Introduction:
This discussion focuses on the transformation, uncertainty, and sustainability of Saudi Arabia in the context of the relationship between the United States and the Arab region.

Strategic Context:
The United States and Arab countries share vital interests in economic, political, and security matters. The region faces uncertainty due to the recent U.S. election and the new administration’s approach to relations with Arab partners. Strategic issues include national and international security, defense cooperation, and the pursuit of peace and prosperity.

H. Delano Roosevelt’s Credentials:
He is a former member of the National Council’s Board of Directors. He is the President and CEO of the United States Saudi Arabian Business Council. He has held various positions related to Middle Eastern commerce and diplomacy. He has extensive experience in politics, business, and international relations.

Dr. Turki Faisal Al Rasheed’s Expertise:
He comes from a family with a long history in agriculture in Saudi Arabia. He is a professor at the University of Arizona. He has written a book titled “Saudi Arabia Transformation, Uncertainty, and Sustainability.”

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030:
Saudi Arabia has launched Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenue. The initiative aims to transform the country into a regional hub for trade, investment, and tourism. The plan includes investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s transformation and the uncertainty surrounding it are critical topics for discussion. The country’s efforts to diversify its economy and achieve sustainability are significant for its future.

Vision 2030:
The main theme of the book is triple bottom line sustainability. Saudi Arabia has been pioneering long-term vision management since 2002. Vision 2030 is a continuation of earlier long-term vision experimentation.

Timeline of Key Events:
October 2002: Conference on Saudi Economic Vision 2020 Theme: economic diversification, human resources development, public service expansion, private sector promotion, and governance modernization. Eighth Development Plan (2005-2009): Long-term vision economic and development strategy for sustainable development. Goals: economic reform, private sector support, and economic sustainability. First five-year plan, part of a framework of successive five-year plans until 2024.

Historical Context:
First development plan launched in 1970.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Development Plans:
The nine development plan (2010-2014) focused on improving citizens’ living standards, developing national human resources, restructuring the economy, and enhancing regional balance. Vision 2030 aims to create a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

National Transformation Program (NTP):
Launched in 2016 to build capacity for achieving Vision 2030’s goals. Strategic Vision Realization Program launched in 2017 to achieve Vision 2030. National Transformation Program Delivery Plan (2018-2020) aligned with the new Vision 2030, incorporating changes from the first NTP.

Civil Service Capability:
Long-term visions involving complex changes require a capable civil service. Key capabilities include using experimental approaches to policy and planning, reality testing of ideas, monitoring and evaluating for learning, and agility in implementing lessons learned.

Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities:
Strengths: well-developed long-term strategic vision, improved ease of doing business, investment promotion platform. Challenges: implementation and planning, public servant knowledge and experience, cooperation and coordination within organizations. Opportunities: public sector as a catalyst for change, private sector as an engine for economic growth, increased women’s participation in the labor market, implementing commercial policy and regulation reforms.

Saudi Arabia’s Transformation:
The presentation focuses on Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a diversified economy and a strategic state.

Saudi Leadership Characteristics:
The presentation highlights the role of Saudi leadership in driving the transformation. The leadership is characterized as being young, energetic, and guided by experience. The leaders focus on their strong points, capabilities, and capacity.

Major Successes in Recent Years:
The presentation provides examples of major successes achieved by various ministries in Saudi Arabia. These successes include increasing homeownership, empowering women in the workforce, reducing license requirements, promoting tourism, and improving government digitalization. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has made significant strides in water desalination and food security. The Ministry of Health has established a successful call center to provide healthcare services.

Research Focus:
The research focuses on strategic process capability, effectiveness of Saudi leadership, effectiveness of public servants, stockholder involvement, and implementation of national transformation. The research is based on the triple bottom line of sustainability, considering economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Conclusion:
Strategic transformation and economic diversification are possible through a long-term strategic vision, backed by government support and effective policy implementation. Despite challenges like the collapse of oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia has shown its determination to pursue its strategic transformation. The aim is to create a prosperous and diversified economy with happy and satisfied citizens.

Theme of the Research:
The research focuses on the credibility, ability to deliver good service, and effective communication of the Saudi government in achieving its goals. The research does not delve into the type of government, as that aspect is considered beyond the scope of the book.

Integration of Government and Civil Service:
Countries like Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Singapore have highly integrated governments that operate seamlessly. Saudi Arabia aims to achieve similar integration to deliver its long-term vision.

