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Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in growth of international tourism receipts in Q1 of 2025 compared to Q1 of 2019, according to the World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism in May.
As outlined in the report, the Kingdom placed third worldwide in growth of international tourist arrivals and second in the Middle East, in Q1 of 2025, compared to the same period of 2019.
During Q1 of 2025, the Kingdom recorded a remarkable 102% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019, far exceeding the global average of 3% and the Middle East average of 44%.
This outstanding growth underscores Saudi Arabia’s position as a key player in both regional and global tourism and underlines its unwavering commitment to advancing the sector and realizing its objectives set in Saudi Vision 2030.

The “H1 2025 MENA Venture Investment Report” revealed that Saudi Arabia maintained its first rank across MENA in terms of Venture Capital (VC) funding in the first half of 2025, witnessing a total VC deployment of $860 Million (SAR3.2 billion), surpassing the total VC funding of 2024 (full year). This achievement reflects the development the Kingdom is witnessing in various economic and financial sectors in light of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its goals to strengthen the national economy.
According to the report published today by the venture data platform MAGNiTT, the Kingdom captured the highest share of total VC funding in the MENA region in H1 2025, accounting for 56% of the total capital deployed in the region. The report also revealed that Saudi Arabia achieved a record number of 114 VC deals for the first half of 2025. This achievement confirms the attractiveness of the Saudi market, enhances its competitive environment, and consolidates the Kingdom’s economic strength as the largest in the MENA region.
CEO and Board Member at Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) Dr. Nabeel Koshak commented: “The Kingdom’s leading position in the VC scene in the region comes as a result of many governmental initiatives launched to stimulate the VC and startups ecosystem within the Saudi Vision 2030 programs. We at SVC are committed to continuing to lead the development of the ecosystem by stimulating private investors to provide support for startups and SMEs to be capable of fast and high growth, leading to diversifying the national economy and achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a new milestone in entrepreneurship, with its capital, Riyadh, advancing 60 places over the past three years to rank 23rd among the top 100 emerging startup ecosystems globally. This achievement was featured in the “Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025,” published by Startup Genome in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
The Kingdom’s remarkable progress underscores its rapid development in the entrepreneurship environment, particularly reflected in robust venture capital indicators, advanced infrastructure, and increasing levels of innovation and investment in emerging technologies. This success is largely supported by strong government backing, notably from the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at). Monsha’at plays a key role in building an integrated entrepreneurship environment through initiatives and programs that support startup growth and expansion. It also works to enhance the legislative and regulatory environment for entrepreneurs.
These efforts aim to increase the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia recorded the second-highest performance in the Middle East and North Africa region. It ranked third in terms of funding volume and investment value relative to impact, and fourth in the availability of skills and expertise—further strengthening its capacity to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent. The report also highlighted several key high-potential sectors that contributed to these outcomes, foremost among them artificial intelligence, FinTech, cybersecurity, smart cities, infrastructure, and digital health. These sectors represent essential pillars in the Kingdom’s economic transformation strategy.

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, recorded an increase of 30.4% in July 2025 compared to July 2024, according to the International Trade bulletin issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
The ratio of non-oil exports to imports increased to 44.6% in July 2025 from 33.4% in July 2024.
Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts constituted 29.7% of the total non-oil exports, followed by chemical products, which represented 19.6%.
In terms of imports, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts accounted for 11.7% of total imports, representing a 29.9% increase compared to July 2024. This was followed by transportation equipment and parts, which accounted for 13.2% of total imports, representing a 9.6% decrease compared to July 2024.
The percentage of oil exports out of total exports decreased from 72.8% in July 2024 to 67.1% in July 2025.
The trade balance surplus rose by 53.4% compared to July 2024.
Additionally, the bulletin revealed that China is Saudi Arabia’s leading trading partner in merchandise. In July 2025, exports to China amounted to 14.0% of total exports, while imports from China represented 25.8% of total imports. The United Arab Emirates followed with 10.6% of total exports and 6.4% of total imports, and India with 9.4% of total exports.
According to the bulletin, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was one of the most important ports through which goods crossed into the Kingdom, accounting for 26.1% of total imports in July 2025, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 20.9%.
