The Saudi community and economic sectors are commemorating the eighth anniversary of the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, keenly observing and tracking the various achievements of its programs and initiatives that have transformed the Kingdom into a massive developmental workshop. These reforms, covering both the public and private sectors across all economic and social aspects, have shown significant success and unprecedented progress on both domestic and international levels. Various segments of the society seize this anniversary to express gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership that established and launched this vision, praising the considerable efforts and the faithful men who have succeeded in achieving many targets and ambitions ahead of their scheduled time.

In this context, investor Khaled Mohammed Bahlas stated, "The Kingdom and its sons have every right to celebrate the annual anniversary of the launch of Vision 2030 and take pride in all the achievements realized at the domestic and international levels under the auspices of this blessed vision," which began reaping its fruits earlier than scheduled thanks to the foresight and wisdom of the prudent leadership aiming to cement the Kingdom's position as "the Arab and Islamic depth, a leading investment power, and the hub connecting three continents," and their continuous efforts and meticulous follow-up in implementing its various initiatives and programs since the vision's launch to the present day tirelessly. A testament to their success is the radical change in the Kingdom's investment environment, now an attractive site for various investors worldwide, where the Ministry of Investment issued more than 8500 foreign investment licenses in 2023, marking an increase of over 96% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the low inflation rates in the Kingdom and success in curbing it to low and balanced levels compared to most countries worldwide further illustrate this success.

Furthermore, Bahlas highlighted that comprehensive reforms, good administrative restructuring, and choosing the appropriate strategy for establishing the desired goals for each sector, such as the national tourism development strategy, the national culture strategy, the financial technology strategy, the national investment strategy, among other strategies, programs, and initiatives, were a roadmap to success and a formula that led us to achieve success. The successes in the National Transformation Program, one of the "Saudi Vision" programs, are a testament to this. In the past year 2024 alone, 34 strategic goals out of 96 set for achievement by 2030 have been accomplished, which equals 35% since the program's launch in 2016.

Human Capacity Development

Likewise, Dr. Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Daalan, an expert, consultant, and trainer in entrepreneurial behavior and business incubators, noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a remarkable transformation in human capacity development, one of the essential programs of Vision 2030, particularly in the education sector, within the eight years of commendable achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud may God preserve them. The vision aims to develop a thriving knowledge-based society contributing to a diversified and sustainable economy, where investing in education is a fundamental pillar, with substantial budgets allocated for updating curricula, educational infrastructure, training teachers, and developing their skills.

Dr. Haifa Al-Daalan added, "The Kingdom is showing a strong commitment to digital transformation in education by introducing modern technologies in classrooms and enhancing the use of electronic educational resources." This approach is not limited to major cities but extends to include rural areas, thereby improving access to quality education throughout the Kingdom. The Kingdom is also experiencing growth in scholarship programs and international collaboration in higher education, broadening opportunities for Saudi students to gain global experiences and enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market. The focus on human capacity development is an investment in the future and a guarantee for achieving sustainable and comprehensive development envisioned by the Kingdom, reflecting its ambitious vision in building a leading knowledge-based economy and a prosperous society.

Eight Years of Achievements

Ali Mohammed Al-Hazmi, Senior Advisor at the Developmental Consultation Center and an expert in international economies and strategic planning, commented that Vision 2030 represents eight years of giving, achievements, and fast-paced diligent work, marking a significant transition and unprecedented empowerment. Launched on April 25, 2016, the vision saw many targets achieved ahead of their scheduled time, under the wise and prudent leadership may God protect them. The vision was initiated based on cooperative and collaborative work principles, with the noble Saudi citizen participating in the vision from its conception and construction, a testament to the wisdom of this blessed and generous country's leaders. The government firmly believes that diligent work can only proceed through the people's participation, based on clear strategic pillars characterized by vitality and ambition, through which the economy flourishes sustainably. This was evident in the past eight years, culminating in this month of 2024, with optimism for continuing the journey of comprehensive development, joint work, continuing achievements, and diligent work towards achieving strategic targets through ambitious vision programs, initiatives, and pillars. Ali Al-Hazmi concluded his remarks by blessing the wise leadership and the entire noble Saudi people, with its faithful and loyal men and everyone who contributed to achieving success and reaching targets ahead of the scheduled time, promising to move forward towards accomplishing the blessed Vision 2030 targets, aiming for more giving, progress, prosperity, and tireless work under the wise and prudent leadership may God protect them. The journey of cooperative work continues at the local, regional, and global levels in a sustainable manner supported by innovation, optimal resource utilization, and achieving ambitions through collaborative and integrative work towards a thriving and sustainable economy.