By Dr. Nasser Al-Biqami

It has been eight years since the birth of Vision 2030, which outlined the dawn of a new era filled with hope for this sacred land, providing a beacon that lights the path of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards a prosperous future, sustainable development, and well-being that enhances life and extends its benefits across the region.

Today, Vision 2030 serves as a road map in a region plagued by instability and uncertainty about its future.

Born in a secure and stable land, a verdant oasis that enjoys abundant provision amidst an environment rife with challenges and threats, the Vision encompasses intellectual, cultural, economic, and developmental achievements that act as a safety valve to navigate and overcome crises.

Since its inception, it has posed one of the most inspiring challenges that every young man and woman in our nation has faced, under the leadership of the visionary and inspiring Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.

From the moment of its inception, Vision 2030 represented a dream for some and a puzzle for others.

However, the leadership's faith in its citizens quickly transformed it into a lifeline amid tumultuous and fierce waves of difficulties and challenges, including the COVID-19 crisis which tested the Vision's capacity to surmount hardships.

Today, the successes of Vision 2030, validated by statistics and a report published after eight years, confirm that the Kingdom not only has been, but will continue to be, a significant force in the Arab and Islamic worlds, thanks to its deep-rooted historical significance and vast geography with immense potential.

The Kingdom is fully capable of harnessing all its energies and resources to move towards the future, armed with faith in God, national constants, age-old traditions, as well as ongoing education and modernization.

The achievements of Vision 2030 are too numerous to list, but a crowning achievement is the remarkable progress in the non-oil sector, shaping a future of economic diversity that invests in all the nation's resources and intellects.

This is evidenced by international indicators showing that Saudi Arabia's economy is among the fastest growing in the world. Domestically, one of the key achievements has been the reduction of unemployment rates, nearing the Vision's target ahead of schedule.

Despite all challenges, the most significant aspect of the Vision has been its pursuit from the outset to adopt corrective, structural, legislative, and developmental policies.

Moreover, it did not separate the world of ideas from finance, establishing a strong philosophical base and solid intellectual foundations, a break from extremism, corruption, and cronyism, alongside a striking digital transformation unparalleled in the region and many parts of the world.

For this, we give thanks to God, and express gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.