The International Trade statistics are compiled from administrative records of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (non-oil) and the Ministry of Energy (oil). Saudi Arabia’s exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized System (HS), which is maintained by the World Customs Organization.

Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has achieved a major global milestone, jumping from 104th place in 2013 to 23rd in 2024 on the Investment Attractiveness Index by Fraser Institute’s 2024 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, surpassing prominent mining destinations in Asia and Latin America. This achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s fastest-rising powers in the mining sector.
According to the report, the Kingdom made notable progress in the Policy Perception Index, rising from 82nd globally in 2013 to 20th in 2024, reflecting growing international confidence in its stable regulatory environment. The Best Practices Mineral Potential Index saw an unprecedented leap, moving from 58th in 2013 to 24th in 2024, underscoring the scale of the Kingdom’s vast and untapped mineral wealth, supported by ongoing geological surveys, discoveries, and widely attended mining licensing rounds.
“This outstanding performance reflects the structural transformation and holistic efforts being driven across the mining and mineral sector under Vision 2030,” said Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has built a globally competitive investment environment, underpinned by clear regulations, accessible geological data, including one of the most extensive geological surveys of the Arabian Shield, competitive incentives, and world-class infrastructure.
“Our focus remains on maximizing the economic value of our mineral resources, creating jobs for citizens, and localizing supply chains. Mining is no longer a traditional sector; rather, it has become a key driver of industrial and economic growth, and we are committed to building on this momentum to ensure sustainable success,” Al-Mudaifer added.
The Fraser Institute noted that the Kingdom’s success was driven by broad regulatory transformations covering security of tenure, taxation, environmental legislation, infrastructure, and community engagement. These efforts enabled Saudi Arabia to enter the top quartile of the index for the first time. The report also highlighted that investors expressed no concerns regarding political stability—one of the Kingdom’s key strengths—and praised the Mining Exploration Enablement Program as an effective tool for reducing investment risks and increasing confidence in early-stage projects.
According to the report’s data, the Kingdom achieved exceptional improvements in key indicators between 2013 and 2024, including 305.8% improvement in the clarity and effectiveness of mining administration, from 17% in 2013 to 69% in 2024, ranking 11th globally; 82.2% improvement in clarity of land use for mining activities, from 45% in 2013 to 82% in 2024, ranking 7th globally; 102.2% improvement in labor regulations, from 45% in 2013 to 91% in 2024; and 81.8% improvement in the quality of geological databases, from 33% in 2013 to 60% in 2024.
The report praised the Kingdom’s stable regulatory environment and ambitious reforms, which have strengthened international investor confidence and solidified Saudi Arabia’s status as a world-class mining investment destination—fully aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy and developing strategic sectors.
The Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies is one of the world’s most trusted benchmarks for evaluating mining investment environments and is widely used by investors, governments, and financial institutions worldwide.

The Saudi-US Investment Forum commenced today at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh with the participation of high-ranking officials from both countries.
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih delivered the opening speech, extending the greetings of the Saudi leadership to the participants at the forum, which is being held adjacent to US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his current foreign tour.
Al-Falih commended the size and caliber of the American and Saudi investment delegations, reflecting both countries’ commitment to advancing cooperation and continuing over 90 years of strong bilateral relations built on trust, partnership, and a shared focus on achieving mutual economic interests.
He also presented the 2024 annual report on Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting the significant progress made in achieving its goals of diversifying and sustaining the Kingdom’s economic resources, as well as opening new investment opportunities in key sectors, which include conventional and renewable energy, advanced technologies, AI, tourism, healthcare, biotechnology, logistics, and supply chains.
He stated that the rapid global transformations, economic fluctuations, and technological advancements will reshape the international economy, presenting significant opportunities to strengthen and expand the strategic partnership between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of building strong, sustainable partnerships to achieve mutual interests, leveraging the strengths of both Saudi and American economies, particularly through their companies.
Al-Falih affirmed that the relationship between the two countries is one of the most important geopolitical connections, driven by economic cooperation and business partnerships, which serves as a catalyst for global peace and prosperity. He underscored that business opportunities in the Kingdom have grown significantly thanks to Saudi Vision 2030, which has created numerous opportunities and yielded strong investment returns.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) were reflected in the positive results for 2024, with inflows increasing by 24.2% to reach SAR119.2 billion. These achievements highlight the effectiveness of Vision 2030 programs, national and sectoral strategies, and major initiatives—foremost among them the National Investment Strategy, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in 2021.
