Saudi Vision 2030 Transforming Saudi Arabia's Economy and Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

Saudi Arabia's ambitious long-term strategic framework, known as "Saudi Vision 2030," is set to transform the country's economy and reduce its reliance on oil. The vision, announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in 2016, aims to diversify the economy, develop public service sectors, and promote a more secular and inclusive image of the Kingdom.

To achieve these goals, the Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) established 13 programs called Vision Realization Programs. These programs cover various areas, including energy, finance, housing, quality of life, and transport. The key objectives for 2030 include moving Saudi Arabia into the top 15 largest economies globally, increasing non-oil government revenue, boosting women's participation in the workforce, and increasing the contributions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector to the GDP.

Furthermore, the vision aims to enhance cultural and entertainment activities within the Kingdom, increase physical fitness rates, improve life expectancy, and gain recognition for Saudi cities and heritage sites globally. These socioeconomic measures are accompanied by proposals for large-scale projects designed to improve domestic transport and infrastructure and position Saudi Arabia as a destination for leisure and investment. These projects include retail, hotel, entertainment, cultural, and residential megaprojects, as well as industrial, logistics, and corporate facilities.

One of the most prominent and costly projects is Neom, a $500 billion smart city located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Neom aims to operate independently from the existing governmental framework and serve as a hub for innovation and technology. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the first major development within Neom in 2021, a planned city called "The Line."

The Line is a 170 km (105 miles) long linear development that connects the Red Sea coastline to the mountains and upper valleys in the east. The city's masterplan emphasizes a focus on nature, liveability, health, and community connections. The Line seeks to redefine traditional city layouts, preserving large areas of land for conservation and eliminating the need for cars by providing essential daily needs within a five-minute walk for every resident. The city will feature an ultra-high-speed mass transit system and a digital framework powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to optimize daily life for its citizens. With locally grown food, clean energy, abundant green spaces, and sustainable practices, The Line aims to be self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.

Phase one of The Line is expected to be completed by 2025, with a projected population of over a million by 2030*. The city has already contributed SAR 180 billion (US$48 billion) to Saudi Arabia's economy*. In addition to its advanced technologies, The Line benefits from favorable weather and climate conditions, including snowfall in winter and a cooler temperature compared to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. Its strategic location allows easy accessibility for a significant portion of the world's population and facilitates global trade through the Red Sea.

The Line serves as a model for future developments within the Neom zone and has inspired similar infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and around the world