Saudi Arabia and Political, Economic & Social Development – May 2017

The development of Saudi Arabia is not a recent phenomenon. It is a steady project of modernization, in which each generation builds on the progress of its antecedents. For decades, Saudi Arabia has made an effort to improve the lives of its citizens – using the wealth generated from the Kingdom’s natural resources to fund the social and economic development of the nation. Every measure of human development – life expectancy, infant mortality, literacy, per capita income, etc. – has improved dramatically in the span of a single generation.

In this new white paper, we set out our plans to harness the challenges and opportunities of the new generation as new impetus for development. Vision 2030, the ambitious program of development for the Kingdom unveiled by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in April 2016, seeks to build on Saudi Arabia’s strengths as an investment powerhouse situated in the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, with strong geographic connections to Europe, Asia and Africa. The Vision 2030 plan outlines 24 specific goals for the Kingdom to achieve in economic, political and societal development. Vision 2030 further articulates 18 commitments to achieve these goals – with specific initiatives in renewable energy, manufacturing, education, e-governance, entertainment and culture.