For the fourth consecutive year, the strategy’s performance indicators have exceeded all targets, covering Gross Fixed Capital Formation, FDI, and the relocation of global companies’ regional headquarters to the Kingdom.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation achieved a historic record in 2024, exceeding SAR1.3 trillion, surpassing its target by 38%. Private-sector investment (non-governmental, non-oil) represented around 76% of the total, underscoring the dynamism of the local business environment.
Since its launch in 2016, Vision 2030 has driven a notable increase in foreign investment. FDI flows reached SAR119.2 billion, exceeding the 2024 target (SAR109 billion) by 39%. Since 2017, annual FDI inflows have multiplied more than fourfold, rising from SAR 28.1 billion to current levels. Cumulative FDI stock nearly doubled to SAR 977.3 billion in 2024, compared to SAR 501.8 billion in 2017.
The Kingdom’s reforms have fostered a competitive and attractive environment, reflected in the issuance of over 50,000 foreign investment licenses across diverse sectors. The number of regional headquarters relocated to the Kingdom also grew sharply, reaching 660 companies by 2024—a key milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading regional hub.
This represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the Kingdom’s legislative and economic reforms.
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falihi said: “The results of foreign direct investment in 2024 come amid global economic challenges and a slowdown in international flows.
This success demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to navigate economic and investment challenges through an ambitious vision aimed at diversifying the economy, fostering an attractive investment environment, and creating high-quality opportunities.”
He noted that this data proves the effectiveness of Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy in attracting diverse FDI from various countries. The results also confirm the Kingdom’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. For the first time, non-oil FDI flows accounted for about 90% of total flows in 2024, with the proportion of non-oil FDI in non-oil GDP reaching a globally satisfactory 4.2%.
Al-Falih concluded, “Thanks to the Kingdom’s economic strength and ambitious vision, foreign investment is expected to continue flowing into the Saudi market, driven by unique opportunities and the Kingdom’s strategic location as a gateway to the broader Middle East. The ongoing enhancement of the investment system, a key component of the National Investment Strategy and its supporting sectoral strategies, is crucial for accelerating the growth and economic diversification needed to achieve Vision 2030’s goals.”
These results were compiled following the publication of preliminary quarterly FDI estimates. Saudi Arabia’s methodology aligns with the Balance of Payments Manual and the International Investment Position Manual issued by the International Monetary Fund, ensuring consistency with leading international practices.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reached an unprecedented SAR515 billion in 2024, marking the highest value in the Kingdom’s history. This achievement represents a significant 13% increase compared to the previous year and an impressive growth of over 113% since the launch of Vision 2030.
The robust growth spanned all export sectors. Merchandise exports climbed to SAR217 billion (+4%), fueled by respective increases of 2% and 9% in petrochemical and non-petrochemical exports. Notably, re-exports surged to SAR90 billion, demonstrating a remarkable 205% growth since the inception of Vision 2030. Services exports also reached an all-time high of SAR207 billion, exhibiting a 14% year-on-year increase and a substantial 220% rise since Vision 2030’s announcement.
Saudi Export Development Authority CEO Abdulrahman Althukair attributed this historic non-oil export performance to the Kingdom’s sustained efforts in economic diversification and enhancing the competitiveness of national products.
He highlighted the authority’s commitment to facilitating national companies’ access to new markets and bolstering their export capabilities through comprehensive programs encompassing training, empowerment, promotion, and advisory services. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to establish a thriving economy where non-oil exports are a key driver of sustainable growth.
In 2024, petrochemical commodity exports amounted to SAR149 billion, constituting 68% of total commodity exports, and registered a 2% increase in value and weight compared to the previous year.
Non-petrochemical commodity exports achieved a remarkable SAR69 billion (32% of total commodity exports), the highest value in recent years. This included record export figures for over 205 Saudi products, such as food and dairy products, minerals, and building materials. Fertilizer exports also demonstrated exceptional growth, with product weight reaching a historic peak in 2024, increasing by 5% year-on-year, and more than fivefold in value since the launch of Vision 2030.
