A Journey Through Saudi Eyes
Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2016 to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it represents a long-term roadmap for economic development and national transformation.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is the driving force behind Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to modernize the Kingdom and diversify its economy beyond oil. His vision focuses on empowering the private sector, launching mega-projects like NEOM, and boosting tourism, technology, and renewable energy. MBS has also introduced major social reforms, including women’s empowerment and expanding entertainment. He seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global economic and cultural leader. Despite challenges, his leadership marks a bold transformation of the nation’s future.
Vision Statement “Saudi Arabia... the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, the investment powerhouse, and the hub connecting three continents.
Vision Statement “Saudi Arabia... the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, the investment powerhouse, and the hub connecting three continents.” The vision is built around three themes: A Vibrant Society A Thriving Economy An Ambitious Nation
1- A Vibrant Society
Focuses on enriching lives, preserving Saudi heritage, and enhancing the quality of life.
Culture & Entertainment: Promote Saudi identity through art, cinema, and cultural festivals.
Tourism & Heritage: Development of historic sites like Al-Ula and the Diriyah Gate project.
Religious Significance: Improve the experience for pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques (Hajj and Umrah).
Quality of Life Program: Invest in sports, lifestyle infrastructure, and urban development.
2- A Thriving Economy
Aims to create a diversified and innovative economy.
Economic Diversification:
Privatization: Transition from public sector dominance to private-sector leadership.
New Sectors: Develop mining, tourism, renewable energy, and tech.
Public Investment Fund (PIF): Transformed into a key vehicle for investing in both local mega-projects and global markets.
Job Creation: Encourage entrepreneurship, attract foreign investment, and reduce unemployment.
Localization: Increase local content in goods and services, particularly in military and manufacturing industries.
3- An Ambitious Nation
Seeks to build a transparent, efficient, and accountable government.
E-Government & Digital Transformation: Use of technology to improve public services (e.g., Absher app).
Anti-Corruption: Crackdowns and reforms to increase transparency.
Performance Measurement: Clear KPIs for government entities.
key Flagship Projects (Mega-Projects) under Saudi Vision 2030
key Flagship Projects (Mega-Projects) under Saudi Vision 2030—each representing a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambition to diversify its economy, enhance livability, and become a global hub for tourism, innovation, and culture:
1. NEOM
Overview:
Location: Northwestern Saudi Arabia, bordering Egypt and Jordan.
Budget: Estimated at $500 billion.
Size: Over 26,000 sq. km – 33x the size of New York City.
Purpose: A futuristic, tech-driven city that redefines urban living.
Key Components:
The Line:
A 170 km linear city with zero cars, zero streets, and zero carbon emissions.
Designed for 9 million residents, with all essentials reachable within a 5-minute walk.
Built around AI, renewable energy, and high-speed transit.
Oxagon:
A floating industrial hub powered by clean energy.
Focus on robotics, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Trojena:
A mountain tourism destination with year-round skiing, luxury resorts, and wellness centers.
Host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Sindalah:
A Red Sea island being developed as a luxury yachting destination with hotels and marinas.
Strategic Goals:
Attract global talent.
Serve as a model for sustainability and smart infrastructure.
Drive foreign investment and innovation.
2. The Red Sea Project
Overview:
Location: Western coast between Umluj and Al Wajh.
Developed by: The Red Sea Global (RSG).
Area: 28,000 sq. km with 90+ pristine islands.
Features:
50 luxury resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms, and 1,300 residential properties by 2030.
Airports and transport infrastructure focused on sustainability.
Built to the highest environmental standards – 100% renewable energy, zero waste to landfill.
Environmental Vision:
Coral reef and marine life protection.
Designation of 75% of the area as a nature reserve.
Construction to be carbon-neutral.
Strategic Goals:
Attract up to 1 million visitors per year by 2030.
Position Saudi Arabia as a global eco-tourism destination.
Support Vision 2030’s tourism contribution to GDP.
3. Qiddiya
Overview:
Location: 40 km southwest of Riyadh.
Area: Over 300 sq. km.
Focus: A global destination for entertainment, sports, and arts.
Major Attractions:
Six Flags Qiddiya: World’s fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster (Falcon’s Flight).
