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Vision 2030 and Reform in : Facts and Figures April 2015 - April 2021

Foreword by Saud al-Sarhan

Special Report

May 2021, Ramadan 1442 H 1

Vision 2030 and Reform in Saudi Arabia: Facts and Figures April 2015 - April 2021

Special Report

Table of Contents

Forward 8

Women’s Empowerment 11 Key Quotes 11 Key Facts 12 Appointments 15 Employment 18 Events 22 Family, Guardianship and Domestic Matters 23

Religion and Tolerance 24 Key Quotes 26 Key Facts 27 Appointments 28 Events 28 Education and Preaching 30 Meetings 31 Pilgrims 33 Religious Police 34

Culture, Sports and Entertainment 35 Key Quotes 35 Key Facts 35 Events 38 Sports 38 Film Industry 39 Tourism 41

5 Table of Contents

Investment and Employment 44 Key Quotes 44 Key Facts 44 Companies 46 Global Indexes 47 Investment 48 Anti-Corruption 51 Private Sector 53 Employment 54 Sponsorship Program ‘kafala’ 56 Special Needs 57 Labor Rights 57 G20 58 Infrastructure 58 Renewable Energy and the Environment 61 NEOM and Other Giga Projects 66

Counterterrorism 69 Key Quotes 69 Key Facts 70

Specific Areas 74 Judicial Reform 74 Miscellaneous 75

6 Appendix 78 Women’s Rights 78 2016 78 2017 78 2018 79 2019 80 2020 81 2021 81 Sports, Culture and Entertainment 82 2017 82 2018 83 2019 85 2020 87 2021 89 Investment, Finance and Fiscal Policy 90 2017 90 2018 92 2019 93 2020 95 2021 97

7 Forward HRH Crown Prince ’s unveiling of and the National Transformation Program (NPT) on 25 April 2016 signified a turning point for the Kingdom. The Crown Prince demonstrated his intention to drive the Kingdom into a future envisioned and desired by the Kingdom’s aspirational, interconnected young Saudi men and women, and championed by a member of their generation. Vision 2030 is an ambitious and wide-ranging plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce its reliance on oil, and increase foreign investment, transforming the Kingdom’s economic model by establishing the private sector as an engine for growth and jobs. Saudi Vision 2030 comprises three main pillars: A Vibrant Society; A Thriving Economy; and An Ambitious Nation.(1) To achieve the goals of these three pillars the government has implemented societal and economic reforms to create a more prosperous, outward-looking, and tolerant Kingdom.

This KFCRIS report provides the historical context to the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030, through a five year overview of key decisions and initiatives that have facilitated the delivery of Vision 2030 objectives. These decisions and initiatives are presented across five thematic sections: women’s empowerment; religion and tolerance; culture, sports and entertainment; investment and employment; and counterterrorism.

The section dedicated to each theme documents the major transformations with key facts, related quotes, and relevant references. Subsections focus on important issues within each theme. The appendix provides additional reporting on Saudi Arabia’s reform efforts. This report complements previous KFCRIS reports on Saudi Arabia’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic(2) and Saudi Arabia’s Religious Education Reform.(3) KFCRIS will provide regular updates for full and up-to-the-minute documentation of the Kingdom’s ongoing reform initiatives.

(1) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, “Saudi Vision 2030,” accessed March 4, 2021, https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/ report/Saudi_Vision2030_EN_2017.pdf. (2) Freddie Neve, “Saudi Arabia’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”, King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic Studies, 2020, https://www.kfcris.com/en/research/corona. (3) Najah Al-Otaibi, “Vision 2030: Religious Education Reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic Studies, September, 2020, https://kfcris.com/en/view/post/305.

8 This timely report underscores the extent and the significance of Saudi Arabia’s societal and economic reform initiatives, which have been welcomed by the Kingdom’s primarily youthful population, and highlights the speed of their formulation and implementation. This wide ranging list of societal and economic reforms in a single document offers an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, policy-makers and media representatives, among others. Its remit is to provide not an analysis of Saudi Arabia’s reforms, but access to raw data that can be utilized for analytical studies of the Kingdom’s reform program.

Dr. Saud al-Sarhan Secretary-General of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies

9 Note: · The report does not claim to include every fact and figure related to the significant and rapid changes brought about by Vision 2030. It will be regularly updated to include more past and ongoing changes. · The positions of officials mentioned in the report are accurate according to the date of the fact cited. Some officials may have changed positions since then.

10 Women’s Empowerment The lifting of the ban on women driving on 24 June 2018 attracted global media coverage.(4) But Saudi Arabia has also introduced other steps to relax Saudi Arabia’s guardianship laws, enhance women’s role in society, and improve their access to employment.

Key Quotes

I just want to remind the world that American women had to wait long to get their right to vote. So we need time. We have taken many steps. In King Salman’s time, women were able to vote for the first time and twenty women won in these elections. Women can now work in any sector. In business and commerce, as a lawyer, in the political field and in all sectors. Women can carry out any job they want. What is left is that we support women for the future and I don’t think there are obstacles we can’t overcome… We look at citizens in general and women are half of this society and we want it to be a productive half.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2017.(5)

[On being asked whether women were equal to men] “We are all human beings and there is no difference.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman March 2018.(6)

More than 90 percent of pious Muslim women in the Muslim world do not wear abayas. So we should not force women to wear abayas.” – Sheikh Abdullah al-Mutlaq, member of the Council of Senior Scholars, February 2018.(7)

(4) “Saudi Arabia Driving Ban on Women to Be Lifted,” BBC News, September 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- east-41408195. (5) Alexandria Gouveia, “Saudi’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Talks Women’s Rights,” Emirates Woman, April 7, 2016, https:// emirateswoman.com/saudi-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-talks-womens-rights/. (6) Ben Hubbard, “Saudi Crown Prince, in His Own Words: Women Are ‘Absolutely’ Equal,” New York Times, March 18, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/18/world/middleeast/mohammed-bin-salman-saudi-arabia-60-minutes.html. (7) “Saudi Women Should Not Have to Wear Abaya Robes, Top Cleric Says,” BBC News, February 10, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/ news/world-middle-east-43017148.

11 Key Facts

· A Brookings Institution report in April 2021 noted that “the share of Saudi women in the labor market expanded by an incredible 64 percent in just two years” pointing to Vision 2030 as the driver behind that.(8) · A report released by the World Bank in January 2020 notes that Saudi Arabia has made the most significant improvement globally in terms of women’s legal gains, having implemented a number of reforms affecting women’s mobility, sexual harassment and retirement age.(9) · In August 2015, women were allowed to vote and run for office in municipal elections. In December 2015, 38 women were elected or appointed to municipal councils.(10) · Several women have been appointed to senior positions within the Kingdom under Vision 2030, and several industries have hired women for the first time. · The Ambassador to the USA,(11) the Assistant Minister of Trading and Investment,(12) the CEO of Samba Financial Group,(13) the CFO of Arab National Bank,(14) the Head of Airport,(15) the Permanent Representative to UNESCO,(16) the Assistant Mayor of al-Khobar Governorate,(17) the Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment at the

(8) Sofia Gomez Tamayo, Johannes Koettl, and Nayib Rivera, “The Spectacular Surge of the Saudi Female Labor Force,” The Brookings Institution, April 21, 2021, https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2021/04/21/the-spectacular-surge-of- the-saudi-female-labor-force/. (9) Ellen Wulfhorst, “Saudi Arabia Leads in Women’s Legal Gains at Work, World Bank Says,” , January 14, 2020, https:// www.reuters.com/article/us-global-women-work-trfn-idUSKBN1ZD2NV. (10) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women in Municipal Councils: One Year On,” Arab News, December 15, 2016, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1024376/saudi-arabia. (11) “Three Royal Orders Issued 3 ,” Saudi Press Agency, February 23, 2019, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang= en&newsid=1889383#1889383. (12) “FaceOf: Iman Al-Mutairi, Saudi Assistant Commerce Minister,” Arab News, December 29, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1427271/saudi-arabia. (13) Elise Knutsen, “Rania Nashar: Saudi Arabia’s First Female CEO of A Commercial Bank,” Forbes, July 23, 2017, https://www. forbesmiddleeast.com/leadership/ceo/rania-nashar-saudi-arabias-first-female-ceo-of-a-commercial-bank. (14) Zahraa Alkhalisi, “Women Take Three Top Jobs in Saudi Finance,” CNN Business, February 20, 2017, https://money.cnn. com/2017/02/20/investing/saudi-arabia-women-finance/. (15) Jason Lemon, “This Woman Is Now the Head of a Saudi Airport,” Step Feed, May 15, 2017, https://stepfeed.com/this-woman-is- now-the-the-head-of-a-saudi-airport-9018?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PagePost. (16) Mariam Nabbout, “This Saudi Princess Is Now Representing the Kingdom at the UNESCO,” Step Feed, January 16, 2020, https:// stepfeed.com/this-saudi-princess-is-now-representing-the-kingdom-at-the-unesco-4267. (17) “Saudi Woman Named to Senior Government Post for First Time,” Voa News, September 27, 2017. https://www.voanews.com/ middle-east/saudi-woman-named-senior-government-post-first-time.

12 Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development,(18) the Deputy Minister for Labor and Social Development,(19) the Assistant Head of the Shura Council(20), the Ambassador to Sweden and Iceland,(21) the Head of Tabuk’s regional council, and the Ambassador to ,(22) are now all women.(23) · In June 2018, the ban on women driving was lifted.(24) After this policy change was announced on 26 September 2017, Saudi Arabia opened several driving schools for women, although they are also allowed to attend male driving schools, and confirmed that women would be allowed to drive all forms of transport, including motorcycles, trucks, and taxis.(25) · Around 175,000 driving licenses were issued for women between June 2018 and January 2020.(26) · The announcement has facilitated Saudi women entering the workplace, and since, began recruiting female drivers at the end of 2017,(27) and the ride-hailing company Careem also announced plans to hire up to 100,000 female chauffeurs. (28)

