It’s a new dawn for bold reforms in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knows that the kingdom’s sweeping economic reforms will not bear fruit without a change in mindset among people. Society must change and prepare the way for the economic transformation of the biggest power in the region, the world’s largest oil producer and a G20 member. Riyadh is a major influencer in the Middle East, it holds the region together and any shake-up needs careful introspection, which the crown prince is unafraid of doing to make the country more progressive for the modern age where tectonic technological shifts are taking place. Youth are being encouraged. The reforms that he has set in motion will make them bigger stakeholders in the kingdom.

He’s been bold with his vision, and the way he has elucidated it has made the world sit up and take notice. This is in stark contrast to the past when Saudi Arabia was viewed as a conservative country which had shut its door on liberalism. Since the crown prince embarked on his groundbreaking economic plan that he foresees would move the country away from its reliance on oil by 2030, changes have come thick and fast. He’s taking a closer look at society and has called for more openness that could attract big businesses and investments. The kingdom has announced a project for a $500 billion city to be completed by 2025. This megapolis would stretch into Egypt and Jordan, and is to be powered by clean energy. It is ambitious in scope and seeks to link Asia, Africa and the Middle East. To realise his country’s economic potential, Prince Salman is convinced that now is the right time to unsettle the status quo for larger goals. A less reactionary society that sheds the angst and fears of the past is what he envisages from these path-breaking reforms. Let’s start afresh is the idea behind these political, economic and social overhauls. Only development matters, and more Saudis must be put to work. For that to happen, employment opportunities must be created, industry should flourish and innovation should take root. The task is not easy; it will take time but the crown prince has shown purpose. He deserves applause.