In a pivotal moment of global transformation, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 stands out as a beacon of ambitious reform and visionary progress. This ambitious blueprint represents a profound reimagining of the Kingdom’s economic, social, and cultural landscape, aiming not only to enhance its global standing but to catalyze a transformative renaissance. Central to this monumental journey is the National Transformation Program (NTP), a dynamic engine driving this evolution under the leadership of Mr. Thamer Alsadoun, the CEO of the NTP.
Organized by the Technical and Professional Programs Committee, the second dinner meeting of SPE-KSA 2023-2025 term, which attracted more than 400 attendees, took place on September 2nd titled “Celebrating Saudi Ambition: A Closer Look at the Kingdom’s Vision 2030” and a celebration of the up and coming 94th national day of the Kingdom. During the event, Alsadoun highlighted the Kingdom’s progress and future aspirations, showcasing the significant advancements achieved under Vision 2030.
This gathering served as a platform to underscore the unwavering commitment to a future marked by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Vision 2030 is not merely a plan; it is a declaration of intent. It embodies Saudi Arabia’s resolve to transition from a historically oil-based economy to a diversified powerhouse with global influence. As Alsadoun highlighted, NTP, which was the first Vision 2030 program launched in 2016 and the operational arm of this vision, has been instrumental in translating these lofty goals into tangible achievements. In fact, the NTP is in charge of 34 of the 96 strategic operations laid out by the Vision’s goals. The program has become a catalyst for change, driving initiatives that span across economic diversification, digital transformation, and social development.
He highlights that the program’s overall goal is to enrich each other’s lives, cultivate a sense of purpose, and foster an impact in the kingdom and our communities.The impact on various industries under Vision 2030 is transformative. These impacts fall under specific themes highlighted by the Vision which include government operational excellence, sustaining vital resources while looking after the environment, labor market accessibility, digital transformation, and economic partnership. In the energy sector, the Kingdom’s focus has shifted towards sustainability and diversification, with a marked increase in the development of renewable energy sources. enhances the Kingdom’s energy security but also contributes to global efforts to combat climate change, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global energy transition.
An example of this highlighted by Alsadoun during his talk would be the Kingdom’s ranking of 1st internationally in water desalination. In the realm of digital transformation, the expansion of broadband coverage to 99% of the Kingdom represents a leap towards a more connected and technologically advanced society. The digitization of public services with the development of over 6,000 E-government services, representing An example of this highlighted by Alsadoun during his talk would be the Kingdom’s ranking of 1st internationally in water desalination. In the realm of digital transformation, the expansion of broadband coverage to 99% of the Kingdom represents a leap towards a more connected and technologically advanced society. The digitization of public services with the development of over 6,000 E-government services, representing 97% of total government services has been revolutionary in the Kingdom under the Vision and the guidance of NTP. The justice sector, where huge percentage of services are now digital, has streamlined processes, reduced case durations by 79%, and made transactions more efficient. This technological leap paves the way for innovation and growth across various sectors, facilitating a more vibrant and dynamic economy. of total government services has been revolutionary in the Kingdom under the Vision and the guidance of NTP. The justice sector, where huge percentage of services are now digital, has streamlined processes, reduced case durations by 79%, and made transactions more efficient. This technological leap paves the way for innovation and growth across various sectors, facilitating a more vibrant and dynamic economy. and the guidance of NTP. The justice sector, where huge percentage of services are now digital, has streamlined processes, reduced case durations by 79%, and made transactions more efficient. This technological leap paves the way for innovation and growth across various sectors, facilitating a more vibrant and dynamic economy.
The real estate sector has undergone a significant transformation, revolutionizing the industry by making property dealings more transparent and efficient. By simplifying processes, the sector has attracted increased investment and supports the broader economic diversification goals of Vision 2030. This focus on diversification is evident in the issuance of over 8,500 foreign investment licenses in 2023 alone, highlighting the Kingdom’s success in creating a favorable investment climate and stimulating economic activity. Parallel to this, the business landscape has expanded significantly with a notable rise in new enterprises and a streamlined registration process. As Alsadoun highlighted, these changes foster an entrepreneurial spirit, drive job creation, and bolster the economy by supporting mid-tier firms. Labour market reforms have also played a crucial role in reducing unemployment and improving conditions for expatriates, while advancing inclusivity and empowerment through increased female workforce participation and more women in managerial roles. Some specifics include reducing the Saudi unemployment rate from 12.8% in 2017 to 7.6% in Q1 of 2024, and increasing the percentage of women in the labor force to 35.5%. These reforms not only enhance the Kingdom’s human capital but also contribute to a more dynamic and equitable labor market. Concurrently, the surge in nonprofit organizations, which saw a 173.4% growth since the launch of Vision 2030, and volunteering, with a staggering number of over 834,000 volunteers across the kingdom in 2023 alone, underscores a strong commitment to civic engagement and community development, reflecting a deeper dedication to fostering social cohesion and encouraging active participation in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.
Alsadoun’s presentation at this event was not just an update but a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Vision 2030. Through meticulous planning and visionary leadership, Saudi Arabia is not merely envisioning a transformative future but actively shaping it, establishing itself as a global leader in progress and development. This multifaceted approach ensures that Vision 2030 delivers significant benefits across diverse sectors, elevating the Kingdom’s global prominence while markedly advancing the living standards for its citizens