(18) Reale Ambasciata dell’Arabia Saudita a Roma, “90th Saudi National Day: Message from HE. Hind Al Zahid, Undersecretary for Women Empowement,” YouTube, September 22, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqgjc5sonI. (19) Emma Day, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed a Female Deputy Minister,” Emirates Woman, February 27, 2018, https://emirateswoman. com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-female-deputy-minister/. (20) Ismaeel Naar, “Who Is Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Saudi Arabia’s New Assistant Speaker of Shura Council?,” Al Arabiya English, October 19, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/10/19/Who-is-Dr-Hanan-al-Ahmadi-Saudi-Arabia-s-Assistant-to- the-Speaker-of-Shura-Council-. (21) Reem Krimly, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Third Female Ambassador Inas Al-Shahwan to Sweden and Iceland,” Al Arabiya English, April 22, 2021, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/04/22/Inas-al-Shahwan-appointed-as-Saudi-Arabia-s-Ambassador- to-Sweden-and-Iceland. (22) “Saudi Ambassador Presents Credentials to Norway Crown Prince,” Arab News, February 19, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1812171/saudi-arabia. (23) Ismaeel Naar, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Khulood Al-Khamis as First Female Head of Regional Council,” Al Arabiya English, August 11, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/08/11/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-Khulood-al-Khamis-first-female- head-of-regional-council?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=web_push&utm_campaign=en_ksa_first_female_council_ head&webPushId=MjA5NTc=. (24) Sarah Sirgany and Laura Smith-Spark, “Landmark Day for Saudi Women as Driving Ban Ends,” CNN, June 24, 2018, https:// www.cnn.com/2018/06/23/middleeast/saudi-women-driving-ban-lifts-intl/index.html. (25) “Saudi Government to Allow Women to Drive Taxis,” Middle East Monitor, May 5, 2018, https://www.middleeastmonitor. com/20180505-saudi-government-to-allow-women-to-drive-taxis/; Sophie Inge, “Saudi Women Will Also Be Allowed to Drive Motorcycles,” Mail Online, December 16, 2016, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5185983/Saudi-women-allowed- drive-motorcycles.html. (26) Khitam Al Amir, “Saudi Arabia: More Driving Schools for Women to Open Early 2021,” November 10, 2020, https://gulfnews. com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-more-driving-schools-for-women-to-open-early-2021-1.1604954444878. (27) Heba Kanso, “Cars, Apps and Driving Schools: Saudi Women Drivers Targeted as New Market,” Reuters, October 9, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-women-driving/cars-apps-and-driving-schools-saudi-women-drivers-targeted-as-new- market-idUSKBN1CE1V7. (28) “Saudi Arabia’s next Revolution: Female Taxi Drivers,” Mail Online, October 12, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ article-4973448/Saudi-Arabias-revolution-female-taxi-drivers.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490.

13 · Guardianship laws have been relaxed; Saudi women can travel abroad, apply for a passport and other government services, register a birth, marriage, and divorce, open a business, and seek medical treatment without a guardian’s permission.(29) · Gender segregation rules have been relaxed, particularly in restaurants, where it is no longer compulsory.(30) The above means that women are enjoying greater social freedoms than before, increasingly attending sports matches, concerts, and other entertainment events. · Thirty of the 150 Shura Council members are now women.(31) · In 2019, women comprised 55.8 percent of all university graduates from Saudi Arabia.(32) · The number of working women in Saudi Arabia reached 1.03 million (35 percent of the workforce) in the third quarter of 2019, compared to 816,000 in 2015.(33) · In December 2019, Saudi Arabia relaxed its gender segregation rules in restaurants. Previously women had been required to use a separate entrance and sit behind partitions when dining in public. Many public places had already stopped enforcing the gender segregation rules. It was hoped that the decision would attract greater investment and more business opportunities to the Kingdom.(34) · A number of industries are hiring women for the first time, including the military,(35) air traffic control,(36) and public prosecution.(37) · New sexual harassment laws also provide female employees with greater protection.(38)

(29) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Travel Independently,” BBC News, August 2, 2019, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle- east-49201019. (30) Natasha Turak, “Saudi Arabia Ends Gender Segregation in Restaurants,” CNBC, December 12, 2019, https://www.cnbc. com/2019/12/09/saudi-arabia-ends-gender-segregation-in-restaurants.html. (31) Simon Rushton, “Saudi Arabia Restructures the Supreme Court, Shura Council and Council of Senior Scholars,” The National, October 21, 2020, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/saudi-arabia-restructures-the-supreme-court-shura-council- and-council-of-senior-scholars-1.1095679. (32) Amna Puri-Mirza, “Share of Female Graduates Saudi Arabia 2010-2019,” Statista, March 16, 2021, https://www.statista.com/ statistics/1118988/saudi-arabia-share-of-female-graduates/. (33) “As Society Opens, Saudi Women Surge into Job Market”, Arabian Business, April 28, 2020, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/ jobs/445797-as-society-opens-saudi-women-surge-into-job-market. (34) Stephen Kalin, “Saudi Arabia Ends Gender-Segregated Entrances for Restaurants,” Reuters, December 8, 2019, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-gender/saudi-arabia-ends-gender-segregated-entrances-for-restaurants-idUSKBN1YC0FZ. (35) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Join Military,” BBC News, February 26, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- east-43197048. (36) “12 Saudi Women Join Air Traffic Controller Training,”Saudi Gazette, March 5, 2018, https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/529803/ SAUDI-ARABIA/12-Saudi-women-join-air-traffic-controller-training. (37) “Saudi Arabia to Recruit Female Investigators,” Xinhua Net, February 12, 2018, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018- 02/12/c_136967865.htm. (38) Paul Harrison and Mohamed El Aassar, “Saudi Arabia to Criminalise Sexual Harassment,” BBC News, May 29, 2018, https:// www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-44290312.

14 · In September 2020, The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued an order forbidding gender-based discrimination in employment and remuneration: “The employer is prohibited from distinguishing between their workers, whether during the performance of work or when hiring or advertising it, on grounds such as sex, disability, age, or any other form of discrimination.”(39)

Appointments

· In February 2017, Rania Nashar was appointed CEO of Samba Financial Group and Latifa al-Sabhan was appointed CFO of Arab National Bank.(40) In February 2017, Sarah al-Suhaimi became the first woman to head Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange.(41) · In May 2017, Hind al-Zahid was hired to head Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport.(42) She is the first woman to hold this role. She has since been appointed a Deputy Minister within the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.(43) · In July 2017, Saudi Arabia appointed three women to its new Family Affairs Council. Princess Lulwa al-Faisal Al Saud, Lana Saeed, and Raja Bahadhiq were appointed to serve three-year terms.(44) · In 27 September 2017, Eman al-Ghamdi was appointed Assistant Mayor of al-Khobar governorate, the first woman to be appointed to a municipal post.(45)

(39) No Gender Discrimination in Salary of Private Sector Employees”, Saudi Gazette, September 15, 2020, https://saudigazette.com. sa/article/597970 (40) Zahraa Alkhalisi, “Women Take Three Top Jobs in Saudi Finance.” CNN, February 20 2017, https://money.cnn.com/2017/02/20/ investing/saudi-arabia-women-finance/. (41) Vivian Nereim and Matthew Martin, “Sarah Al Suhaimi to Become the First Woman to Head Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange,” Bloomberg, February 16, 2017, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/sarah-al-suhaimi-said-to-become-first- woman-to-head-saudi-bourse. (42) Jason Lemon, “This Woman Is Now the Head of a Saudi Airport.” Step Feed, May 15 2017, https://stepfeed.com/this-woman-is- now-the-the-head-of-a-saudi-airport-9018. (43) “90th Saudi National Day: Message from HE. Hind Al Zahid, Undersecretary for Women Empowerment.” YouTube, 22 September 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqgjc5sonI.’ (44) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed 3 Women to Its New Council for Family Affairs,” StepFeed, August 2, 2017, https://stepfeed.com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-3-women-to-its-new-council-for-family-affairs-3433. (45) “Saudi Woman Named to Senior Government Post for First Time,” Reuters, September 27, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/ saudi-women-labour/saudi-woman-named-to-senior-government-post-for-first-time-idINKCN1C22GT; Mariam Nabbout, “This Woman is the First to Hold a Municipal Position in Saudi Arabia.” Step Feed, September 28, 2017. https://stepfeed.com/this- woman-is-the-first-to-hold-a-municipal-position-in-saudi-arabia-3957.

15 · In September 2017, Fatimah Baeshen began working as a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Washington. She was the first woman to occupy this position.(46) · In October 2017, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud was appointed President of the Saudi Federation for Community Sports.(47) · In February 2018, Noura Saleh Alturki was appointed Vice President of the Saudi Shooting Federation. She is the first woman to hold this position in a sports federation.(48) · In February 2018, Dr. Tamadur bint Youssef al-Ramah was appointed Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development.(49) She is the first woman to hold this role. · In August 2018, the Mayor of , Saleh al-Turki, appointed four women to oversee different municipalities within Jeddah.(50) · In September 2018, Weam al-Dakheel became the first woman to anchor the nightly news on Saudi-run television. She appeared alongside a male co-host on Saudi Arabia’s channel Saudi TV 1.(51) · In October 2018, Lubna al-Olayan became the first Saudi woman to run a bank in the country. She will chair a new bank resulting from a merger between Saudi British Bank (SABB) and Alawwal Bank. The new bank will be Saudi Arabia’s third biggest bank, with a capitalization of $17.2bn.(52) · In October 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation appointed females to its board for the first time.(53)

(46) Josh Lederman, “A First: Spokeswoman at Saudi Arabian’s U.S. Embassy,” The Detroit News, October 20, 2017, https://www. detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2017/10/20/saudi-arabia-united-states-spokeswoman/106862550/. (47) Rayana Khalaf, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed Its First-Ever Female Head of Sports,” StepFeed, October 18, 2017, https:// stepfeed.com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-ever-female-head-of-sports-3660. (48) “The Board of Directors of the Saudi Shooting Federation Appoints Nora Saleh AlTurki as Vice President of the Federation,” , February 15, 2018, https://twitter.com/CICSaudi/status/964111178577469440. (49) Emma Day, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed a Female Deputy Minister,” Emirates Woman, February 27, 2018, https://emirateswoman. com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-female-deputy-minister/. (50) Mohammed Al-Kinani, “Four Women Appointed to Key Jobs at Jeddah Municipality,” Arab News, August 28, 2018, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1362891/saudi-arabia. (51) Amanda Erickson, “For the First Time Ever, a Woman Anchored the Nightly News in Saudi Arabia,” Washington Post, September 24, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/09/24/first-time-ever-woman-anchored-nightly-news-saudi-arabia/; Krysia Lenzo, “Saudi Woman Makes History as Country’s First Female Evening News Anchor,” Fox News, September 24, 2018, https:// www.foxnews.com/world/saudi-woman-makes-history-as-countrys-first-female-evening-news-anchor. (52) “Lubna Al Olayan Appointed as First Woman Saudi Bank Head,” BBC News, October 5, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-45763656. (53) “Saudi Football Chiefs Appoint First Women Board Members,” Samaa TV, October 4, 2018, https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/10/ saudi-football-chiefs-appoint-first-women-board-members/.

