Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been the Crown Prince since June 21, 2017,‏ and the leader of the historic transformation march in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is the first prime minister among the grandsons of King Abdulaziz, having been appointed by a Royal Order issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz on September 27, 2022.

He is Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Bin Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Muqrin Bin Markhan Bin Ibrahim Bin Musa Bin Rabi'ah Bin Mani' Bin Rabi'ah al-Muraydi from Banu Hanifah, from Bakr Bin Wail, from Rabi'ah Bin Nizar, from Ma'ad Bin Adnan. His ancestors lived in Diriyah, the capital of the First Saudi State and the birthplace of its unity. It served as the cradle of the Kingdom's civilization in the modern era. The Bani Hanifa settled there after Mani' al-Muraydi and his family descended to Wadi Hanifa in Najd, situated at the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, in 1446. He named it al-Duru' after his tribe, having moved from the first Diriyah where his ancestors had settled in the ninth century.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was born on August 31, 1985, in the capital Riyadh. He was raised by his father, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who was then serving as the Governor of Riyadh Province, and his mother, Princess Fahda Bint Falah Bin Sultan Al Hathleen. He is the sixth son of King Salman among male children. He grew up during the period when Riyadh witnessed a qualitative shift in its infrastructure, facilities, and civilized landscape.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman receives his graduation certificate at King Saud University from King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Province at that time. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman received his education at Riyadh schools and ranked among the top ten in the Kingdom during his secondary school years. He pursued his university education, earning a bachelor's degree in law from King Saud University. He ranked second in his class at the College of Law and Political Science and attended numerous specialized courses and programs during his academic journey.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, taking the oath after being appointed as a Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers. (SPA)

After graduating from King Saud University with a bachelor's degree in law, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman assumed the role of a consultant at the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers on April 10, 2007. Subsequently, on December 15, 2009, he took on the position of a special advisor to the Governor of Riyadh Province. Additionally, he has served as the Secretary General of the Riyadh Competitiveness Center, a special advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), and as a member of the High Executive Committee for Diriyah Development.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman transitioned from his position in the Emirate of Riyadh Province, where he held the thirteenth rank, to assume the role of supervisor for the private office and private affairs of the Crown Prince. A Royal Order, issued on March 2, 2013, appointed him head of the Crown Prince Court and his special advisor at the rank of minister. Subsequently, on July 13, 2013, another Royal Order appointed him as the general supervisor of the Ministry of Defense office, in addition to his existing responsibilities.

On April 25, 2014, a Royal Order was issued appointing him as Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers, in addition to his existing responsibilities. On September 18, 2014, a resolution was issued appointing him Chairman of the Executive Committee at the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah).

Royal Orders were issued on January 23, 2015, appointing him as the Minister of Defense, in addition to his existing responsibilities. Furthermore, he was appointed as the Head of the Royal Court and Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the Two Holy Mosques at the rank of minister. He chaired the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), in his capacity as Minister of Defense.

On January 29, 2015, a Royal Order was issued establishing the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) and forming a council chaired by him. A Royal Order was also issued on the same date appointing him a member of the Council of Political and Security Affairs.

On March 23, 2015, a resolution of the Council of Ministers was issued appointing Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), in his capacity as CEDA chairman.

On June 21, 2017, a Royal Order was issued designating him as the Crown Prince, following the majority endorsement of thirty-one out of thirty-four members of the Allegiance Council. He was pledged allegiance in al-Safa Palace in Makkah al-Mukarramah and was designated as Deputy Prime Minister, retaining his responsibilities as the Minister of Defense, along with other assigned duties.

A Royal Order was issued on December 27, 2018, appointing Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as Chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was appointed as the Prime Minister by a Royal Order issued on September 27, 2022.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman holds a number of senior positions in the Kingdom, most notably:

- Crown Prince of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz.

- Prime Minister.

- CEDA Chairman.

- Chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIF.

- Chairman of the Supreme Council of Saudi Arabian Oil Group (Saudi Aramco).

- President of the Supreme Space Council.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of NEOM.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of Red Sea Global.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ROSHN Real Estate Company.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qiddiya Investment Company.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of GAMI.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for al-Ula.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of Diriyah Company.

- Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

- Chairman of the High Anti-Corruption Commission.

- Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Research, Development, and Innovation.

- Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Saudi Green Initiative.

- Chairman of the Council of Royal Reserves.

- Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Martyrs, Wounded, Prisoners of War, and Missing in Action.

- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Soudah Development Company.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has made local appearances on several occasions to emphasize the significant transformations of the Kingdom's renaissance with supporting facts and evidence. He has also elucidated his vision, ideas, and ambitions, presenting future aspirations along with mega programs and projects designed to elevate the Kingdom and its people to the highest global levels.

On May 2, 2017, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman outlined the headlines of Saudi Vision 2030 during an interview broadcast on al-Saudiya channel. He explained that the vision commenced by identifying ten programs set to be achieved by 2020. These programs included indicators and goals across twenty-four government entities. Since its launch, Saudi Vision 2030 has contributed to reducing the deficit and doubling the growth of non-oil revenues. Prince Mohammed elaborated on the role of the PIF as a major catalyst for the Kingdom's economic advancement and the increase in its returns. Additionally, he discussed the National Transformation Program, housing programs, and the importance of Aramco's Initial Public Offering (IPO).

From October 23 to 25, 2018, he chaired the session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum held in Riyadh, featuring the participation of numerous CEOs, investors, and global decision-makers. During the event, twenty-five agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, totaling a value exceeding USD60 billion. These agreements were part of the 'National Industrial Development and Logistics Program' and focused on four vital sectors: industry, mining, energy, and logistics.

On January 13, 2021, he spearheaded a strategic dialogue session in al-Ula as part of the World Economic Forum activities. The session was attended by over 160 influential international business leaders and entrepreneurs representing twenty-eight sectors from thirty-six countries. During the session, he highlighted significant investment opportunities in the Kingdom, totaling approximately USD6 trillion over the next ten years. This includes USD3 trillion earmarked for investments in new projects, capitalizing on the opportunities outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 to unlock the Kingdom's untapped capabilities and foster new and promising growth sectors.

On April 28, 2021, he asserted during a television interview that the Kingdom is on track to achieve several vision goals before 2030. He commended the vital developments in the Kingdom that commenced in 2015, such as the restructuring of ministries and the establishment of new councils. He disclosed that the PIF aims to grow to a substantial fund, with a growth exceeding 200 percent over the next five years. The PIF's projects outside the Kingdom target a return of more than 10 percent. Additionally, he emphasized the fund's objective to increase its assets to SAR10 trillion by 2030. Furthermore, he clarified that the PIF’s establishment of ROSHN is intended to provide one million housing units in the Kingdom, out of a targeted four million housing units.

On April 17, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman hosted Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, Ali Alqarni, Mariam Fardous, and Ali Alghamdi ahead of the launch of the Kingdom's scientific mission to the International Space Station. The mission includes the first Saudi, Arab, and Muslim female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, alongside Ali Alqarni, the first Saudi astronaut to reach the International Space Station, marking the success of the mission in May 2023. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman commended the role of the space sector as one of the contributors to bolstering the Kingdom's international competitiveness. He underscored the importance of space exploration in serving science and humanity. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman asserted that these efforts reflect the capabilities and aspirations of the Saudi people to actively contribute to innovations and space research.

From March 6 to 9, 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman inaugurated the first edition of the World Defense Show 2022, organized by GAMI. Additionally, on March 22, 2022, he sponsored the graduation ceremony of the 101st batch of students from King Faisal Air Academy.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chairs the forty-third session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council Leaders. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman held numerous meetings with the rulers and presidents of countries in the region during his visits and regional tours, as well as through hosting them in the Kingdom. These engagements were driven by the significance of fostering relations, signing economic, cultural, and social cooperation agreements, and aligning perspectives on international issues.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman undertook a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in late 2021, commencing with a visit to the Sultanate of Oman on December 6, 2021. During this visit, he met with Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Bin Taimour, the sultan of Oman.

On December 7, 2021, he arrived in Abu Dhabi for a two-day visit, meeting with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the Armed Forces (current President of the UAE). The discussions encompassed a comprehensive review of established relations, avenues for bilateral cooperation, and promising opportunities for development across various fields in light of their special strategic partnership, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Subsequently, during his visit to the State of Qatar on December 8, 2021, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman met with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. The discussions centered around fraternal relations between the two countries, strategies to enhance cooperation across diverse sectors, updates on regional and international events, and collaborative efforts in these domains.

He visited the Kingdom of Bahrain on December 9-10, 2021, where he conducted an official discussion meeting with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, king of the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, both sides underscored the significance of al-Ula Declaration issued on January 5, 2021. They also emphasized the thorough and precise implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, which was approved by the GCC Supreme Council leaders during its thirty-sixth session in December 2015, following a specific timeline and close monitoring.

Concluding his tour, he proceeded to the State of Kuwait, where he met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the crown prince of Kuwait (currently the Emir of Kuwait) on December 10, 2021.

During his visit on June 21, 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman held a meeting with King Abdullah II Bin al-Hussein, king of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The discussions centered around bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, opportunities for joint cooperation, and strategies to strengthen collaboration across various domains. Additionally, they explored regional and international developments and coordinated efforts in response to them.

In response to an invitation from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, president of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz undertook an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on June 20-21, 2022. Both parties agreed to fortify the economic partnership in investment and trade between both countries through investment and trade deals and agreements between the private sectors in the Kingdom and Egypt, totaling USD8 billion, and collaborate in the renewable energy sector through the implementation of a ten-GW electric power project.

Similarly, following an invitation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkiye, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman visited the Republic of Turkiye on June 22, 2022. During an official round of talks, the two parties expressed their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in bilateral relations between both countries, encompassing political, economic, military, security, and cultural fields. Both parties also covered perspectives on significant regional and international developments of mutual concern.

The second edition of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on November 7, 2022, under the joint presidency of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

On May 19, 2023, in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman presided over the thirty-second regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level.

On July 18, 2023, at al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Crown Prince and the President of the Republic of Turkiye engaged in an official round of talks and a bilateral meeting. This event marked the signing of four cooperation agreements covering the fields of energy, the executive plan for cooperation in the fields of capabilities, defense industries, research and development, direct investment, and media. Additionally, two contracts were concluded with the Turkish company Baykar.

On July 19, 2023, he chaired the GCC-Central Asia (C5) Summit in Jeddah City. The summit brought together leaders from the Kingdom, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The discussions addressed matters pertaining to economic cooperation, trade, investment, food security, and energy, as well as regional and international issues.

The Crown Prince undertook numerous reciprocal visits and tours with leaders and rulers of countries, spanning multiple nations across four continents. He led the Kingdom's delegation at major global events. The Kingdom also continued to be a significant destination for several world leaders and rulers keen to visit it, given its historical strategic importance, and engage in bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince to enhance relations and sign political, economic, cultural, developmental, and environmental agreements.

The Crown Prince in an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand. (SPA)

On August 31, 2016, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman traveled to China on an official visit and held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, they reviewed existing bilateral relations, assessed accomplishments, and explored ways to further develop strategic cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, they discussed updates on regional and international events and issues. Relations with China saw significant developments and improved relations, resulting in a series of agreements across various sectors. He also met at his residence in Beijing with a group of Saudi students at Chinese universities.

On May 30, 2017, he visited the Russian Federation. During the visit, he met with President Vladimir Putin and several senior officials to discuss bilateral relations, and an agreement specializing in various military fields was signed.

On March 20, 2018, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman arrived in the United States of America for an official visit. During his visit, he sponsored the signing ceremony of an agreement aimed at establishing a joint project to localize more than 55 percent of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of military aircraft in the Kingdom. Additionally, the agreement involved the transfer of weapons integration technology for those aircraft and the localization of the supply chain for spare parts within the Kingdom. This aimed to support the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 and Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's commitment to localize 50 percent of military spending by 2030. The agreement was signed between the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Boeing.

During his visit, the Crown Prince met with Saudi engineers from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) who collaborated with American Lockheed Martin engineers in constructing the first Saudi satellite (SGS-1) at the company's headquarters in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, USA. He signed the first Saudi satellite with the phrase ‘Above the clouds.’ The Kingdom, represented by KACST, announced the satellite's launch on February 5, 2019, from the Guiana Space Center in France aboard the Ariane 5 rocket.

On February 17, 2019, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman went to Islamabad on an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Saudi-Japanese relations took an important turn with the visit of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in June 2019, during which he participated in the G20 summit in Osaka City.

Several agreements between both countries were signed during the visit, covering enhancing cultural exchange, combating counterfeiting, and boosting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to promote their competitiveness in global markets, as well as the energy sector, industrial field, international development and investment, information exchange, and the news sector.

On July 26, 2022, he met with the Prime Minister of Greece in Athens, the Greek capital, as part of a summit exploring facets of the bilateral relationship between both countries, identifying opportunities across various domains, and devising strategies for their development to advance shared interests. This culminated in an agreement to establish the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council.

