Vision 2030: Technology as Game Changer for Saudi Arabia, by Zekeri Idakwo
Technology has had a big impact on Saudi Arabia’s economy in recent years. One of the most notable changes has been the rise of e-commerce and online shopping which has transformed Saudi’s retail industry.
The Saudi government has also been investing heavily in technology, including launching initiatives like the “National Transformation Program” and “Saudi Vision 2030”, which aim to make the country a global hub for technology and innovation.
There has also been a rise in the use of social media, with platforms like Twitter and Instagram being very popular among Saudis.
According to some estimates, the technology sector contributed around $20 billion to the Saudi economy in 2017, which is about 4% of the country’s GDP. This is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as the government continues to invest in the sector.
Some experts predict that by 2030, the technology sector could contribute up to 10% of the country’s GDP. This growth is likely to come from areas like e-commerce, fintech, and digital media.
Saudi Arabia has a strong economy, with high oil prices and large reserves of oil and gas. The country also has a young, tech-savvy population, which is likely to drive growth in the tech sector.
But there are also some challenges that could affect the country’s ability to achieve these goals, including a lack of qualified workers and slow progress on some reforms.
Investing in education and training is essential to ensure that Saudi Arabia has the workforce it needs to succeed in the tech sector. The government, however, has already taken some steps in this direction, by coming up with initiatives like the “Saudization” program, aimed at increasing the number of Saudis working in the private sector.
Women make up a large portion of Saudi Arabia’s population, and their participation in the tech sector is essential for the country’s long-term success. Currently, only about 14 percent of the tech workforce in Saudi Arabia is female, and the government has set a target of increasing this to 30 percent by 2030.
Some of the initiatives to increase women’s participation include increasing the number of female STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduates, and creating more opportunities for women to start their own businesses.
Technology can play a big role in shifting social norms and empowering women. For example, mobile technology and the internet have given women more access to information and opportunities, which has helped to change attitudes about their role in society.
In addition, technology can be used to provide affordable and accessible childcare options, like remote monitoring and video chat services.
Technology can also be used to raise awareness about the benefits of women’s participation in the workforce, and to highlight successful female role models in the tech sector. For example, initiatives like “Women in Tech Arabia” are working to increase the visibility of female tech entrepreneurs and professionals.
Perception is a very important factor in changing attitudes and behaviours. If people see more women working in the tech sector and achieving success, it can help to normalise the idea and make it seem more attainable for others.
In addition, these initiatives can also help to dispel myths and misconceptions about women’s abilities in the tech field. That the Saudi authorities are already maximising the economic potential of technological innovations and advancement to drive the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Agenda is awe-inspiring.
But the thing is, there is nothing a nation cannot achieve when it has visionary leaders at the helm of its affairs.
