Vision 2030 Projects: A Roadmap for Building a Sustainable Future

Hanan Khalwi - Beth

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving steadily toward achieving Vision 2030, one of the most ambitious development plans and a strategic turning point in the country's history. The vision focuses on diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil as the primary source of income by launching a series of major projects aimed at boosting economic development, improving quality of life, and making the Kingdom a global hub for tourism and investment. These projects span various sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, industry, tourism, and entertainment, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving sustainable development and building a promising future for future generations.

In this report, we will highlight a range of distinguished projects that embody the leadership’s vision to diversify the economy and enhance creative and sustainable development paths.

- Saudi Genome Program:

In 2018, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud launched the "Saudi Genome" program. The program aims to reduce the spread of genetic diseases using the latest genomic technologies. It also paves the way for a new future in the healthcare sector by providing comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and preventive services.

Some of the program's key goals are:

• Developing national genomic capabilities.
• Studying genetic variations and mutations.
• Establishing an advanced infrastructure for genomics and bioinformatics.

The program has achieved several accomplishments:

• Examined 63,000 samples.
• Documented 7,500 genetic variations.
• Created 13 genetic sequence panels.
• Published 140 scientific papers in international journals.

The project is a significant step towards improving healthcare and preventing genetic diseases in the Kingdom, also enhancing its global standing in the healthcare sector.

- Sports Path Project:

On March 19, 2019, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, launched the "Sports Path" project. This project is one of four major initiatives in Riyadh city and aims to enhance sports activities and improve the quality of life, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

The path spans 135 kilometers along Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, connecting Wadi Hanifa in the west and Wadi Al-Sulay in the east. The project includes several sub-projects:

• Wadi Al-Sulay Area: Extending 53 km, featuring various paths and 15 stations.
• Wadi Hanifa Area: Extending 30 km, featuring paths for cyclists and horse riders, along with 7 stations.
• Sports Area: Extending 5 km, with 60 sports sites and a bicycle track.
• Wadi Al-Yasin Area: Extending 3.5 km, featuring diverse paths, resting areas for visitors, and investment zones.
• Recreational Area: Extending 4 km, featuring bridges for professional cyclists, terraces, a cinema and theater complex, and event spaces.
• Environmental Area: Extending 14 km, with areas for teaching plant cultivation and conservation, alongside residential and commercial markets.
• Rimal Sports Park: Spanning 20 km², featuring tracks for mountain and desert biking, an equestrian center, a hotel resort, and various residential facilities.
• Arts Area: Extending 3 km, with museums, libraries, studios, performance spaces, art forums, lecture halls, and investment zones.

The project won the Innovation in Construction Award for 2024 in Saudi Arabia under the "Mega Project of the Year" category. It is expected to enhance Riyadh’s status as a global destination for living, providing a sustainable environment that supports quality of life and boosts the city's international reputation.

- Made in Saudi Project:

Launched by His Excellency Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 28, 2021, the "Made in Saudi" program is part of the National Industry and Logistics Development Program. The initiative encourages local companies to expand their businesses and leverage the advantages of marketing their products to a broader customer base.

The program aims to increase the share of non-oil exports from 16% to 50% of the total non-oil GDP by 2030.

Program benefits include:

• Use of the Logo: Participating companies can use the "Made in Saudi" logo on their products, enhancing consumer trust.
• Government Support: Companies receive support and facilitation from government agencies.
• Promotion and Marketing: Members benefit from local and international marketing campaigns for their products.

This project is a strategic step to strengthen the national economy and diversify income sources by promoting domestic products both locally and internationally.

- SEER Project:

In 2022, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud launched the "SEER" company, a joint venture between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Foxconn. The company aims to design, manufacture, and sell electric vehicles to customers in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), adhering to the highest global standards of quality and safety. SEER also seeks to offer innovative electric vehicles that meet customer needs, focusing on environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in alignment with Vision 2030.

In March 2024, SEER awarded a contract worth nearly 5 billion Saudi Riyals (1.3 billion USD) to "Qadat Al-Binaa Al-Haditha," a Saudi company, to build its electric vehicle manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City. The project includes the construction of infrastructure and industrial and administrative facilities over one million square meters, with a total built area of approximately 530,000 square meters.

This project is expected to contribute to the diversification of the Saudi economy, create new job opportunities, and strengthen the domestic manufacturing sector, while developing sustainable technologies in the Kingdom.

- Amaala Project:

The "Amaala" project, announced on September 26, 2018, is a luxury tourist destination under development on the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia, within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve. The project aims to provide a new concept for tourism focused on wellness, health, and treatment, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Located in the Tabuk region along the Red Sea coastline, the project spans an area of approximately 4,155 square kilometers. When completed, it will feature around 2,500 luxurious hotel rooms and suites, 700 villas and apartments, 200 upscale stores, and a range of exclusive exhibitions.

Sub-projects include:

• Triple Bay
• Yacht Club
• Marine Life Institute

In 2021, it was announced that the project would be merged with the Red Sea Development Company to enhance integration between major tourism projects in the Kingdom. It is expected to be completed by 2027 and, when fully operational, will create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute 11 billion Saudi Riyals annually to the GDP.

Vision 2030 embodies a firm commitment from Saudi leadership to shape an exceptional future for the Kingdom, supported by ambitious plans and tangible achievements. Thanks to this vision, Saudi Arabia has become a global model for comprehensive transformation, achieving significant milestones in economic diversification, empowering national talents, and improving quality of life. The mega projects being implemented are not just investments in infrastructure or the economy but in people and the future of generations to come.

With each successful step, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader, opening new doors for opportunity and progress. Vision 2030 is not just an aspiration; it is a promise of a future that meets the expectations of the nation and its people. As efforts continue to bring it to fruition, Saudi Arabia is writing a new chapter of leadership and innovation, placing itself among the world’s most influential countries.