He led the Kingdom's delegation at the G20 Leaders Summit held in Bali, Republic of Indonesia, on November 15, 2022. This visit enhanced cooperation and solidified relations between the Kingdom and Indonesia across all fields, propelling them towards a strategic partnership track and creating additional opportunities for future collaboration between both countries.

Continuing his Asian tour, he visited Seoul, the capital of the Republic of South Korea, on November 16, 2022, for an official visit, during which he met with Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

On November 17, 2022, he arrived in the Kingdom of Thailand on an official visit, where he led the Kingdom's delegation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum summit held in Thailand.

In the capital, Bangkok, he met with Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, General Prayut Chan-o-cha. During the visit, several memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of investment, energy, and tourism, and the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council was established.

On June 7, 2023, he convened at al- Salam Palace in Jeddah with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The meeting assessed bilateral relations between the two nations and explored areas of cooperation across various fields, along with ways to bolster them. Additionally, they discussed developments in regional and international situations, as well as the efforts being undertaken in that regard.

During his visit to the French Republic on June 16, 2023, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in the capital, Paris. They examined the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, exploring avenues for their development across all fields to mutually benefit the friendly nations and their peoples. Furthermore, they exchanged views on the latest international and regional developments, coordinating joint efforts in response.

He led the Kingdom’s delegation at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, hosted in Paris on June 22-23, 2023. The summit examined building a new consensus for a more responsive, equitable, and inclusive global financial system, addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, poverty, and biodiversity protection. It reached agreements on the best ways to tackle these challenges in poor, developing, and emerging countries.

He led the Kingdom's delegation to the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 9, 2023. During his visit, on September 11, 2023, he met with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he co-chaired the (inaugural) meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.

On December 5, 2023, he arrived in the State of Qatar for an official visit, where he met with the Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. During the visit, he led the Kingdom's delegation at the forty-fourth session of the Supreme Council of GCC and the seventh session of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. The Crown Prince, alongside the Emir of Qatar, co-chaired the seventh session of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

He also led the Kingdom's delegation at the thirty-third session of the Council of the Arab League at the summit level, which was held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on May 16, 2024.

On October 15, 2024, he arrived in the Republic of Egypt and met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Crown Prince and the Egyptian President oversaw the signing of the agreement to establish the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council, co-chaired by them.

Finally, he led the Kingdom's delegation at the forty-fifth session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, which took place in Kuwait on December 1, 2024.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman performing his job as the Minister of Defense. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman worked towards the advancement of the Ministry of Defense since assuming the role of minister. He has spearheaded the reform process by implementing the required measures to modernize the ministry, as part of the Ministry of Defense Development Plan to support the military manufacturing sector.

The development encompassed the implementation of 308 initiatives and the introduction of a new organizational structure for both the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces. Additionally, the Armed Forces Command was prepared to safeguard the security, interests, and sovereignty of the Kingdom, shielding it from external aggression. Collaboration with all the state’s ministries aimed to achieve security and stability.

The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) was founded on May 17, 2017, as a national entity fully owned by the PIF. Its purpose is to develop and support defense industries within the Kingdom and achieve self-sufficiency by localizing 50 percent of defense spending, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. SAMI aspires to be counted among the top twenty-five defense companies globally.

Similarly, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) was founded on August 14, 2017, to serve as the legislative entity for the military industries sector in the Kingdom. GAMI holds responsibility for regulating, developing, and monitoring the performance of the military industries sector.

In support of peace and security in the region and the world, thwarting terrorist schemes, supporting Yemeni legitimacy, and safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Kingdom from blatant interference attempts, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued the directive to commence Operation Decisive Storm against Houthis in Yemen on March 25, 2015. This decision was made in response to the request of the Yemeni President. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman assumed command of the international coalition in Decisive Storm, and the first operations and airstrikes were initiated on March 26, 2015, from the Royal Saudi Air Force Operations Center, which was designated to oversee Operation Decisive Storm.

On April 21, 2015, the coalition forces spokesman announced the conclusion of Operation Decisive Storm after achieving its military objectives in collaboration with coalition countries. Meanwhile, Saudi land forces and the Saudi Border Guard continued their efforts to safeguard the southern borders of the Kingdom, repelling any attempts that could compromise the security and safety of the borders. Additionally, they enforced a naval blockade on territorial waters and ports. Evacuation operations and humanitarian work were initiated to restore security and stability in Yemen, aligning with the objectives of Operation Restoring Hope.

Implementing the directives of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Ministry of Defense developed its strategy through the Ministry of Defense Development Program. The aim was to elevate it to a level that positions it among the elite armed forces globally, showcasing qualitative excellence, readiness, and integrated capabilities to confront all spectra of threats. Five main objectives were established:

- Achieving joint operational excellence and distinction.

- Developing the organizational performance of the Ministry of Defense.

- Developing individual performance and raising morale.

- Improving spending efficiency and supporting the localization of military manufacturing.

- Upgrading equipment and weapons.

The Crown Prince inaugurating the first locally assembled and manufactured Hawk jet training aircraft. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chairs the Board of Directors of GAMI, which is responsible for localizing, regulating, and enabling the military industries sector in the Kingdom, as well as building a sustainable local military manufacturing sector that targets achieving a localization rate of over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.

The authority collaborates closely with partners from both the public and private sectors to localize the military industries sector in the Kingdom. This involves empowering local and international manufacturers, as well as opening licensing opportunities for them to invest in an appealing military industrial environment that allows quality investment opportunities and incentives, while also fostering the participation of national competencies to support the localization journey.

The authority has succeeded in localizing a multi-use monitoring system called 'Zarqa al-Yamama-Zali,' manufactured by the National Company for Mechanical Systems.

It also launched 'al-Dahna Vehicle,' a locally manufactured military armored vehicle. Alongside this, it localized and launched the first locally made (HSI 32) fast interceptor vessel, in addition to unveiling the first floating dock.

These efforts support the creation of job opportunities in both the public and private sectors, facilitate technology transfer, drive development by enhancing non-oil revenues, and strengthen the role of local SMEs. This contributes to supporting the broader Saudi economy and achieving national priorities, including building capabilities, improving efficiency, promoting joint operations among all security and military entities, and enabling a sustainable local military industries sector.

Crown Prince inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for seven strategic projects, including the first research nuclear reactor. (SPA)

Given the significance of nuclear science and technology applications in addressing development challenges and fulfilling the requirements of various national sectors, coupled with the Kingdom's possession of uranium reserves exceeding 5 percent of the world's total, as indicated by a statement from Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the supreme order was issued on June 14, 2017, to establish the ‘National Atomic Energy Project’ in the Kingdom, targeting the Kingdom’s entry into the peaceful nuclear field, as nuclear energy will provide the Kingdom with the opportunity to develop a safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly source. The project components include building large nuclear reactors for generating high electrical capacities, localizing technologies and constructing small modular reactors, initiating the nuclear fuel cycle as a first step towards self-sufficiency in its production, and developing the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission.

The King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy has established the Saudi Nuclear Energy Holding Company, tasked with participating in national and international nuclear economic projects. Additionally, the company is responsible for operating and developing nuclear facilities for power, desalinated water, and thermal applications production. It is also responsible for formulating a strategy to build human capital in the nuclear energy field, collaborating with international institutes for nuclear energy research. The company aims to establish a national digital platform to cultivate and attract human capabilities in the nuclear energy field, contributing to the development of the Country Framework Program for 2022-2027 and introducing nuclear power to enhance the national energy mix.

An independent entity dedicated to nuclear safety and security, known as the 'Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission,' was established by a Council of Ministers resolution on March 13, 2018. This commission serves as the national entity responsible for monitoring and addressing radiological and nuclear emergencies in the Kingdom, playing a significant role in the national plan for responding to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

Since the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has directed the launch of a series of judicial resolutions and laws aimed at bolstering the efficiency and integrity of the judicial system in the Kingdom. This included the establishment of new laws that firmly uphold the principles of justice and human rights, foster transparency, improve the quality of life, and contribute to achieving comprehensive development.

Between 2016 and 2020, a multitude of legislation were enacted, including sixty new laws, seventy-seven regulations, thirty-six organizational arrangements, and twenty-four new bylaws, with the goal of constructing legislative institutional structures and outlining public policies.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman revealed four pieces of legislation that mark a significant qualitative shift in the judicial legislative system. They establish principles rooted in fixed references within judicial work, encompassing the Evidence Law, Family Law, Civil Transactions Law, and Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions.

On December 28, 2021, the Council of Ministers approved the Evidence Law in response to the requirements of social, economic, and technical aspects of life. This approval is seen as a contribution to enhancing justice to protect society, individuals, rights, and property.

On March 8, 2022, the Family Law was approved, with the primary objectives of safeguarding human rights, fostering family stability, empowering women, improving the standing of families and children, and curbing the discretionary authority of judges to minimize disparities in judicial decisions pertaining to these matters.

The approval of the Civil Transactions Law took place on June 13, 2023, grounded in principles aimed at safeguarding property, ensuring contract stability and binding force, specifying the origins of rights and obligations along with their consequences, and clarifying legal positions. This has a positive impact on the business environment, contributes to the organization of economic activities, stabilizes financial rights, facilitates investment decision-making, enhances transparency, increases predictability of rulings in the field of civil transactions, reduces disparities in judicial jurisprudence, culminating in effective justice and a diminished number of disputes.

In 2022, the Supreme Court issued the Judicial Costs Law, which serves to restrict malicious and fictitious lawsuits, bolster preventive justice, and enhance the documentation of contracts. Furthermore, the Supreme Court completed the requirements of its comprehensive digital transformation project, saving time and effort for beneficiaries. The court also launched the unified e-justice services platform, ‘Najiz,’ providing all services required by the court and notary public beneficiary through a unified electronic portal. This platform serves all citizens, residents, and business sectors, making their access to e-justice services easier and faster.

The Ministry of Justice has launched the ‘Taradhi’ platform that allows in-person or virtual meetings between the involved parties, Ministry of Justice conciliators, and registered conciliators, to carry out the reconciliation process to reach an acceptable resolution for parties to the dispute. This platform utilizes fully automated procedures, beginning with the submission of a reconciliation request and concluding either with the issuance of a reconciliation document or a determination that reconciliation is not feasible.

Established in 2017, the High Administrative Court serves as the final and highest level in the administrative judiciary of the Kingdom. It reviews appealed judgments and issued by the Administrative Courts of Appeal.

The Board of Grievances launched the Judicial Command Center, a key target for the completion of the comprehensive development project. This project aims to transition the judiciary from traditional to advanced procedures by leveraging digitization across all details and stages. This has significantly enhanced the speed, accuracy, and quality of task completion and output. The Law of Procedure before the Board of Grievances was issued on September 4, 2021.

The standard for late lawsuits has been amended to be 150 days from the date of filing the lawsuit in the administrative courts and 120 days from the date of filing the lawsuit in the administrative courts of appeal across various regions of the Kingdom. This has resulted in increased efficiency in judicial outputs and enhanced transparency.

Due to these efforts, the Kingdom has made substantial advancements in various judicial, legal, and legislative indicators, as outlined in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Geneva. This advancement has propelled the Kingdom eight positions ahead internationally in the ‘Judicial Independence’ index, securing the sixteenth position globally.

In terms of the efficiency of the legal framework in settling disputes index, the Kingdom has ascended four positions to achieve the seventeenth global rank. Additionally, it has maintained its eleventh global position in the ‘framework's adaptability to digital business models’ index. Furthermore, it has climbed eleven positions in the index of the efficiency of the legal framework in challenging regulations, ranking eighteenth globally.

The Kingdom has ranked third among the G20 countries and eleventh globally in the axis of technical governance, surpassing Britain, which held the fifteenth position, and China, which held the twenty-fourth position.

The Crown Prince presides Riyadh Arab-China Summit for Cooperation and Development. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has aimed for the Kingdom to embrace both domestic and foreign policies that bolster its security and sovereignty, contributing to the development of its standing through its human, economic, and cultural capacities, as well as its longstanding history of fostering good neighborly relations and global outlook with equilibrium and sagacity, all while preserving the foundational principles and constants of the Kingdom.

Within his internal policies, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has prioritized the Saudi people through a series of reforms, initiatives, and programs. He has initiated anti-corruption measures as an enabler to boost the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, he has undertaken the restructuring of ministries, councils, and authorities, clearly defining their objectives. Priority in management roles has been given to competent and qualified individuals, capable of executing national transformation enablers and delivering top-notch services. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has launched the Saudi Vision 2030, based around a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Each pillar encompasses numerous initiatives and events, all geared towards achieving excellence in government performance and establishing the infrastructure required to improve economic empowerment factors, elevate living standards, and decrease unemployment rates by creating job opportunities across various sectors.

