which is about to change the society completely," said Koelbl. "The Saudi people don't tend to be revolutionary and for the vast majority there are indeed new and big opportunities now, especially for women."

For those benefiting from these reforms, the excitement is palpable and inspiring. Witnessing the realization of what was once deemed impossible serves as a powerful motivation for individuals like Yousef Akbar, who see tremendous potential for their own businesses.

"It sounds cliched, but seeing something happen that we all thought was impossible is very inspiring for my own business," said Akbar.

Also read: Arab youth sees India as stronger ally than the US: New survey

Saudi Arabia's presence at Paris Fashion Week and its broader efforts to embrace cultural transformation are indicative of a nation striving to redefine itself on the global stage. As the kingdom continues to invest in various aspects of global culture, it signals a desire to not only diversify its economy but also to foster social progress and create opportunities for its people.

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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?

The Saudi economy grew 8.7% in 2022, with the private sector growing 5.3% and unemployment decreasing to 8%.

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Content: Record progress of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 achievements during 2022
Abdulhamid Al-Omari
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The annual report of Vision 2030 for 2022 reaffirmed the progress and achievements of the Saudi economy since the implementation of the executive programs and promising initiatives, the most important contribution in the long term was the establishment of a solid base for the economy, which resulted in the creation of an economy capable of achieving sustainable growth with more independence from oil, at the same time giving it greater resilience in the face of unfavorable changes that have hit the global economy several times. Among these achievements, the national economy managed to achieve many interim achievements at record rates, most notably achieving the highest real growth rate of the economy since 2011 by 8.7% at the end of last year, including real growth of the private sector by 5.3%, despite the unfavorable conditions witnessed by the global economy during the past year, which resulted from geopolitical turmoil in Europe. At the level of international trade and markets of all kinds, in addition to the unprecedented shifts in the policies and procedures of central banks, which began at the end of the first quarter of last year, to face the large increases in global inflation rates and the highest since more than four decades ago, the national economy showed remarkable strength and stability at the level of all economies around the world, and at the level of the economies of the G20 countries.
The national economy was able to reduce the unemployment rate during the same year from 11.0% by the end of 2021 to 8%, the lowest unemployment rate since the official publication of unemployment data. The number of national workers in the private sector jumped to a historic high of about 2.2 million citizens, registering a growth rate of 14.2% for nationalization of jobs in the private sector by the end of last year. Last year, the Emiratization rate reached 23.3% by the end of the period, and the participation rate of women in the local labor market increased to 34.5%, exceeding the target rates at the end of the total life of the strategic vision by 2030.
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At the level of public finances, fiscal programs and initiatives succeeded in achieving the budget for its first fiscal surplus after eight consecutive fiscal years of deficit of about 103.9 billion riyals (2.5% of GDP), while the country ’ s public finances maintained its contribution to enhancing economic stability locally, with total public expenditures contributing about 28% of GDP (1.2 trillion riyals). In the long term, it contributes to the strengthening and development of the country ’ s infrastructure, which is of paramount importance for the success and progress of dozens of programs and other qualitative initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the national economy at all levels, and giving it more opportunities for diversification and progress leading to attracting more investments locally and internationally in promising local investment opportunities. One of the most important aspects is the ability of the private sector to grow and expand, and create more tens of thousands of decent jobs for citizens.
The annual report of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030 in 2022 stressed the progress of many performance indicators related to the objectives of the Vision, and that the process of implementation is proceeding confidently in the path of its final goals, thanks to God, and thanks to the supervision and direct follow-up by the wise leadership, which has harnessed the full resources and capabilities necessary for these giant development goals. Achieving the necessary success of their tasks and responsibilities, and reaching very high levels of competitiveness among various agencies and sectors in order to achieve record achievements. Not only did the employees of these executive bodies achieve the required tasks, but their legitimate aspirations led them to achieve the precedence and competition to exceed even the interim targets. This is one of the most important pillars of the strength of the blessed vision, which pushed with determination and balance to its race against time, to progress the capabilities of the national economy and society to the highest levels, which reflects the position it enjoys in the balance of the global economy, and puts it deservedly in its leading position globally, and also qualifies it to rise in the global economic ladder. More achievements and gains due and appropriate to the privileges, potentials, resources and economic and investment opportunities of our country, thanks to God, are very promising.
* Reported from Economic Journal *
Disclaimer: All published articles represent the opinion of their authors only.
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In 2022, national workers in the private sector reached 2.2 million, with an Emiratization rate of 23.3% and women's labor market participation at 34.5%.

In 2022, a fiscal surplus of 103.9 billion riyals was achieved, with public expenditures of 1.2 trillion riyals, accounting for 28% of GDP.

The national economy showed resilience, and creating one million jobs is a key indicator of Vision 2030's success.

