An Essay on a Dream That Transforms Reality
When the world first heard about Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan for transformation in 2016, many raised their eyebrows in disbelief. Could a country built on the power of oil, deeply rooted in tradition, truly reinvent itself as a modern hub of innovation, culture, and sustainable development? A few years have passed – and today the question sounds different: how far can this vision take the Kingdom?
Between Tradition and the Future
The strength of Vision 2030 lies in the fact that it does not seek to erase the past or break away from heritage. On the contrary, it draws from it, building a bridge between history and the future. The tradition of Islam, a sense of community, respect for values and culture – these are the foundations upon which a modern economy is being built, open to the world yet firmly rooted in its identity.
It is a fascinating contrast: on one hand, vast technological investments, digitalization, and futuristic urban projects; on the other, the awareness that a society needs not only innovation, but also roots and connection to what is familiar and close.
Ambition as the Engine of Change
It is no coincidence that the guiding motto is an ambitious nation. Ambition can be a suspicious word – at times associated with pride or excess. Yet in the case of Saudi Arabia, ambition becomes the driving force of transformation. It is what prevents the country from settling for small steps, encouraging instead a mindset that measures progress not in months, but in decades.
Looking at the development of Vision 2030, one can clearly see three phases: laying the foundations, accelerating growth, and consolidating change. The first reforms were like preparing the soil. The second – like sowing, investing, and dynamic growth. The third phase is to be a time of harvest, when the fruits of these actions will be not just a promise, but a daily reality for citizens.
Society, Economy, State
The Vision is built on three pillars: Vibrant Society, Thriving Economy, and Ambitious Nation. It is a kind of triad, where each element strengthens the others. Society cannot flourish in a vacuum – it needs an economy that creates opportunities. The economy cannot thrive without an efficient state and the trust of citizens. And the state cannot be effective without an active, aware society.
In this sense, Vision 2030 resembles not merely a strategic document but rather a story of how a nation can transform its dreams into a tangible plan.
A Lesson for the World
One may look at Vision 2030 with distance, one may criticize the pace of change, or wonder about the social and political costs of such a vast transformation. But one thing is certain: Saudi Arabia demonstrates that ambition – when coupled with consistency – has the power to reshape reality.
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/overview
01.10.2025 Stockholm
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