His domestic policies have also included the development of the social and cultural infrastructure. The empowerment of Saudi women has accelerated through the enactment of numerous resolutions, legislation, and laws that elevate their status in society. These measures have enabled women to emerge as active contributors to national development across all fields and at every level. He has worked on enhancing the role of youth by increasing job opportunities, creating an environment that supports creativity and contributes to its growth, and opening new windows for creative energy among Saudis.

Under Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's vision, the Kingdom has pursued a dynamic foreign policy, proactively responding to geopolitical and geostrategic shifts. It has invested national elements, such as political influence, economic strength, spiritual standing, and close ties with global leaders. This comes in addition to broadening the Kingdom's international relations and diversifying its economic ties. Additionally, it has diversified the sources of weapons and Saudi military capabilities, ensuring they are not solely reliant on one provider. Moreover, it controls oil prices to safeguard the Kingdom's interests.

His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince has conducted Gulf, regional, and international visits and tours to enhance positive cooperation, working to open new chapters that align with international changes. He has received numerous world leaders and signed security, political, and economic agreements that have contributed to strengthening Saudi relations with major countries.

The Crown Prince presides over CEDA meeting. (SPA)

The development of the Kingdom's economy and the increase of the GDP are among the top priorities of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Saudi Vision 2030 includes building a robust economic foundation aimed at enhancing economic flexibility through its diversification and reducing reliance on oil revenues. This is achieved by leveraging the Kingdom's natural resources, and its geographic and cultural position between three continents. The vision aims to transform the structure of the Saudi economy into a diversified and sustainable one, built on enhancing productivity and increasing the contribution of the private sector to shaping economic resources.

In the Kingdom, a series of structural reforms have been launched in the economic and financial sectors to enhance economic growth rates while maintaining financial stability and sustainability. This includes the development of the business environment in the Kingdom and efforts to empower the private sector in supporting economic diversification. This comes in addition to investing in previously untapped sectors, improving the investment environment, enhancing banking laws, and increasing their appeal to both local and foreign investors.

In 2015, Council of Ministers Resolution No. (270) was issued, linking the PIF to CEDA with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as its chairman. This move has contributed to launching new sectors, generating job opportunities, and establishing and founding companies through the possession of leading investment portfolios. The focus is on investing in promising opportunities both locally and globally, positioning the PIF as one of the largest sovereign funds in the world.

The National Transformation Program was launched in 2016 to enhance government performance and establish the necessary infrastructure for improving economic empowerment factors and raising the standard of living. The program focuses on eight strategic dimensions, including advancing healthcare, improving living standards and safety, ensuring the sustainability of vital resources, enhancing social development and the non-profit sector, achieving excellence in government performance, empowering various segments of society to enter the job market and enhance its attractiveness, contributing to private sector empowerment, and developing the tourism sector and national heritage. The program works to achieve thirty-four strategic objectives, representing 35 percent of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Its scope of work encompasses seven leading ministries for strategic objectives and involves more than fifty participating entities, including government authorities and centers.

In 2017, the Council of Ministers approved the amendment of the Basic Law of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, enabling it to expand its support for several new and promising sectors in the fields of industry, mining, energy, and logistics.

The National Development Fund was established on October 3, 2017, by a Royal Order, to elevate the performance of development funds and banks and align with development priorities and economic needs in accordance with the goals and pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. On March 14, 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman unveiled the fund's strategy during his presidency of a board meeting, aiming to support sustainable development goals across all economic sectors. The transformation into an integrated national financing institution is envisioned to contribute to the realization of the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. The fund, through its affiliated development funds and banks, seeks to stimulate the private sector's contribution with over the triple developmental impact on the Kingdom's economy by 2030. Additionally, the fund contributes to the growth of the Kingdom's real GDP by injecting over SAR570 billion by 2030. It also aspires to triple the share of non-oil GDP, reaching SAR605 billion by 2030, while fostering the creation of numerous job opportunities in the Kingdom by 2030.

In 2019, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) was launched as one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading industrial power and a global logistics hub by achieving integration among the four growth sectors: industry, mining, energy, and logistics. This involves optimizing resource utilization, fostering an attractive investment environment, diversifying economic sectors, ensuring their growth sustainability, improving the trade balance, securing high-quality job opportunities for national talents, and supporting the contribution of local content to the GDP.

In March 2021, the Private Sector Partnership Reinforcement Program 'Shareek' was launched under the leadership of CEDA, chaired by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The program aims to increase local investments for private sector companies (both listed and unlisted) to reach SAR5 trillion by 2030 through the support and launch of approved government incentives.

On January 17, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the launch of the Events Investment Fund under his chairmanship. The fund aims to secure sustainable infrastructure to support four sectors: culture, tourism, entertainment, and sports. It seeks to build strategic partnerships for the development of the targeted sectors, enhance opportunities for attracting foreign investments, and increase sustainable financial returns by developing over thirty-five unique sites by 2030.

These projects include art exhibitions, theaters, conference centers, horse racing tracks, shooting ranges, car racing tracks, and several other assets across the Kingdom. The fund's strategy focuses on environmental and social practices within three main pillars: improving the environment, enriching communities, and adhering to the highest governance standards. It supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying the Kingdom's non-oil revenues, securing an environment conducive to strategic partnerships, increasing job opportunities for citizens, and establishing sustainable infrastructure. The aim is to increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector from 3 percent of the GDP to 10 percent and attract one hundred million visitors by 2030, positioning the Kingdom among the top tourist-receiving countries globally. This is expected to contribute approximately SAR28 billion to the GDP by 2045.

Significant efforts have propelled progress in various sectors, notably the energy sector, with numerous renewable energy projects spanning the Kingdom. The development extends to the continuous advancement of the oil and gas sectors, encompassing the augmentation of gas production capacity in the Kingdom. Development also covers the mining sector with the introduction of the Mining Investment Law, coupled with enhancements in infrastructure for logistics and investment services. In the tourism and entertainment sector, Saudi Vision strives to elevate the development of tourist sites to meet the highest international standards. This involves streamlining visa issuance procedures for visitors, preserving and developing historical and heritage sites, and organizing events and seasons that have garnered record-breaking attendance numbers.

The Kingdom has managed to achieve high growth rates in many sectors, recording a growth of 5.6 percent in 2021. This positions it among the fastest-growing countries in the world. The GDP has registered a growth rate of 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2023 on a yearly basis. Non-oil activities increased by a rate of 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, supported by the strong performance of the non-oil private sector and the continued growth of oil activities by 1.4 percent.

On November 28, 2023, the Kingdom was selected to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh City, from October 2030 to March 2031. This decision followed a secret vote during the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris. The Kingdom's bid garnered 119 votes from member countries. The Kingdom competed against two other cities, namely Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy, for the hosting rights.

Through persistent efforts, the Kingdom has emerged as one of the top twenty global economies, an active member of the G20, and a key participant in the global economy and oil markets. It stands as the foremost economic power in the Middle East, boasting the highest domestic product growth, a robust financial system, a thriving banking sector, and giant government companies led by highly qualified Saudi personnel. The diversified economic foundation focuses on promising sectors like manufacturing industries, energy and its derivatives, mining, business tourism, and the information technology industry.

These developments have been accompanied by the development of massive economic projects, such as NEOM City, The Line, The Red Sea, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), and al-Ula Development Project.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman implemented an extensive reform project for the Saudi economy aimed at decreasing reliance on oil. This included the public offering of a portion of the shares of the giant company Aramco. The implementation commenced on November 17, 2019, with three billion shares being offered to the public, constituting 1.5 percent of the company's shares. Out of these, one billion shares were specifically designated for individual subscribers, with the offering price fixed at SAR32.

On December 11, 2019, the company's shares began trading on the Saudi stock market, propelling its market value to SAR6.4 trillion, which is approximately equivalent to USD1.71 trillion. This valuation surpasses that of major companies, including Apple.

Saudi Aramco launched the secondary public offering of ordinary shares on June 2, 2024. The offering consisted of 1.545 billion shares, accounting for about 0.64 percent of the company’s total issued shares, with the share price ranging between SAR26.7 and SAR29.

On June 11, 2024, Saudi Aramco announced the successful completion of its secondary public offering of common shares, with all 1.545 billion offering shares, representing approximately 0.64 percent of the company’s issued shares, sold through the offering. This offering marked the largest secondary offering in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region since 2000, and the largest share offering in the Middle East following the company’s IPO in 2019.

The Crown Prince arrives at the venue of the G20 Summit in the Republic of Indonesia. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman led diplomatic efforts through which the Kingdom was able to reflect an effective political role at the local and international levels. Its foreign policy is based on solid constants, which are good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty and international laws, and effective partnership in the international community.

In 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman began a tour of Asian countries, represented by the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of South Korea, and the Kingdom of Thailand, to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum Summit in Thailand. This tour reflected the Kingdom's keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields and expressed the goals and aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 to invest efforts with all sisterly and friendly countries to achieve prosperity and growth.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's tour came after a major international effort by the Kingdom at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit and the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference – the Conference of the Parties (COP 27), in November 2022.

Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and the People's Republic of China have witnessed remarkable and close development, progressing at an accelerating pace towards deeper cooperation and mutual understanding in various fields. This aligns with the Kingdom's strategic orientations to strengthen its relations and bilateral partnerships with all influential international countries and powers. The goal is to establish balanced relations that serve the Kingdom's objectives and safeguard its interests.

Saudi diplomacy has bolstered bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation through reciprocal visits between Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These visits have laid the groundwork for mutual understandings between the two parties in the fields of energy and infrastructure investment. Additionally, they have fostered joint efforts to stabilize energy markets in a manner that achieves a balance between consumer and producer interests.

Crown Prince launching Sharaan Nature Reserve in al-Ula Governorate. (SPA)

‘Climate action will enhance competitiveness, spark innovation, and create millions of high-quality jobs. Young people, both in the kingdom and the world, are demanding a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future, and we owe it to them to deliver on this.’ This statement by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has highlighted his efforts to improve the environmental reality in the Kingdom. Sustainability is a core pillar in planning, building infrastructure, developing policies, and investing within Saudi Vision 2030. This comes in addition to recognizing the importance of addressing modern energy and climate challenges to participate in efforts to build a sustainable future.

To achieve this, a number of programs and initiatives have been launched, most notably:

2017: Launching the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative, announcing the National Renewable Energy Program, and establishing the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC).

2018: Establishing the Council of Royal Reserves, launching the National Environmental Strategy, and founding the Special Forces for Environmental Security.

2019: Joining the International Solar Alliance, establishing five specialized centers in environmental fields, launching the Riyadh Green Project, launching integrated waste management and waste recycling activities in Riyadh City, establishing the Environment Fund, and launching the Dawmat al-Jandal Wind Farm.

2020: The Kingdom has adopted the Circular Carbon Economy initiative during its presidency of the G20 Summit in Riyadh, and announced two initiatives to reduce land degradation and loss of natural wildlife habitats. It has also established the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform and founded the National Center for Environmental Compliance.

2021: Launching the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, Golf Saudi joining the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, launching the Sakaka Solar Power Plant, and including Farasan Islands in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Man and the Biosphere Program. Moreover, the Kingdom has targeted net zero emissions by 2060 and adopted the economically sustainable Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) approach to manage carbon emissions through four strategies consistent with Saudi Vision 2030: reduction, reuse, recycling, and removal. The Kingdom has also launched the Circular Carbon Economy National Program, and joined the Global Methane Pledge and the Global Ocean Alliance.

2022: The Kingdom, represented by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, joined the UN Sports for Climate Action Initiative.

2023: Signing a contract to study and prepare the Saudi Water Act for water resources and uses.

In his opening speech at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the launch of the first package of qualitative initiatives in the Kingdom, to serve as a roadmap for protecting the environment and addressing the challenges of climate change. He noted that the Kingdom has launched energy initiatives that will reduce carbon emissions by 278 million t annually by 2030.

Distinguished projects have been launched to diversify energy sources, such as the Optimal Energy Mix program for electricity production so that the energy consumed from renewable sources reaches 50 percent by 2030. Renewable energy projects are one of the main drivers for achieving sustainability, which will help avoid carbon emissions, reduce costs, and combat climate change.

‘The Line,’ the smart city situated in the NEOM, embodies the principles of environmental responsibility outlined in business regulations to promote practices based on sustainable development and renewable energy sources. It will be supported by 100 percent renewable energy within open spaces, parks, gardens, natural environments, and sustainable food production.

As a testament to these efforts, the Saudi Electricity Company received the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management in the Islamic World for best environmental management applications category during the eighth Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World. The event, attended by fifty-six Islamic countries, took place on October 9, 2019.

The Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, achieved a milestone by winning the Best Government Entity Award in the Water Sector for 2021 worldwide, during its participation in the 'Global Water Summit,' held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from May 16 to 18, 2022.

Furthermore, the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, received the World Summit on the Information Society first rank prize in E-Environment for 2023. This accomplishment was attained after meeting the requirements and technical standards of the award, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has established a target under Saudi Vision 2030 to augment the non-profit sector's contribution by 5 percent of the GDP by 2030 to support and streamline charitable and volunteer works and enhance citizens’ contribution to providing assistance and support to all members of society. This has resulted in a twentyfold increase in the number of volunteers between 2015 and 2022.