16 · In December 2018, Abeer al-Jaber and Gaziyah al-Dossary became Saudi Arabia’s first certified female firefighters.(54) · In December 2018 Dr. Iman Almutairi was appointed Assistant Minister of Commerce.(55) · In February 2019, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud was appointed Ambassador to the US by a royal decree(56) becoming the first female ambassador for the Kingdom.(57) · In June 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed 53 women to be investigators within Saudi Arabia’s public prosecution office.(58) · In July 2020, Dr Lilac al-Safadi was appointed President of the Saudi Electronic University. This is the first time that a woman has led a co-educational university.(59) · In July 2020, Amal al-Moallimi was appointed Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Norway.(60) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed its first female cultural attachés to its embassies. Dr. Amal bint Jameel Fatani will be Saudi Arabia᾿s Cultural Attaché in the UK, Fahda bint Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh will be the Cultural Attaché in , and Dr. Yusra bint Hussain al-Jazairi will be acting cultural attaché in Morocco.(61) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed thirteen females to the Saudi Human Rights Commission. Half the positions on the commission are now occupied by women.(62) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed Dr. Khulood al-Khamis as head of Tabuk’s regional council. She is the first woman to head a regional council.(63)

(54) “Meet Saudi Arabia’s First Certified Female Firefighters: Engineers Abeer Al-Jaber & Ghaziyah Al-Dossary,” Tweet @ SaudiEmbassyUSA, December 29, 2018, https://twitter.com/SaudiEmbassyUSA/status/1079027865704951808. (55) “FaceOf: Iman Al-Mutairi, Saudi Assistant Commerce Minister,” Arab News, December 29, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1427271/saudi-arabia. (56) “Three Royal Orders Issued 3 Riyadh.” Saudi Press Agency, February 23, 2019, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang= en&newsid=1889383#1889383. (57) “Saudi Arabia Announces Princess as US Ambassador,” BBC News, February 24, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-47346887. (58) “53 Women Appointed to the Judiciary,” EG 24News, June 3, 2020, https://www.eg24.news/2020/06/53-women-appointed-to- the-judiciary.html. (59) Tamara Abueish, “Saudi Arabia Appoints First Female President as Head of Co-Ed University.” Al Arabiya English, July 4, 2020. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/07/04/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-first-female-president-as-head-of-co-ed-university-. (60) “Meet Amal Al Moallimi: The New Saudi Ambassador to Norway,” About Her, accessed March 21, 2021, https://www.abouther. com/node/30651/people/leading-ladies/meet-amal-al-moallimi-new-saudi-ambassador-norway. (61) “Saudi Education Minister Appoints First Women Cultural Attaches,” Arab News, August 2, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1713691/saudi-arabia. (62) “13 Women Appointed to Saudi Human Rights Commission,” Arab News, July 5, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1699131/ saudi-arabia. (63) Ismaeel Naar, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Khulood Al-Khamis as First Female Head of Regional Council,” Al Arabiya English, August 11, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/08/11/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-Khulood-al-Khamis-first-female- head-of-regional-council.

17 · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed ten females to senior leadership positions at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.(64) It had previously recruited 41 females to leadership positions in 2018.(65) · In August 2020, Ahlam bint Abdulrahman Yankasar was appointed Director-General of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is the first female to be appointed to the rank of director-general within this ministry.(66) · In October 2020, Dr. Hanan bint Abdulrahim al-Ahmadi was elevated to Assistant Chairman of the Shura Council. This is the third most senior position within the Shura and the first time a female has held the position.(67)

Employment

· In March 2016, it was announced that female lawyers would be able to practice law in a courtroom before a judge, and could represent both males and females.(68) · In April 2016, the Ministry of Labor(69) announced that factory owners must employ a minimum of ten Saudi females in all phases of the production process.(70) · In June 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Civil Service(71) announced that it would increase the number of women employed in higher positions from 1.27 percent to 5 percent by 2020.(72) · In March 2017, the Ministry of Labor(73) announced that it would set up nurseries in

(64) “Saudi Women Land Leadership Positions in the Two Holy Mosques,” About Her, accessed March 21, 2021, https://www. abouther.com/node/31526/people/leading-ladies/saudi-women-land-leadership-positions-two-holy-mosques. (65) Katie Feehan, “Saudi Arabia Appoints 10 Women in Senior Roles in Holy Mosques in a Rare Move to Boost Female Employment in the Islamic Kingdom,” Mail Online, August 16, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8633333/Saudi-appoints-10- women-senior-roles-holy-mosques.html. (66) “Saudi Foreign Ministry Appoints First Woman as Director-General,” Arab News, August 25, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1724536/saudi-arabia. (67) Ismaeel Naar, “Who Is Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Saudi Arabia’s New Assistant Speaker of Shura Council?” Alaribya English, October 19, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/10/19/Who-is-Dr-Hanan-al-Ahmadi-Saudi-Arabia-s-Assistant-to- the-Speaker-of-Shura-Council-. (68) Rob L. Wagner, “Saudi Women Lawyers Achieve Equality in the Courtroom,” The Arab Weekly, March 25, 2016, https:// thearabweekly.com/saudi-women-lawyers-achieve-equality-courtroom. (69) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (70) “Factories must employ minimum of 10 women,” Arab News, April 7, 2016, https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/911521 (71) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. (72) “Women’s Percentage in Higher Jobs to Be Increased,” Arab News, June 27, 2016, https://www.arabnews.com/node/945631/ saudi-arabia. (73) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

18 workplaces to create “a safe and friendly working environment for women”.(74) A company is obliged to have childcare facilities if it hires over 50 females, and a nursery if there are ten children or more.(75) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation launched its Atqin community training program. Over 10,000 Saudi women have since joined the program, where they can train in computer maintenance, technical support, mobile phone maintenance and skills.(76) · In April 2017, it was announced that a $133 million joint venture between Saudi Arabia and Japan would provide employment at Unicharm Gulf Hygienic Industries for 250 females in Saudi Arabia.(77) · In August 2017, Saudi women were working as emergency responders during the for the first time. They are working for the National Operations Center in , which unifies government response services.(78) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would train women to be air traffic controllers for the first time. The Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation has announced a one- year course for Saudi women to qualify and progress into the air traffic control profession. Eighty women aged 18 to 25 will join the first training program.(79) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Development(80) announced that it would be offering 80,000 job opportunities for females in the service industry.(81)

(74) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women Find Working Environment Improving, but Obstacles Remain,” Arab News, March 9, 2017, https:, https:, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1064691/saudi-arabia. (75) “Saudi Arabia Edges More Women into Work,” , September 1, 2017, https://www.ft.com/content/c55d6cf4-8cd3- 11e7-9084-d0c17942ba93. (76) Muhammad, “TVTC Institute in Makkah Trains 40 Disabled People in Various Trades,” Saudigazette, March 25, 2018, http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/531204. (77) “Business News: Saudi-Japanese Joint Venture Riyadh Allows 250 Women to Be Employed,” Agenzia Nova, Winter 2017, https://www.agenzianova.com/a/0/1551249/2017-04-23/business-news-riad-joint-venture-saudita-giapponese-consente- impiego-250-donne. (78) Mahmoud Mourad, “For First Time, Saudi Women Step into Haj Emergency Role,” Reuters, August 29, 2017, https:// www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-haj-women-emergency/for-first-time-saudi-women-step-into-haj-emergency-role- idUSKCN1B91LQ. (79) Lack Moore, “Women Will Train as Air Traffic Controllers in Saudi Arabia for First Time,” News Week, September 18, 2017, https://www.newsweek.com/women-will-train-air-traffic-controllers-first-time-saudi-arabia-667129. (80) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. (81) Abeer Al-Fahd, “80,000 Jobs for Saudi Women Soon: Labor Ministry,” Saudigazette, September 19, 2017, http://saudigazette. com.sa/article/517533/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-women.

19 · In November 2017, it was announced that women would be able to train as commercial pilots in Saudi Arabia.(82) · In January 2018, it was announced that Saudi Ground Services Co. would start training women to work at local airports from February 2018.(83) · In February 2018, the Saudi government announced that some military jobs would be opened to females in seven provinces.(84) Applications for the recruitment of female soldiers were accepted from June 17–20, 2019.(85) · In March 2018, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development(86) and Human Resources Development Fund announced the establishment of Qurrah, a children’s advocacy program to empower women working in the private sector.(87) · In March 2018, twelve women joined the first training course for female air traffic controllers. The course guaranteed a job at its conclusion.(88) A hundred and thirty women applied for the second training course, held later that year.(89) · In April 2018, Saudi Arabia assured Apple that male and female employees would be allowed to work together in any stores Apple opened in the country. This could pave the way for other foreign consumer to open their first offices and shops in Saudi Arabia.(90) · In May 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers passed a law to criminalize sexual harassment in Saudi Arabia. The bill grants anonymity to alleged victims and criminalizes the incitement of sexual harassment. The law requires public and private institutions to

(82) Jason Lemon, “Saudi Women Can Learn to Fly at a New Aviation Academy in Dammam,” November 14, 2017, https://stepfeed. com/saudi-women-can-learn-to-fly-at-a-new-aviation-academy-in-dammam-6167. (83) NOOR NUGALI, “Ground Services Recruit Saudi Women to Work at Local Airports,” Arab News, January 4, 2018, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1218771/saudi-arabia. (84) Maryam Al-Jaber, “Saudi Arabia opens military jobs for women in 7 regions,” Al Arabiya, February 22, 2018, https://www. .-السعودية-تفتح-وظائف-عسكرية-للسيدات-في7--مناطق/alarabiya.net/saudi-today/2018/02/22 (85) “Saudi Arabia Opens Applications for Recruitment of Female Soldiers, Immigration Officers,”Arab News, June 13, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1510551/saudi-arabia. (86) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. (87) “Saudi Arabia to Establish 233 Centers to Host Children of Working Women,” Arab News, March 4, 2018, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1258821/saudi-arabia. (88) “12 Saudi Women Join Air Traffic Controller Training,”Saudi Gazette, March 5 2018, https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/529803. (89) “130 Saudi Women Apply for Air Traffic Control Training,”Arab News, July 24, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1344941/ saudi-arabia. (90) Financial Times, “Saudi Arabia Agrees to Gender Mixing for Local Apple Staff,” Financial Times, April 8, 2018, https://www. ft.com/content/7fa92232-39aa-11e8-8b98-2f31af407cc8.

