For many years, the Gulf countries have heavily relied on oil as the main pillar of their economies, a situation that has granted them both economic prosperity and political leverage. However, the global energy transition, the unsustainability of fossil fuels, and the advancement of alternative energy sources have compelled these states to pursue economic diversification. In this context, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emerges as one of the most comprehensive initiatives aimed at increasing non-oil revenues. The primary objectives of the Vision are to diversify the economy, empower the private sector, modernize social life, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
The driving force behind this transformation is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As the son of King Salman, the Crown Prince has undertaken unprecedented steps in the history of Saudi Arabia in terms of both social reforms and economic initiatives since assuming power. Notably, the reforms concerning women’s rights in the societal sphere have drawn significant attention. While strict restrictions on women in the past sparked widespread criticism, recent years have witnessed reforms allowing women to drive, work, and participate in artistic and athletic fields. These developments not only reflect the government’s response to domestic demands for modernization but also aim to convey a message to the international community that Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant change.
Launched to bolster the economic dimension of Vision 2030, the “Riyadh Season” events represent a significant step in opening Saudi Arabia to the world in the fields of entertainment and culture. Held annually, these events—ranging from concerts and sports competitions to international exhibitions and festivals—not only attract tourists but also contribute to the development of new sectors. One of the main goals of these initiatives is to reshape Saudi Arabia’s image by presenting it not only as the host of the holy lands, but also as an emerging destination for tourism, culture, and the arts.
Undoubtedly, the most striking and ambitious element of Vision 2030 is the “THE LINE” project. Introduced on January 10, 2021, this mega initiative lies at the heart of the Neom smart city development. “THE LINE” is envisioned as the city of the future, promising a car-free living environment that is in harmony with nature and features zero carbon emissions. The project plans a linear city extending 170 kilometers in length, 200 meters in width, and situated between two parallel structures 500 meters high. These structures will accommodate residential areas, workplaces, green spaces, and public services. The city will operate entirely on renewable energy and is designed so that all essential needs can be reached within a five-minute walk. Upon completion, the project is expected to house 9 million residents.
The contribution of “THE LINE” to the national economy extends beyond architectural and technological innovation. The project is estimated to create approximately 460,000 jobs and contribute 48 billion USD to the country’s gross domestic product. This is regarded as a concrete step in supporting the nation’s non-oil economic growth. Additionally, the project is expected to play a significant role in attracting foreign investment to the region.
The ambitious goals of the project have also brought numerous challenges. Initially designed with a budget of 500 billion USD, Neom has experienced occasional slowdowns in financing and construction processes, leading to the revision of some plans. Due to budget constraints in 2024, the project’s original completion date was postponed, and the initial focus has been limited to the construction of only a few kilometers.
Despite such revisions, the project continues to progress. As of October 2022, excavation work has commenced along the entire length of the city, and by 2024, the number of workers on-site has exceeded 100,000. This figure is expected to double by 2025. THE LINE is not merely an architectural project but also symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition in the global innovation race. The city aims to implement some of the world’s most advanced solutions in sustainability, artificial intelligence, high technology, and data management. This project provides both employment opportunities and significant economic potential for the future.
In addition to “THE LINE,” several large-scale projects are being carried out simultaneously in Riyadh. Initiatives such as “King Salman Park,” “Green Riyadh,” and “Sports Boulevard” aim to enhance both the city’s aesthetics and quality of life. Through these projects, Riyadh is being developed into one of the most livable cities in the Middle East. All these developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s transformation not only economically but also socially, environmentally, and culturally. The projects implemented within the framework of Vision 2030 hold the potential to shape the country’s future and convey important messages regarding tourism and national image. In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a concrete expression of the effort to move beyond an oil-dependent economic model. The social reforms, cultural initiatives, and mega projects undertaken within this vision aim to enhance the country’s competitiveness both regionally and globally. Projects such as “THE LINE” stand at the forefront of this transformation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a prospective leader in future urban development and sustainability. This may also serve as a significant example for other Gulf countries.
