Mohammed bin Salman's achievements in 9 years: prosperity and international influence
Introduction: Nine Years of Comprehensive Transformation
Over the past nine years, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and with the direct supervision and diligent follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed unprecedented and radical transformations. Prince Mohammed bin Salman has charted a new course in the Kingdom's history, most notably through "Saudi Vision 2030," launched in 2016 as a roadmap towards a brighter and more prosperous future, built upon a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
General context and historical background of Vision 2030
Vision 2030 was launched at a time when the region and the world were facing complex economic and geopolitical challenges, most notably the volatility of oil prices. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recognized the necessity of diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on oil as the primary source of government revenue. Since then, a major overhaul has been underway, encompassing the restructuring of state institutions, the modernization of regulations and legislation, and the fight against corruption. This has created an attractive environment for local and foreign investment and enhanced the efficiency of government performance and transparency.
Local prosperity: Unprecedented economic and social achievements
Domestically, the Crown Prince's efforts over the past nine years have yielded significant leaps forward across various sectors. Economically, non-oil GDP has witnessed remarkable growth, and the assets of the Public Investment Fund have more than doubled, making it one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds and a key driver of both domestic and foreign investment. Furthermore, mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya have been launched, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global hub for tourism and innovation.
Socially, the change was tangible and profound; the empowerment of Saudi women became a lived reality, from allowing them to drive to their assumption of high-level leadership positions and an increase in their participation in the labor market that exceeded the Vision's targets. The entertainment, culture, and sports sectors also witnessed a tremendous boom, contributing to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents alike, and establishing the Kingdom as a global destination for major events.
International effectiveness: A pivotal role and global influence
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's success has not been limited to domestic affairs, but has extended to strengthening the Kingdom's position on the regional and international stages. Riyadh has become a capital of political and economic decision-making, as evidenced by the Kingdom's hosting of the G20 summit in 2020 and its leadership in efforts to stabilize global energy markets through the OPEC+ alliance.
In addition, the Kingdom's active diplomatic role in mediating international conflicts has been prominent, such as its role in the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, its humanitarian efforts in evacuating citizens from Sudan, and its ongoing endeavors to bring peace to Yemen and the Middle East. Furthermore, the Crown Prince launched pioneering environmental initiatives, most notably the "Saudi Green Initiative" and the "Green Middle East Initiative," to underscore the Kingdom's commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change globally.
Conclusion: Towards a Sustainable Future
The nine-year journey under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman represents an inspiring success story for a nation racing against time to realize its people's aspirations. As 2030 approaches, the Kingdom continues to reap the rewards of this ambitious vision, solidifying its position as a leading economic and political power, a model of domestic development and prosperity, and an effective and positive force on the international stage.