The Kingdom’s re-export sector also delivered a historic performance in 2024, reaching SAR90 billion, a 205% increase compared to 2016, a 42% rise year-on-year, and a 114% increase compared to 2019. This was primarily driven by the re-export of mobile phones, which reached a record value of SAR25 billion, more than doubling their 2023 value. The operation of the integrated logistics zone at King Khalid International Airport played a significant role in this remarkable growth by enhancing supply chain efficiency and facilitating re-export operations.
Machinery, automated devices, transportation equipment, and parts thereof constituted 84% of total re-exports in 2024. Notably, re-exports of aircraft parts also experienced substantial growth, increasing from SAR1.6 billion in 2022 to over SAR2 billion in 2024.
In 2024, the Kingdom exported goods, re-exports, and services to over 180 countries, with 37 countries registering record import values, including the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Algeria, Spain, France, Poland, Libya, and Syria. Other countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, Pakistan, Nigeria, Germany, Greece, and Bulgaria, also achieved record import volumes.
Services exports reached a record SAR207 billion in 2024, marking a 14% year-on-year increase and a 220% rise since 2016. The travel and tourism sector was a key driver, increasing by 270% since 2016. In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 30 million international tourists, contributing to a 150% increase in travel exports compared to 2019, representing 74% of total service exports.
The Kingdom also recorded a 69% increase in international tourist numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 148% increase in tourism revenues compared to 2019. Saudi Arabia led the G20 in tourist number growth, with a 73% growth rate during the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. The transportation sector contributed 12% of total service exports, achieving a 5% year-on-year growth.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones in the fields of digital economy, artificial intelligence, data centers, and digital government as part of the targets set by Saudi Vision 2030, solidifying its position as a regional and global digital powerhouse.
According to the Saudi Vision 2030 Report, the size of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy has reached approximately $495 billion, contributing 15% to the national GDP, clearly reflecting the sector’s accelerated growth. Furthermore, the ICT market continued its momentum, surpassing $180 billion by 2024, driven by the expansion of private sector investments and the growing culture of innovation, thereby consolidating its position as the largest technology market in the region.
In the field of data centers, the Kingdom recorded a 42% increase in capacity during 2023, reaching 290.5 megawatts, strengthening the readiness of its digital infrastructure to accommodate the expanding demand for cloud services and smart applications. Fiber-optic network coverage also expanded to reach over 3.9 million homes, while internet penetration across the Kingdom climbed to nearly 99%, placing Saudi Arabia among the most connected nations globally.
On the front of human capital development, Saudi Arabia has reinforced its standing as the region’s largest digital talent cluster, creating over 381,000 quality jobs in the technology sector. This advancement significantly boosted the participation of women in the technology sector from 7% in 2018 to an impressive 35% today, the highest rate in the Middle East and North Africa, and exceeding the averages of both the G20 and the European Union — reflecting the depth of the Kingdom’s transformation in empowering national capabilities in the digital economy.
As for digital government, Saudi Arabia has made a distinguished global presence, ranking 6th worldwide in the United Nations’ E-Government Development Index, nearing the Vision 2030 target of reaching the 5th place. The Kingdom also ranked 4th globally in the Digital Services Index, 2nd among G20 countries, and 1st regionally.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia ranked 1st globally in digital skills and open digital government, and 7th globally in the E-Participation Index, reflecting notable success in enhancing government service efficiency and promoting transparency.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha emphasized that these achievements reflect the unlimited support the technology and digital sectors have received from the wise leadership and are a direct outcome of the empowerment and close supervision of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He added: “These exceptional advancements could not have been achieved without the support of our wise leadership, the ambitious vision, and the deep belief in the potential of our nation and its people. We confidently move forward to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a digital power in the intelligent age, contributing to shaping the future of current and coming generations.”
These figures and indicators stand as clear evidence of the Vision’s success in creating a real and sustainable impact, strengthening the Kingdom’s economic competitiveness, and positioning Saudi Arabia to lead the digital economy regionally and globally.