On 16 April 2019, the National Center for Non-Profit Sector was established and linked organizationally to the Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. He has also chaired the Board of Directors of Riyadh Non-Profit Schools, and the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Youth Center, a charitable foundation.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman established SNAD Mohammed Bin Salman Program intending to identify the various needs of the community and provide financial support to citizens. The program encompasses numerous initiatives and programs, including the 'SNAD for Marriage' initiative, which is dedicated to newlyweds to alleviate the burdens of marriage. Additionally, there is the 'Stable Family' initiative, which aims to provide qualitative access to a broad segment of male and female beneficiaries, empowering the stability of Saudi families. The 'Independent Living' initiative focuses on technically empowering individuals with disabilities to face challenges and engage with their surroundings and society.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman seeks to promote initiatives and foster creativity through the Misk Foundation, which he directed to establish in 2011 and serves as the chairman of its board of directors. This is done to ensure their sustainability and growth, thereby contributing to the development of human intellect. The foundation supports the empowerment of Saudi youth in the fields of education and entrepreneurship as primary fields, and science and technology as complementary fields. This is achieved through the design of programs and the establishment of partnerships with local and international organizations, all aimed at bolstering efforts to build an advanced knowledge-based society.

The Crown Prince, during the washing of al-Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has given considerable attention to solidifying the tolerant principles of religion. His efforts have contributed to disseminating values of tolerance, moderation, and temperance while rejecting hatred and extremism. He has worked to combat the extremism that has adversely affected many countries and societies.

As part of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's efforts to reform domestic religious affairs, the regulation of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) was issued on April 11, 2016. It supersedes its predecessor, outlining requirements for its members to possess the academic qualifications specified in the regulation’s Implementing Regulations. It emphasizes dealing with leniency and stipulates that any official reports of violations must be either to the police or the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, based on jurisdiction. This includes criminal and administrative procedures, control, surveillance, pursuit, arrest, interrogation, identity verification, investigation, and apprehension in any report related to the commission's jurisdiction.

The Salam for Cultural Communication project was established in 2015 as a national project aimed at supporting existing efforts in the field of cultural communication. It is based on three main orientations: knowledge building, development and capacity building, and effective practice. The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) was also established as the first center of its kind to track and combat sources of terrorist financing, whether individuals or organizations.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s efforts were accompanied by a series of reform decisions. A Royal Decree was issued on July 30, 2019, granting women aged twenty-one and above the right to request the issuance or renewal of passports and travel outside the Kingdom without permission. In July 2021, the Council of Saudi Chambers issued a circular directing shops to remain open and conduct commercial and economic activities during prayer times. The UN Human Rights Council's approval of the draft resolution on ‘Countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence’ has been embraced by the Kingdom. This reflects a commitment to upholding the principles of respecting religions and cultures, thereby reinforcing the human values safeguarded by international law.

Education has witnessed several reforms, and curricula in schools have been developed by purging them of extremism and hatred of others.

The Crown Prince watches the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. (SPA)

Several projects have been launched to adopt a sustainable sporting lifestyle, enhance public health, and maintain fitness. These encompass the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh, Qiddiya, King Salman Park, and Green Riyadh. Designated walkway projects have been implemented to cultivate a walking culture and transformed into sports attraction centers by incorporating sports games, green spaces, and bicycle paths, such as the Jeddah Waterfront walkway, Prince Saud Bin Abdulmohsin Road walkway in Hail, al-Hamra Cornish and walkway in al-Khubar, and Quba Walkway Park in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Building an effective sports sector is among Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's efforts and one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for a vibrant society. It seeks to elevate the status of sports in the Kingdom, empower national teams, sports clubs, and athletes to attain the best results worldwide, boost the participation of people engaging in sports in society, contribute to an increase in life expectancy, and elevate the percentage of people engaging in sports from 13 percent to 23 percent in 2018, and further to 29.7 percent in 2021.

The Kingdom hosts a number of international sporting tournaments and championships as part of activities and events held in its seasons across the Kingdom. Most notably, it has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020 for ten years, Formula One races, Diriyah ePrix, the Richard Mille al-Ula Desert Polo tournament, the Saudi International Golf Championship, the Italian Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and Tour Saudi cycling race. Riyadh was chosen as the host city for the 2028 TAFISA World Sport for All Games, the first global games to be held in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Ministry of Health has launched the national project for walking, aimed at raising life expectancy from seventy-four to eighty years, by promoting a walking culture in society. It includes competitions, applications, training courses, and field events covering all segments and ages.

The Quality of Life program has supported the rehabilitation and training of national cadres in the sports sector, achieving developments that have included developing sports sector strategies and enabling the private sector, hosting international events, and achieving many local and international sporting accomplishments.

As part of its initiatives to develop sports facilities, the Ministry of Sport has allocated SAR160 million for the comprehensive and partial development of facilities to provide the necessary support to encourage clubs to develop and improve sports facilities and stadiums according to each facility’s needs.

Among the Quality of Life Program initiatives is the 'Development and Implementation of the National Strategy for Sports Training' initiative, which the Ministry of Sport implements through several entities, including the 'Leadership Development Institute.'

The Saudi Sports for All Federation was established in 2018 as the main entity responsible for developing community sports to increase the rate of physical activity to 40 percent of the Kingdom's population by 2030.

On October 28, 2022, the first edition of the Saudi Games was launched at the King Fahd International Stadium (currently the King Fahd Sport City) in the capital, Riyadh. It is the largest national sporting event with the participation of over six thousand athletes and two thousand technical and administrative supervisors representing over two hundred Saudi clubs. It aims to foster an optimal sporting environment for competition between athletes in different sports, increase the number of people playing sports in the Kingdom, and discover a new generation of champions in sports. It is linked to the elite athlete program to discover new talents. It also seeks to raise the Kingdom's capacity to host major sporting events, achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

The launch of the Events Investment Fund was announced and chaired by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It aims to develop sustainable infrastructure to support four promising sectors: culture, tourism, entertainment, and sports.

On June 5, 2023, the Crown Prince launched the investment and privatization project for sports clubs, after completing the executive procedures for the first phase. It aims to achieve qualitative leaps in various sports in the Kingdom by 2030, manufacture an outstanding sports generation regionally and globally, and specifically develop football and its competitions to bring the Saudi league into the top ten leagues globally. It seeks to increase the revenues of the Saudi Pro League from SAR450 million to more than SAR1.8 billion annually, in addition to raising the market value of the Saudi Pro League from SAR3 billion to more than SAR8 billion.

The Kingdom will host the 2027 Arab Games. Additionally, it has secured the right to host the Riyadh 2034 Asian Games for the first time in its history. Furthermore, the Kingdom is set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Trojena, a global mountain tourism destination in NEOM.

On October 4, 2023, the Kingdom announced its bid to host the 2034 World Cup. On July 29, 2024, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman officially endorsed the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup after finalizing the details and requirements. The bid was formally submitted in the French capital, Paris, at a ceremony organized by FIFA.

The Crown Prince emphasized, 'The bid is centered on developing human capabilities, advancing football, and fostering global communication. Hosting the World Cup represents a crucial step in the Kingdom’s sport sector growth, which has experienced significant progress and success in recent years. It will further solidify the Kingdom's position as a global hub for major sporting events. Winning the bid will mark the pinnacle of the Kingdom’s efforts in this sector.'

On November 30, 2024, FIFA revealed that the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has earned a technical rating of 419.8 out of 500, the highest ever awarded by FIFA to a World Cup host bid.

On December 11, 2024, FIFA announced that the Kingdom has won the bid to host the 2034 World Cup.

From July 3 to August 25, 2024, the Kingdom hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup, an annual global event held in Riyadh. On August 25, 2024, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman crowned the Saudi team 'Falcons' as the winners, triumphing over five hundred teams and 1,500 professional players from across the world.

The Kingdom is organizing the Esports World Cup to advance the gaming and esports sector, which is rapidly growing, and to cement the Kingdom’s role as a leading destination for global sporting events. A non-profit organization, the Esports World Cup Foundation, has been established to oversee the tournament and propel the sector into a new era of collaboration among partners and stakeholders of the gaming and esports sector, maximizing its potential and ensuring sustainable growth.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at the stone-laying ceremony for Qiddiya project in Riyadh. (SPA)

The early interest of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in culture and entertainment was evident when he announced the launch of the ‘Qiddiya’ project on April 7, 2017, as the largest qualitative cultural, sports, and entertainment city in the Kingdom. It is being constructed over an area of 376 km2 west of Riyadh to become a distinctive global destination and home to the most innovative, thrilling, and diverse experiences in entertainment, sports, and the arts. Qiddiya will offer visitors a wide range of activities and exceptional services across five core pillars: sports and wellness, nature and environment, parks and attractions, motion and mobility, and arts and culture. This positions Qiddiya as the entertainment, sports, and arts capital of the Kingdom.

In the presence and under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the Qiddiya project was launched on April 28, 2018. The project’s master plan includes Resort Core, the Golf and Residential Neighborhood, Motion Core, airstrip and helipads, City Center, and Eco Core, in addition to city access points.

After taking on leadership and decision-making responsibilities in the Kingdom, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman recognized the crucial role intellectuals play in enlightening society and strengthening its gains. Thus, he met with the elite intellectuals at Bayt Nassif (Nassif House) in the ‘Historic Jeddah,’ classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on May 14, 2019.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince emphasized the central importance of culture in social and cultural development and improving quality of life, as well as its role in preserving identity and history, and expressing the rich civilizational diversity that the Kingdom enjoys. He highlighted its contributions to building bridges of knowledge and human communication with other civilizations and countries. He made sure that the meeting included intellectuals representing sixteen sectors in the Ministry of Culture: heritage, museums, cultural and archaeological sites, theater and performing arts, books and publishing, architectural arts and design, natural heritage, films, fashion, translation, culinary arts, cultural festivals and events, literature, libraries, visual arts, and music.

To preserve, protect, and rehabilitate historic sites, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has shown a keen interest in safeguarding the ‘Historic Jeddah’ area, one of the Kingdom’s oldest cultural and tourist landmarks. In May 2019, he directed the support for the restoration of fifty-six dilapidated buildings with SAR50 million as the first phase of a comprehensive project aimed at rescuing sites of cultural value from potential dangers that could lead to their destruction. This initiative is dedicated to preserving historical and civilizational gains.

On September 6, 2021, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman initiated the 'Revitalize Historic Jeddah' project under the Historic Jeddah Development Program. The goal is to transform it into an appealing hub for cultural and heritage businesses and projects, positioning it as a key destination for aspiring entrepreneurs. This will be achieved by showcasing the area's heritage landmarks. The area encompasses six hundred heritage buildings, thirty-six historic mosques, five major historic markets, as well as ancient alleys, squares, and sites of historical significance. Noteworthy among these is the old seafront, a key pilgrimage route, which the project aims to reconstruct to narrate the story of Hajj since the dawn of Islam to Historic Jeddah visitors.

On October 3, 2023, it was announced that al-Balad Development Company, a company owned by the PIF, will serve as the primary developer for Historic Jeddah District “al-Balad.” The objective is to elevate it into a global cultural and heritage destination.

On February 1, 2024, the announcement was made regarding the establishment of Alat Company, one of the PIF’s subsidiaries, with the aim of positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for sustainable industries specializing in advanced technology and electronics.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman demonstrated his keenness to creative advancement by launching the National Intellectual Property Strategy on December 22, 2022. It represents an enabler to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to establish an intellectual property system that fosters an innovation and creativity-driven economy. This will be accomplished by creating an intellectual property value chain that stimulates competitiveness in innovation and creativity, thereby supporting economic growth and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in intellectual property. The strategy is built upon four key pillars: Generation, management, commercial investment, and protection of intellectual property.

During the strategy's launch, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman expressed his backing of innovators and intellectuals, stating, ‘We have minds and energies passionate about innovation and creativity, and by enabling them, the Kingdom will become a vibrant environment for a knowledge economy based on an integrated intellectual property ecosystem that develops innovative technologies and industries and contributes to the growth of enterprises. The National Intellectual Property Strategy will also stimulate investment, generate high-quality jobs, and promote awareness of the rights of innovators and creators.’

To underscore his keen interest in all the key elements constituting Saudi national identity and culture, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced, on January 9, 2023, to incorporate the Diriyah project as the fifth mega-project owned by the PIF. This aims to position it as one of the most unique projects globally. The project encompasses numerous cultural and heritage landmarks, including the historic al-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and various heritage features that will render the project an appealing and exceptional destination. The project is designed to offer visitors distinctive experiences, enabling them to delve into the Kingdom's history and authentic culture through cultural and historical events, as well as visits to diverse museums and facilities.

