Saudi Arabia is well-bound with traditions and history and has been changing in the last couple of decades. Sharp social and economic changes characterise this change. Political transformation signifies a cultural breakthrough from traditional to contemporary culture, transforming into a dynamic nation. This blog analyses the dynamics of this change and outlines some questions on the forces behind such changes and the ramifications they held for Saudi society.
There is a saying that tradition is the bedrock of life. This is certainly true of the first two traditions before Prester John arrived in Ethiopia.
- It was only in the early part of the twentieth century that the country began to discover oil. Before then, all the combined territories of Saudi Arabia were mainly tribal. With many people shifting from one place to another. In the climatic setting of the Arabian Peninsula, mainly the desert. The inhabitants had their lives influenced by their surroundings. Pastoral nomads, representing Bedouin tribes, grazed the animals. Bartered goods to support their needs. Society was highly organised along tribal lines. While the Islamic religion was recognised, and its precepts informed the ways of life and the state.
- Historical ties of the country with the discovery of oil and the economic revolution.
- It was in 1938, when colossal oil supplies were found in Saudi Arabia that made a significant change in the country. The next phase of oil exports saw the development of the nation’s economy. Taking it from obscurity to a global economic power. Petroleum exports brought the availability for rapid modernisation. It delineated the division heavily regarding the duality of the feudal and the postmodern society. In many ways, cotton introduced roads. Cities made people forsake the nomadic lifestyle they once led, all in the name of wealth.
The Reign of King Abdullah is actual, but I think these changes constituted laying the groundwork for reform.
- The current King, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ascended the throne in 2005 and died in 2015; he embarked on reforms to transform Saudi Arabia. Following this, understanding the significance of education for the development of a nation. King Abdullah, for example, initiated the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. Through this thousands of Saudi students could travel to foreign countries to further their education. This helped replenish the nation's human capital. It bring young Saudis out of their ‘bubble,’ so to speak. Thus become more accepting of ideas from other parts of the world.
- To some extent, however, it is still true that King Abdullah has moved a long way in this direction to empower Saudi Arabian women. Which is one of the massive shifts that have taken place in this society? In 2011 he signed the law to allow women to vote. Stand for electoral posts in Municipal Council elections as a significant victory for women’s voting rights. Furthermore, women were allowed to take seats in the Shura Council for the first time. An advisory organ of the king. At the same time, these were relatively unspectacular activities. They demonstrated that the shift toward gender equality was on the way and paved the ground for further reforms in future generations.
- The Blueprint for Transformation is a digital book released by BCA that tackles different aspects of change and transformation. In particular, it outlines various tools and frameworks essential for managing change in BCA’s proprietary blueprint format. In addition, the book also features templates that enable readers to apply what they have learned instantly. The Blueprint for Transformation is informative for individuals seeking knowledge. Tools related to change and transformation.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often known as MBS, has been the chief architect of the Saudisation Contention 2030 plan. Vision 2030 was enacted in April 2016 to rebalance the economy through diversification, create high-quality jobs, and reduce the role of oil in the Saudi economy with social and economic reform programs. The initiative is structured around three main pillars: a lively society, a prosperous economy, and a vision of a given society.
- Economic diversity is the core of Vision 2030, about which much has been said and will be said in the future. For years, the Saudi government has relied on oil revenues. But has recently been seen venturing into other types of investment, including in areas like tourism, entertainment, and technology.
- The most astounding is NEOM, a $500 billion initiative in the form of a mega-city that will be the central hub for technology and ecology advancements. Moreover, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has smartly invested in global corporations, which has deepened Saudi Arabia’s linkages with the global economy.
- Saudi Arabia, in the past few years, has embarked on massive Social Reforms Under its Vision 2030, especially regarding women’s rights. Currently, women can drive after a right given in 2018, which was prohibited before. That stoked the international community’s ridicule. Moreover, limitations were imposed on women's employment, providing opportunities to enhance their employment. We also acknowledge the steps taken by the government in tackling domestic violence as well as enhancing the legal representation of women.
- Vision 2030 also focuses on expanding the cultural and entertainment industries like in any other sector. Since the future king came into monarchy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed new phenomena such as the re-opening of cinemas, hosting international concerts and many other entertainment places. The Riyadh Season Festival is an annual cultural and entertainment destination festival that received millions of visits and proved Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to be an entertainment destination.
