Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Vs Skeptics
09 May 2018By
Salman Al-dossary
Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life program alongside its 234-page executive
summary, announced by the Economic and Development Board last week, was a
down-to-the-letter exceptionally gratifying read.
Why?! In short, because the program goes beyond a vision and into noting down
operational details with clear-cut numbers, specific timelines and initiatives
set for fulfilling the ultimate goal of making Saudi Arabia the best place to
live in for citizens and residents alike.
The program relies on two axes: the first being the development of the
individual's lifestyle and the second being the enhancement of overall quality
of life in the kingdom.
Upgrading the local environment so that it offers a new array of options that
get citizens and residents involved in cultural, recreational and sporting
activities is a part of the program's plan for developing an individual's
lifestyle in the Kingdom.
On the second hand, widening the scope of activities inside the kingdom,
diversifying the economy, and planning for at least three Saudi cities to rank
top worldwide, will advance the Kingdom's agenda on improving the overall
quality of life in the kingdom.
Quality of Life 2020 aims to include at least three Saudi cities in the list
of the top 100 cities in the world to live in by 2030.
The program isn't only focused on long-term goals but has set immediate goals
to work.
Year 2022 is the deadline for promoting social sports activities, achieving
excellence in several regional and global sports, and developing and
diversifying recreational opportunities, meeting the needs of the population.
These goals are set to indirectly improve services provided in Saudi cities
such as utilities, public transport, and urban landscape, as well as push the
establishing of special areas and rehabilitating economic zones.
More so, the initiative is that it is only one of twelve other key programs
identified by the Economic and Development Council as strategically vital for
Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of Kingdom Vision 2030.
Implementing programs in Saudi Arabia is being backed with effective
cooperation between state ministries and institutions—nationwide, initiatives
cannot be achieved if state bodies operate on an isolated-island principal.
In order to achieve satisfactory results on improving main aspects of life,
such as infrastructure, transport, housing, urban design, environment, health
care, economic and educational opportunities, security and the social
environment, progress must be tightly tied to strict performance indicators.
It goes without saying that improving quality of life in Saudi cities will
reflect positively on the welfare of citizens and residents, as well as
visitors and tourists.
Developing strong infrastructure in Saudi cities, providing comprehensive
services, enhancing social interaction, and offering both quality and diverse
lifestyle choices are factors that motivate people and enhance social
livelihood.
It goes without saying that Saudi Arabia is stepping into an astounding
future.
However, some skeptics choose to focus on the obstacles. Pessimists at every
corner watch out closely for the smallest misfortunes to put to question the
validity of change. They remain hesitant to believe that positive change is
actually happening in Saudi Arabia.
It is true that the same people were blaming Saudi Arabia for its
steadfastness and lack of flexibility in change, have now become full-time
skeptics. They themselves never believed that Saudi Arabia would have a vision
and a future project of such astronomical scale.
Nevertheless, doubters aren't to be blamed-- it is not easy for them to
imagine that a new Saudi Arabia is launched and won't slow down until it
achieves listed aspirations. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and
skeptics will day by day be dismissed with ground-hard facts.
Salman Aldosary is the former editor-in-chief of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper
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