In a move aimed at supporting four promising sectors in the Kingdom: culture, sports, entertainment, and tourism, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman announced on January 17, 2023, the launch of the Events Investment Fund under his chairmanship. The fund's primary objectives are to enhance strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, foster a supportive environment for forging strategic collaborations, and increase opportunities to attract foreign direct investment from global companies and banks, in order to contribute SAR28 billion to the GDP by 2045. This comes in addition to maximizing impact in targeted sectors and creating more job opportunities for male and female citizens, to contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for building a thriving economy and vibrant society.

Furthermore, the Events Investment Fund aims to contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s regional and global standing, aspiring to become a global hub for events, activities, and festivals related to the four sectors by developing over thirty-five distinctive venues by 2030, including convention centers, art exhibitions, theaters, horse racing tracks, car racing tracks, and shooting ranges.

The deep belief of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in science and the role of modern technologies in enhancing the Kingdom’s status led him to establish the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). It was launched by Royal Order on August 30, 2019, with independent legal personality, and administrative and financial independence. His Royal Highness chairs its Board of Directors, and its main mission is to lead the Kingdom towards leadership in data science and AI.

SDAIA made history on March 26, 2020, by operating the first-ever virtual G20 Summit and building the secure videoconferencing system ‘Boroog’ for a number of government entities to hold virtual meetings. It also integrated and unified over eighty government datasets. In November 2022, it won the Technology Project of the Year 2022 award for the National Data Bank and the Best Community Project award for the same year for SDAIA T5 camps from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman sponsored the Global AI Summit, which was launched in Riyadh on September 13, 2022. This three-day event, themed ‘AI for the Good of Humanity,’ gathered over ten thousand attendees and two hundred speakers from ninety countries, representing policymakers in the field of artificial intelligence and heads of major tech companies.

On May 16, 2023, SDAIA launched the ‘Center of Excellence for Generative AI’ and the pilot version of the ALLAM application. This step is the first of its kind in the region to maximize the benefits of AI and enhance the Kingdom’s position in the field of technology. Additionally, four Saudi cities were selected in the IMD Smart City Index 2023: Riyadh, Makkah al-Mukarramah, Jeddah, and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has prioritized seizing promising opportunities arising from the renewed and accelerating global needs through science and education. His initiation of the Human Capability Development Program on September 15, 2021, a Saudi Vision 2030 realization program, represents a national strategy aimed at enhancing the local and global competitiveness of national human capabilities. The program encompasses various objectives, including increasing kindergarten enrollment from 23 percent to 90 percent. Additionally, it aims to elevate two Saudi universities into the top one hundred universities globally by 2030, thereby bolstering the Kingdom's global standing.

On June 1, 2021, the Council of Ministers issued a resolution to establish the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority, which is organizationally linked to the Prime Minister. As such, it enjoys an independent legal personality and financial and administrative independence.

On March 7, 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the strategy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program. The strategy is a new phase for scholarships, working to raise the efficiency of human capital in new and promising sectors by enhancing citizens' competitiveness.

On June 30, 2022, the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Research, Development, and Innovation revealed four main priorities on which the national aspirations for research, development, and innovation in the Kingdom for the next two decades are focused: human health, environmental sustainability and basic needs, energy and industry leadership, and future economics.

The Kingdom chose the four priorities in the research, development, and innovation sector to be a compass for guiding all future projects and efforts in the sector, based on the competitive advantages it enjoys. The aim is to address potential challenges faced by humanity and secure a promising future for generations to come. The Kingdom aspires to be a pioneer of innovation in the world, as the annual spending rate on the sector will reach 2.5 percent of the GDP in 2040, while the sector will contribute to diversifying and developing the national economy with additional returns of up to SAR60 billion to the GDP by 2040.

On June 17, 2016, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship was launched in King Abdullah Economic City in Jeddah, as the fruit of the partnership between the Misk Foundation and King Abdullah Economic City with Babson Global College and Lockheed Martin. The college includes the Entrepreneurship Research and Development Center, which has become the first of its kind in the Kingdom, to provide management and strategic studies to develop the business sector, as students and learners have the opportunity to interact and contribute intellectually to the public and private sectors.

The college, from which more than one thousand male and female students have graduated, included a number of academic research centers, including the Babson Global Center of Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Business Lab, the Case Study Center, in addition to the Executive Master of Business Administration program. The college relies on unleashing the latent capabilities of researchers and students. It indicates that 80 percent of its graduates have achieved an increase in their salaries, 72 percent have been promoted to higher job positions, and 27 percent have reached leadership positions.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has consistently emphasized the Kingdom's ambition to have two Saudi universities ranked among the top one hundred globally by 2030. Demonstrating his commitment to supporting the Saudi government and private universities, he issued on July 25, 2023, a Royal Order to establish the Board of Directors of King Saud University. This move followed the transformation of King Saud University into an independent, non-profit academic institution operating under the umbrella of the RCRC.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee, hosted the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference on February 28, 2024, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

A key part of Saudi Vision 2030, the HCI aims to enhance human skills, knowledge, competencies, and capabilities to adapt to shifts in the employment landscape. It serves as a global collaborative platform dedicated to advancing the human capabilities agenda, with a focus on empowering individuals and building resilient economies for the future.

The HCI underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to enriching global conversations around human capacity development, fostering actionable strategies and solutions that drive progress. The conference brought together approximately two hundred global leaders and experts to discuss how to unlock the full potential of human capabilities.

‘I firmly perceive this menace as the foremost impediment to progress and prosperity, responsible for forfeiting numerous significant opportunities in the Kingdom.’ ‘This issue is now relegated to history and will not resurface on any magnitude without a robust and consequential accountability for those who engage in it, regardless of their age or position.’

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has translated his words into directives by launching campaigns and issuing decisive resolutions to combat corruption in the Kingdom and hold the corrupt accountable.

The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), in collaboration with government and private entities and individuals, has initiated numerous corruption cases, encompassing various forms like bribery, abuse of job influence, money laundering, and forgery. Additionally, the authority has conducted thousands of supervisory tours across the Kingdom. It has also introduced an electronic service to facilitate the reporting of corrupt activities for everyone, and it has launched the ‘Our Nation is a Trust’ program. Furthermore, Nazaha organized the first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This event took place in Jeddah on December 20-21, 2022, under the patronage of the Crown Prince. The meeting was attended by representatives from anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in OIC member states, as well as heads of international organizations dedicated to combating corruption, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, and several experts specializing in integrity protection and anti-corruption from both within and outside the Kingdom.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the results of the first three years of the anti-corruption campaign until 2020, with the total proceeds of anti-corruption settlements reaching SAR247 billion, representing 20 percent of total non-oil revenues, in addition to other assets worth tens of billions that were transferred to the Ministry of Finance.

The Presidency of State Security and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority hosted the Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units from May 15-16, 2024, under the patronage of the Crown Prince. The event brought together around six hundred experts and seventy-five speakers, representing financial investigation units, anti-corruption bodies, government entities, international organizations, as well as local and international experts, institutions, and academics. The forum established a clear framework for cooperation between Saudi government authorities and their counterparts in regional and international organizations. It represents a strategic opportunity to align efforts across various institutions in tackling the challenges of combating financial crimes.

A number of projects have been established bearing the name of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, including:

- The Mohammed Bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques was announced in 2018, recognizing the significant importance of historical mosques in the Islamic religion. These mosques stand as key landmarks in the realm of civilizational urban heritage, safeguarding the authenticity of their architectural character. The mosques included in the program are a testament to their historical, cultural, and social significance, thereby contributing to the advancement of modern mosque design.

- The Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk) was established in 2011, to stimulate learning, develop leadership capabilities among youth, provide various means to sponsor talents and creative energies, enhance the healthy environment for their growth, and contribute to transforming the Kingdom into a knowledge-based economy, through a set of programs such as the 'Elite' program for guiding and developing students, the 'Spark' program to support ambitious entrepreneurs, the Innovation Diwan initiative to enable the role of youth as innovators and inspirers, and the 'Leaders 2030' program targeting those aspiring to take on national leadership roles and achieve higher levels of impact.

- The Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh, an integrated pedestrian-friendly eco-city, is designed to be a model for efficient use of resources and achieving the highest sustainability standards. It includes several connected areas to enrich the quality of life and highlight its enlightened civilizational character. Each area is unique in its distinctive character and special identity, starting from residential neighborhoods and educational facilities to logistics centers and community facilities.

- Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Park Foundation oversees Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Park, located west of Riyadh near King Abdullah International Gardens. The park spans an estimated area of 22 million m2, including residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities. It contributes to improving the quality of life, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for a vibrant and healthy society, and raising Riyadh's global ranking.

- The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Road in Riyadh is one of the major Riyadh roads, linking King Khalid Road and al-Janadriyah Road, which includes the Sports Boulevard project.

- The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship has been established to develop a new generation of pioneering leaders with daring and creative thinking, by graduating entrepreneurs qualified to work in various fields, according to the best international standards under an international partnership agreement between Emaar The Economic City, Babson Global, Lockheed Martin, under the umbrella of the Fiscal Balance Program in the Kingdom, and Misk Foundation.

- Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a project by Qiddiya Investment Company, is recognized as one of the world's premier stadiums. It is also among the venues nominated to host the 2034 World Cup and will serve as a hub for sports, cultural, and artistic events. Situated in the heart of Qiddiya City, just forty minutes from Riyadh City, the stadium is perched atop one of the peaks of the Tuwaiq Mountains at an elevation of two hundred m. Its cutting-edge design and advanced technologies make it an attraction for tourists from across the globe.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in a press conference announcing Saudi Vision 2030, April 2016. (SPA)

On April 25, 2016, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched Saudi Vision 2030‏ as a roadmap for a historic transformation of the Kingdom across all sectors. He expressed, 'It is my pleasure to present the Kingdom’s vision for the future. It is an ambitious yet achievable blueprint, which expresses our long-term goals and expectations and reflects our country’s strengths and capabilities.” The Vision aims to leverage the strengths bestowed by Allah upon the Kingdom, including its distinguished strategic location, pioneering investment strength, and Arab and Islamic depth. The overarching goal is to attain a high status among the leading countries globally.

The Vision is structured on three primary pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The integration and coherence of these pillars are crucial to achieving the Kingdom’s goals. The vision relies on core strengths, notably the Kingdom being the land of the Two Holy Mosques—a sacred place and the Qibla for over a billion Muslims, making it the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds. Furthermore, the vision emphasizes the need for the Kingdom to harness its investment strength to create a more diverse and sustainable economy. It also underscores the importance of leveraging its strategic location to enhance its position as a major driver of international trade, connecting the three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The vision has set broad goals and ambitions, starting with the 'Vibrant Society' pillar that focuses on promoting Islamic values, national identity, serving pilgrims, raising the quality of life, and preparing the Kingdom to be a preferred and leading global destination. The goals include increasing life expectancy from seventy-four to eighty years, elevating the Social Capital Index ranking from twenty-sixth to tenth globally, increasing the rate of sports practitioners at least once a week from 13 percent to 40 percent, raising household spending on culture and entertainment within the Kingdom from 2.9 percent to 6 percent, doubling the number of archaeological sites registered with UNESCO, and increasing the capacity to receive pilgrims from eight million to thirty million Umrah pilgrims annually.

The 'Thriving Economy' pillar has worked to provide opportunities for all, develop an education system that aligns with the job market, equip the Kingdom's male and female youth with the necessary skills for future needs, create economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large companies, open promising and new economic sectors, diversify the economy, and generate more job opportunities. The vision has set ambitious goals in this pillar, including raising the non-oil GDP from 18.7 percent to 50 percent, advancing the Kingdom's ranking in the Logistics Performance Index from forty-ninth to twenty-fifth globally and first regionally, increasing foreign direct investment to the GDP from 3.8 percent to the global average of 5.7 percent, moving from twenty-fifth position to a top-ten position globally in the Global Competitiveness Index. Additionally, the vision aims to increase the value of the PIF assets from SAR600 billion to over SAR 7trillion, raise the local content in the oil and gas sector from 40 percent to 75 percent, elevate the size of the Saudi economy from nineteenth to a top-fifteen position globally, achieve a 65 percent private sector contribution to the GDP from 40 percent, increase women's participation in the workforce from 22 percent to 30 percent, raise SME contribution to the GDP from 20 percent to 35 percent, and reduce the unemployment rate from 12.3 percent to 7 percent.

The 'Ambitious Nation' pillar has focused on an efficient and transparent high-performance government, fostering a conducive environment for all citizens across public, private, and non-profit sectors. It has included bolstering sustainability, safeguarding vital state resources, and elevating the non-profit sector's contribution to the GDP from less than 1 percent to 5 percent. Additionally, it has aimed to increase household savings as a percentage of total income from 6 percent to 11 percent. It has also sought to propel the Kingdom up the ranks in the e-Government Development Index, ascending from thirty-sixth place to a position among the top five globally. Simultaneously, there has been a targeted improvement in the Government Effectiveness Index, moving from eightieth to twentieth place. Furthermore, it has aimed to augment non-oil government revenues from SAR162 billion to SAR1 trillion annually.