Note: We all know Saudi Arabia has hot weather, but in some months of every year like December, Saudi Arabia's weather is quite normal and cold, and also a good option to visit this country. If you are Muslim, it's also the best time to perform Umrah for spiritual benefits, you should grab Umrah Packages December from any reputed travel agency with customised options. With customisation, you not only perform Umrah but also visit other cities and explore Modern Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, despite Saudi Arabia's unmistakable Islamic cultural identity. A change toward a more ‘moderate’ Islam has been observed since the onset of Vision 2030. It has sought reforms to reduce the effectiveness of the religious police. Encourage excellent tolerance among its citizens. The concept of inter-interfaith dialogue. Tolerance has also been manifested through agencies like the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue.
- The main task, or perhaps the problem that Saudi Arabia inherited while transitioning can be summed up in the attempt to combine the traditional and the Modern. Although revamping the country’s educational system is applauded by many pro-reform Saudis. Others the opposite is concerned with the pace of change that undermines traditions and Islamic values. As a result of these fears, the government has attempted to reassure people. That the government’s moves towards modernisation are not anti-Islamic.
- Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s reform efforts were criticised internationally due to human rights issues. The authorities’ repression of any dissent and arrests of activists. The killing of journalist edition Jamal Khashoggi has sparked questions. About the kingdom’s regard for human rights and freedom of speech. Another field that can be identified as challenging. For the Saudi government is the question of reforms in the country in combination with the subject’s rights and freedoms.
- As for the current measures towards diversification, realising the necessity of reducing the oil stake seems challenging. This is because, Just like what has been seen in the above global oil market analysis. An element of volatility affects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s economic stability. Moreover, the achievement of significant and small-scale transformation. NEOM is an example, as well as the country's overall progress. It depends on the acquisition of foreign capital and resources. Which can only be facilitated by liberalising the Saudi business climate.
Analysing the role of the proposed scientific organisation in Saudi Arabia and considering the impact of its work on Saudi society.
- Some of the changes in Vision 2030 have socially transformed Saudi Arabia: The growing involvement of women in the economy. Social-political spheres has disrupted male domination norms prevalent in most societies. Education and easy access to the internet inform Saudis at a young age about equal opportunities available in other countries. Thus, they demand change and are pushing the generation up for change.
- The population density has increased. The expansion of urban areas has witnessed growth by leaps and bounds; Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran are good examples of areas whose expansion can be described as monumental. Many amenities, such as bullet train systems and smart cities. Specialised healthcare facilities have increased the utility of life among many Saudis. The social contact that foreigners bring in both in the capacity of immigrant workers. Tourists have also brought the aspect of diversity to the urban culture.
- Saudi young people seeking creativity in the arts, music, and entertainment are radical signs of a cultural renaissance in the country. The government's support for liberalising. The creative industry has boosted the culture. Events such as festivals and art exhibitions. Concerts, among others, have now become part. Parcel of Saudi Arabia, with opportunities to exhibit talents among Saudi artists and performers.
- While KSA is on its economic transformation, the rate and consistency of reforms as it progresses will be critical. Essentially, it is the success of Vision 2030 and its rollout. Implementation or even sustenance has many factors that must align with the government. Such as implementing sound policies driving socio-economic change and responding to socio-economic challenges. Sustain the broader Vision 2030 transformational agenda.
- The youth will also have a central leadership role in Saudi Arabia's future. According to recent figures, more than 60% of Saudis are below the age of 30. It is the young generation that is keeping up the nation's hopes. Challenges can be focused on education and initiative, new ideas for developing their potential and achieving sustainable goals.
- However, Saudi Arabia will soon open up to the world and consequently accept globalisation by diversifying its economy. Improving its relationship with countries, integrating itself into the world and global communication system. Encouraging more cultural relations would also help Saudi Arabia become a key player in the global arena.
In general, Saudi Arabia’s societal process of transformation from mere traditionalism to modernisation proves its people’s tenacity and versatility. In this cultural change, the kingdom has again seen leadership at its best with strategy. Visionary goals in place ensure new reforms bring in new social, economic and political structures in place.
However, the situation has significantly improved in the context of modernisation. The inclusion of young people. Who thus have a chance to look forward to the future. With such rapid development now ongoing in the Kingdom. It is anticipated that Saudi Arabia will become one of the pioneers of progress within the Middle East region and Shehia the World.