20 make all necessary arrangements to prevent harassment. Sentences of up to five years and a fine of up to SAR 300,000 ($80,000) can be passed on those found guilty.(91) · In June 2018, the General Directorate of Border Guards announced that it would accept females to become Security Inspection Officers.(92) · In July 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice allowed females to become notaries for the first time.(93) Twelve women were granted their licenses shortly after this was announced.(94) · In July 2018, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection started employing women in environmental inspection teams.(95) · In August 2018, five women became the first to receive their pilot’s licenses.(96) · In September 2018, the Riyadh-based airline Flynas stated that it would start recruiting Saudi females as co-pilots. Women are not legally barred from the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, but the sector has traditionally been dominated by foreign workers. Over 1,000 women have applied to become co-pilots.(97) · In January 2019, the Kingdom’s Employment Subsidy Program, created by the Human Resources Development Fund, announced 10 percent additional incentives for the private sector to hire females.(98) · In March 2019, three women became Saudi Arabia’s first female tour guides. Their licenses were granted by the Commission for Tourism and National Heritage(99) branch in the Tabuk region.(100)

(91) Paul Harrison and Mohamed El Aassar, “Saudi Arabia to Criminalise Sexual Harassment,” BBC News, May 29, 2018. https://www.bbc. com/news/blogs-trending-44290312; “Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet Approves Long Sought Anti-Harassment Law,” Center for International Communication, May 30, 2018, https://cic.org.sa/2018/05/saudi-arabias-cabinet-approves-long-sought-anti-harassment-law/. (92) “Saudi Recruits Female Border Guards,” Middle East Monitor, June 12, 2018, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180612- saudi-recruits-female-border-guards/. (93) “Les Saoudiennes Autorisées à Être Notaires, Une Première Dans Le Royaume,” Europe 1, July 9, 2018, https://www.europe1.fr/ international/les-saoudiennes-autorisees-a-etre-notaires-une-premiere-dans-le-royaume-3705764. (94) “Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice Grants 12 Women ‘Verification’ License,” Arab News, July 9, 2018, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1335971/saudi-arabia. (95) Arab News, “KSA to Have Female Environmental Inspectors,” Arab News, July 26, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1346121/saudi-arabia. (96) Maryam Aljaber, “First Saudi Woman to Get Pilot License: Soon, I Will Captain a National Airliner,” Al Arabiya English, August 29, 2018, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2018/08/29/First-Saudi-woman-pilot-Soon-I-will-be-your-captain-in-kingdom. (97) Layan Odeh, “Flynas Plans Soon to Hire Saudi Arabian Female Co-Pilots,” Bloomberg.Com, September 11, 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-11/flynas-says-will-soon-hire-saudi-female-co-pilots. (98) “Saudi Human Resources Development Fund Says 51,000 Citizens Register for Employment Subsidy Program,” Arab News, April 28, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1666161/saudi-arabia. (99) Now called Ministry of Tourism (100) “3 Saudi Women Become KSA’s First Tour Guides,” Arab News, March 11, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1465266/lifestyle.

21 · In June 2019, Saudi pilot Yasmeen al-Maimani became the first woman to head a domestic flight in Saudi Arabia.(101) · In September 2020, The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued an order forbidding gender-based discrimination in employee’s wages and remuneration practices. The Ministry said: “The employer is prohibited from distinguishing between their workers, whether during the performance of work or when hiring or advertising it, such as sex, disability, age, or any other form of discrimination.”(102) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed 100 women as notaries within the Saudi Ministry of Justice. Saudi women were first allowed to be notaries in 2018.(103) · In February 2021, Saudi Arabia announced that women would be able to join its military. Women can now join the Saudi Arabian Army, Royal Saudi Air Defense, Navy, Strategic Missile Force and the Armed Forces Medical Services and receive promotion up to the rank of Sergeant.(104)

Events

· In February 2017, a three-day gathering was held at the King Fahd Cultural Center to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Women's Day for the first time.(105) · In July 2018, Haifaa al-Mansour became the first female Saudi director to release a Hollywood film. The film is based on the life of the author ofFrankenstein , Mary Shelley.(106) · Until January 2018, women were unable to enter stadiums to attend sporting events. Since then, they have attended football matches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.(107)

(101) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Female Pilot Becomes First to Head Official Flight in the Kingdom,”Step Feed, June 14, 2019, https:// stepfeed.com/saudi-female-pilot-becomes-first-to-head-official-flight-in-the-kingdom-8340#.XQOGD-N4eec.twitter. (102) HR Ministry: No Gender Discrimination in Salary of Private Sector Employees”, Saudi Gazette, September 15, 2020, https:// saudigazette.com.sa/article/597970. (103) “Saudi Justice Ministry Appoints 100 Women Notaries,” Arab News, October 25, 2020, https://arab.news/vd68s. (104) Deema Al Khudair, “Saudi Arabia Opens Military Recruitment to Women,” Arab News, February 21, 2021, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1812906/saudi-arabia. (105) Samuel Osborne, “Saudi Arabia Celebrates Its First Ever Women’s Day in Riyadh,” Independent, February 5, 2017, https:// www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-first-ever-women-s-day-riyadh-ultra-conservative-islamic- kingdom-guardianship-driving-a7563586.html. (106) Victoria Brown and Thomas Page, “Haifaa Al-Mansour Weighs in on Saudi Cinema’s New Dawn,” CNN, July 9, 2018, https:// edition.cnn.com/style/article/saudi-arabia-cinema-reforms-haifaa-al-mansour/index.html. (107) “Saudi to Allow Women into Stadium for National Day,” 24, September 20, 2017, https://www.france24.com/ en/20170920-saudi-allow-women-stadium-national-day.

22 · In March 2019, Saudi Arabia hosted the Gulf Arab States’ first women’s football tournament. The Green Hall, in al-Khobar Sports City, hosted sixteen teams from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, , and . It has since been announced that Saudi Arabia will launch its own female football league, and in November 2020 it was launched.(108)

Family, Guardianship and Domestic Matters

· In December 2015, authorities announced that divorced and widowed women could obtain family ID cards for themselves and their children, making it easier for them to register children for school, healthcare, and other services.(109) · In May 2016, it became compulsory to give Saudi females a copy of their marriage contract.(110) · In January 2017, the Shura’s security committee supported a bill to grant Saudi citizenship to children born to Saudi mothers and non-Saudi fathers. The bill is yet to be voted on by the Shura.(111) · In May 2017, a royal decree issued by King Salman stated that women would no longer require guardian consent to receive government services “unless there is a legal basis for this request in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Shariah”.(112) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved an alimony fund for divorcees and their children. The fund will pay alimony to beneficiaries before a divorce is issued as well as if an ex-husband does not pay on time. The latter must then repay the sum paid out.(113) The fund is set to be launched in May 2018.(114) In February 2019, the Ministry of Justice

(108) Rawan Radwan, “Riyadh Readies to Host Gulf’s First Women’s Football Tournament,” Arab News, February 27, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1458556/sport; “Saudi Arabia first women’s football league kicks off,” BBC, November 18, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54988746. (109) “Divorced Saudi Women to Get ID Cards,” Hurriyet Daily News, December 3, 2015, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ divorced-saudi-women-to-get-id-cards-reports--92029. (110) “Saudi Brides to Receive Marriage Certificates for First Time,” Al Araby, May 4, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/ society/2016/5/4/saudi-brides-to-receive-marriage-certificates-for-first-time. (111) “Independent Passports for Saudi Women Proposal Approved,” Saudi – Gulf News, February 2017, https://gulfnews.com/ world/gulf/saudi/independent-passports-for-saudi-women-proposal-approved-1.1971394. (112) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women No Longer Need Guardians’ Consent to Receive Services,” Arab News, May 5, 2017, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1094681/saudi-arabia. (113) “Saudi Arabia Approves Four Decisions in 10 Days to ‘Boost Women’s Rights’,” Al Arabiya English, August 15, 2017, https:// english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/15/Saudi-ministry-approves-four-decisions-in-10-days-to-empower-women-. (114) “Saudi Ministry of Justice to Launch Alimony Fund Modelled on UK’s Child Maintenance Service,” Cision PR Newswire, May 15, 2018, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-ministry-of-justice-to-launch-alimony-fund-modelled-on- uks-child-maintenance-service-682640021.html.

23 ordered over 3000 divorced fathers to pay alimony(115) or risk spending up to seven years in prison. The same amount of alimony is to be paid for girls as for boys.(116) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice approved ten provisions controlling the marriage of minors. Only relevant courts can authorize the marriage of a girl aged under seventeen. The marriage application must be submitted by the girl and her mother or legal guardian.(117) · In February 2018, the Saudi government announced that women would be able to open their own businesses without the consent of a guardian.(118) · In March 2018, the Ministry of Justice announced that divorced women can retain custody of their children without filing a lawsuit, provided there is no dispute between the parents.(119) · In September 2018, a Saudi court ruled in favor of a woman who sued her father for refusing to issue a passport for her.(120) · In January 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council endorsed regulations prohibiting girls and boys under fifteen from marrying. It also endorsed another regulation requiring those under eighteen to require the approval of a specialized court.(121) · In January 2019, a new regulation was implemented to prevent a man from ending a marriage without informing the spouse. A woman in Saudi Arabia will now receive a text message when a court confirms her divorce.(122) · In August 2019, a royal decree was released permitting women to travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission. Women and men over the age of 21 are now able to apply

(115) Noor Nugali, “Divorced Saudi Fathers Forced to Pay SR52 Million in Alimony,” Arab News, February 5, 2019, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1447131/saudi-arabia. (116) Alimony Evaders in Saudi Arabia Face up to 7 Years in Prison as Punishment,” Alarabiya English, June 28, 2018, https:// english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2018/06/28/Alimony-evaders-in-Saudi-Arabia-face-up-to-7-years-in-prison-as-punishment. (117) “Saudi Arabia Approves Four Decisions in 10 Days to ‘Boost Women’s Rights’,” Al Arabiya English, August 15, 2017, https:// english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/15/Saudi-ministry-approves-four-decisions-in-10-days-to-empower-women-. (118) “Saudi Women to Start Own Busines without Male Permission,” Mail Online, February 18, 2018, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ wires/afp/article-5405467/Saudi-women-start-busines-without-male-permission.html. (119) “Divorced Saudi Women Can Now Win Child Custody Rights without Filing Lawsuits,” Center for International Communication, March 12, 2018, https://cic.org.sa/2018/03/divorced-saudi-women-can-now-win-child-custody-rights-without-filing-lawsuits/. (120) “Arabie Saoudite: La Justice Oblige Un Père À Procurer Un Passeport À Sa Fille,” i24 News, September 21, 2018, https:// www.i24news.tv/fr/actu/international/moyen-orient/184625-180921-arabie-saoudite-la-justice-oblige-un-pere-a-procurer-un- passeport-a-sa-fille. (121) Heba Kanso, “Is Saudi Arabia on the Road to Ending Child Marriage?” Reuters, January 10, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-child-marriage/is-saudi-arabia-on-the-road-to-ending-child-marriage-idUSKCN1P42CW. (122) Financial Times, “Saudi Women to Receive Divorce Notification by Text Message,” January 6, 2019, https://www.ft.com/ content/ef23cf8c-11ad-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e.