Management Systems for Vision Alignment:
Saudi Arabia needs to integrate management systems, budget, performance management, IT, and HRM systems to align civil servants’ actions with the long-term vision.

Shift from Five-Year Plans to Long-Term Vision:
Saudi Arabia aims to move away from five-year development plans and adopt a long-term vision with a focus on monitoring and evaluation.

Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Improvement:
The government emphasizes monitoring and evaluation to learn, revise, refine, and improve the implementation of the long-term vision.

Engagement of Public and Private Sectors:
Engaging the public, business community, and various sectors is crucial for gathering valuable information and evidence to enhance monitoring and evaluation.

Public and Private Sector Involvement in Learning and Improvement:
Involving the public and private sectors in the learning and improvement process is essential for developing a capacity for continuous improvement.

Saudi Arabia’s Changing Civil Service:
Saudi Arabia’s civil service is undergoing significant changes and improvements, indicating an integration and enhancement of its capabilities.

Evidence from the World Economic Forum:
The World Economic Forum in January 2018 featured Saudi ministers discussing their efforts to improve alignment and coordination among ministries. The Minister of Finance emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication between ministries. The Minister of Commerce and Investment highlighted the creation of a planning culture, crucial for effective governance.

Worldwide Governance Indicators:
The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators provide a long-term perspective on government effectiveness. From 2005 onwards, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a steady increase in government effectiveness. This improvement coincides with the development of long-term visions for the country.

Public Administration Perspective:
Public administration experts view these changes as positive developments in Saudi Arabia’s civil service. The focus on collaboration, planning, and long-term vision aligns with best practices in public administration. These improvements suggest that the civil service is becoming more capable of delivering long-term visions effectively.

Key Shifts and Developments:
Vision 2030 represents a significant departure from traditional top-down approaches to long-term planning in Saudi Arabia. The new vision emphasizes the need for strategic leadership, coordination oversight, and interactive processes within the government and between government entities and the public. Effective monitoring and evaluation systems are crucial to ensuring the successful delivery of the vision’s goals.

Historical Context:
The concept of strategic visions in Saudi Arabia dates back to 2002, but it gained momentum around 2005. The Eighth Development Plan, Ninth Development Plan, and Vision 2030 are significant milestones in Saudi Arabia’s journey towards economic diversification and transformation.

The Ministry of Investment (MISA):
MISA is a key player in attracting foreign investment and facilitating business opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Minister Khaled Al Thali leads MISA, bringing his extensive experience from Aramco. MISA has an office in the United States, Invest Saudi, headed by Abdul Rahman Bakir.

Opportunities for US Businesses:
The Saudi government offers incentives and support to attract US businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Opportunities exist for manufacturing, final assembly, and supporting larger projects in Saudi Arabia. The National Council of U.S.-Arab Relations, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, and MISA serve as avenues for US companies to explore business opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Challenges and Considerations:
The roadmap for doing business in Saudi Arabia can be intimidating, but organizations like MISA and the US-Saudi Business Council provide guidance and support. US companies need to navigate visa requirements, business licenses, and finding the right partners in Saudi Arabia.

Public Perception of Vision 2030:
Vision 2030 has been positively received by the people and business community of Saudi Arabia. The vision’s focus on economic diversification, job creation, and improved quality of life resonates with the public.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Challenges:
Overreliance on oil revenue: Saudi Arabia’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, leading to vulnerabilities during oil price fluctuations. High government spending: A significant portion of the government budget goes towards daily expenses such as salaries and subsidies, leaving limited funds for investment and development. Private sector dependency on government spending: The private sector heavily relies on government spending, making it susceptible to changes in government policies and spending patterns.

Vision 2030: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities:
Economic diversification: Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence by promoting non-oil sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and technology. Reducing government spending: The government is working to reduce its daily expenses and increase efficiency to free up resources for investment in key sectors. Encouraging private sector growth: Vision 2030 seeks to stimulate private sector growth by creating a more favorable business environment and reducing bureaucracy.

Impact on Various Sectors:
Positive impact: Many sectors have benefited from Vision 2030, including healthcare, education, and e-government services. Access to government services, healthcare, and education has improved through digital platforms and initiatives. Negative impact: Some sectors have been negatively affected, particularly those heavily reliant on government spending. These sectors may need to adapt to the changing economic landscape and find new sources of revenue.