Title:

Content: Local NewsEconomy
EcoMeter calls for publication of key performance indicators
Experts participating in the Economic Modernization Vision Observatory “ECO-Meter ” called on the government to announce the key performance indicators (KPIs) and the implementation plan of the vision, which allows monitoring the performance and progress in the implementation of the vision.
The experts, who participated in the working session held by the Observatory last week in Adnan Abu Odeh Hall, stressed the need to adopt the necessary legislation and laws to implement and implement the vision on the ground, and called for the need to communicate with the official bodies that oversee the implementation of the vision.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Policy and Society, dr.
He stressed that the government will start monitoring the implementation of these outputs through the eight engines targeted in the vision and assess the extent of achievement in each engine and the timeline for completion, and the operational needs that must be met for each of these engines, focusing – as a first step – on some indicators and strategic sectors that have a direct impact, such as the “creation of one million jobs ” indicator.
He also called on the province to speed up the implementation of the economic vision of immediate direct interventions in multiple areas, in the short term.
The participants had recommended the formation of an expanded advisory committee to follow up the mechanisms of the Observatory ’ s work, and to set the general objectives and policies that the Observatory seeks to achieve.
He also called for the formation of monitoring teams to undertake the process of monitoring and evaluation, and to divide these teams into groups according to the sectors that were formed in the workshops.
Coordinator of the Observatory dr.
Mohammed Abdulhamid Al-Qudah explained that this observatory comes as a supervisory body from civil society that monitors and follows up the commitment to implementation in order to ensure that these outputs reflect on the life of the Jordanian citizen and the national economy, while ensuring that these outputs remain and implemented across governments to ensure that it is a sustainable growth and motivation plan for a strong start to the second centenary of the Jordanian state.
The judges stressed that the observatory will follow up the outputs of the Public Sector Modernization Committee because the success of this vision is linked to the application of these outputs together.
The observatory will launch its own website through which the results of its monitoring will be published periodically every three months, in addition to the economic analyses related to the vision, with the issuance of economic recommendations to the authorities responsible for the implementation of the vision modernization, and show the achievements or shortcomings in implementation.
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The government will assess and monitor each engine's achievement and operational needs, with results published quarterly.

The government will issue economic analyses and recommendations, and evaluate the vision's effectiveness through tangible results.

Vision 2030 achieved 75% of its targets, with the non-oil private sector PMI rising and inflation declining.

Title:

Content: NEWS
Vision 2030 indicators.
Achieving 75% of its targets as the highest percentage since the start of measurement
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs reviewed a number of reports and topics on its agenda, including the periodic presentation by the Ministry of Economy and Planning on local and global economic developments, which included a detailed analysis of the latest international economic indicators and global geo-economic challenges.
The presentation dealt with the most important achievements of the national economic indicators, including the continued growth of positive indicators of the non-oil sectors in the Kingdom despite the global economic challenges, as well as the continued positive impact of investment spending of giant projects plans and support of the private sector.
The Board reviewed the presentation by the Office of Strategic Management at the Council of Economic and Development Affairs on the comprehensive report of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs for the third quarter of 2023, which included a comprehensive overview of the performance of the programs to achieve the Saudi Vision 2030, the most prominent achievements and future aspirations.
He pointed out that the performance of the programs to achieve the vision continued to progress in the third quarter of this year at the level of all three pillars, (a vital society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious homeland), and an increase in the percentage of completed initiatives and indicators achieved compared to the previous quarter.
He also continued the presentation by the Office of Strategic Management on the completion of the definition of KPIs targets for the objectives of the first and second levels of the Saudi Vision 2030.
The Council discussed the presentation presented by the National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Agencies on the performance of public agencies for the third quarter of 2023, which included an analysis of the performance of public agencies and the achievement of their objectives, in addition to the performance of national strategies and future aspirations.
The detailed performance of the indicators of public bodies showed a continued increase in the performance of the vision indicators to reach 75 per cent of their targets, the highest rate since the start of measurement.
The Board made the necessary recommendations on these issues.
The non-oil private sector PMI rose in November 2023, and inflation continued to decline in October.
The percentage of completed initiatives increased from the total active initiatives compared to the performance of the second quarter of this year, and the percentage of indicators achieved their targets increased from the total active indicators compared to the previous quarter.
The focus continues to be on launching more initiatives and moving towards the completion of their implementation, which will have an impact on the achievement of the strategic objectives of Vision 2030.
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What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

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Private sector support and non-oil sectors continued to grow, with progress in areas like education, health, housing, and women's and youth empowerment.

