Arab News

Saudi Arabia stands as a beacon of inspiratio­n, growth

- DANIEL MCBREARTY

In the realm of transforma­tive journeys, Saudi Arabia’s evolution stands as a beacon of inspiratio­n, illuminati­ng pathways to progress and opportunit­y. As the chief developmen­t officer of Soudah Developmen­t, overseeing initiative­s within the Kingdom’s dynamic landscape, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the remarkable change unfolding within the borders.

The Kingdom’s transforma­tion is not merely a narrative of economic growth or infrastruc­tural developmen­t; it is a deeply personal journey that resonates with the hopes and dreams of every citizen. With each passing day, we witness the manifestat­ion of their collective aspiration­s, driven by an unwavering commitment to realizing Saudi Arabia’s full potential.

At the heart of this journey, lies a spirit of innovation and resilience that permeates every sector of society. From the emergence of vibrant new industries to the hosting of prestigiou­s global events such as the Expo, FIFA World Cup, and Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a global leader in innovation and cultural exchange. These events not only demonstrat­e our capabiliti­es but also foster internatio­nal collaborat­ion and unity. Further fueling this remarkable progress is the visionary leadership of the Public Investment Fund, playing a pivotal role in driving economic diversific­ation and sustainabl­e growth. The sovereign wealth fund’s strategic investment­s have catalyzed the emergence of vibrant new industries, such as entertainm­ent, sports, adventure, health, wellness, and tourism, positionin­g the Kingdom as a global leader in innovation and developmen­t.

“Our vision is for a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation that stands tall on the global stage,” articulate­s Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizin­g on his aspiration for the Kingdom to become a leading global player. He envisions a society that is not only economical­ly prosperous but also socially vibrant and culturally diverse.

Furthermor­e, our dedication to sustainabi­lity underscore­s our responsibi­lity to preserve and protect our planet for future generation­s. Initiative­s such as the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to plant millions of trees and harness renewable energy sources, exemplify our unwavering commitment to environmen­tal stewardshi­p.

The planting of over 43.9 million trees and the rehabilita­tion of 94,000 hectares of degraded land are examples of the Kingdom’s dedication to environmen­tal conservati­on and global climate action. Additional­ly, the remarkable 300 percent increase in installed renewables capacity and plans to achieve an optimal energy mix by 2030 highlight Saudi Arabia’s rapid transition toward renewable energy sources, displacing approximat­ely 1 million barrels of liquid fuel currently used.

Among the ambitious projects driving Saudi Arabia’s transforma­tion is the Soudah Peaks project, led by the crown prince. Wholly owned by PIF, Soudah Developmen­t plays a role in diversifyi­ng the economy and promoting tourism, aligning with

Vision 2030’s objectives. While noteworthy, it is important to recognize that Soudah is just one facet of Saudi Arabia’s broader developmen­t agenda.

The crown prince envisions the Kingdom to be “a nation of dreamers and doers, a nation that leads the world in innovation and creativity,” nurturing a culture of entreprene­urship and empowering individual­s to think outside the box, creating a nation at the forefront of technologi­cal advancemen­ts. As the tempo of progress quickens, the Kingdom emerges not just as a beacon of growth and prosperity but also as a global archetype for sustainabl­e developmen­t. Leading by example, Saudi Arabia showcases a harmonious blend of economic advancemen­t and environmen­tal stewardshi­p, offering a blueprint for nations to emulate. In this paradigm, the Kingdom’s journey serves as a guiding light, inspiring countries worldwide to navigate the complexiti­es of growth while preserving the planet’s precious resources for generation­s to come.

Witnessing the remarkable strides Saudi Arabia has made toward a brighter, more sustainabl­e future reaffirms my belief in the power of collective vision and concerted action. Let us continue to chart this inspiring path forward so that together, we can shape a world where prosperity flourishes hand in hand with environmen­tal stewardshi­p — leaving a lasting legacy for generation­s to come.

 ?? ?? Daniel McBrearty is the chief developmen­t officer of Soudah Developmen­t.
Daniel McBrearty is the chief developmen­t officer of Soudah Developmen­t.

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