Saudi Ambassador: Vision 2030 not change face of Islam

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Saudi Vision 2030 which contains plans to diversify the country’s economy, develop the public service sectors including those on health, education as well as infrastructure,  and expand the role of women, has quickly made the oil-rich country different from that in the earlier era.

A number of breakthroughs have been carried out by the Government of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, especially with the role of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who always acts progressively.

Saudi Arabia is no longer dependent on oil.

The superpower kingdom in the Middle East region is currently promoting the smart technology sector combined with a modern tourism concept. One such plan was realized in NEOM City, a mega city project in Tabuk Province in the northwest.

Following the plan, Saudi Arabia also opens up to all parties that could bring about large impacts on Saudi Arabia, among others by attracting foreign visitors of non-Muslim countries from America, Asia, Europe and Oceania to enter the country with a Tourist Visa facility.

Islamic identity

The Crown Prince’s breakthroughs have made the condition of Saudi Arabia no longer the same as that before.

Consequently, some people are concerned that the Vision 2030 would gradually erode the values and practices of Islam in Saudi Arabia, while the country is the worship centre of Muslim from around the world as the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are in the guard of the King.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia, Esam A. Abid Athagafi, understood this concern, emphasizing that Islamic identity is always attached to the Vision 2030.

“We are proud of the existence of Makkah and Madinah. The Vision 2030 is an effort to achieve a more advanced and brighter future in Saudi Arabia. The Islamic identity never be separated from the Vision 2030,” the ambassador remarked.

He emphasized that the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia accompanying the Vision 2030 were taking place under the norm of moderate Islam.

“The door to open for tourists does not mean making Saudi Arabia the second Las Vegas because we always apply and maintain moderate Islam,” he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window