Saudi Arabia's Renewal Resonates with Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Marc Schneier reflects on Rosh Hashanah and Saudi Arabia's transformation under Vision 2030, drawing parallels between the two.
The Jewish new year marks the anniversary of creation and begins the Ten Days of Repentance, which culminate with Yom Kippur. The holiday is about renewal, not abandoning one's identity but rather drawing from its deepest sources to build what comes next.
Vision 2030 reflects this principle on a national scale: Saudi Arabia is embracing the future while remaining grounded in its Islamic faith, Arab heritage, and national character. The crown prince has emphasized that the most important investment made under Vision 2030 has been, and will continue to be, the investment in Saudi citizens.
The Kingdom's transformation may not be measured by statistics or new skylines but by the confidence with which it opens itself to the world while remaining true to itself. Economic results are substantial: non-oil activities account for 55% of real GDP, and 93% of Vision 2030's performance indicators have met their annual targets or are close to doing so.