Not so long ago, who would have predicted the Saudi capital’s emergence as an influential regional and global power? That influence may well be attributed to the discovery of one of the largest oil reserves in the world.
However, that is not the end of the story. Since the discovery of oil in the Kingdom, the process of development has continued at its own pace.
Fast forward to 2016, when the Kingdom’s leadership announced the Vision 2030 program and began introducing socioeconomic reforms in all spheres of life. One of the key objectives of Vision 2030 is to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, and transform the country into a global industrial and logistics hub.
Vision 2030 has given new impetus to Saudi Arabia’s overall growth, helping the Kingdom take great strides into the future.
Riyadh, once quiet and calm, has sprung into life, and is rapidly claiming its rightful place in the global ranking of most advanced and livable cities.
The Saudi capital is developing at a mind-boggling pace. As a resident of Riyadh, I believe that it will not be long before I and others will feel the need to use mobile apps to understand and navigate the growing network of roads and streets.
The best part is that all this development is taking place with the concepts of sustainability and improved quality of life at the core of the decision-making process.
Riyadh is, undoubtedly, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and, within a few years, will become one of the greenest, most advanced capitals.
Khaled Almobid
The Riyadh Green initiative is testament to the government’s efforts to ensure that no aspect of human life is ignored the development process. Improving quality of life and making it sustainable are the key goals of all government efforts.
Riyadh’s development is more than an infrastructure upgrade. Thanks to several mega-projects, the capital is becoming a magnet for foreign investors in different sectors.
With projects in several economic sectors, multinational companies are setting up their regional headquarters in Riyadh, creating thousands of jobs for educated Saudi youth, and boosting economic activities in and around the city.
Since the economy is interconnected, every project that begins in Riyadh in any sector has a cascading effect on other sectors. Mega-projects in one part of the city have a positive impact on the real estate sector in adjoining areas.
Similarly, an effective transport system and road network support the construction and other ancillary industries, as well as having a huge impact on the supply chain system of different industries by reducing cost and time.
Riyadh is, undoubtedly, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and, within a few years, will become one of the greenest, most advanced capitals.
Riyadh is on the road to becoming a super-city. It is just the beginning of the success story of a city and a country, where thousands of economic opportunities will be available to all in every sector.
• Khaled Almobid is the CEO of Menassat Realty Co., a Riyadh-based real estate developer. Twitter: @khaledalmobid