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Content: Cabinet praises progress of Saudi Vision 2030 indicators
The session dealt with Saudi efforts to strengthen joint action to stop the war in the Gaza Strip.
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The Cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister, reviewed a number of reports on the local affairs. The session also praised the progress made in the initiatives and indicators of the Saudi Vision 2030, as well as the goals achieved in its eighth year at various levels, including raising the level of services such as education, health, housing and infrastructure. To empower women, youth, and improve the quality of life for all.
The Cabinet, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praised the contents of the special meeting of the World Economic Forum, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia, recently under the title "International Cooperation, Growth and Energy for Development", in the framework of its role and efforts to support joint action and enhance the growth rates of the global economy, especially in light of the unprecedented economic transformation.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his presidency of the Council of Ministers session
The Cabinet has been briefed on all the talks that have taken place in the past few days.
The Council noted that the Umrah Forum and the visit held in Madinah included the launch of future initiatives and development projects, which will contribute to reaching the journey of pilgrims to new horizons that enhance the services and facilities provided to them; to perform their worship and accommodation with ease and tranquility.
He also briefed the Cabinet on the talks that took place during the past days between the Kingdom and various countries at the bilateral and multilateral levels to expand the areas of political and economic cooperation in order to serve common interests and enhance coordination towards global issues and challenges.
At the international level, the recent cabinet session dealt with the efforts exerted by the Kingdom in cooperation with its brothers and friends to strengthen joint action on the need to stop the war in the Gaza Strip, ensure the protection of civilians, deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip, and support efforts aimed at international recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
The Council approved a cooperation agreement between the Presidency of State Security in Saudi Arabia and the General Intelligence Service of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the field of combating terrorism and its financing, as well as a memorandum of understanding between the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia and the Central Control Authority of the Republic of India in the field of preventing and combating corruption.
In the context of the most prominent approvals, the Council of Ministers approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo for cooperation in the field of mineral resources, as well as a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in Saudi Arabia and the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products in the Republic of Portugal.
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How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

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

Saudi Vision 2030 has achieved goals in its eighth year, with the Cabinet reviewing progress and signing agreements with several countries, including Pakistan, India, Congo, and Portugal.

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

The Cabinet praises progress of Saudi Vision 2030, which has three main axes: society, economy, and nation.

Title:

Content: The documentation and monitoring of the civilizational, organizational, cognitive and intellectual achievement witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud is an important matter, and a message that we as writers and researchers should work on, which is part of the book: "Legal regulations and instructions published in Umm Al-Qura", which we published extensive news on this page.
This research work, which we rarely find, in the available search engines, contributes to highlighting part of these great achievements, and presenting them to others, and to future generations, on the great efforts of the state in building a great state entity that today competes with the great countries in many fundamental aspects, it competes in e-government through the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030, which began with the national transformation that ended and achieved its goals in the same year 2020. Important, and what is happening at the level of applications of artificial intelligence, smart cities in the Neom region, the technical, industrial and economic work system, alternative energy, development work, and the objectives of achieving well-being and quality of life for citizens, which the Kingdom is witnessing these days.
In addition to the great success achieved by the Kingdom during the Coronavirus pandemic, both at the preventive and developmental levels, which made it able to continue the educational and developmental journey alike, without interruption, at a time when life stopped and global movement was completely paralyzed, through educational platforms that represented a wonderful Saudi achievement to the world, and many other platforms that came to serve the country and the citizen.
All this comes through what is achieved by the conscious Saudi minds, the owners of strategic plans who work on decision-making within the team of the godfather of the vision of the Kingdom His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Talking about the vision of the Kingdom needs many volumes, but the most prominent starting points are concentrated in the following:
A vibrant society - a thriving economy - an ambitious nation, and each of these three axes includes several sub-axes.
The vibrant community is based on the unique cultural and cultural values of the Kingdom and includes goals and commitments aimed at developing the established national identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The success rates in achieving the objectives of the blessed vision, which is today in increasing growth, are observed by every observer or follower of the implementation of its objectives, and that it will achieve high indicators within the next few years, to reach all its objectives ahead of schedule as it seems to followers.
Today, we need to highlight these great achievements through the media and documentation through our competent writers and researchers, and hand in hand we will contribute to the advancement of the civilized growth of our great country.

The vision aims to develop national identity and culture, promoting citizens' well-being and quality of life.

Alternative energy, artificial intelligence, and e-government are key areas of development in Vision 2030.

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

Growth in renewable energy
Growth in technology

To drive development in renewable energy

National transformation goals were achieved in 2020, and Saudi Vision 2030 is a path with sub-axes under main axes.

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

Non-oil GDP exceeded 50% of GDP in 2023, driven by rapid digital economy growth and R&D in emerging technologies.