Source: SPA
Opportunities

Driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making rapid strides toward a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation, guided by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This transformative journey, built upon the Kingdom’s inherent strengths, realizes HRH the Crown Prince’s assertion that “all success stories start with a vision, and successful visions are based on strong pillars.”
Saudi Arabia is witnessing a significant transformation across all sectors, fueled by the remarkable progress in realizing Saudi Vision 2030’s goals through its vision realization programs and integrated national strategies. This progress is underpinned by the Kingdom’s rich human and natural resources, robust investment capabilities, economic strength, prominent Arab, Islamic, and international standing, and strategic geographic location.
Saudi Vision 2030 charts a course that integrates culture and innovation, adapting to rapid global changes and creating broader opportunities for citizens, residents, and visitors. Implemented in three five-year phases, each building on the successes of the last, the vision’s initial phase focused on foundational structural, economic, financial, and social reforms. The second phase accelerated progress and maximized the benefits of key sectors. The upcoming third phase aims to enhance the sustainability of this transformation and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities.
Marking the ninth year since the launch of this ambitious vision, the Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024 offers a comprehensive overview of the vision’s journey, encompassing past phases, achievements, preparations for the future, and its associated programs and national strategies.
The second section of the report details the vision’s performance through first and second-level indicators, showcasing overall progress in its programs and initiatives. It highlights achievements across the three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The third section provides an in-depth look at key accomplishments in 2024 across four axes: a fast-growing economy, an empowered society, a leading destination, and a sustainable vision.
According to the report, 85% of the 1,502 active initiatives are either completed or on track (674 completed and 596 on track). Impressively, 93% of national program and strategy indicators have met, exceeded, or are close to meeting their 2024 interim targets, with 257 exceeding annual goals and eight vision targets achieved six years ahead of schedule.
Several 2030 targets have already been met, including exceeding 100 million tourists, registering eight Saudi sites on UNESCO World Heritage List, and reaching 1.2 million volunteers (surpassing the one million goal). Women’s labor force participation reached 33.5%, exceeding the 2030 target of 30%.
The Kingdom also achieved its 7% unemployment target. The country’s e-participation ranking soared 32 places since 2016 to seventh globally, surpassing its top-ten target. Similarly, its UN E-Government Development Index ranking climbed 30 places to sixth globally, nearing its top-five ambition. Furthermore, the number of international companies establishing regional headquarters in the Kingdom has already exceeded the 2030 target, reaching over 571.
Regarding key indicators related to “vibrant society,” the Kingdom achieved remarkable milestones. A historic high of 16.92 million foreign Umrah pilgrims was recorded, significantly exceeding the 2024 target of 11.3 million. Home ownership among Saudi households reached 65.4%, a substantial increase from 47% in 2016 and already surpassing the 2025 target.
Healthcare coverage expanded to 96.4% of population centers, putting the Kingdom within reach of its 2030 goal of 99.5%. Furthermore, the percentage of adults engaging in the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity rose to 58.5%, exceeding the 2024 target, alongside 18.7% of children and adolescents meeting the daily 60-minute recommendation. This progress contributes to an increased average life expectancy of 78.8 years, moving closer to the 2030 target of 80 years.
Advanced indicators for “thriving economy” reveal that the Public Investment Fund’s assets under management have more than tripled since Vision 2030’s launch, reaching SAR3.53 trillion and exceeding the 2024 target. The private sector’s contribution to GDP reached 47%, surpassing the 2024 target. The localization of military industries has also seen substantial growth, reaching 19.35%, a notable increase from 7.7% in 2021.
In its ninth year, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 continues its strong momentum, achieving significant milestones. Employment in small and medium-sized enterprises reached 7.86 million, surpassing the 2024 target. Notably, four Saudi universities now rank among the world’s top 500, with King Saud University achieving a global rank of 90th – a first for a Saudi institution in the top 100.
The “ambitious nation” goal also demonstrates progress, with 71.67% of large companies offering CSR programs, exceeding the 2024 target. The non-profit sector’s contribution to GDP reached 0.99%, moving towards the 2030 goal of 5%, while employment in this sector increased to 0.64%.
Under the report’s “fast-growing economy” axis, the Kingdom has risen to 16th place in the global competitiveness index, maintaining its leading position in venture capital across the Middle East and North Africa with a 40% share.