24 for and travel with a passport autonomously. The royal decree also grants women the right to register births, marriage, and divorce.(123) In addition Saudi students studying overseas, even those under the age of 21, no longer need a permit to travel from their guardian.(124) · In November 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health directed all health facilities to grant women their right to undergo surgical procedures without the approval of a male guardian. This brings into effect a royal decree issued by HM King Salman two years earlier.(125) · In July 2020, a court ruled in favor of a woman on trial for traveling to Riyadh alone and living there without her father’s permission. The ruling highlights how Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is willing to uphold the relaxation of the country’s guardianship system.(126) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia announced new penalties for the abuse of women including imprisonment and fines of up to $13,332.(127) · In January 2021, Saudi Arabia expanded its anti-sexual-harassment rules to give courts the power to publicly shame those found guilty.(128)

(123) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Travel Independently,” BBC News, August 2, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- east-49201019. (124) Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Arabia Clarifies Travel Rules on Students Studying Abroad,” Arab News, August 21, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1542216/saudi-arabia. (125) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Women No Longer Need Men’s Approval for Medical Treatment,” Step Feed, April 11, 2019, https:// stepfeed.com/saudi-women-no-longer-need-men-s-approval-for-medical-treatment-7358. (126) Joanne Serrieh, “Saudi Arabia’s Historic Ruling for Woman Living Independently without Permission,” Al Arabiya English, July 15, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/07/15/-Saudi-Arabia-rules-in-favor-of-woman-living-independently- without-permission. (127) Emily Judd and Rawad Taha, “Saudi Arabia Cracks down on Abuse against Women with Prison Term, up to $13,332 Fine,” Al Arabiya English, November 25, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/11/25/Saudi-Arabia-cracks-down-on- abuse-against-women-with-prison-minimum-up-to-13-332-fi. (128) Tareq Althaqafi, “Saudi Lawyers: New ‘Naming and Shaming’ Powers Will Deter Sexual Predators,” Arab News, January 14, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1792251/saudi-arabia.

25 Religion and Tolerance Saudi Arabia is a deeply religious country, and with Islam’s two Holy Mosques located in the country, many Muslims across the world look to the country for guidance in religious matters. Saudi Arabia’s leadership takes this responsibility seriously. The Kingdom wants to destroy extremist ideologies and be a country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the rest of the world.

Key Quotes

[Saudi Arabia will return to] what we were before – a country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world…We will not waste 30 years of our lives dealing with extremist ideas; we will destroy them today.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, October 2017.(129)

We need to work together to promote moderate Islam. We want to fight terrorism, and we want to fight extremism because we need to build stability in the Middle East.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, March 2018.(130)

I believe that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation. I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2018.(131)

Our country doesn’t have a problem with Jews. Our Prophet Muhammad married a Jewish woman… You will find a lot of Jews in Saudi Arabia coming from America, coming from Europe.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2018.(132)

(129) Raf Sanchez, “Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Promises to Lead His Country ‘Back to Moderate Islam’,” The Telegraph, October 24, 2017, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/24/saudi-prince-promises-lead-country-back-moderate-islam/. (130) Con Coughlin, “Mohammed Bin Salman Interview: ‘British and Saudi People Will Be Much Safer If We Have a Strong Relationship’,” The Telegraph, March 5, 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/05/exclusive-interview-british- saudi-people-will-much-safer-have/. (131) Jeffrey Goldberg, “Saudi Crown Prince: Iran’s Supreme Leader ‘Makes Hitler Look Good’,” The Atlantic, April 2, 2018, https:// www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/04/mohammed-bin-salman-iran-/557036/. (132)

26 Islam is moderate in its ways. It is unfortunate that extremism has hijacked this religion.” – Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, June 2018.(133)

Fighting antisemitism is a religious obligation and a moral obligation.” – Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, Head of the Muslim World League, June 2020.(134)

Key Facts

· Since 2016, the powers of the religious police have been reduced. They no longer have the power to arrest, pursue or request documents from suspects. Their absence from the streets has contributed to more freedom for Saudis, particularly women. · A Coptic mass was held for the first time in Saudi Arabia in December 2018.(135) This was the first non-Islamic religious ceremony in the Kingdom. · Within a matter of days in March 2018, the Crown Prince met both the Coptic Pope(136) and the Archbishop of Canterbury.(137) The Crown Prince has also met Christian evangelical leaders,(138) and a group that included two rabbis in New York.(139) · In February 2020, King Salman received a Jerusalem-based rabbi, David Rosen.(140) · A series of appointments has shifted the official religious establishment in a more liberal direction. In August 2016, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa was appointed head of the Muslim World League, and in January 2019, he called on Muslims to commemorate International

(133) “Saudi Arabia Turns against Political Islam,” The Economist, June 23, 2018, https://www.economist.com/special-report/2018/06/21/ saudi-arabia-turns-against-political-islam. (134) “Saudi Cleric Says Combatting Anti-Semitism a Duty,” France 24, June 11, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200611- saudi-cleric-says-combatting-anti-semitism-a-duty. (135) “Egyptian Bishop Leads First Ever Coptic Mass in Saudi Arabia,” Cairo Scene, February 12, 2018, https://cairoscene.com/ Buzz/egyptian-bishop-leads-coptic-mass-in-saudi-arabia. (136) “Saudi Crown Prince Visits Cairo Coptic Cathedral, Meets Pope,” Reuters, March 5, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/ us-saudi-egypt-christians/saudi-crown-prince-visits-cairo-coptic-cathedral-meets-pope-idUSKBN1GH2R6. (137) “Archbishop of Canterbury Meets Saudi’s Crown Prince,” BBC News, March 8, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk- politics-43330696. (138) “Saudi Arabia Hosts Rare Visit of U.S. Evangelical Christian Figures,” Reuters, November 1, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-christians/saudi-arabia-hosts-rare-visit-of-u-s-evangelical-christian-figures-idUSKCN1N6675. (139) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Prince Meets New York Rabbis in Rare Interfaith Gesture,” Bloomberg, March 29, 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-29/saudi-prince-meets-new-york-rabbis-in-nod-to-greater-tolerance. (140) “No Deal with Israel, but Saudi Pushes Outreach to Jews,” France24, September 23, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200923-no-deal-with-israel-but-saudi-pushes-outreach-to-jews.

27 Holocaust Memorial Day.(141) He had previously stated that the Holocaust was “among the worst human atrocities ever” and that it is a religious duty to fight anti-Semitism.(142) · In December 2018, the former Minister of Education announced that philosophy and critical thinking would be taught in schools for the first time.(143) · In 2018, St Valentine’s Day was celebrated freely for the first time in the Kingdom.(144) · Saudi textbooks are becoming more tolerant. A December 2020 study by the Institute for Monitoring and Cultural Tolerance concludes that Saudi Arabia has removed anti- Semitic and Islamist material from its textbooks.(145)

Appointments

· In December 2016, Saudi Arabia reshuffled its top religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, to include moderate clerics.(146) · In June 2018, King Salman appointed Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, a shaykh known for his moderate views, as Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. He had previously voiced support for female employment and gender mixing.(147)

Events

· Valentine’s Day, previously banned, has been celebrated freely since 2018. A former chief

(141) Mohammad Alissa, “Why Muslims from around the World Should Remember the Holocaust,” The Washington Post, January 25, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/01/25/why-muslims-around-world-should-remember-holocaust/. (142) “Muslim World League: Holocaust Is a Crime That No One Can Deny or Undermine,” Al Arabiya English, January 26 2018, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2018/01/26/Saudi-Based-Muslim-World-League-expresses-sympathy-for-Holocaust- victims; “Saudi Cleric Says Combatting Anti-Semitism a Duty,” France 24, June 6, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200611-saudi-cleric-says-combatting-anti-semitism-a-duty. (143) Nadia Alfawaz, “School Curricula to Include Philosophy, Critical Thinking,” Saudi Gazette, December 8, 2018, https:// saudigazette.com.sa/article/549759. (144) “Saudi Arabia citizens celebrate Valentine’s day for the first time,” Alarabiya English, February 16 2018, https://english. alarabiya.net/features/2018/02/16/Valentines-Day. (145) David Rose, “‘Leap’ in Attitudes as Saudi School Textbooks Lose Anti-Semitic and Hardline Islamist Content,” The Telegraph, December 16, 2020, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/16/leap-attitudes-saudi-school-textbooks-lose-anti-semitic-hardline/. (146) Samar Fatany, “Reshuffle of Saudi Councils Signifies a Moderate Direction,” Al Arabiya English, December 11, 2016, https:// english.alarabiya.net/views/news/middle-east/2016/12/11/Reshuffle-of-Saudi-Councils-signifies-an-inclusive-moderate- direction. (147) Stephen Kalin and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Arabia Names Businessman as Labor Minister, Boosts Culture and Environment,” Reuters, June 2 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/cnews-us-saudi-government-idCAKCN1IY00B-OCATP.

28 of Mecca’s Religious Police, Ahmed Qassim al-Ghamdi, called Valentine’s Day a “positive social event”.(148) · In November 2017, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France, Khalid al-Angari, visited the Great Synagogue in Paris.(149) · In January 2018, the Secretary-General of Saudi Arabia’s Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, wrote a letter to the US Holocaust Museum stating that the Holocaust was “among the worst human atrocities ever”.(150) Dr. al-Issa visited the museum in May 2018.(151) To mark International Holocaust Memorial Day in January 2019, Mohammad al- Issa called for Muslims to remember the Holocaust, saying the “lessons of the Holocaust are universal and Muslims around the world have a responsibility to learn them, heed the warnings and join the international commitment to ensure never again”.(152) · In December 2018, the Coptic bishop Ava Morkos of Shobra El Kheima led the first Coptic Mass in Saudi Arabia following Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s invitation to the Coptic clergy during his trip to Egypt in March 2018.(153) · In December 2018, viral footage emerged of Santa Clause giving out presents to children in Jeddah.(154) · In October 2019, for the first time, Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Washington sent out Rosh Hashanah greeting cards to US Jews, wishing them a “happy and sweet new year”.(155)

(148) “Saudi Cleric Endorses Valentine’s Day as ‘Positive Event’,” Mail Online, February 15, 2018, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ wires/afp/article-5393395/Saudi-cleric-endorses-Valentines-Day-positive-event.html. (149) Yaakov Katz, “In Possible Nod to Israel, Two Top Saudi Officials Visit Paris Synagogue,”Jerusalem Post, November 23, 2017, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/in-possible-nod-to-israel-top-saudi-officials-visit-paris-synagogue-515001. (150) “Muslim World League: Holocaust is a Crime That No One Can Deny or Undermine,” Al Arabiya English, January 26 2018, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2018/01/26/Saudi-Based-Muslim-World-League-expresses-sympathy-for-Holocaust- victims. (151) US Holocaust Museum, “Dr. Mohammed Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, visited the Museum today,” Twitter, May 2, 2018, https://twitter.com/holocaustmuseum/status/991740607193407488 (152) Mohammad Alissa, “Why Muslims from around the World Should Remember the Holocaust,” The Washington Post, January 25, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/01/25/why-muslims-around-world-should-remember-holocaust/?utm_ term=.f2dc1b635555. (153) “Egyptian Bishop Leads First Ever Coptic Mass in Saudi Arabia,” Cairo Scene, December 2 2018, http://cairoscene.com/Buzz/ egyptian-bishop-leads-coptic-mass-in-saudi-arabia (154) “Watch: Christian Expats Celebrating Festive Season in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, December 17, 2018, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1422346/saudi-arabia. (155) “In First, Saudi Envoy in Washington Sends Rosh Hashanah Greeting to US Jews,” of Israel, October 2, 2019, https:// www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-saudi-envoy-in-washington-sends-rosh-hashanah-greeting-to-us-jews/.

