Riyadh, September (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 22 سبتمبر 2025ء) Thanks to its human and natural resources, investment capabilities, and strategic location, the Kingdom has made record progress on Vision 2030 initiatives. According to the Saudi Vision 2030 annual report 2024, many indicators have met or exceeded their interim targets. Notably, the total assets managed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have more than doubled, and the percentage of major companies offering social responsibility programs has increased.
The report revealed that 85% of initiatives are on track, with 674 completed and 596 ongoing out of 1,502 active initiatives. Additionally, 93% of the Vision's indicators for national programs and strategies have met, exceeded, or are close to meeting their interim targets in 2024. This includes 257 indicators that exceeded their annual target and 18 that met their annual target. Furthermore, eight targets were achieved six years ahead of schedule.
Notable achievements include over 100 million tourists visiting Saudi Arabia and eight sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Volunteer numbers have surpassed 1.2 million, exceeding the 2030 target of one million, while female labor force participation reached 33.5%, surpassing the 2030 target of 30%.
The Kingdom has risen 32 ranks in the E-Participation Index since 2016, now positioned seventh globally, exceeding its 2030 target of entering the top 10. Additionally, it has climbed 30 ranks in the UN E-Government Development Index, reaching sixth globally and approaching its 2030 goal of breaking into the top five.
As a result of the Kingdom's initiatives to facilitate Hajj and Umrah for as many Muslims as possible, while enhancing their religious and cultural experiences through improved infrastructure and integrated digital services, the number of Umrah performers reached an all-time high of 16.92 million, exceeding the target of 11.3 million for the year.
Homeownership for Saudi families rose to 65.4% from 47% in 2016, surpassing the 2025 target. More than 850,000 families became homeowners by the end of 2024, and healthcare coverage reached 96.4% of population centers, nearing the 2030 target of 99.5%.
PIF total assets have more than tripled since the launch of Vision 2030, reaching SAR3.53 trillion. The private sector's contribution to GDP reached 47%, exceeding its 2024 target.
The number of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has risen to 7.86 million, surpassing the target for the year.
Four Saudi universities have been ranked among the world's top 500, with King Saud University achieving 90th place, the first Saudi university in the top 100. The percentage of major companies offering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs increased to 71.67%, exceeding the year's target. The non-profit sector's contribution to the GDP reached 1%, with a target of reaching 5% by 2030.
Saudi Arabia has improved its position to 16th in the Global Competitiveness Index. It also maintained its lead in the middle East and North Africa in venture capital with 40%. The investment opportunity generation indicator exceeded 1,800, surpassing the 2024 target.
Significant health achievements include the Seha Virtual Hospital entering the Guinness World Records as the largest virtual hospital. Seven Saudi hospitals ranked among the world’s top 250. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre achieved a global first in the use of medical technology. Additionally, 16 Saudi cities were certified as Healthy Cities, making the Kingdom the leading country in the region for the number of globally certified Healthy Cities. The readiness of health regions in the Kingdom to address health risks rose to 92%.
Saudi students continue to achieve remarkable success on the international stage, winning a total of 114 medals and grand prizes at ISEF 2024 and ITEX 2024, the two largest global competitions in science, engineering, and invention.
The Kingdom has secured leading positions worldwide in digital innovation, ranking first globally in the internet users index, second in the digital transformation index for companies, and second in the technology development and application index.
Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the largest edition of the FIFA World Cup in 2034, becoming the first country in history to host the event independently under the new format. The Kingdom also inaugurated the Esports World Cup and expanded its electronic visa program to 66 countries.
In line with its sustainable vision, the Kingdom planted over 115 million trees by the end of 2024. The agricultural sector contributed SAR114 billion to the GDP, rehabilitated more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land, and resettled over 7,800 endangered animals.
The Kingdom's Vision 2030 continues to drive significant progress, with 2025 marked by achievements that reflect rapid development and economic diversification.
In February, Saudi Arabia officially adopted the Saudi Riyal symbol, a move aimed at strengthening the financial identity of the national Currency on local, regional, and international levels. This initiative underscores national pride, reinforces cultural identity, and reflects the Kingdom's growing prominence among major global economies and G20 nations.
The Saudi economy has demonstrated remarkable diversification, with non-oil activities accounting for 56% of GDP, which exceeded SAR4.5 trillion. This shift positions the Kingdom as a global hub for diverse economic activities; 660 international companies have chosen Saudi Arabia as their regional headquarters—surpassing the Vision 2030 target.
The Kingdom also achieved a global leadership position in innovation and entrepreneurship, ranking first worldwide in ecosystem growth, according to the StartupBlink Global Report, which named Saudi Arabia the "Country of the Year 2025." Meanwhile, Riyadh recorded the highest growth rate among the world's top 100 cities in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
On the technology front, the Kingdom achieved top global rankings across several key sectors. It ranked first worldwide in both nanotechnology and transportation technologies, and also secured first place in living healthcare technologies. The Kingdom ranked second globally in financial technologies, as well as in insurance and investment technologies, delivery applications and logistics services. Additionally, it placed third in digital payments, fifth in electronic games, and seventh in education technologies.
International tourism revenues surged by 148% compared to 2019, with visitor attendance at entertainment events reaching 76.9 million. The Kingdom also led the G20 in the growth of international tourist arrivals.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of the tourism sector and ongoing collaboration among government agencies, Saudi Arabia achieved record growth in visitor spending during Q1 of 2025, which rose by 9.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Total spending by international visitors reached approximately SAR49.4 billion, contributing to a travel surplus of SAR26.8 billion in the balance of payments—an increase of 11.7% year-on-year.
According to the World Tourism Barometer report issued by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in May 2025, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally for the highest growth rate in international tourist receipts during Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period in 2019. The Kingdom also ranked third worldwide for the growth rate of international tourist arrivals in this period and second in the Middle East, recording an impressive 102% increase in international tourists compared to Q1 of 2019.
This growth far exceeded the global average of 3% and the Middle East regional growth rate of 44%, solidifying Saudi Arabia's leadership in both the global and regional tourism sectors.