The vision has designed a set of executive programs to translate the Kingdom's goals and aspirations into reality. A number of programs have been launched to serve as adopted implementation plans guided by predefined goals and key performance indicators. The early years following the launch of the vision saw the restructuring of certain programs to reflect hopes and aspirations. These programs are:

Since its launch by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Vision 2030 has aimed to restructure the national economy. The launch of the Financial Sector Development Program in 2018 has contributed to supporting and developing the national economy, leading to developing the Saudi capital market to become in line with globally advanced markets, and maintaining the stability and resilience of the financial sector.

The program has defined a set of targets for 2025:

- Increasing the total banking assets of the banking sector to SAR3,515 billion.

- Raising the market value of the stock market ‘Tadawul’ from the GDP, excluding Aramco, to 80.8 percent.

- Enabling 230 emerging FinTech startups.

- Increasing the share of SME financing from banks to 11 percent.

- Increasing gross written premiums of non-oil GDP to 2.4 percent.

- Increasing the digitization of payments ratio to 70 percent to develop digital infrastructure.

- Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and providing the appropriate regulatory environment for their growth, by providing more than SAR2 billion in indirect lending initiatives through 2,300 companies.

- Licensing eighteen FinTech companies by the Saudi Central Bank in 2021.

- Electronic payments surpassing cash payments for the first time in the Kingdom, reaching 57 percent in 2021.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was keen for Saudi Vision 2030 to ensure fiscal sustainability. In 2016, he initiated the Fiscal Sustainability Program, initially named ‘Achieving Fiscal Balance.’ Later, it underwent restructuring to align with the stage requirements. This program contributed to bolstering fiscal discipline and advancing public finances through the establishment of key entities, such as the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority, National Debt Management Center, and the Non-Oil Revenue Development Center.

- Controlling the levels of the state's overall fiscal deficit.

- Enhancing and developing non-oil revenues.

- Improving the efficiency of capital and operational government spending.

The Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the main Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Programs launched by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, restructures the sector to become a comprehensive, effective, and integrated healthcare system based on individual and community health, including citizens, residents, and visitors. It relies on value-based care that ensures transparency and financial sustainability by promoting public health and disease prevention.

- Facilitating access to healthcare services.

- Improving the quality and efficiency of health services.

- Enhancing protection against health risks.

- Promoting road safety.

- Covering 88 percent of population clusters in the Kingdom with healthcare services by the end of 2025.

- Ensuring 100 percent of the Kingdom’s population is included in the unified digital medical record by the end of 2025.

- Over 90 percent of patients received emergency medical care within four hours of arriving at a medical facility.

- A 55 percent decrease in deaths from traffic accidents within five years.

- Launching the world's largest virtual health hospital providing thirty-four specialty services and employing modern and innovative technology.

- Training more than 345,000 volunteers to contribute to providing healthcare assistance.

- Increasing life expectancy of Saudi residents from 74.8 to 75.3 years within four years.

The Housing Program was introduced in 2018 to achieve one of the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to provide housing solutions and financing options that enable Saudi families to own suitable housing according to their needs and financial capabilities. This initiative runs in parallel with efforts to increase the supply of housing options, implemented at affordable prices, within a shorter timeframe, and with high quality.

- Increasing the residential unit ownership rate for citizens to 70 percent by the end of 2030.

- Providing forty thousand developmental housing units to support the most needy families by the end of 2025.

- Raising the citizen satisfaction rate with housing services to 80 percent by the end of 2025.

- Signing 355,000 new financing contracts to enhance the continuity of subsidized real estate financing contracts by the end of 2025.

- Contributing SAR157 billion to the GDP by the end of 2025.

- Providing more than 38,000 direct job opportunities for Saudis by the end of 2025.

- Increasing citizens' home ownership from 47 percent to 60 percent between 2016 and 2020.

- Changing the waiting period for housing support from fifteen years to immediate entitlement through the Sakani platform, and providing housing and financing solutions to 834,000 families.

- Providing suitable housing for the most needy families by providing more than 46,000 housing units in various regions of the Kingdom.

The Human Capability Development Program, launched by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in 2021, aims to enable citizens to possess capabilities that help them compete globally, by promoting values, developing essential and future skills, and advancing knowledge. It focuses on building a solid educational foundation that contributes to instilling values from an early age and preparing citizens for the future local and global labor market.

- Increasing kindergarten enrollment rate to 40 percent.

- Classifying six Saudi universities among the top two hundred universities in the world.

- Advancing the Kingdom to forty-fifth place in the World Bank Human Capital Index across 157 countries.

- Increasing localization rate of high-skilled jobs by 40 percent.

- Adoption of Yanbu Industrial City among UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

- The Kingdom advanced to ninth place globally in technical and vocational training in the 2021 Global Knowledge Index.

- Developing the Virtual Kindergarten platform and launching new versions to identify age-appropriate content for each child stage.

- Increasing beneficiaries of distance education to nine million people in the Kingdom, and activating educational TV broadcasting on twenty-three satellite channels.

- Providing 3,700 professional development programs for over 420,000 education job occupants.

- Scientific research publication increased by 120 percent.

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program has translated the ambitions of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a leading industrial power and global logistics platform, by maximizing the value realized from the mining and energy sectors and focusing on the two axes of local content and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It was launched in 2019.

- Reducing the time for issuing a mining license to less than sixty days.

- Reaching 50 percent of the Arabian Shield geological survey.

- Reaching 40.8 percent power generation efficiency.

- Increasing the local content ratio to 70 percent in the oil and gas sectors.

- Establishing eight diverse economic zones across the Kingdom.

- Exceeding the Logistics Performance Index of 3.38 out of five.

- The operational utilization rate of the ports reached 70 percent in exchange for the increase in capacity.

- Increasing the pharmaceutical manufacturing ratio to 30 percent of total market value.

- Raising the production capacity of the aquaculture sector to three hundred thousand t annually.

- Activating five national capabilities centers for Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

- Raising the value of local content to SAR1.24 billion in non-oil sectors.

- Reaching twenty logistics hubs that are connected with proper connections to enable re-export.

- Reaching SAR1 billion in mining sector revenues, the highest historical figure.

- Achieving gains of more than SAR18 billion, and launching more than 23,000 government tenders by 2020.

- Launching the ‘Made in Saudi’ program to provide a unified identity for Saudi products and services.

- Inaugurating the Regional Geological Survey Program, the largest of its kind in the region.

- Launching five new shipping lines to serve regional markets, and increasing the global connectivity strength of Saudi ports.

- Increasing the share of gas production in the Kingdom, bringing the capacity to eighteen billion ft per day.

- Launching renewable energy projects, and operating the first solar power production plant in Sakaka.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman described the National Transformation Program, launched in 2016 as the first Saudi Vision 2030 program, as 'an executive program aimed at realizing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on the services and citizen needs sector.' The program's focus included the enhancement of infrastructure in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, fostering government performance excellence, supporting digital transformation, promoting private sector growth, fostering economic partnerships, advancing community development, and ensuring the sustainability of vital resources.

- Increasing the rehabilitated natural vegetation cover area to 86,982 ha.

- Reaching six hundred thousand volunteers in the Kingdom.

- Raising the digital economy’s share of the GDP to 19.2 percent.

- Achieving a 92 percent digitization rate for key government services.

- Increasing foreign direct investment to SAR95.4 billion.

- The Kingdom ranked first among the most advanced countries in digital competitiveness among the G20 countries.

- Saudi women's economic participation rate increased to 35.6 percent.

- The Kingdom achieved the highest global production capacity rate for desalinated water, with a production volume of 5.9 million m per day in 2020.

- The number of volunteers in the Kingdom increased fourteenfold, from 34,000 to over 484,000 between 2016 and 2021.

- The 'Invest Saudi' initiative was launched and 1,278 foreign investment licenses were issued.

- The Kingdom has the largest food stocks in the Middle East.

- The Kingdom was ranked second in the Middle East for 5G availability, third for 5G reach, and fourth in download speed in the Opensignal Global 5G Benchmark for 2022.

- Seven royal reserves were allocated to preserve local flora and fauna and endangered species.

The Pilgrim Experience Program launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz in the presence of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in 2019 gained great momentum, reflecting the Kingdom's role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors over the centuries. It provides the opportunity for the largest possible number of Muslims to perform the Hajj and Umrah fully, and to enrich and deepen their experience.

- Capacity increase to host fifteen million foreign Umrah pilgrims annually.

- Rehabilitation of fifteen historic and cultural sites.

- Hajj and Umrah pilgrims' satisfaction with services provided reached 85 percent.

- A new visa was introduced allowing GCC residents to visit the Kingdom, increasing visitors to 56,000 in one month.

- E-visas were adopted for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, reducing Umrah visa processing time from fourteen days to just five minutes.

- Pilgrims' waiting time at ports was reduced to just fifteen minutes as the Makkah Road initiative contributed to facilitating entry procedures.

- A comprehensive health insurance initiative was launched for pilgrims.

- A project to develop forty historic mosques and sites was launched.

- 'Wifadah' e-training platform was established to qualify and train workers serving the pilgrims.

- Hajj and Umrah pilgrim travel and transit experience was improved after the launch of the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

Saudi Vision 2030 has opened a venue for the private sector to provide services and improve asset operation efficiency in general through the Privatization Program launched in 2018. The program aims to improve service quality and contribute to reducing costs, encourage economic development, increase competitiveness to address challenges and regional and international competition, attract foreign direct investment, and improve the balance of payments.

- Increasing non-oil government revenue to SAR143 billion.

- Increasing the public-private partnership investment value to SAR62 billion.

- Reaching SAR14 billion for the total financial value of government spending efficiency through partnership operations.

- Privatization of the flour milling sector was completed, involving the full divestment of shares in the four milling companies to private sector investors.

- The Jubail 3 Independent Water Producer Project agreement was completed, and the Yanbu 4 Independent Water Producer Project agreement was signed with the winning alliances.

- The contract and financial closing of the first group of the initiative to attract private investments to finance the construction of educational buildings are completed, and a competition for the second group was launched.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman sought to amplify the Kingdom's influence and role on the regional and global stage by personally leading the Public Investment Fund Program. The aim is to bolster the fund's role as a catalyst for economic diversification and to contribute to the development of specific strategic sectors by maximizing the impact of the fund's investments and striving to position it as one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally.

- Increasing assets under management to SAR4 trillion.

- Investing more than SAR150 billion annually in new domestic projects.

- Increasing the percentage of assets in new and promising sectors to 21 percent.

- Increasing the share of assets in global markets to 24 percent.

- Reaching SAR1.2 trillion in cumulative contribution to non-oil GDP.

- Providing 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs cumulatively.

- Raising the contribution of the fund and its portfolio companies to the local content to 60 percent.

- Increasing cumulative non-government investment to SAR1.2 trillion.

- Total assets increased from 5 percent to 31 percent between 2016 and 2020, with assets under management by the fund tripling to around SAR1.5 trillion over the same period.

- Total annual shareholder return increased from 3 percent between 2014-2016 to 8 percent between 2018-2020.

- Five mega projects were established: NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea, Roshn, and Diriyah Company.

- Over thirty companies were established in more than ten new sectors, including entertainment, tourism, military industries, renewable energy, and refinancing.

- Human capital growth through the creation of over 365,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by the end of 2020.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman prioritized the quality of life, establishing it as a target in Saudi Vision 2030. This underscores the leadership's commitment to citizen well-being. In line with this, CEDA initiated the 'Quality of Life' Program in 2018 to offer dynamic options that foster positive lifestyles, boost citizen, resident, and visitor participation in cultural, entertainment, sports, and tourism activities, facilitate job creation and economic diversification, and enhance the standing of Saudi cities in best global cities rankings.

- Placing three Saudi cities among the top one hundred most livable cities globally.

- Increasing workers in the Saudi cultural sector to 143,746.

- Raising confidence level in security services to 90 percent.

- Increasing participants in weekly sports and physical activity to 40 percent of the population.

- Increasing entertainment venues to 613.

- Employing 1.6 million direct employees in the tourism sector.

- Over SAR1 million were allocated in financial grants under the 'Game Founders' program to incubate video game developers and designers.

- The Kingdom ranked third in the Arab world on the World Happiness Report 2022.

- The unified emergency number 911 was launched in Riyadh, Makkah al-Mukarramah, and the Eastern Province.

- Over 3,800 entertainment events were held with over eighty million attendees from around the world.

- Six Saudi sites were listed on UNESCO World Heritage lists.

- The Kingdom welcomed 67 million tourists in 2021.

With imaginative opportunities and an enormous investment capacity exceeding USD500 billion, coupled with a distinct location bridging three continents, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched NEOM in 2017 as a flagship project of the PIF. It serves as a bold and ambitious vision for a new future, marking the commencement of transformative changes that encapsulate the future of business innovation, livelihood, and sustainability.