Exceptional achievements within “empowered society” include the Seha Virtual Hospital’s entry into the Guinness World Records as the largest virtual hospital globally. Furthermore, seven Saudi hospitals are now among the top 250 worldwide, with King Faisal Specialist Hospital recognized as the global leader in medical technology utilization. The accreditation of 16 Saudi cities as healthy cities positions the Kingdom as the highest-ranking nation in the region for globally accredited healthy cities. The readiness of health areas to confront health risks has also increased significantly to 92%.
By the end of 2024, over 850,000 Saudi families achieved homeownership. The digital transformation of the judicial system saw 98% of litigation sessions conducted electronically, totaling over 2.3 million sessions. Additionally, more than 5.3 million electronic powers of attorney were issued, benefiting over six million individuals.
Saudi students excelled internationally, securing 114 medals and grand prizes at the prestigious ISEF 2024 and ITEX 2024 science, engineering, and invention competitions.
Efforts to empower national talent continue to yield results, with over 437,000 Saudi citizens joining the private sector workforce in 2024 through Human Resources Development Fund programs. By the end of 2024, around 2.4 million Saudi men and women were employed in the private sector.
The Kingdom has made significant strides in empowering women, with the percentage of Saudi women in middle and senior management positions reaching 43.8%. Their participation in the labor market has also seen remarkable growth, increasing to 36% by the end of 2024, a substantial rise from 17% in 2017.
Safety and Security have also seen notable improvements. The traffic accident death rate per 100,000 people decreased from 17.6 in 2018 to 12.3 in 2024. Furthermore, the confidence index in the Kingdom’s security services reached an impressive 99.85%.
In digital leadership, the Kingdom has secured advanced global positions, ranking first in the internet users index, second globally in both the digital transformation index for companies and the technology development and application index.
The sports sector has witnessed considerable growth, with the number of sports clubs covering diverse activities increasing to 128 and the number of sports federations rising to 97 – a growth rate exceeding 200%. The percentage of Saudi women engaging in weekly sports activities has reached 46%.
Under the “leading destination” axis, the Kingdom has advanced to 16th place globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Notably, it won the bid to host the largest edition of the FIFA World Cup in 2034, becoming the first nation to host this expanded event independently. The Kingdom also established the Esports World Cup and hosted its inaugural edition.
Continuing its efforts to enhance the international competitiveness of Saudi cities, Madinah was listed among the top 100 global tourist destinations for 2024, and AlUla became the first Middle Eastern destination accredited by Destinations International. The electronic visa program was expanded to include 66 countries.
Development continues on major tourism projects, with Qiddiya’s Aquarabia reaching an 81% completion rate and Six Flags at 87%. International tourism revenues saw a significant increase of 148% compared to 2019, and entertainment events attracted 76.9 million visitors. The Kingdom also led the G20 in international tourist arrivals.
Cultural enrichment saw 16 cultural elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The first specialized college of arts was launched at King Saud University, and the ALLaM model was integrated into IBM watsonx platform as a leading generative AI model in Arabic, bolstering Arabic content on international platforms.
In line with the report’s “sustainable vision” axis, significant environmental initiatives have been undertaken, including the planting of over 115 million trees and the rehabilitation of more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land. The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP reached SAR114 billion, and over 7,800 endangered animals were resettled.
The launch of the first hydrogen-powered bus and taxi marked a step towards sustainable transportation, and four additional renewable energy projects were commissioned, driving the cost of renewable electricity production to some of the lowest global levels. The world’s first solar-powered desalination plant was also established.
Reflecting on these achievements in its ninth year, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has demonstrably matured ahead of schedule, delivering results that have surpassed expectations. This success is attributed to effective planning, dedicated effort, and the ambition of the Saudi people. HRH the Crown Prince affirmed this progress, stating: “Nine years into Vision 2030, we stand proud of what our people have accomplished. They have turned ambition into action and goals into milestones. We have not only met key targets – we have surpassed many. Looking ahead, our resolve is stronger than ever. We will accelerate delivery, embrace every opportunity, and further elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global leader.”
The Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024 is available at www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/annual-reports?utm_source=social&utm_medium=org&utm_campaign=annual_report_2024
Source: SPA