The future is now.
The Kingdom has been in overdrive since when His Royal Highness Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman first announced Saudi Vision 2030.
The ambitious project is a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the economy and developing key public services including health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
Built on three pillars, the nation-wide drive includes major reforms such as the privatization of certain government sectors, women empowerment in the workforce, international tourism, and cultural and entertainment initiatives.
Now, Saudi Arabia has released the annual progress report of the vision detailing some major milestones.
Not only is Saudi Vision 2030’s intiatives 85% complete it has hit 94% of indicators have either been achieved, have exceeded their goals, or are close to achieving their interim goals. How is that for progress?
Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is like a game plan for a brighter, bolder future. It’s all about building a vibrant society packed with culture and good vibes, sparking a thriving economy full of new ideas and opportunities, and shaping an ambitious nation where transparency, efficiency, and civic pride lead the way.
Saudi Vision 2030 so far
85 percent of the initiatives have been completed and are on the right track.
93 percent of the indicators have either been achieved, have exceeded their goals, or are close to achieving their interim goals.
674 of the 1,502 initiatives have been completed since their launch.
596 of the 1,502 initiatives are on track to being completed by 2030.
257 indicators under Vision 2030 have exceeded their annual targets, and 18 indicators achieved their annual targets.
Eight targets were achieved six years earlier than expected.
Saudi Vision 2030: Goals achieved
The Kingdom has smashed several Vision 2030 targets ahead of schedule — welcoming over 100 million tourists, registering 1.2 million volunteers, securing eight UNESCO heritage sites, boosting women’s workforce participation to 33.5%, and dropping unemployment to a historic low of 7%..
The Kingdom made major leaps in global rankings, soaring to 7th in the E-Participation Index and 6th in the UN E-Government Development Index — both far surpassing Vision 2030 goals. Plus, it smashed its target for regional HQs, with over 571 international companies now calling Saudi home.
Saudi Vision 2030 indicators of A Vibrant Society achieved
In 2024, the Kingdom broke records with 16.92 million Umrah pilgrims — the highest ever — and boosted Saudi homeownership to 65.4%. Healthcare now covers 96.4% of the country, closing in on Vision 2030 goals. Physical activity is on the rise too, with 58.5% of adults and 18.7% of kids staying active. Plus, life expectancy has climbed to 78.8 years, just shy of the 80-year target.
Saudi Vision 2030 indicators of A Thriving Economy achieved
By 2024, the Public Investment Fund’s assets soared to SAR 3.53 trillion, tripling since Vision 2030 began. The private sector now powers 47% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, and localization in military industries hit 19.35%. SMEs are booming too, with 7.8 million employees. In education, Saudi scored big: four universities cracked the global top 500, with King Saud University making history by ranking 90th worldwide.
Saudi Vision 2030 indicators of An Ambitious Nation achieved
In 2024, 71.67% of major companies in Saudi Arabia offered social responsibility programs, more than doubling since 2018. The non-profit sector also made big strides, growing its GDP contribution from 0.2% to 1% and boosting its workforce share from 0.13% to 64%, with even bigger growth expected by 2030.
Even more Saudi Vision 2030 wins
Saudi Arabia continues to smash its Vision 2030 goals across the board.
Health
The Kingdom soared to 16th place globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and stayed on top in MENA venture capital with a 40% share. Over 1,800 new investment opportunities were created, while the Seha Virtual Hospital broke a Guinness World Record. Healthcare coverage expanded, with Saudi Arabia now home to the most accredited health cities in the region and seven hospitals ranked among the world’s top 250.
Homeownership and privatization
Homeownership hit 850,000 families, and 98% of litigation sessions went digital. Saudi women now make up 36% of the workforce, and 43.8% hold leadership positions. In 2024, 2.4 million Saudis worked in the private sector, while traffic deaths dropped and confidence in security hit 99.85%.
Tech and innovation and digital transformation
Saudi Arabia led globally for internet users, ranked second in digital transformation, and made huge leaps in logistics and shipping. King Khalid Airport was crowned the world’s most punctual, and 34 new shipping lines were added.
Sports
The Kingdom also scored major wins in sports and tourism: hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the launch of the Esports World Cup, and Medina and AlUla earning global travel honors. Entertainment boomed with millions of visitors, and massive progress was made on megaprojects like Qiddiya’s Aquarabia and Six Flags.
Culture
In culture, Saudi Arabia registered 16 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List and launched the first College of Arts at King Saud University. International tourism revenue jumped 148% compared to 2019, with Saudi Arabia leading G20 countries in tourism growth.
Entertainment
On the environment front, the Kingdom planted 115 million trees, rehabilitated over 118,000 hectares of land, and commissioned new renewable energy projects — including the world’s first solar-powered desalination plant. Hydrogen-powered buses and taxis also hit the roads, and more than 7,800 endangered animals were reintroduced to their natural habitats.
Simply put: Saudi Arabia’s 2024 was a year of record-breaking progress, bold innovation, and global leadership — with much more still to come.
More Saudi wins
The capital city’s traffic is legendarily bad, but with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, things have gotten easier. You can also get 15% VAT back upon leaving the Kingdom as a tourist. On the cultural side of things, Diriyah Art Futures is back with yet another awesome art exhibition titled, ‘Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World’
2030. Across Saudi, vision2030.gov.sa.
