The Economist, Ahead of Trump’s Visit: Saudi Arabia Is Making a Striking Transformation, Becoming a Stabilizing Factor in the Region

The Economist magazine stated in a recent report that when Donald Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia on May 13 for an official visit at the start of his second term, a repeat of his first official visit eight years ago, it is worth pausing to appreciate the extent of the change taking place in Saudi Arabia.

While the British magazine criticized Trump and his policies, it also praised the policies of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his efforts to transform his country into a significant force.

In the same context, Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist, praised Saudi Arabia for her first visit in 2016 to meet the Crown Prince. According to the writer, it was Mohammed bin Salman’s first official interview, and it made international headlines. He presented his radical plan to reform his country, and the Crown Prince announced his intention to offer shares in the oil giant Saudi Aramco for public listing. She added, “I vividly remember our late-night conversation at his residence outside Riyadh. Mohammed bin Salman seemed a confident young man eager for change. He was determined to transform the kingdom, and quickly.”

The author noted that at the time, Saudi Arabia was taking its first steps toward the change announced by the Crown Prince. She noted that a decade later, many changes have taken place in Saudi Arabia.

The author added: As President Donald Trump prepares to visit Riyadh on his first official visit of his second term, our cover this week takes a look at how outdated this image is.

According to the author, Saudi Arabia has now become a stabilizing factor in the Middle East. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is advising on agreements with Iran and ending the war in Gaza. At home, the country has witnessed a stunning social revolution. Women are now free to travel, work, and live.

The author noted that, however, Saudi Arabia’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil. About 60% of government revenue still comes from the sale of crude oil. Despite the booming hospitality and entertainment sector, the flow of money into spending is still limited. The year is raising costs and crowding out private companies.

To transform from an oil-dependent country into a globalized economy fit for the demands of the current century, Riyadh must create a more welcoming environment for private companies and foreign investors. Saudi Arabia has come a long way in just a few years, but it still has much more to do.