The NEOM project is strategically situated on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, covering a vast total area of 26,500 km. Relying solely on renewable sources of energy, it embodies three key objectives: an exceptional living, a thriving business environment, and a reinvention of the concept of sustainability. NEOM has five regions, namely, Sindalah, The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, and the Gulf of Aqaba.

On December 5, 2022, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the development of Sindalah Island in the Red Sea, covering an estimated area of 840,000 m2. It is designated as the primary gateway for Red Sea cruises, marking the inaugural luxury maritime destination within NEOM and forming part of a cluster of islands slated for development in NEOM.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman during the launch of “The Line” project in NEOM. (SPA)

In early 2021, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman initiated ‘The Line’ project, expressing his dedication to the Saudi populace and their welfare. This smart city prioritizes people and aims to fulfill all their needs without causing harm to the surrounding environment. The city spans 170 km in length, with a width of two hundred m and a height of five hundred m above sea level. Designed to accommodate nine million residents, The Line preserves 95 percent of the natural landscape in NEOM lands.

The Line is projected to create 380,000 jobs and contribute SAR180 billion to the GDP by 2030. It relies 100 percent on renewable energy sources, making it a leading global model for sustainability, ideal living conditions, and harmony with nature.

The floating industrial city 'Oxagon' was launched on November 16, 2021, by NEOM. It presents a new model for future manufacturing centers, redefining the way humanity lives and works in the future.

On March 3, 2022, Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched 'Trojena,' the global destination for mountain tourism. It integrates natural and urban landscapes, providing experiences centered around people for both residents and visitors. Comprising six districts, Trojena converges reality with engineering innovations and virtual architectural art, establishing itself as a unique destination.

Trojena is situated approximately fifty km from the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, spanning elevations ranging from 1,500 m to 2,600 m above sea level. Encompassing an area of approximately sixty km, it stands out for its optimal location for engaging in rock climbing and adventures.

The 'Magna' project, NEOM's luxury coastal tourism area, is situated along the Gulf of Aqaba and features twelve tourist destinations, including:

On October 15, 2023, the development of ‘Leyja’ was made public as an upcoming tourist destination. Nestled in a natural oasis amidst valleys and mountains, Leyja boasts three hotels and upscale amenities. This destination aims to offer tourist and sports experiences, exploratory adventures, and a diverse array of services. Positioned in a historically rich area within NEOM, Leyja stretches from the Gulf of Aqaba's coast to the west, passing through the natural terrain of a winding valley between mountains reaching approximately four hundred m in height, sculpted by waters over thousands of years.

On November 15, 2023, the development of 'Epicon' was announced. It is a luxurious tourist interface featuring distinctive facilities designed sustainably and innovatively, harmonizing with its location on the Gulf of Aqaba. The destination includes two towers, one with a height of 225 m and the other with a height of 275 m, housing an ultra-luxury hotel with forty-one ultra-luxury tourist apartments and luxurious residences, including fourteen suites and apartments. Close to the hotel, there is a resort with 120 rooms and forty-five beachfront villas.

On November 29, 2023, NEOM announced the 'Siranna' destination to be a modern tourist destination within NEOM destinations. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Siranna provides a model for luxurious beachfront living, embodying NEOM's commitment to the principles of sustainability and nature preservation.

On December 13, 2023, the development of 'Utamo,' a destination designed to provide a wide range of arts and entertainment experiences, was announced as an optimal destination for hosting innovative events and activities and accommodating international artists. Situated amidst mountains overlooking the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Utamo provides a unique environment that brings a qualitative shift to traditional entertainment concepts.

On December 27, 2023, the launch of Norlana was announced—a residential complex designed in the latest style and dedicated to rejuvenating activities and health. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Norlana offers a unique environment within a complex that accommodates three thousand residents. It is equipped with the latest technologies to support a sustainable and healthy life.

Announced on January 10, 2024, Aquellum Destination is a digital future community nestled underground within a mountain range that rises to 450 m, drawing inspiration from the lifestyle of the future.

On January 24, 2024, Zardun Destination was revealed as a resort featuring four ultra-luxury buildings, designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. It stands out as a unique location where luxury seamlessly integrates with the natural environment.

Xaynor Destination was unveiled on February 7, 2024, with the goal of enticing visitors seeking an ultra-luxury tourism experience. Its unique position on the beach makes it an extraordinary destination, offering exclusive experiences that set it apart.

Elanan Destination was revealed on February 21, 2024. It is situated in a location where mountains meet the sea, overlooking a green oasis nourished by ancient natural springs in the area. The resort includes eighty rooms and private suites, focusing on enhancing a luxury lifestyle.

An entertainment coastal destination dedicated to the golf community, Gidori Destination was unveiled on March 6, 2024. It features a suspended structure facing the beach that showcases architectural ingenuity. The building houses 190 sea-view apartments and offers a variety of tourist experiences.

Announced on March 20, 2024, the resort is situated at the crossroads of desert landscapes and the turquoise waters of a lake at the southern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It features an innovatively designed resort, highlighted by a 450-m-long bridge that connects the northern and southern shores of the lake, offering stunning views of the natural surroundings from a lofty vantage point.

Announced on May 8, 2024, it includes a marine science center and an international school, featuring facilities that harmonize with the diverse surrounding natural terrain on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. It has a capacity of approximately six thousand residents, comprising around five hundred residential apartments overlooking the marina, in addition to approximately seven hundred villas.

On February 16, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the launch of the ‘New Murabba’ Project, becoming the world's largest modern downtown in the heart of Riyadh. It aims to elevate the quality of life, featuring an innovative museum, a specialized university in technology and design, a versatile integrated theater, and over eighty areas for live shows and entertainment.

The project covers an area of nineteen km², with a floor area exceeding 25 million m². A PIF project, it provides 104,000 housing units, nine thousand hospitality units, commercial spaces exceeding 980,000 m², 1.4 million m² of office spaces, 620,000 m² for entertainment facilities, and 1.8 million m² for community facilities.

On September 25, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the master plan for the development project in al-Soudah and parts of the Rijal Alma Governorate, known as 'Soudah Peaks.' The goal is to develop a luxurious mountainous tourist destination at the highest peak in the Kingdom, reaching an elevation of 3,015 m above sea level. It is situated in the unique natural and cultural environment of Aseer Province in the southwest of the Kingdom. The project is aligned with the PIF's efforts to empower promising vital sectors and support the development strategy of Aseer Province, known as 'Qimam wa Shyam.'

‘Soudah Peaks’ Project aims to offer upscale hospitality services to two million visitors. The project's master plan is rooted in the local urban identity, featuring six distinct areas strategically positioned: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jireen, Rijal, and Red Rock. The diverse facilities encompass hotels, luxurious mountain resorts, palaces, residential units boasting picturesque views, and upscale retail stores. Additionally, it will incorporate a range of entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions. By the year 2033, the project aims to introduce 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,336 residential units, and eighty thousand m2 of commercial space. Soudah Peaks consists of three main phases, and the first phase is expected to be completed in 2027.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman placed significant focus on the tourism industry, with the Red Sea Project emerging as a prominent and distinctive international tourism project. Launched on July 31, 2017, the project spans the most stunning and varied landscape between the cities of Ummlujj and al-Wajh, covering 28,000 km2 of untouched terrain and lakes. Encompassing an archipelago of over ninety islands, the project features hotels, residential units, historical, heritage, and cultural landmarks, as well as entertainment projects.

Located near one of the Kingdom's nature reserves, the project incorporates the archaeological site of Hegra (Mada'in Salih), renowned for its urban beauty and historical significance. The Red Sea International Airport, agricultural nursery, solid waste management center, hotel destinations, and the main health center are among the various components of the project.

The vision of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman highlights the strengths of the Kingdom. Amaala project, launched by the PIF on September 26, 2018, is an ultra-luxurious tourist destination on the Red Sea coast.

Amaala offers exceptional experiences that combine art, culture, and physical health. Spanning 4,155 km, it includes Triple Bay, the Coastal Development, and the Island. It offers over nine hundred residences and three thousand hotel rooms, and targets over five hundred thousand visitors annually.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman focused on strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors. On August 19, 2020, the PIF launched ROSHN, a real estate company specializing in developing urban neighborhoods.341 The aim is to develop high-quality residential neighborhoods that meet the aspirations of Saudi society. It leverages opportunities available in the real estate market and contributes to increasing citizens' homeownership rate to 70 percent, achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals. ROSHN projects cover over two hundred million m2 across the Kingdom.

Saudi Vision 2030 is propelling diverse sectors forward, providing enriching experiences and opportunities that enhance life in every dimension. Notably, the entertainment sector has undergone a significant transformation with the initiation of the Qiddiya project on April 7, 2017, led by the PIF. This project encompasses the Six Flags Qiddiya, Jack Nicklaus Championships Golf Course, Multi-Sport Stadium, Water Theme Park, and Speedpark Track.

The Qiddiya project spans an expansive 367 km2 area and, in its early years, has generated over five hundred employment opportunities for the country's male and female youth. Collaborating with the Misk Foundation, it has initiated two cooperative training programs. Additionally, in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, the Qiddiya International Scholarship Program has seen enrollment from more than fifty male and female students.

On December 7, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman unveiled the urban plan for Qiddiya City, along with its global brand. The objective of Qiddiya City is to offer a plethora of delightful experiences. Spanning 360 km2, the city is set to comprise sixty thousand structures, accommodating approximately six hundred thousand residents and generating around 325,000 qualitative job opportunities. It is anticipated to contribute to the GDP, boosting it by an estimated SAR135 billion. The city's goal includes attracting 48 million annual visitors.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman places great importance on historic mosques given their eminent status in Islamic history. In November 2018, he launched an ambitious project to rehabilitate and restore 130 mosques across different regions of the Kingdom. The first phase saw thirty mosques rehabilitated at a total cost of SAR50 million by specialized local companies working in heritage buildings, under local engineers' supervision to preserve each mosque's authentic urban identity and highlight the Kingdom's civilizational dimension.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has presented an inspiring model for global non-profit sector development, by launching the world’s first non-profit city on November 14, 2021. It hosts local and international youth groups, volunteers, and non-profit institutions. Moreover, it provides opportunities, training programs, and an array of services, creating an attractive environment for city activities beneficiaries.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman NonProfit City, the first of its kind globally, hosts various academies, colleges, and Misk schools. It includes a conference center, science museum, and creativity center to realize innovators’ ambitions in science and technology using advanced systems like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. It also comprises an art institute, exhibition, and theaters, a gaming area, a culinary arts institute, and an integrated residential complex. Spanning an area of 3.4 km, the city is located in Riyadh’s Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifah, and hosts venture capital and investors with community contributions around the world.

Through Saudi Vision 2030, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman committed to preserving and safeguarding natural and human heritage, taking interest in launching the world’s largest living museum by announcing the design vision for the ‘Journey Through Time Masterplan' as part of al-Ula development program. This reflects his substantial and ongoing interest in showcasing the Kingdom's culture to the world.

The design vision of the Journey Through Time Masterplan involved the largest initiative to sustainably revive and rehabilitate cultural and natural oases worldwide. In this plan, the Kingdom sought to present al-Ula's two hundred thousand years of unique human and natural heritage to the world. The plan included five distinct urban development hubs, fifteen cultural facilities, five archaeological sites, and more than five thousand hotel rooms. Al-Ula’s cultural oasis spans nine km.

In line with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s efforts to develop the Kingdom's regions building on the comparative and competitive advantages of each, he announced on October 3, 2022, the launch of the ‘Saudi Downtown’ Company to establish and develop urban centers and diverse destinations in twelve cities. This aims to develop city infrastructure and strengthen strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors by providing several new investment opportunities in the business, shopping, tourism, entertainment, and housing sectors.

The company is developing over ten million m2 in twelve cities: al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, al-Khubar, al-Ahsa, Buraydah, Najran, Jazan, Hail, al-Bahah, Ar'ar, Taif, Dawmat al-Jandal, and Tabuk, according to a modern character derived from the spirit, culture, and local urban fabric of the Kingdom’s regions while applying the latest standards.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has reaffirmed his commitment to developing and diversifying the Saudi economy while improving the investment climate. On April 13, 2023, he unveiled the launching of four special economic zones in Riyadh, Jazan, Ras al-Khair, and King Abdullah Economic City, located north of Jeddah. These zones leverage the competitive advantages of each region to bolster vital and promising sectors such as logistics, industry, technology, and other priority sectors.

The four zones comprise integrated logistics and industrial platforms, providing an exceptional investment experience, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa, and a link between east and west markets. The new zones open enormous opportunities to grow the domestic economy, create jobs, transfer technology, localize industries, develop Saudi society, and provide a fertile ground for achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

On December 15, 2015, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced the establishment of the 'Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition' to unify military, political, economic, intellectual, and media efforts to counter all forms of extremism and terrorism. This also integrates international efforts to maintain international peace and security, build a database of counterterrorism programs, and identify best practices of global organizations and member states. The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition has forty-one member countries.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired the Board of Trustees of the Ideological War Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense and launched on April 30, 2017. The center aims to expose false claims and misleading methods promoted by extremists and terrorists, immunize youth through preventive and remedial programs against extremist ideology, dismantle ways terrorism seeks to recruit, clarify the true image of Islam domestically and globally, and adopt moderation in Islam.

