Saudi Arabia is changing. You have to see it to believe it. Saudi Arabia, with its strict gender discrimination, strict Islamic laws and dress code, no longer exists. It is a new country that is open, just, welcoming and emerging. With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2023 as its guideline, the Kingdom is making great strides and rapidly shedding the shackles of the past. Travel around the capital Riyadh and you’ll find it buzzing with young and aspirational Saudis making the most of newfound freedoms and opportunities. According to the 2022 census, 63% of Saudis are under the age of 30. And changes in government policy are guided by keeping this key data in mind. The biggest beneficiaries of the new openness are Saudi women, who have never had it so good.
change in women’s leadership
The Kingdom’s inclusive Vision 2030 aims to diversify and strengthen the country’s economy. According to a World Bank report, Saudi Arabia now ranks on top in terms of women’s economic and social progress out of 190 economies. The women of the country are now truly in the driver’s seat. The lifting of restrictions on their movement and choices means Saudi women are leading their country’s social, cultural and economic transformation. Until a few years ago, they had to look to their fathers, husbands and brothers for even basic things like permission to travel or work.
With Vision 2030, female workforce participation is now around 40% compared to around 15% a few years ago. This progress is evident in the increasing number of women obtaining advanced degrees, enrolling in STEM fields, and 40% of small and medium-sized startups are owned by women. As soon as you reach Riyadh, you see women taking major jobs. From immigration counters to shopping malls and government offices, Saudi women are everywhere. I saw women presenting at major government events, doing camera work, running stalls in local markets. The presence of women in the workforce also means increased intersectionality between the genders and the rewriting of many social norms and gender behaviors.
Saudi for all
A major focus of Vision 2030 is also the cultural and social integration of all people living and working in Saudi Arabia. The Media Ministry’s Global Harmony Project aims to enhance understanding and cooperation between the different groups that call the Kingdom home. According to Dr. Khalid bin Abdulkader Al Ghamdi, Saudi Deputy Media Minister, the Global Harmony project aims to make expatriates feel at home. But more than that, it aims to help local Saudis better understand the different communities living among them. Therefore, during Riyadh season, which starts in September and runs through February-March, you see many public cultural and social events to bring communities together. It is a true celebration and appreciation of diversity.
Indians are special and loved
Among the expatriates, there is a special focus on Indians, who are the largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia. Currently, 2.6 million Indians live in the Kingdom, working in the domestic sector as well as in private jobs and running start-ups as well as large companies. Recognizing India’s role, Dr Khalid calls the community “an integral part of the Saudi story”. This year, the Media Ministry dedicated the Suwaidi Park Utsav exclusively to India. The 10-day festival saw a celebration of Indian culture, food, music and art. People from all communities flocked to the sprawling Suvedi Park to enjoy a part of India. The Global Harmony Project strives to present Saudi Arabia as an inclusive and harmonious society where people of all backgrounds live and celebrate their cultures, traditions and festivals. And, this is not a civil society programme. It is a government policy initiative with clear objectives and plans. This makes it an exemplary effort for many countries that are facing social cleavages due to their diversity.
look back towards the future
As Saudi moves towards modernity, it is also conscious of its history and heritage. It is encouraging study and excavation at heritage sites such as Al Ula, and also promoting its pre-Islamic history. Nouf Marwai, yoga instructor and advisor to the Saudi government, gave us a presentation on the historical and social similarities between India and Saudi Arabia. In her talk, she went back to 6000 BC to explore the Almagro civilization.
Clearly, the new Saudi Arabia presents itself as an old civilization, not just a society defined by the arrival of Islam 1,400 years ago. It is now portrayed only as an important event, not as the sole marker of civilizational identity. The Kingdom is also promoting its historical sites. The city of Diriyah, just outside Riyadh, is a heritage site that has received a UNESCO tag. It was home to the Saudi royal family and also served as the capital of the Emirate of Diriyah under the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, Diriyah is one of the most prominent cultural centers and home to many sports and adventure activities. Empire. Nevertheless, its historical character has always been maintained. On the one hand, you have huge infrastructure projects, new businesses and a modern wave in Saudi, and on the other, a renewed focus on its more than 1,400-year-old history.
adds music
Coming back to India Connect: Wherever there are Indians, there is music. Indian film music has been a great brand ambassador and unifier across the world. Saudi Arabia is no different. While we were driving around Riyadh my local colleague, Abdulwahab Al Ghamdi, a young, energetic guy of about 20, played Hindi songs for me in the car. He told me that he and his friends dance to Punjabi songs in their parties. And how much he loved Shahrukh Khan and Indian film music. He also showed me a video of a Saudi artist singing a popular Hindi film song in a Saudi talent show.
The new Saudi Arabia is truly a surprise and a delight.
(Mohammed Asim is Senior Editor of NDTV 24X7. He visited Saudi Arabia from October 15 to October 20 at the invitation of the Media Ministry)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