Motorsport Track: FIA-grade racing circuit.
Sports facilities: Football stadiums, water parks, Olympic training centers.
Cultural venues: Performing arts centers, cinemas, museums.
Strategic Goals:
Create thousands of jobs and boost the creative economy.
Encourage domestic tourism and reduce outbound spending on entertainment.
Engage youth through arts, sports, and innovation.
4. Diriyah Gate
Overview:
Location: On the outskirts of Riyadh.
Historical Significance: Birthplace of the First Saudi State in the 18th century.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: At-Turaif district.
Key Features:
Restoration of mud-brick architecture and historic sites.
High-end hotels, museums, souqs (markets), and cultural events.
A walkable heritage city with traditional Najdi design.
Strategic Goals:
Celebrate Saudi identity and heritage.
Attract 20 million visitors annually by 2030.
Enhance cultural tourism and national pride.
5. King Salman Park
Location: Central Riyadh.
Size: 16 sq. km – the largest urban park in the world.
Features:
Green spaces, botanical gardens, art installations.
Cultural centers, open-air theaters, libraries, and museums.
5 metro stations and 10 bus routes integrated.
Key Features
1. Green Spaces & Nature
Vast Landscaped Areas: Large lawns, picnic zones, walking paths.
Botanical Gardens: Featuring native and international plant species; promotes biodiversity and environmental awareness.
Urban Forests: Forested zones that offer a natural escape in the heart of the city.
Wadi and Lake Areas: Artificial water features designed to mimic desert wadis and support microclimates.
2. Cultural & Artistic Elements
Art Installations: Permanent and rotating public artworks across the park.
Open-Air Theaters: Spaces for live performances, cultural shows, and festivals.
Museums and Cultural Centers:
National cultural and heritage institutions.
Interactive learning centers and art galleries.
Libraries: Public libraries and reading areas for families and students.
3. Sports and Recreation
Walking and Jogging Trails: Dozens of kilometers of shaded paths.
Cycling Tracks: Connected to the Riyadh Sports Boulevard Project.
Recreational Facilities: Children’s play areas, sports courts, fitness zones.#
4. Integrated Transportation
5 Metro Stations: Seamless access via the Riyadh Metro (Green Line).
10 Bus Stations: Integrated into the Riyadh public transport network.
Walkable Design: The park’s layout minimizes car use and promotes pedestrian mobility.
6. Sports Boulevard
Sports Boulevard:
Overview
Location & Scale
Spans 135 kilometers across Riyadh, from Wadi Hanifah in the west to Wadi Al Sulai in the east.
Functions as a green, linear corridor that connects different parts of the city through a mix of athletic, recreational, and public spaces.
Key Features
1. Multi-Purpose Tracks
Cycling Tracks:
Safe, shaded, and continuous cycling lanes.
Designed to meet international cycling standards.
Includes high-speed tracks for professional cyclists and leisure lanes for casual riders.
Walking and Jogging Trails:
Dedicated pedestrian paths throughout the route.
Integrated rest areas, hydration points, and shaded walkways.
Equestrian Tracks:
Long horse-riding trails with associated facilities.
Linked to equestrian centers for training and competitions.
2. Sports & Fitness Facilities
Sports Complexes:
Full-size football fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
Indoor arenas for martial arts, gymnastics, and other indoor sports.
Open Gyms:
Outdoor fitness zones with modern equipment.
Free-to-use exercise stations in multiple locations.
Skate Parks:
Professionally designed zones for skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX riding.
Targeting youth and extreme sports communities.
Recreational Parks:
Landscaped public parks with water features, picnic zones, and shaded areas.
Playgrounds for children, dog-friendly zones, and urban forests.
3. Green Urban Integration
Tree-lined tracks and landscaped green belts along the route.
Integrated with the Green Riyadh initiative to enhance environmental sustainability.
Urban cooling through natural shading and green infrastructure.
4. Connectivity & Access
Links with major public transport networks (Riyadh Metro and bus stations).
Pedestrian-friendly crossings, bridges, and underpasses to ensure safety and accessibility.
Connects major neighborhoods, universities, and commercial zones.