Throughout his leadership journey, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has chaired summits and launched historical initiatives that serve the interests of the Kingdom, the region, and the world. His Highness has spearheaded initiatives and summits covering diverse areas. Noteworthy among them are the Future Investment Initiative (FII), the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit (2021), the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit, the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, and the Arab League Summit (2023).

The Crown Prince participating in one of the sessions of the Future Investment Initiative. (SPA)

The Future Investment Initiative was dubbed 'Davos in the Desert.' The PIF hosts it annually in Riyadh to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the global economy and investment environment over the coming decades.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the Future Investment Initiative on October 24, 2017. Initially established as an annual forum bringing together individuals interested in promising solutions, it was transformed into a civil society and a non-profit global organization with an investment arm following a Royal Order issued on October 28, 2019. The organization's agenda is: impact on humanity, focusing on five core areas: education, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, and sustainability, in addition to a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The FII Institute has contributed to the development of projects and initiatives, hosted international platforms, and published reports, all aimed at ensuring a more sustainable future for humanity.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired the 2021 Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. This forty-first summit was held by the GCC on January 5, 2021, in the Kingdom's al-Ula Governorate, thus dubbed ‘al-Ula Summit.' It was also called the ‘Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit,’ as directed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in appreciation of the two late leaders’ efforts in supporting the council.

Al-Ula Declaration emerged from the 2021 Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, in which participating leaders affirmed various points. Foremost among them is ensuring stability in the Gulf, the Arab world, and the Islamic world, enhancing the council’s regional and international role by unifying political positions, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among countries and their peoples, overcoming obstacles hindering joint action, and realizing the hopes and aspirations of Gulf citizens.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman among the leaders of the participating countries in the first edition of the Green Middle East Initiative Summit in Riyadh. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the Middle East Green Initiative, forming the first environmental alliance dedicated to the Middle East and North Africa region. He outlined a clear plan to address climate challenges, expand climate action fields through investment opportunities, and foster regional cooperation to achieve global climate aspirations. ‏His Highness hosted the first edition of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit on October 25, 2021, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in which the participating leaders stressed the need to cooperate and coordinate efforts to address the global warming phenomenon.‏ Since the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030, His Highness has focused on combining environmental sustainability with renewable energy sources to expedite development and build a sustainable future

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired and inaugurated the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. The summit's agenda highlighted global challenges facing the world, emphasized finding common solutions, reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty of nations, and discouraged interference in their internal affairs. The international collaboration aimed at achieving food and health security, and global economic recovery. The importance of achieving energy security and stability in energy markets was underscored during the summit.

Jeddah Security and Development Summit coincided with the first visit of US President Joseph Biden to the Kingdom. The summit witnessed the participation of leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Iraq, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the United States of America.

The summit was held in the Kingdom's Jeddah Governorate on July 16, 2022.

To maintain ongoing discussions and coordinate stances on shared issues and files, as well as to sustain communication with the leaders of Arab nations, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman presided over the thirty-second ordinary session of the Arab League Summit. The summit, held in Jeddah on May 19, 2023, was attended by leaders of Arab countries and the heads of delegations in the Arab League. It also witnessed the resumption of Syria's occupancy of its seat in the Arab League for the first time since the outbreak of the civil war. The summit addressed key topics, including emphasizing solidarity and unity of opinion to safeguard the security and stability of the region, highlighting the importance of joint Arab cooperation, leveraging the human and natural resources characteristics of the region, addressing challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities while enhancing partnerships among countries.

The Crown Prince presides Riyadh Summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (SPA)

On October 20, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chaired the 'Riyadh Summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' in Riyadh. The summit was attended by Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia, and saw the participation of the leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

The summit released a collective statement in which leaders expressed their approval of the inclusion of all Gulf Cooperation Council countries in theTreaty of Amity and Cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations. Recognizing the shared interests and strong historical connections between the two sides, the leaders exchanged views regarding mutual concerns on both regional and international levels. They explored ways to enhance and foster the partnership, aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities facilitated by collaboration between these dynamic regions, according to the shared visions for the future of the partnership and the values outlined in the United Nations Charter.

On November 11, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired and inaugurated the proceedings of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. On November 11, 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chaired and inaugurated the proceedings of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Following the conclusion of the summit, a collective statement was released wherein the heads of the nations and governments belonging to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States condemned the Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, including al-Quds al-Sharif (Jerusalem). They underscored their commitment to counteracting it and addressing the humanitarian crisis resulting from it. Additionally, the leaders affirmed their efforts to halt and put an end to all illegitimate Israeli practices that infringe upon the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to freedom and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state.

The international summit, held in Riyadh City on December 3, 2024, focused on environmental challenges, particularly water scarcity and drought. The event coincided with the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) also hosted in Riyadh City.

The summit was inaugurated by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and was jointly chaired by His Highness, President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and World Bank President, Mr. Ajay Banga.

In his address, the Crown Prince announced the creation of a global water organization based in Riyadh. It aims to foster collaboration and integrate efforts from countries and organizations to tackle water-related challenges in a comprehensive way.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman established many non-profit organizations and charities, including the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation 'Misk,' which aims to create a knowledge-based society. The foundation began its work in 2011, empowering youth across the Kingdom primarily in the fields of education and entrepreneurship, as well as providing support in the fields of science and technology. It focuses on developing leadership skills and encouraging youth to learn, creating better future opportunities for their country. The foundation also works to provide various forms of support for the development of talents and creative energies, creating a supportive environment for their growth through the development of programs and establishing partnerships with local and international organizations. In November 2021, His Highness announced the establishment of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City to contribute to achieving the goals of the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation 'Misk.' The city will become the world's first non-profit city, serving as a model for improving the non-profit sector and acting as an incubator for voluntary, youth, and non-profit organizations, both local and international. It aims to attract investors with community contributions and venture capital contributions. The city is located in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh City, the capital of the Kingdom, and covers an area of approximately 3.4 km. More than 44 percent of the total area is allocated to open green spaces to enhance sustainable development.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman chairs several charitable entities, including the Board of Trustees of King Salman Youth Center, and the Board of Directors of Riyadh Non-Profit Schools. He also serves as the Vice President of the King Salman Charity Housing Association, a member of the Coordinating Council of Charities Working in Riyadh, and the Board of Directors of the Charitable Association for the Memorization of the Noble Quran in Riyadh, as well as the Board of Directors of al-Bir Society in Riyadh City. He is also one of the founders of Ibn Baz Charitable Foundation, which facilitates marriage and supports families. The 'SNAD' program, backed by His Highness to support those seeking marriage, is considered one of the influential social programs in the Kingdom.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman appeared in interviews that resonated widely both locally and globally and clearly discussed the targets, programs, and achievements of Saudi Vision 2030. Those discussions were characterized by transparency, with references to economic figures and statistical data to support the directions and projects outlined by Saudi Vision 2030.

In tandem with the unveiling of Saudi Vision 2030, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, in his capacity as Deputy Crown Prince at the time, participated in a televised interview on Al Arabiya channel with journalist Turki al-Dakhil on April 25, 2016. The discussion encompassed insights into Saudi Vision 2030 and delved into a range of significant subjects, notably highlighting the strengths of the Kingdom and elucidating the rationale behind making shares of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) available for public subscription. He also discussed tourism opportunities in the Kingdom, announced the establishment of a holding company for military industries, and mentioned the Kingdom's ranking as the third-highest country in terms of military expenditure.

One year after launching Saudi Vision 2030, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's television interview with the media personality Dawood al-Shirian in 2017 was broadcast on Al Saudiya Channels and the MBC network. During the interview, His Highness explained the programs of Saudi Vision 2030, clarifying that their implementation is divided into three stages: the first stage from the launch date of the vision until 2020, followed by a stage extending until 2025, and then a third stage until 2030. The meeting addressed several topics, including discussions about the National Transformation Program, unemployment rates, diversification of non-oil revenues for the Kingdom, the future of the PIF, opportunities for localizing the automotive industry, development of ports and King Salman Bridge, sectors privatization, and the role of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority. He elaborated on the political situation, the war with the Houthis, and the Saudi-Iranian relationship.

On April 28, 2021, the interview with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman with Saudi journalist Abdullah al-Mudaifer was broadcast on Al Saudiya Channel and several other Arab television channels The interview took place on the fifth anniversary of the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. It addressed the achievements of the vision in diversifying non-oil sources of income, its ability to address structural challenges accomplished over the past five years, establishing infrastructure, building institutional and legislative frameworks, setting public policies, and empowering initiatives. The next phase of the vision will be dedicated to monitoring implementation, enhancing private sector involvement, and increasing citizen participation for further development.

On June 26, 2023, the American Discovery Channel featured 'The Line,' a documentary exploring the concept of new cities and their future development potential. The documentary showcased the 'The Line' city project, with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman appearing to discuss the goal behind establishing a new city and its profound implications for both the Kingdom and the world.

In the documentary, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman spoke about the Kingdom's ambition to redefine the role of the city in the twenty-first century and to shape an innovative civilization for the future. He discussed the idea of utilizing undeveloped areas in the Kingdom, designing 'The Line' city, and its goal of accommodating ten million people. He also discussed the steps taken before finalizing the design of 'The Line,' encouraging other countries to follow the same path to build a better future for humanity and the planet.

On September 21, 2023, the Crown Prince appeared in a television interview with the journalist Bret Baier, broadcast by Fox News Channel from the city of NEOM. The interview covered discussions about the future of the Kingdom, Saudi-American relations, and regional and global developments.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman discussed the ambitions and targets of Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting the Kingdom's achievement of the fastest GDP growth among the G20 countries for two consecutive years. He also touched on the progress in relations with Iran, the India-Europe corridor project, negotiations with the United States on the Palestinian issue, and relations with Israel. His Highness affirmed that the anticipated agreements with the United States would be beneficial for both countries and the security of the region and the world.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman awarded the highest civil order in Pakistan. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has been awarded several orders, including the Order of Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa of premium class, presented by the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, in 2018. This was in recognition of his efforts in supporting Saudi-Bahraini relations.

In 2018, the former President of the Republic of Tunisia, Beji Caid Essebsi, awarded him the highest rank of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his efforts in supporting Saudi-Tunisian relations.

In 2019, the Crown Prince was awarded the highest civil order in Pakistan by the Pakistani President. In 2021, Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq of Oman awarded him the 'Oman Civil Order' of the first class to recognize the strong fraternal ties, excellent relations, and constructive cooperation. This honor, one of Oman's highest medals, is granted to kings, heads of state, crown princes, and heads of government. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on behalf of the President of the United Arab Emirates, presented him with the Order of Zayed of the first class, highlighting the pride in the deep-rooted international relations between their countries. That year, the Emir of Kuwait also awarded the Crown Prince the Order of Kuwait and the Order of Mubarak the Great, in appreciation of his efforts to strengthen the bond of brotherhood between their countries.

On June 21, 2022, King Abdullah II of Jordan honored Prince Mohammed Bin Salman with the Order of Hussein Bin Ali, the highest civil honor of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to commemorate the long-standing ties between their nations. On November 19, 2022, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Kasetsart University in Thailand for his contributions in the field of Earth Knowledge for Sustainable Development.

In 2024, the Arab Parliament (AP) Speaker Adel Bin Abdulrahman al-Asoumi, presented the 'Leader' Medal to the Crown Prince as a token of appreciation from the Arab people for his pivotal role in defending Arab causes and advancing joint Arab initiatives.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has received awards and honors at various international forums, notably the Leadership Personality of the Year Award for supporting entrepreneurs for 2013 from Forbes Middle East. This recognition was attributed to his role as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Salman Youth Center for his support of young entrepreneurs. In 2015, the American news publication Foreign Policy selected him as one of the most influential leaders in the world in its annual list of the top one hundred global thinkers for 2015. Time magazine awarded him the 2017 'Person of the Year,' chosen by the readers. 406In 2017, Forbes magazine chose him to be part of the list of 'Global Game Changers' for 2017.

In a dialogue session held at the Future Investment Initiative, the session moderator asked Prince Mohammed Bin Salman about the future of the Middle East. His response covered the Gulf countries, their future plans, and the progress they have achieved. He also touched on brotherly countries, such as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Lebanese Republic. At that time, His Highness made several comments that later resonated widely among Saudis and were widely circulated by the media. Among them:

'The New Europe is the Middle East.'

'This is the Saudis' war. This is my war. I don't want to leave this earth before I see the Middle East at the forefront of the world.'

'The Saudis’ strength is like that of the Tuwaiq Mountain, unbreakable, unless this mountain is leveled and equaled to the ground.'