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Saudi Arabia is changing. It has to be seen to be believed. Saudi Arabia, with its strict gender discrimination, strict Islamic laws and dress code, no longer exists. It is a new country that is open, fair, welcoming and on the rise. With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2023 as a compass, Saudi Arabia is making great progress and very quickly shedding the shackles of the past. Wander around the capital, Riyadh, and you'll see it buzzing with young, ambitious Saudis making the most of their new-found freedom and opportunity. According to the 2022 census, 63% of Saudi citizens are under 30 years of age. And the administration’s policy changes are being guided with this important statistic in mind. Saudi women are the biggest beneficiaries of the new opening, but they have not had a very good experience so far.
Women-led transformation
Saudi Arabia’s Inclusive Vision 2030 aims to diversify and strengthen the country’s economy. According to a World Bank report, Saudi Arabia currently ranks first among 190 countries in economic and social progress for women. Women in this country are right now in the driver’s seat. The lifting of restrictions on their movement and choices means Saudi women are at the helm of the country’s social, cultural and economic transformation. Until a few years ago, they had to rely on their fathers, husbands, and brothers for even basic things like permission to travel or work.
Vision 2030 has increased women’s labor force participation to nearly 40% today, compared to around 15% a few years ago. This progress is evidenced by the increasing number of women earning advanced degrees, enrolling in STEM fields, and owning 40% of small business startups. From the moment you arrive in Riyadh, you will see women in important jobs. From immigration counters to shopping malls to government offices, Saudi women are everywhere. I saw women giving presentations at major government events, doing camera work, and running stalls at local markets. The presence of women in the workforce means increased gender mixing and the rewriting of many social norms and gender behaviors.
saudi for all
A major focus of Vision 2030 is also the cultural and social integration of all people living and working in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Media’s Global Harmony Project aims to strengthen understanding and cooperation among diverse Saudi-based groups. According to Saudi Deputy Media Minister Dr. Khaled bin Abdulkader Al Ghamdi, the Global Harmony Project aims to make expatriates feel more at home. But more than that, it aims to help local Saudis better understand the different communities that live among them. Therefore, the Riyadh season, which begins in September and lasts from February to March, is full of public cultural and social events that bring the community together. It is a true celebration and appreciation of diversity.
Indians are special and lovedAmong expatriates, special attention has been given to Indians, who are the largest group of expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Currently, 2.6 million Indians live in Saudi Arabia, working in the domestic sector and private sector jobs, and running both start-ups and large corporations. Dr. Khaled recognizes India’s role, calling the community “an integral part of Saudi history.” This year, the Ministry of Media organized the Suwaidi Park Festival exclusively for India. The 10-day festival celebrated Indian culture, food, music and art. People from all communities flocked to the vast Suwaidi Park to get a taste of India. The Global Harmony Project seeks to present Saudi Arabia as an inclusive and harmonious society where people of all backgrounds live and celebrate their unique culture, traditions and festivals. And that is not civil society activity. This is a government policy initiative with a clear purpose and plan. That makes it a worthy example for many countries facing social rifts due to diversity.
look back on the future
Saudi Arabia is moving towards modernization and is also conscious of its history and traditions. It encourages research and excavation at sites such as AlUla, and also promotes its pre-Islamic history. Nouf Marwaei, a yoga instructor and consultant to the Saudi government, gave a presentation on the historical and social similarities between India and Saudi Arabia. In her talk, she traced the Almagal civilization back to 6000 BC.
Clearly, the new Saudi Arabia projects itself not only as a society defined by the emergence of Islam 1,400 years ago, but also as an older civilization. It is now depicted only as an important event, not the only indicator of a civilization’s identity. Saudi Arabia also promotes historical sites. The town of Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Riyadh, is one such heritage site that has been tagged by UNESCO. It is the seat of the Saudi royal family and also served as the capital of the Emirate of Diriyah under the First Saudi Dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, Diriyah is one of the most important cultural centers and a center for many sports and adventure activities. Kingdom. However, its historical character has always been maintained. On the one hand, there are huge infrastructure projects, new businesses, and a wave of modernity sweeping the kingdom, and on the other, there is a new focus on the kingdom’s more than 1,400 years of history.
music connects
Going back to the Indian connection, wherever there are Indians, there is music. Indian film music has been a brand ambassador and unifier all over the world. Saudi Arabia is no exception. My local support, Abdulwahab Al Ghamdi, a bubbly young man in his late twenties, played Hindi songs in the car as we drove around Riyadh. . He said he and his friends were dancing to Punjabi songs at a party. And how he loved Shah Rukh Khan and Indian film music. He also showed us a video of Saudi artists singing songs from popular Hindi films at a Saudi talent show.
New Saudi Arabia is a real surprise and fun.
(Mohd Asim is a senior editor at NDTV 24X7. He visited Saudi Arabia from October 15 to October 20 at the invitation of the Ministry of Media)
Disclaimer: These are the author’s personal opinions.
