Reema bint Bandar: Saudi talents choose the homeland and support Vision 2030
The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States of America, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, affirmed that the major transformations and rapid achievements witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the past few years have proven beyond any doubt that the Kingdom possesses a solid and exceptional base of qualified national talents.
This came during her participation in a special dialogue session highlighting the Saudi development experience, organized by the Strategic Management Office at the Saudi House, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. The ambassador noted that these young men and women represent not only scholarship students who traveled the world to pursue their studies, but also a select group of current employees and future leaders who possess highly competitive skills that enable them to work in major global capitals such as London, New York, or San Francisco.
Returning home: A strategic option for skilled workers
In her remarks, Princess Reema explained that these creative individuals, despite the global opportunities available to them, chose of their own volition to return to their homeland. She attributed this decision to their sincere desire to be part of the story of development and change, and to contribute to shaping the Kingdom's future. She considered this trend to be the most tangible evidence of the success of "Vision 2030" in creating an environment that attracts talent and fosters creativity.
Human capital: the engine of sustainable development
The ambassador addressed the paramount importance of investing in human capital, emphasizing that human resources remain the primary and fundamental driver of any genuine economic development. She added, based on her observations and monitoring of the Vision's objectives, that while any modern economy aspiring to leadership undoubtedly needs physical capital, it remains incapable of flourishing and achieving sustainability without a real and effective investment in its youth.
Historical background and context of national transformation
Princess Reema bint Bandar's remarks reflect the fruits of decades of government investment in education, particularly through the Kingdom's overseas scholarship programs, which have enabled hundreds of thousands of Saudis to study at the world's most prestigious universities. The return of these talented individuals coincided with the launch of Vision 2030 programs, most notably the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi citizens.
The return of these minds to work in the mega projects and new sectors created by the Kingdom, such as technology, renewable energy, tourism, and entertainment, reflects a radical transformation in the Saudi labor market and confirms the Kingdom’s success in reversing the “brain drain” phenomenon that many countries suffer from, making the Kingdom a preferred destination for its creative sons, which enhances its economic and political position as a rising regional and international power that relies on the efforts of its sons in building a diversified and sustainable economy away from total dependence on oil.
The princess concluded her remarks by warning that neglecting to invest in young people creates a hostile and unfriendly environment for human capital, something the Kingdom has successfully avoided by empowering young people and assigning them leadership positions in various sectors.