29 · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General decided to adopt alternative penalties that can allow convicts of certain crimes to “spend their sentences doing social work or other services that benefit the society.”.(156) · In September 2020, Arab News, the Kingdom’s main English-language , changed its social media banner on Twitter and Facebook to offer a greeting in Hebrew for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.(157) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the 7th G20 Interfaith Forum, bringing together a number of thought leaders from different faiths including Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, of the Conference of European Rabbis.(158) · In December 2020, France 24 included an article on Christmas trees, Santa Clause outfits, and Christmas decorations being sold in Riyadh, indicating the relaxation of social restrictions and greater tolerance towards other religions.(159)

Education and Preaching

· In September 2017, the governor of Asir, Prince Faisal bin Khalid, banned the senior cleric Sheikh Saad al-Hijri from preaching and leading religious activities after he accused women of having “half a brain”.(160) · In August 2018, the government released an app on which users can rate sermons.(161) · In December 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Ahmed al-Issa announced that philosophy and critical thinking would be added to the high school curriculum.(162)

(156) “Saudi Rights Body Welcomes Introduction of Alternative Penalties,” Arab News, September 28, 2020, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1725691/saudi-arabia. (157) “No Deal with Israel, but Saudi Pushes Outreach to Jews,” France 24, September 23, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200923-no-deal-with-israel-but-saudi-pushes-outreach-to-jews. (158) “G20 Interfaith Forum to Stream Virtually from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 13 to 17, 2020,” Saudi Press Agency, October 5, 2020, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2141511#2141511. (159) “Rare Christmas Sales in Saudi Arabia,” France 24, December 20, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201220- rare-christmas-sales-in-saudi-arabia. (160) “Senior Cleric Banned from Preaching after Insulting Women,” Arab News, September 22, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1165341/saudi-arabia. (161) “Saudi Arabia Develops ‘Rate My Sermon’ App,” BBC News, August 7, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from- elsewhere-45097440. (162) Nadia Alfawaz, “School Curricula to Include Philosophy, Critical Thinking,” Saudi Gazette, December 8, 2018, https:// saudigazette.com.sa/article/549759

30 · In September 2020, a France 24 article noted Saudi Arabia is pushing to change public perception of Jews. It noted that anti-Semitic content had been removed from school textbooks and that the Saudi government has prohibited the disparagement of Jews and Christians in mosques, with some sermons focused on the Prophet Mohammed’s friendly relations with Jews.(163) · In December 2020, a study by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance concluded that hardline anti-Semitic and Islamist material had been removed from Saudi textbooks.(164)

Meetings

· In November 2017, a Saudi delegation led by Abdullah bin Fahad al-Luhaidan, Advisor to the Minister of Islamic Affairs, met the Pope at the Vatican, where he thanked him for promoting global peace and coexistence.(165) · In November 2017, two Saudi officials, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France Khalid al-Angari, visited the Great Synagogue in Paris, where they viewed a Torah scroll.(166) · In November 2017, Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch, Beshara al-Rai, visited Saudi Arabia and met King Salman. It was the first time a Maronite Patriarch visited SaudiArabia. (167) · In February 2018, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al- Issa visited the Vatican, where he met the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and discussed religious extremism.(168)

(163) “No Deal with Israel, but Saudi Pushes Outreach to Jews,” France 24, September 23, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200923-no-deal-with-israel-but-saudi-pushes-outreach-to-jews. (164) David Rose, “‘Leap’ in Attitudes as Saudi School Textbooks Lose Anti-Semitic and Hardline Islamist Content,” The Telegraph, December 16, 2020, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/16/leap-attitudes-saudi-school-textbooks-lose-anti-semitic-hardline/. (165) “Islamic Affairs Ministry delegation meets Pope at Vatican,” Saudi Gazette, November 23, 2017, https://saudigazette.com.sa/ article/522591/SAUDI-ARABIA/Islamic-Affairs-Ministry-delegation-meets-Pope-at-Vatican. (166) Yaakov Katz, “In Possible Nod to Israel, Two Top Saudi Officials Visit Paris Synagogue,”Jerusalem Post, November 23, 2017, Source: http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/In-possible-nod-to-Israel-top-Saudi-officials-visit-Paris-synagogue-515001 . (167) Dana Khraiche, “Lebanon Church Leader Invited to Meet Saudi King in Historic Move,” Bloomberg, November 2, 2017, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-02/lebanon-church-head-invited-to-meet-saudi-king-in-historic-move. (168) “Muslim World League and Vatican Tackle Religious Violence,” Arab News, February 7, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1240946/saudi-arabia.

31 · In March 2018, HRH Mohammed bin Salman met Coptic Pope Tawadros II at Cairo’s Coptic Cathedral.(169) This meeting was the catalyst for the first Coptic Mass in the Kingdom. · In March 2018, HRH Mohammed bin Salman met the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at Lambeth Palace.(170) · In March 2018, HRH Mohammed bin Salman met a group of religious leaders, including two rabbis, in New York.(171) · In April 2018, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran visited Saudi Arabia for six days and met the Crown Prince. The visit ended with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vatican and Saudi Arabia.(172) · In October 2018, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa urged Muslims to form a delegation to Jerusalem alongside Christians and Jewish leaders. He said “We should send a peace convoy that is representative of all three Abrahamic religions. They should be Muslim, Christian and Jewish and they should visit all holy sites... they should meet everyone and find common ground, and they should provide fertile ground to find solutions for peace”.(173) · In November 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince hosted a group of Christian evangelical leaders in Riyadh.(174) He also hosted a similar meeting in September 2019. The Saudi Embassy in Washington said that “promoting coexistence and combatting extremism” had been discussed.(175) · In January 2020, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, visited Auschwitz. The following day he broke bread with local Jewish leaders for Shabbat.

(169) “Saudi Crown Prince Visits Cairo Coptic Cathedral, Meets Pope,” Reuters, March 5, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/ us-saudi-egypt-christians/saudi-crown-prince-visits-cairo-coptic-cathedral-meets-pope-idUSKBN1GH2R6. (170) “Archbishop of Canterbury Meets Saudi’s Crown Prince,” BBC News, March 8, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk- politics-43330696. (171) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Prince Meets New York Rabbis in Rare Interfaith Gesture,” Bloomberg, March 29, 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-29/saudi-prince-meets-new-york-rabbis-in-nod-to-greater-tolerance. (172) Florence Richard, “Un Cardinal à Riyad : Le Vatican et l’Arabie Saoudite Vers Un Rapprochement?” France 24, April 26, 2018, https://www.france24.com/fr/20180425-arabie-saoudite-mbs-visite-cardinal-francais-tauran-vatican-religion-dialogue- interreligieu. (173) Hollie McKay, “Islamic Group Chief Calls for Muslims to Join Christians, Jews in Jerusalem Meeting,” Fox News, October 5, 2018, https://www.foxnews.com/world/islamic-group-chief-calls-for-muslims-to-join-christians-jews-in-jerusalem-meeting. (174) “Saudi Arabia Hosts Rare Visit of U.S. Evangelical Christian Figures,” Reuters, November 1 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-christians-idUSKCN1N6675. (175) Aya Batrawy, “US Christian Evangelical Delegation Meets Saudi Crown Prince,” , September 10, 2019, https:// apnews.com/article/e7f10269e60b46dabe31c455fa04017e.

32 When asked about Arab who dispute the Holocaust, Dr. al-Issa said it is a crime to “falsify history,” especially “the most atrocious crime in the history of mankind”.(176) · In February 2020, a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations visited Saudi Arabia.(177) · In February 2020, King Salman hosted a Jerusalem-based rabbi, David Rosen. This was the first time such a meeting had taken place.(178)

Pilgrims

· In May 2016, it was announced that restrictions governing visas for Muslim pilgrims will be relaxed, allowing travelers to Mecca and Medina to extend their stay and visit non- religious cultural cities and sites.(179) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s (PIF) established two new companies, Rou’a al-Haram and Rou’a al-Madinah, to invest in Mecca and Medina and increase the number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia can accommodate. The companies will develop 150,000 hotel rooms in each city.(180) · In March 2019, the Ministry of Hajj and announced that e-visas will be issued within minutes for foreign companies organizing pilgrims’ Hajj/Umrah trips. This move removed the requirement for passports to be submitted to embassies and is designed to attract more pilgrims to the Kingdom.(181)

(176) Wojciech Moskwa and Donna AbuNasr, “Saudi Cleric Visits Auschwitz and Reaches Out to Polish Jews,” Bloomberg, January 24, 2020, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-24/saudi-cleric-visits-auschwitz-and-reaches-out-to-polish-jews. (177) Ron Kampeas, “In First, US Jewish Umbrella Group Sends Delegation to Saudi Arabia,” The Times of Israel, February 13, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-us-jewish-umbrella-group-sends-delegation-to-saudi-arabia/. (178) “No Deal with Israel, but Saudi Pushes Outreach to Jews,” France 24, September 23, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200923-no-deal-with-israel-but-saudi-pushes-outreach-to-jews. (179) Sylvia Smith, “Saudi Arabia Hopes for Religious Tourism Boost,” BBC News, May 25, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/ world-middle-east-36250851. (180) “Saudi Fund to Expand Investments in Mecca, Medina Holy Sites,” , October 2, 2017, https://www.foxbusiness. com/markets/saudi-fund-to-expand-investments-in-mecca-medina-holy-sites. (181) Aseel Bashraheel, “Hajj and Umrah E-Visas to Be Issued in Minutes,” Arab News, March 12, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1465291/saudi-arabia.

33 Religious Police

· In April 2016, Saudi Arabia curtailed the powers of Saudi Arabia’s religious police to arrest, pursue, or request documents or ID cards from suspects.(182) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council voted on a proposal to merge the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice into the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. This move would curb the autonomy of Saudi Arabia’s religious police.(183)

(182) “Saudi Arabia’s Religious Police Ordered to be ‘Gentle’,” BBC News, April 13, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-36034807. (183) “Saudi Shura Council to Vote on Curbing Autonomy of Morality Police,” Reuters, September 18, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-police-morality/saudi-shura-council-to-vote-on-curbing-autonomy-of-morality-police-idUSKCN1BT28W.

34 Culture, Sports and Entertainment Saudi Arabia is a youthful country. More than 65 percent of its population are under the age of 30, and they are keen for Saudi Arabia to become a more open and liberal society. Increasing Saudis’ access to entertainment has been a central focus of Vision 2030, and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), created in May 2016, has been important in pushing this forward. Saudi Arabia’s leadership is also working to encourage tourism to the Kingdom and to host international sporting events.

