SAUDI Arabia is the pride of the Islamic world, the center of devotion and love of Pakistanis. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the fifth largest state in Asia and the second largest state in the Arab world, which is of central importance in the Muslim world due to its specific geographical position and two holy shrines. Its history is full of progress and success. It is noteworthy that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as an important country in the global economic scenario. It is currently the 17th largest economy in the world.
The new Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, is young, but he has proved himself as a leader with a great “vision” not only in Saudi Arabia, but across world as well. He is trying to transform the young population of Saudi Arabia into an enlightened and progressive society through social reforms. Undoubtedly, under the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030, KSA has entered a new era of social and economic rearrangements. It has abandoned the past’s traditional restrictions. Currently, everyone enjoys freedom and liberty. Saudi Arabia has made 90 reforms in human rights, which are mostly related to women. The foundation of Vision 2030 was laid on April 25, 2016, according to which Saudi Arabia is moving on new paths of social and economic construction and development. As a result, there was a 10.8% increase in social service, health, education; while, transportation, tourism and communication increased by 7.3%. The growth rate in trade and hotel industry recorded 7% increase.
The role of the religious police has been reduced. It has not only opened up the avenues of education for women but also linked them to employment; made them an important force in the country’s development. The thinking and wisdom of KSA is an ideal precedent for the Islamic world, which made ways of life easier for women while maintaining the veil and hijab. Women have been allowed to drive, the strictest ban on ‘Muharram men’ has been lifted on Hajj. Along with this, they have also been allowed to participate in sports. Princess Rima bint Bandar bin Sultan was appointed as ambassador to the United States on February 23, 2019, which made the whole world surprised. She became the first woman to hold the position of ambassador in the history of KSA. Similarly, Cinema was unbanned after 35 years. By 2030, thirty thousand new employment opportunities will be created due to the new cinemas, while the Saudi economy will also increase by ninety billion dollars. Three hundred cinemas will be built in Saudi Arabia in the next 12 years, with around two thousand screens. Cafes and restaurants are reflecting the reforms and change. In the future, its economy will be less dependent on oil. According to the International Monetary Fund, there has been a historic decrease in the unemployment rate in KSA, and its economy has increased by 4.9 percent during 2023, excluding oil. The rapid economic development of the kingdom during the last 5 years is an important milestone for KSA.
Since 2016, work is underway on mega projects of real estate and infrastructure in the country. A new cruise terminal has also been developed at Jeddah Islamic Port. According to the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the cruise industry itself is designed to create 50,000 jobs nationally, with 1.5 million cruise visitors expected annually by 2028. 1.3 million new resorts along the Red Sea coast at worth of $575 billion is under construction. Similarly, work on the project is underway to provide homes and more than one lakh hotel rooms. The vision includes the $500 billion worth “Neom City”; the city will span 10,231 square miles and be 33 times larger than the current New York City. The borders of this city touch the borders of Egypt and Jordan. This city will be the new economic powerhouse of Saudi Arabia; which will have its own rules and standards. It will be a free trade and industrial zone, with modern hotels and entertainment venues. The authorities have planned the establishment of entertainment, energy, biotechnology and modern manufacturing industries. However, in other Arab countries, it is widely discussed and is negatively propagated. Construction projects are ongoing in Abu Dhabi. Football World Cup is being held in Qatar. Keeping such trends of progress in other countries in mind, it is unfair to criticize Saudi Arabia’s development and moderation. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront in the services for Islam. In KSA, 163,319 people embraced Islam in 2023, which is the first proof of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s love for Islam, although it is propagated about him that he is turning KSA into Europe and erasing the religion. In fact, the reality is contrary to this propaganda. The social, legal and economic reforms in KSA are not only welcomed, but will have long-term benefits for both KSA and the Islamic world.
The Pakistan-Saudi ties are historical and the KSA has supported Pakistan at all times. Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman has a deep love for Pakistan, he provided great relief in both cash and oil to Pakistan, at the time of need. KSA is investing more in Pakistan and plans to increase it from $1 billion to $10 billion. At the same time, it is going to increase the deposit in the banks of Pakistan from 3 to 5 billion dollars. This is unprecedented support from KSA to Pakistan. When King Salman decided to form a joint army of Muslim countries after assuming power, he appointed former army chief General Raheel Sharif from Pakistan as its first chief, which is a great honour for Pakistan. Moreover, the services rendered by the servants of the Haram Sharif for the Muslim Ummah is a bright chapter in history. KSA raised its voice in support of Palestine against Zionist brutality and barbarism in the recent conflict and stood with the oppressed.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
