Saudi Arabia's unprecedented attempt to diversify from an oil economy to something more sustainable seems to be churning along nicely. The female labour participation rate has nearly doubled to 36% from 2016, the year Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman laid out his Vision 2030. Unemployment is at a record low. Last year, the number of domestic and foreign tourists exceeded 100 million for the first time.
Headline statistics aside, what's Saudi Arabia really like? Curious, I did some sightseeing, taking advantage of a new route between Hong Kong and Riyadh. The two financial centres have been strengthening economic ties, cross-investing and offering exchange-traded funds on each other's bourses. Cathay Pacific started a direct flight late last month. Before the trip, my friend and I were fussing over our outfits, worrying that we might get stopped on the street for not dressing conservatively enough. We were also a bit nervous about our road trip—after all, women were forbidden from driving until mid-2018.
What we found was an open and friendly nation that welcomed visitors. We blended in as well as any foreigners would in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, and we didn't spot the much-feared religious police. In Medina, we accidentally roamed into the courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque, not knowing it was for Muslims only. When a policeman asked us to leave, his tone was apologetic.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Steering clear of Trumponomics would serve other countries well
The US president-elect's policy plans will hurt more than help the US and policymakers elsewhere must recognize the risks
Welcome Elon Musk, shadow president-elect of the US
Nobody can predict what part of his inner self will show up as he takes on a new role in the government
Saudi Arabia's popular culture is changing with liberalization
Riyadh's moves to open up the kingdom have had a positive impact
India's slowdown awaits a well-crafted response
The second-quarter loss of economic pace has underlying trends that risk reinforcing its key causes. Indian policy must support private investment, employment and consumption
A right that women don't have is the right to mediocrity
It's not just Harris. Women are judged far more harshly than men for not being exceptional
Not Goa, this techie picked Da Nang for beach holidays
Harsh Vardhan has been to Vietnam thrice in two years, the latest trip was for his honeymoon
EPF users to receive interest till the date of settlement
Members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will now earn interest till the date of settlement of their claims.
Social movements need to lead India's fight against air pollution
We must generate the social capital required for people to act collectively towards a common cause
RETHINKING SME IPOs: SEBI STEPS IN TO ADDRESS MISUSE
Sebi's effort to streamline SME IPOs is laudable but liquidity must also be a key focus area
Repatriating FCNR deposits: What NRIs need to know after becoming residents
When NRIs (non-resident Indian) change their status to resident Indian, is it possible to repatriate the funds from FCNR (foreign currency non-resident account fixed deposit (FD)) for free, without it being subject to regulations of the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)?
