Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day arrives as the Kingdom celebrates record-breaking achievements across all sectors under Vision 2030.
With a clear roadmap to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation, official data shows that targets have been met, surpassed, or are well on track.
According to the 2024 annual report, 85 percent of initiatives are either completed or progressing on schedule.
Out of 1,502 active initiatives, 674 have been completed, while 596 remain on track.
In addition, 93 percent of Vision 2030 indicators for national programs and strategies reached or exceeded their interim targets.
Several 2030 targets have been achieved early, including surpassing 100 million tourists, registering eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, raising the number of volunteers to 1.2 million, and increasing women’s labor force participation to 33.5 percent, above the 2030 goal of 30 percent.
The Kingdom also advanced 32 places in the UN e-participation index since 2016, ranking seventh globally, already exceeding its 2030 target of reaching the top ten.
It also climbed 30 spots in the UN e-government index to sixth globally, nearing its 2030 goal of top five.
Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of Umrah pilgrims, with 16.92 million in 2024, surpassing the target of 11.3 million.
Home ownership among Saudi families reached 65.4 percent, up from 47 percent in 2016, already surpassing the 2025 target.
More than 850,000 families owned homes by the end of 2024, while healthcare coverage reached 96.4 percent of communities, close to the 99.5 percent target for 2030.
The Public Investment Fund’s assets under management have more than tripled since Vision 2030 began, reaching SR3.53 trillion.
The private sector’s contribution to GDP rose to 47 percent, surpassing the 2024 target.
Employment in small and medium-sized enterprises increased to 7.86 million workers, exceeding the annual target.
Four Saudi universities ranked among the world’s top 500, with King Saud University breaking into the top 100 at 90th place, a first for the Kingdom.
The proportion of large companies providing CSR programs rose to 71.67 percent, and the nonprofit sector contributed 1 percent to GDP, with a 2030 target of 5 percent.
Saudi Arabia ranked 16th globally in competitiveness and retained MENA leadership in venture capital, with 40 percent of the regional share.
In healthcare, the Virtual Health Hospital entered Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind.
Seven hospitals ranked among the world’s top 250, while King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was named first globally in medical technology use.
Sixteen Saudi cities were certified as “healthy cities,” the highest number in the region.
In 2024, Saudi students won 114 medals and awards at international competitions in science, engineering, and invention.
Globally, the Kingdom ranked first in internet use, second in digital transformation among businesses, and second in technology application.
Saudi Arabia secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first country to host the expanded tournament alone. It also launched the Esports World Cup and expanded e-visa access to 66 countries.
International tourism revenues rose 148 percent compared to 2019, while 76.9 million people attended entertainment events.
By early 2025, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally for growth in international tourism revenues and third for growth in tourist arrivals.
As part of its green initiatives, Saudi Arabia planted more than 115 million trees by the end of 2024.
The agricultural sector contributed SR114 billion to GDP, 118,000 hectares of degraded land were rehabilitated, and more than 7,800 endangered animals were reintroduced to their natural habitats.
In February 2025, the Saudi riyal currency symbol was officially approved, reinforcing national identity and the Kingdom’s status among global economies.
Non-oil activities accounted for 56 percent of GDP, which exceeded SR4.5 trillion.
Saudi Arabia was named “Country of the Year 2025” by StartupBlink for its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Riyadh ranked as the world’s fastest-growing city in the top 100 innovation hubs, first globally in nanotechnology and transport technologies, and second in fintech.
The Kingdom also achieved global leadership in healthcare technology, digital payments, logistics applications, and ranked fifth worldwide in gaming and seventh in edtech.
From economic diversification to tourism leadership and scientific achievement, the Kingdom’s 95th National Day highlights a trajectory of growth and reform under Vision 2030.
With milestones reached ahead of schedule and global rankings climbing, Saudi Arabia’s national celebration this year reflects a nation in the midst of its most ambitious transformation.
