‘Record achievements, promising indicators’: 2024 annual report for Vision 2030 released

Update Saudi Arabia’s achievements in less than a decade under the Vision 2030 program has made it a global model for transformation, King Salman said on Friday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s achievements in less than a decade under the Vision 2030 program has made it a global model for transformation, King Salman said on Friday. (SPA)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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‘Record achievements, promising indicators’: 2024 annual report for Vision 2030 released

‘Record achievements, promising indicators’: 2024 annual report for Vision 2030 released
  • Speaking nine years on from launch, King Salman said Kingdom would continue ‘journey of progress forward’
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he was proud of what the nation had achieved under the program

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s achievements in less than a decade under the Vision 2030 program has made it a global model for transformation, King Salman said on Friday.

Speaking on the ninth anniversary of the announcement of the Kingdom’s widespread economic and social reforms, the king said the country will continue together the construction process to achieve more sustainable development for future generations.

“We praise God for the remarkable progress our nation has achieved in less than a decade – progress that has positioned Saudi Arabia as a global benchmark for transformation,” he said.

“We take great pride in the unwavering dedication of our citizens, whose efforts have laid the foundations for a new era of growth. Together, we carry the journey of progress forward, united in shaping the future of our country for generations to come,” he added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he was proud of what the nation had achieved under the program and that there was renewed determination to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a leading country in the world.

“Nine years into Vision 2030, we stand proud of what our people have accomplished,” Prince Mohammed said.

“They have turned ambition into action and goals into milestones. We have not only met key targets – we have surpassed many.

“Looking ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. We will accelerate delivery, embrace every opportunity, and further elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global leader,” he added.

Kingdom Accelerates Toward Vision 2030: Record Achievements and Promising Indicators

A report released by the government to coincide with the anniversary said 85 percent of the more than 1,500 Vision 2030 initiatives had been completed or are on track, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Eight goals of the program had been achieved six years ahead of time.

The Kingdom’s unemployment rate had dropped to a historic low, achieving the 2030 target of 7 percent and 2.4 million Saudi men and women now work in the private sector.

The private sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP has exceeded the 2024 target and the assets of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have more than tripled since Vision 2030 was launched.

The report said Saudi Arabia had advanced 20 places in the Global Competitiveness Index to 16th place. Saudi household ownership had reached more than 65 percent, exceeding the 2025 target.

International tourism revenues increased by 148 percent compared to 2019 and the agricultural sector has increased its contribution to the GDP, reaching 114 billion riyals.

Education has also been boosted with four Saudi universities now ranked among the top 500 universities in the world.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) saw its assets under management triple to reach 3.53 trillion riyals ($940.8 billion), the report said.

Private sector participation has also strengthened, now accounting for 47 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, while the localization of the military industries sector advanced significantly, with local content reaching 19.35 percent, a major leap from just 7.7 percent in 2021.

The agricultural sector contributed 114 billion riyals to the national GDP in 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a regional business hub continues to rise, with over 571 international companies now establishing their regional headquarters in the Kingdom.

By the end of 2024, over 850,000 Saudi families had achieved home ownership, contributing to a rise in overall home ownership rates among Saudi households, which reached 65.4 percent. This was up from 47 percent in 2016 and already surpassing the target for the year.

Healthcare coverage now extends to 96.4 percent of population centers, placing the Kingdom within striking distance of its 2030 goal of 99.5 percent.

The push for healthier lifestyles is bearing fruit, with 58.5 percent of adults now engaging in at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, above the 2024 target. Among children and adolescents, 18.7 percent meet the daily 60-minute activity recommendation. These efforts have contributed to a rise in average life expectancy, which now stands at 78.8 years, edging closer to the Vision 2030 target of 80 years.

Digital transformation in the justice sector has also increased, with 98 percent of litigation sessions conducted electronically in 2024, which amounts to over 2.3 million digital court hearings.

Additionally, more than 5.3 million electronic powers of attorney were issued, benefiting over six million individuals.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors saw growth in 2024, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global cultural and leisure destination.

The country welcomed over 100 million tourists, exceeding its Vision 2030 target, while 76.9 million visitors attended entertainment events. Tourism revenue soared, with international tourism earnings up 148 percent compared to 2019.

Major development projects continue to take shape. In Qiddiya, the Aquarabia water park reached 81 percent completion, while Six Flags progressed to 87 percent.

Madinah was ranked among the world’s top 100 tourist cities, and AlUla became the first Middle Eastern destination to receive accreditation from Destinations International.

The Kingdom also advanced its position as a global sports and gaming hub. It secured the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will be the tournament’s largest edition to date and the first to be hosted solely by one nation. Meanwhile, the inaugural Esports World Cup was successfully launched.

On the cultural front, 16 Saudi cultural elements were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

King Saud University inaugurated the first specialized college of arts in the Kingdom, further strengthening the national creative sector. Saudi Arabia also made waves in the tech sphere with the ALLaM generative AI model, now integrated into IBM’s watsonx platform — enhancing Arabic-language content across international platforms.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 31 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
Updated 04 May 2025
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First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.