Every year on August 31, Saudis celebrate the birthday of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has become a symbol of change and modernity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Since assuming the position of Crown Prince in June 2017, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has led radical reforms across various sectors, including the economy, education, society, and the military, enabling the Kingdom to achieve qualitative leaps in line with the challenges of the times.
These changes were launched under the umbrella of Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development and making Saudi Arabia one of the world's largest economies by 2030.
The inspiring leader 40 years 🇸🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/XgSOLCHTw7
- TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) August 30, 2025
Launching Vision 2030
In 2016, Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Saudi Vision 2030, a roadmap for a radical transformation of the Saudi economy, moving away from its reliance on oil as the primary source of revenue. The vision includes a set of ambitious goals, most notably diversifying the economy, developing the non-oil sector, and strengthening Saudi Arabia's position in the global economy.
The most prominent initiatives of Vision 2030
Diversifying the economy: Supporting non-oil sectors such as technology, tourism, entertainment, and military industries, and investing in mega projects such as NEOM, a smart city that will represent the ideal model of sustainability and innovation.
Aramco IPO: In 2019, Aramco, the world's largest oil company, went public in a massive move aimed at increasing the Kingdom's financial liquidity, strengthening the domestic economy, attracting foreign investment, and expanding the Saudi economy to include diverse sectors, reducing its dependence on oil.
Digital transformation in government
As part of Vision 2030, Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched several initiatives that have positioned Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital transformation:
Absher platform: which provides more than 200 e-government services to citizens and residents.
Smart cities: such as the NEOM project, which will combine artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and modern technology to create an ideal environment for innovation.
Artificial Intelligence: Establishing specialized AI research centers to develop future technologies.
Achievement results
Accelerating the digital transformation process across all government and service sectors, improving the business environment and enhancing transparency in government transactions, and social reforms: empowering women and achieving social justice.
Under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has witnessed a massive social transformation, particularly regarding women's rights and society in general.
Women's Empowerment
Lifting the ban on women driving: In 2018, women were allowed to drive, a historic decision that symbolized a change in social policy.
Promoting women's participation in the workforce: The government has encouraged the employment of women in sectors that were previously restricted to them.
Other social reforms
Opening cinemas: After decades of bans, cinemas have been allowed to open in the Kingdom, opening up opportunities for cultural and artistic activities.
Sports activities: Providing women with the opportunity to exercise in public places.
Achievement results
A clear improvement in women's rights and increased participation in social and economic life, promoting social justice and opening the way for gender equality in all sectors.
Regional and International Politics: The Kingdom's Leadership on the Global Stage
Leading role
Strengthening regional alliances: Prince Mohammed bin Salman has worked to strengthen relations with the Gulf states and the United States, contributing to Saudi influence regionally and internationally.
Actions on Arab Issues: In Yemen, under his leadership, Saudi Arabia was present in supporting the legitimate Yemeni government against the Houthi coup. The Kingdom also demonstrated steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
Achievement results
Strengthening the Kingdom's position on the international stage.
A leading role in Arab issues.
The development of the tourism sector: from oil to tourism
In recent years, the tourism sector has become a pillar of the Saudi economy under the supervision of the Crown Prince:
Huge tourism projects
The Red Sea Project: Developing tourist resorts on the Red Sea coast to attract tourists from around the world.
AlUla: A historical and archaeological area containing relics from ancient civilizations such as the Nabataean and Roman.
Religious tourism: Improving services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers in Mecca and Medina.
Achievement results
Opening the Kingdom to tourists from all over the world.
Directing the Saudi economy towards non-oil sectors.
6. Defense and security reforms: strengthening military independence
In the defense field, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken several measures to enhance the Kingdom's defense capabilities:
The most prominent reforms
Local defense industry: The Kingdom supports the local arms industry and increases investments in defense industries.
Strengthening internal security: implementing robust security plans to combat terrorism and crime.
Achievement results
Enhancing Saudi Arabia's ability to independently confront security challenges.
Strengthening internal stability in the Kingdom.
Vision 2030
Thanks to Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed an unprecedented qualitative shift in many economic, social, and political fields. Through women's empowerment, strengthening the non-oil economy, digital transformation, and mega-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia is on the path to transforming into a modern and advanced country that keeps pace with global developments. With each new achievement, the Kingdom gets closer to achieving its ambitious goals for a better future for generations to come.
