SaUDI ARABIA: THE FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST?

As our world, to this day, continues to revive itself from the economic lows of Covid, many countries have benefitted through the grey period, coming out of the pandemic with developing ideas to heighten their country’s wealth and global popularity. One of these few countries is at the geographical centre of the Arab world - Saudi Arabia.

It is apparent that Saudi Arabia has changed in the previous 20 years, transforming into a more modernised state compared to the strict Islamic rules that were previously followed. To develop and diversify the economy, and reduce reliance on oil, Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030 under the visionary of Mohammed Bin Salman (the current crown prince), which is based on several financial reforms aimed at transforming the Saudi economy structure into a diversified and sustainable system.

One of the most publicised and ambitious visions, to date, is the Neom project. In the Saudi Arabian province of Tabuk, Neom is a planned city that is being constructed entirely from scratch. The metropolis will be situated along the Red Sea coast and will have a land area of more than 10,000 square miles. It is planned to be a hub for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, and will have a variety of landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and desert. The city will use cutting-edge infrastructure and technology to support a variety of diverse sectors, and will be totally powered by renewable energy sources. This innovative project is only one of many more ideas the state has begun to develop.

Altogether, Saudi Arabia is viewed as a significant factor in the Middle East’s future for several reasons. Its advantageous location as a crossroads for trade and commerce between Europe, Asia, and Africa is one important determinant. Additionally, Saudi Arabia also ranks among the world’s top oil producers, giving it considerable economic clout and influence. The nation is also making significant investments in fields like biotechnology and renewable energy, which is assisting in the diversification of its economy and opening up new prospects for development.

Finally, Saudi Arabia is a significant participant in regional politics and has been attempting to forge closer ties with other nations internationally. These elements all work together as Saudi’s contribution in shaping the Middle East for future generations to come