The Role of Small and Medium-Sized Companies (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship:
Diversification away from oil: SMEs and entrepreneurship play a crucial role in diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. They can introduce new products, services, and innovations, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Example of Sadara Project: The Sadara project in the Eastern province is highlighted as an example of how SMEs can seize opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The project provides opportunities for US companies to sell their products and establish businesses in the country.

Opportunities for Collaboration:
Saudi Arabia presents immense opportunities for businesses, especially in supporting the operations of large-scale industrial facilities like Sodara, a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Aramco, which is the largest petrochemical refining plant on the planet. The kingdom encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through initiatives such as an export-import bank to support young entrepreneurs and foster collaboration between Saudi and US businesses.

Food Security and Agricultural Development:
Saudi Arabia has effectively managed food security during the pandemic, relying on local agriculture and maintaining a robust supply chain. Water scarcity remains a challenge, prompting the development of innovative farming techniques like drip irrigation systems to maximize water usage efficiency. The kingdom has established successful operations in dairy, fruit juices, and poultry production, including Al-Marai, one of the largest producers globally. Modern farming practices, such as vertical farming and greenhouse cultivation, are rapidly expanding in Saudi Arabia.

Pandemic Response and Strategic Management:
Saudi Arabia implemented a systematic and efficient vaccination program, prioritizing the elderly population, resulting in a successful immunization campaign. The “Tawqan” app was introduced, requiring individuals to show a green status on the app to enter public spaces, ensuring adherence to safety measures and reducing the spread of the virus.

Education Reform and Vision 2030:
Education in Saudi Arabia is being reoriented to align with Vision 2030, focusing on job-oriented skills and practical knowledge. Universities are encouraged to provide education tailored to specific job requirements rather than solely issuing certificates. The emphasis is on adaptability, continuous learning, and improving skills to meet the demands of the evolving job market.

Saudi Region’s Consequences of Failure:
The consequences of failure in the Saudi region are tremendous, not only for Saudi Arabia but for the entire region. The Arab world consists of 70% young people, over 500 million people, facing basic human need requirements.

Urgency for Change:
If nothing is done promptly, there is a need to adapt and change to provide basic needs for the population.

Government’s Role in Basic Needs:
Governments should prioritize providing basic necessities like food, shelter, and jobs to ensure a decent life for their citizens.

Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz’s Priorities:
Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz’s discussions 70 years ago emphasized sustainability and triple bottom line, which remain valid priorities today.

Educational Experience Takeaway:
The exposure and educational experience during the presentation showcased the richness of knowledge shared.

Saudi Arabians Educated in the West:
Approximately 800,000 Saudi Arabians have been educated in the West, contributing to the country’s development.

Saudi Arabia’s Education Gap and Misunderstanding:
The number of Americans educated in Saudi Arabia is close to zero, leading to a profound imbalance in knowledge and understanding of Saudi culture, civilization, and realities.

Saudi Arabia’s Youthful Population:
Two-thirds of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 35, highlighting the importance of understanding their demands, dreams, aspirations, and preparations for the future.

Saudi Arabia’s Petrochemical Dominance:
Saudi Arabia ranks number one globally in terms of petrochemical plants, industries, and subsidiary sectors, emphasizing its significant contribution to global reliance on petrochemical products.

Saudi Women’s Employment:
35% of Saudi women are employed in the public and private sectors, equal to or exceeding the number of American women in the workforce, challenging stereotypes and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s efforts in女性の権利.

Leadership and Statesmanship:
Effective leadership is proactive and requires statesmanship, which is rare and essential for navigating strategic issues and addressing global dynamics.

American Investment in Saudi Arabia:
American investment in Saudi Arabia surpasses the combined investment of all other countries, highlighting the strong economic ties between the two nations.

Joint Commercial Ventures and Strategic Partnerships:
The United States has the most joint commercial ventures with Saudi Arabian partners, demonstrating the strength of bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Importance of Outsider Perspectives:
Outsiders like Paul Joyce provide valuable insights and perspectives, complementing the expertise of specialists and enhancing understanding of complex issues.

Podcast Availability and Learning Opportunities:
The podcast of this session will be made available for those who missed the live event, allowing for further learning and engagement with the experts’ insights.

Tools for Critical Analysis and Prognosis:
The session provided attendees with valuable tools for more effective critical analysis, prognosis, and anticipation of future realities, equipping them to navigate uncertain environments.

Gratitude for Attendees and Support:
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations and its supporters express gratitude to the speakers, attendees, and all those involved in making the event successful.