Key Quotes

. Entertainment and culture are very important to change the standard of living of a Saudi citizen in a short period of time.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2016.(184)

.Our old course was not sustainable, and change is now underway in virtually every aspect of society.” – HRH Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Deputy Defense Minister, March 2019.(185)

Key Facts

· A significant focus of Vision 2030 is opening up the Kingdom to foreign visitors, businesses and investors. Tourism is a key pillar of this transformation, but Saudi Arabia has never previously offered tourist visas. · In December 2018, visas for sporting events and concerts were offered by the Saudi government. In September 2019, the country introduced tourist visas for the first time. They are currently available to 49 countries including the US, Europe, and Asia. Female

(184) Turki Al-Dakhil, “Full Transcript of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Al Arabiya Interview,” Al Arabiya News, April 25, 2016, https://english.alarabiya.net/media/inside-the-newsroom/2016/04/25/Full-Transcript-of-Prince-Mohammed-bin-Salman-s-Al- Arabiya-interview. (185) Khalid bin Salman, “Saudi Arabia Embraces Change – and the United States Can Help,” Washington Post, March 19, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/03/19/saudi-arabia-embraces-change-and-the-united-states- can-help/.

35 tourists will not be required to wear the abaya, but must dress modestly. There will be no restrictions on unaccompanied female tourists.(186) Unmarried foreign couples will be allowed to stay in hotel rooms together and all women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone.(187) · In May, 2020, “Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, announced the establishing of Thunaiyat Ad- Foundation. The foundation is concerned with contemporary arts, and was designed to be responsible for organizing an annual Biennale in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”(188) · Tourists will be charged around SAR 440 Saudi ($117) for a one-year visa allowing multiple entries, with a maximum 90-day stay each time.(189) Twenty four thousand tourists reportedly visited in the first ten days of the new regulation.(190) · Saudi Arabia issued more than 400,000 tourist visas between September 2019 and February 2020; this figure does not include the millions of religious pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia every year for Hajj and Umrah.(191) · In May 2016, Saudi Arabia held its first Comic-Con convention.(192) · In May 2016, Saudi Arabia was represented at the Cannes Film Festival and announced financial investments in filmmaking within the Kingdom.(193)

(186) “Saudi Arabia to Open up to Foreign Tourists with New Visas,” BBC News, September 27, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/ business-49848068. (187) “Saudi Arabia: Unmarried Foreign Couples Can Now Rent Hotel Rooms,” BBC News, October 5, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/ news/world-middle-east-49947515. (188) “Minister of Culture Announces Establishing of Thunaiyat Ad-Diriyah Foundation to Organize International Art Biennale,” SPA, May 31, 2020, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2093415; The inaugural will take place in December, 2021 “under the theme of Feeling the Stones, inspired by the slogan ‘crossing the river by feeling the stones’ coined by Chinese politician Deng Xiaoping during the 1980s as a metaphor for action at a time of social and economic transformation.” The National, March 31, 2021, https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/ad-diriyah-biennale-saudi- arabia-s-first-art-biennale-to-take-place-in-december-1.1194566. (189) Donna Abdulaziz, “Saudi Arabia Opens Kingdom to Foreign Tourists,” The Wall Street Journal, September 27, 2019, https:// www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-opens-kingdom-to-foreign-tourists-11569586198?mod=article_inline. (190) “Visa touristique en Arabie: 24.000 entrées en 10 jours,” L’Obs, October 8, 2019, https://www.nouvelobs.com/societe/20191008. AFP6198/visa-touristique-en-arabie-24-000-entrees-en-10-jours.html. (191) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Arabia’s Granted 400,000 Visas Since Opening to Tourism,” Bloomberg, February 24, 2020, https:// www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-24/saudi-arabia-s-granted-400-000-visas-since-opening-to-tourism. (192) Bianca Britton and Basma Atassi, “Crowds Flock to Saudi Arabia’s First Comic Con,” CNN, February 20, 2017, https://edition. cnn.com/2017/02/19/middleeast/saudi-arabia-comic-con/index.html. (193) Robert Williams, “Cannes Festival Opens Under Specter of #MeToo, Sans Netflix,” Bloomberg, May 8, 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-08/cannes-festival-opens-under-specter-of-metoo-sans-netflix.

36 · Music concerts have increased in Saudi over the last few years, with Mohammed Abdu,(194) Mariah Carey,(195) DJ Tiesto,(196) BTS,(197) and Andrea Bocelli(198) performing, among others. Mohammed Abdu’s performance was the first concert in Riyadh in 30 years. · In 2018, cinemas returned to the Kingdom for the first time since 1979.(199) Saudi Arabia plans to build 600 cinema screens across Saudi Arabia by 2023.(200) · Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene is flourishing. Institutions such as the Athr Gallery have been vital in this. In January 2018, Jeddah hosted an art festival that brought together many young Saudi artists.(201) · In October 2019, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would build a modern art museum on the outskirts of Riyadh.(202) · In December 2019, Saudi Arabia relaxed its gender segregation rules regarding restaurants. It is hoped the decision will attract greater investment and more business opportunities to the Kingdom.(203)

(194) Marianne Meunier, “Le Royaume Saoudien s’ouvre Timidement Au Divertissement,” La Croix, September 3, 2017, https:// www.la-croix.com/Culture/Musique/Le-royaume-saoudien-souvre-timidement-divertissement-2017-03-09-1200830663. (195) “Mariah Carey to Perform in Saudi Arabia on January 31,” Arab News, January 25, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1441826/art-culture. (196) “Top DJs Headline Saudi Arabia’s Biggest Music Festival,” The Post, December 21, 2019, https://www.thejakartapost. com/life/2019/12/21/top-djs-headline-saudi-arabias-biggest-music-festival.html. (197) Jennifer Barretto, “BTS Performed in Saudi Arabia: This Is What Happened,” Gulf News, October 12, 2019, https://gulfnews. com/entertainment/music/bts-performed-in-saudi-arabia-this-is-what-happened-1.67081859. (198) Hala Tashkandi, “Opera Star Andrea Bocelli Regales Music Lovers at Saudi Arabia’s Tantora Winter Festival,” Arab News, February 1, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1445566/saudi-arabia. (199) “Black Panther to Become First Film Shown in Saudi Arabian Cinemas in 35 Years,” , April 5, 2018, https://www. theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/saudi-arabia-to-open-first-new-cinema-in-35-years. (200) “VOX Cinemas Opens Its First-Ever Theater in Tabuk,” Arab News, July 28, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1711416/ saudi-arabia. (201) Melissa Gronlund, “How the Saudi Art Scene is Determined to Keep Up With the Changes of its Country,” ATHR, February 13, 2018, https://www.athrart.com/news/238. (202) Dominic Dudley, “Saudi Arabia Joins the Gulf’s Culture Race with Plans for Modern Art Museum,” Forbes, October 17, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2019/10/22/saudi-modern-art-museum/. (203) Stephen Kalin, “Saudi Arabia Ends Gender-Segregated Entrances for Restaurants,” Reuters, December 8, 2019, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-gender/saudi-arabia-ends-gender-segregated-entrances-for-restaurants-idUSKBN1YC0FZ.

37 Events

· In November 2017, the Greek musician Yanni performed to an unsegregated audience in Jeddah.(204) · In January 2018, the Jeddah Art Festival included many contemporary young artists who freely expressed their ideas on society, politics, and life through their art.(205) · In June 2018, Saudi Arabia established the new Ministry of Culture, separating it from the Ministry of Information. Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al Saud was appointed Minister of Culture.(206) · In June 2018, Saudi Arabia’s first Opera House opened at the King Abdulaziz International Cultural Center (Ithraa) in Dhahran. The theatre has 900 seats.(207) · In January 2019, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Authority, Turki Al al-Sheikh, announced a new program of government-sponsored events including a concert by the rap artist Jay-Z, an NBA basketball game, Disney musicals, a Madame-Tussauds exhibition, and a Pamplona-style running of the bulls. Turki Al al-Sheikh also announced that live music licenses would be permitted for cafés and restaurants.(208) · In August 2019, Saudi Arabia hosted its first international music festival. The Jeddah World Fest attracted 40,000 attendees and featured performances from 50 Cent, Janet Jackson, and DJ Steve Aoki.(209)

Sports

· In December 2018, Saudi Arabia held its first ABB FIA Formula E Championship. It was also held in November 2019, and February 2021.(210)

(204) https://twitter.com/yanni/status/936380724831293441?t=1&cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjcw%3D%3D&refsrc=email&iid=c222e6 b54cb74c9ea3eec068fb49f68a&fl=4&uid=855406942721904640&nid=244+293670920 (205) Melissa Gronlund, “How the Saudi Art Scene Is Determined to Keep up with the Changes of Its Country,” Athr, February 13, 2018, https://www.athrart.com/news/238. (206) Stephen Kalin and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Arabia Names Businessman as Labor Minister, Boosts Culture and Environment,” Reuters, June 2, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-government/saudi-arabia-names-businessman-as-labor- minister-boosts-culture-and-environment-idUSKCN1IY00B; “Saudi Culture Ministry formed following a major Cabinet reshuffle,” Arab News, June 2, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1314021/saudi-arabia. )20)) الحسين، ابراهيم, “انطالق أول مسرح أوبرا في السعودية,” العربية، .انطالق-أول-مسرح-أوبرا-في-السعودية-/Al Arabiya, June 16, 2018, https://www.alarabiya.net/saudi-today/2018/06/16 (208) Richard Spencer, “Rap Gigs and Bull Runs in ‘Fun’ Saudi Arabia,” The Sunday Times, January 25, 2019, https://www.thetimes. co.uk/article/rap-gigs-and-bull-runs-in-fun-saudi-arabia-qk3z7s9sj.. (209) Brian Carey, “Roqu Media’s Star-Studded Music Festival Rocks Saudi Arabia,” The Sunday Times, August 4, 2019, https:// www.thetimes.co.uk/article/roqu-medias-star-studded-music-festival-rocks-saudi-arabia-wz2fbsmmd. (210) “Event Guide: Welcome To The 2018 Ad Diriyah E-Prix,” ABB Formula E, https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/ december/event-guide-welcome-to-the-2018-saudia-ad-diriyah-e-prix.