Title:

Content: ECONOMY
Crown Prince: Vision 2030 is a march, not a final destination and more needs to be done
Thank you for reading the news of the Crown Prince: Vision 2030 is a march and not a final destination and more should be done and we assure you that we always seek to satisfy you and now with the details
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers, the Emir, affirmed that the Kingdom recognized early on the importance of international cooperation, growth and energy, and worked to strengthen partnership and integration, stressing the leading role of the Kingdom in making a global impact in growth and energy.
He pointed out that Saudi Vision 2030 is a path, not a final destination, pointing out that the Kingdom ’ s current achievements are only at the beginning stage, and more should be done, which will generate many opportunities for cooperation, growth and development with various international partners.
This came during the participation of the Crown Prince yesterday in a special dialogue session within the special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh with the presence of a number of leaders of the governmental and private sectors and a number of academics and representatives of international organizations from around the world.
The special session discussed the current geopolitical and economic challenges facing the world and the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen international cooperation and act as an engine of growth within the framework of its role as a global economic hub in the Middle East region, which is a cornerstone of the global trading system.
A pivotal role
Prince Mohammed bin Salman added that the Kingdom has played a major and pivotal role in international issues by devoting all efforts to building a stronger, more robust and sustainable global system, in parallel with its great economic and social transformation, stressing that it will continue its role in making a lasting global impact. on common international issues.
Coherent economy
He stressed that the Kingdom is working with its international partners in the framework of promoting innovation, trade integration and energy security in order to reach a coherent global economy, pointing out that the Kingdom provides direct support and development investments in order to encourage economic and financial stability in the world.
A source of opportunity
Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the special meeting of the World Economic Forum has many goals that the Kingdom has worked to achieve in the sectors of economic development.
In partnership with the international community, he stressed that the Kingdom is today a source of opportunities and an incubator for innovation.
Achieving Flexibility
He stressed the Kingdom's commitment to expanding international cooperation with its international partners in order to promote inclusive development, achieve integrated economic flexibility and act as a supporting force for long-term stability, prosperity and peace in the region and the world.
Addressing the current volatile geopolitical environment, he stressed that the most important factor for achieving security, stability and economic progress was to take advantage of all opportunities and to give priority to cooperative partnerships.
Regional and global partners.
Creating Opportunities
The Crown Prince highlighted the Kingdom ’ s achievements within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, noting that the Kingdom continues to create transformative investment opportunities in emerging sectors in various parts of its developed economy.
He discussed the comprehensive reform package implemented by the Kingdom over the past eight years with the aim of enabling the private sector enterprises to contribute to the continuous progress process, pointing to the growth of the Public Investment Fund and its plans to transform into a sovereign fund.
His fortune is in trillions of dollars.
R & D
During a discussion with the Crown Prince about the Kingdom ’ s rapidly diversified economy, he spoke about the Kingdom ’ s recent achievement, for the first time, where the Kingdom ’ s current non-oil GDP represented more than 50% of GDP in 2023, stressing the importance of investing more in the fields of research and development. Given their significant role in enabling leading national companies, including Aqua Power, Sir and Alaat, to continue their growth trajectory.
His Highness pointed out that the fields of research and development constitute a fundamental pillar that allows these companies to employ emerging technologies within their business models and promote growth in this important sector in the Kingdom.
The Crown Prince also pointed out that these efforts contributed to accelerating the pace of growth of the digital economy in the Kingdom at a faster rate.
3 times the global growth rate.
A vibrant community
He also touched on the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on all aspects of life in the Kingdom, which has resulted in building a vibrant society.
He pointed to significant improvements in quality of life and social development, with women ’ s participation in the workforce doubling since 2016.
The most important thing the Crown Prince said:
• The Kingdom has played a major and pivotal role in international issues to build a stronger and more robust global system
• and sustainability.
• The Kingdom will continue its role in creating a lasting global impact; based on its leadership towards international issues
• Joint.
• The Kingdom is working with its international partners to promote innovation, trade integration and energy security.
• The Kingdom is now a source of opportunities and an incubator for innovation.
• The Kingdom is committed to expanding international cooperation with its partners in order to promote inclusive development.
• The Kingdom continues to create transformative investment opportunities in emerging sectors.
• Saudi Arabia ’ s non-oil GDP represented more than 50% of GDP 2023
• R & D is a key pillar that allows companies to integrate emerging technologies into their business models.
• Accelerating the growth of the digital economy in the Kingdom at a rate three times faster than the global growth rate.
• The impact of Vision 2030 on all aspects of life, resulting in the building of a vibrant society.
• Women ’ s participation in the labor force has doubled since 2016.
Saudi Vision 2030 is a march, not a final destination.
• The achievements of the current Kingdom are only at the beginning, and more needs to be done.
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Women's workforce participation in the kingdom has doubled since 2016.

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