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Saudi Crown Prince: We Are Close to Achieving the Kingdom’s Vision before 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince: We Are Close to Achieving the Kingdom’s Vision before 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, stated on Tuesday that the Kingdom will achieve several of its Vision 2030 goals before 2030.

In televised remarks, he detailed the achievements of the vision on the fifth anniversary of its launch.

The vision, which is spearheaded by the Crown Prince, aims to wean the Kingdom off its dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

Crown Prince Mohammed revealed that as more of the 2030 goals are achieved, the Kingdom would then announce a vision 2040 that would allow it to compete on a global scale.

“We will take advantage of the unexploited opportunities of Vision 2030 and we want to do so as soon as possible,” he added.

He denied that authorities were seeking to impose an income tax inside the Kingdom.

“There will definitely be no such tax in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Moreover, he explained: “Raising VAT to 15% is a temporary decision that will last one to five years and then it will go down to between 5% to 10%.”

Crown Prince Mohammed revealed that more shares of Saudi Aramco will be sold to foreign investors within a year or two.

“There are talks now for the acquisition of a 1% stake by a leading global energy company in an important deal that would boost Aramco's sales in ... a major country,” he revealed, without elaborating.

“There are talks with other companies for different stakes, and part of Aramco's shares could be transferred to the (Saudi) Public Investment Fund and a part listed ... on the Saudi bourse,” he said.

On oil, he said it has benefitted the Kingdom, but the country existed before the discovery of petroleum. Oil remains a major part of the Kingdom, but Vision 2030 wants to establish a stronger economy and a better life for Saudis.

This can be achieved through bolstering the economy with funds and investments and stimulating the private sector, he added, while revealing that discussions are underway with 30 Saudi companies within the Shareek program.

“It is in my interest for the Saudi nation to grow and for the Saudi citizens to be satisfied,” declared the Crown Prince.

On the Public Investment Fund (PIF), he said that it aspires to become a major fund and its profits will not yet be transferred to the state budget.

Crown Prince Mohammed revealed that he aims to grow the fund by over 200% in the next five years. In the future, the fund’s expenses will not exceed 2.5%. It will therefore, act as the Kingdom’s “new oil” and contribute in the diversification of the economy.

Among the Vision’s achievements so far are raising Saudi home ownership to 60% from 47% since 2016. Before the Vision, unemployment stood at 14% and it now seeks to reduce it to 11%. The aim is to reach 4 to 7%. The Vision has also made strides in the tourism sector and aspires to create 3 million jobs in the field until 2030.

On education, Crown Prince Mohammed said the Vison aims for Saudi Arabia to boast three universities that would rank in the top 200 in the world. The sources of education have become open, he went on to say, revealing that focus would be shifted to developing skills.

On foreign policy, he said that “it is based on achieving our interests”.

“The US is a strategic partner to Saudi Arabia and this partnership has had an impact on both countries. With every new American administration, margins for differences vary,” he noted, saying agreement between Riyadh and the Biden administration over various issues is at 90 percent.

On Iran, he said: “Iran is a neighboring country, and all we aspire for is a good and special relationship with Iran.”

“We do not want Iran's situation to be difficult. On the contrary, we want Iran to grow... and to push the region and the world towards prosperity.”

“Our problem with it, however, lies in its negative behavior, such as its nuclear program, support to outlaw militias and its ballistic missile program. We are working with our partners to deal with these challenges,” he stressed.

On Yemen, he remarked: “Saudi Arabia will not accept to have an outlaw militia on its borders.” He was referring to the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

The Kingdom will continue to press for the adoption of its latest initiative on Yemen to secure the region, he added. He hoped that the militias, which still have strong ties to Iran, would be receptive to the proposal and prioritize Yemen’s interests.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.