38 · In December 2019, Saudi Arabia hosted the Clash of the Dunes heavyweight title bout between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.(211) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted its first international female golf tournament, the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, with a prize of a million US dollars. The tournament was to have taken place in March, but had to be postponed due to Covid-19.(212) The tournament was won by ’s Emily Pedersen.(213) · In December 2020, Saudi Arabia won a bid to host the 2034 , the second biggest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.(214) · In January 2020, the Dakar Rally took place in the Middle East for the first time, with Saudi Arabia hosting the race. Saudi Arabia hosted the rally a second time in 2021.(215) · In December 2021, Jeddah will host Saudi Arabia’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix.(216)

Film Industry

· In February 2016, Saudi Arabia’s first romantic comedy, Barakah Meets Barakah, was released. It was premiered in Berlin and shown at the Toronto Film Festival.(217) The film was later selected as the Saudi Arabian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards but was not nominated.(218) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would reopen public cinemas in the spring of 2018, with 300 cinemas and 2,000 screens openning by 2030, contributing $24

(211) Oliver Brown and Alan Tyers, “Anthony Joshua Regains Heavyweight Titles with Classy Points Win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia,” The Telegraph, December 9, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2019/12/07/anthony-joshua-vs-andy- ruiz-jr-live-fight-updates-2-rematch/. (212) “Saudi Arabia to Host First Ladies European Tour Golf Week with Back-to-Back Tournaments,” BBC News, September 28, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/54324853. (213) Chito Manuel, “Emily Kristine Pedersen Wins Aramco Saudi Ladies International,” Arab News, November 15, 2020, https:// arab.news/cmdnr. (214) Ed Dixon, “ to Host 2030 Asian Games as Riyadh Gets 2034 Edition,” SportsPro Media, December 17, 2020, https://www. sportspromedia.com/news/doha-2030-asian-games-riyadh-2034--saudi-arabia. (215) “Dakar Rally Set for Second Saudi Outing,” Voice of America, January 1, 2021, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/dakar- rally-set-second-saudi-outing; “Dakar Rally to Kick off in Asia for First Time in History,” , September 8, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1551651/sport.. (216) “Saudi Arabia to Host Formula 1 Race in 2021,” Formula 1, November 5, 2020, https://corp.formula1.com/saudi-arabia-to- host-formula-1-race-in-2021/. (217) Jordan Hoffman, “Barakah Meets Barakah Review – Sizzle and Sadness in First Saudi Romcom,” The Guardian, September 9, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/09/barakah-meets-barakah-review-saudi-rom-com-toronto-film-festival-tiff. (218) Scott Roxborough, “Oscars: Saudi Arabia Selects ‘Barakah Meets Barakah’ for Foreign-Language Category,” The Hollywood Reporter, August 24, 2016, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-saudi-arabia-selects-barakah-922421.

39 billion to the economy, creating 30,000 permanent jobs and more than 130,000 temporary jobs.(219) Informal public cinemas had already been set up. The Emoji Movie was one of the first films shown in Saudi Arabia since the recommencement of cinema.(220) · In February 2018, the female director of the filmComplain , Hana al-Omair, won a Golden Palm Tree Award for best drama at the Saudi Film Festival.(221) · In April 2018, AMC opened the first commercial cinema in Riyadh and showed the Marvel superhero film Black Panther. AMC hopes to open 40 cinemas over the next 5 years.(222) · In October 2018, the Indian cinema operator Carnival announced that its intention to open 500 screens in remote parts of the Kingdom over the next 5 years.(223) In January 2019, the first cinema opened in Jeddah. Cinemas are expected to host up to 35 million Saudis each year.(224) · In May 2018, representatives from Saudi Arabia attended the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. The Saudi delegation showed short films, participated in meetings and announced that it would grant a 35 percent rebate for all spendings on productions filmed in the Kingdom and a 50 percent rebate for spendings on Saudi Labor.(225) · In March 2019, The Saudi filmRoll’em was the first to be shown at a Vox cinema. Directed by Abdulelah al-Qurashi, the film has an all-Saudi cast and crew.(226)

(219) Katie Paul, “Saudi Arabia Lifts Cinema Ban, Directors and Movie Chains Rejoice,” Reuters, December 11, 2017, https:// www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-film/saudi-arabia-says-cinemas-will-be-allowed-from-early-2018-idUSKBN1E50N1; “In Landmark Decision, Saudi Arabia Allows Cinemas for First Time in Over 35 Years,” Center for International Communication, December 11, 2017, https://cic.org.sa/2017/12/in-landmark-decision-saudi-arabia-allows-cinemas-for- first-time-in-over-35-years/. (220) Stephen Kalin, “Saudi Arabia Begins Screening Films after Decades-long Ban Lifted,” Reuters, January 15, 2018, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-cinema/saudi-arabia-begins-screening-films-after-decades-long-ban-lifted-idUSKBN1F40QS. (221) Elsa Buchanan, “Saudi Film Festival: Female Film-Maker Hana al-Omair Wins Award for Best Drama,” International Business Times, February 25, 2015, https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/saudi-film-festival-female-film-maker-hana-al-omair-wins-award-best- drama-1489460. (222) “Black Panther to Become First Film Shown in Saudi Arabian Cinemas in 35 Years,” The Guardian, April 5, 2018, https://www. theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/saudi-arabia-to-open-first-new-cinema-in-35-years. (223) Jennifer Bell, “Indian Movie Chain Plans to Open Cinemas in Remote Areas of Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, October 30, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1395421/saudi-arabia. (224) Mohammed Alkinani, “First Cinema in Jeddah Opens,” Arab News, January 29, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1443511/ saudi-arabia. (225) Robert Williams, “Cannes Festival Opens Under Specter of #MeToo, Sans Netflix,” Bllomberg, May 8 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-08/cannes-festival-opens-under-specter-of-metoo-sans-netflix; Chris Newbould, “Cannes: Saudi Arabia Announces Big Rebates for Film Production,” The National, May 13, 2018, https://www.thenationalnews. com/arts-culture/film/cannes-saudi-arabia-announces-big-rebates-for-film-production-1.730027. (226) Deema AlKhudair, “Saudi Film to Premiere in Vox Cinemas for First Time,” Arab News, March 10, 2019, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1464711/saudi-arabia.

40 · In April 2019, Saudi Arabia said that it would invest $35 billion in building cinemas, aiming to establish 2,500 movie screens over the next five years.(227) · March 2020 was the date set for Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. However, the Coronavirus outbreak led to films being screened virtually.(228) · In April 2021, the Royal Commission for AlUla launched Film AlUla, “tasked with the mission of promoting the county of AlUla as a filming destination and attracting local, regional and international productions to shoot films, TV series, commercials and documentary projects.”(229)

Tourism

· In April 2017, Saudi Arabia unveiled plans for an entertainment city on the edge of Riyadh. It will be 50 times the size of Gibraltar and will feature a Six-Flags amusement park and a safari park. The city will be called .(230) · In July 2017, the Crown Prince announced plans to turn 50 islands in the Red Sea into luxury tourist resorts, which are to be designated tourist zones with eased visa restrictions.(231) · The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage(232) approved the registration of 25 archaeological sites during the first quarter of 2018, in a bid to boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.(233) · In April 2018, during HRH Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France, a joint agreement between Saudi Arabia and France was agreed to Mada’in Saleh, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, for tourism.(234)

(227) Nick Vivarelli, “Saudi Arabia Says it will Invest $35 Billion in Movie Theaters by 2020,” Variety, April 4, 2019, https://variety. com/2019/film/news/saudi-arabia-movie-theaters-invest-35-billion-dollars-1203180529/. (228) Deema Al-Khudair, “Saudi film to premiere in Vox cinemas for first time,” Arab News, March 10, 2019, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1464711/saudi-arabia. (229) Zaira Lakhpatwala, “Film AlUla to Boost Saudi Film Industry,” Arab News, April 9, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1840106/media. (230) “Saudi PIF Unveiled Identity of New Qiddiya Mega Entertainment Project,” Arab News, October 24, 2017, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1182486/saudi-arabia. (231) “Saudi Arabia Plans Luxury Beach Resorts on Red Sea,” BBC News, August 1, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- east-40795570. (232) Now called Ministry of Tourism. (233) “Saudi Tourism Commission Adds 25 Sites to Heritage List,” Arab News, April 30, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1294286/saudi-arabia. (234) Anna Pukas, “From New to Old: French to Help Develop Al-Ula, KSA’s ‘Open-Air Museum’,” Arab News, April 8, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1281256/saudi-arabia.

41 · In June 2018, Saudi Arabia’s al-Ahsa Oasis became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.(235) · In December 2018, Saudi Arabia began offering visitor visas for sporting events and concerts. The “sharek” visa process was introduced in time for the Formula E series race on 15 December 2018.(236) In March 2019, the Saudi cabinet approved plans for these visas to be electronic. Embassies will be able to approve visas within 24 hours.(237) · In March 2019, the Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO to preserve heritage sites in Saudi Arabia.(238) · In May 2019, Saudia added two new flights from Riyadh to al-Ula, to help develop al-Ula as a tourist destination.(239) · In November 2019, it was announced that UK architecture firm, Foster + Partners was designing a new airport to serve the Kingdom’s Red Sea tourism development.(240) · In June 2020, Saudi Arabia announced that it would start a $4 billion tourism development fund to assist the tourism industry during the coronavirus pandemic.(241) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia agreed to Europe’s biggest hotel group, Accor, operating and expanding the Ashar Resort at al-Ula. Accor will bring 47 new units to the resort.(242) · In September 2020, it was announced that the UN World Tourism Organization would establish its first Middle East regional office in Saudi Arabia.(243) · In February 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched a new venture

(235) Ebrahim al-Hussain, “Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa Becomes UNESCO World Heritage Site,” Al Arabiya English, June 30, 2018, https://english.alarabiya.net/life-style/travel-and-tourism/2018/06/30/IN-PICTURES-Saudi-al-Ahsa-A-UNESCO-s-World- Heritage-. (236) Stephen Kalin, “Saudi Arabia to Offer Visitor Visa for Sporting Events and Concerts,” The Independent, September 26, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-visa-vision-2030-concerts-events-mohammed-bin- salman-a8556571.html. (237) “Saudi Cabinet Approves Tourism Visa for Foreign Travellers,” Reuters, March 3, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi- visa/saudi-cabinet-approves-tourism-visa-for-foreign-travellers-media-idUKL5N20Q0BQ. (238) Hala Tashkandi and Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Arabia Launches Cultural Transformation,” Arab News, August 14, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1473796/saudi-arabia. (239) “Saudia Adds Flights from Riyadh to Al-Ula,” Arab News, May 15, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1497536/saudi-arabia. (240) “Foster + Partners to Design Red Sea Airport,” Foster + Partners, November 6, 2019, https://www.fosterandpartners.com/ news/archive/2019/11/foster-partners-to-design-red-sea-airport/. (241) “Saudi Arabia to Launch $4bn Tourism Development Fund,” Arab News, June 21, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1693306/saudi-arabia. (242) “Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Landmark Al Ula Signs Agreement with Accor,” Reuters, August 9, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/ article/saudi-tourism-al-ula/saudi-arabias-tourism-landmark-al-ula-signs-agreement-with-accor-idUKL8N2FB0HC. (243) “Saudi Arabia to Host First Mideast Regional Office of UN’s Global Tourism Body,” Arab News, September 16, 2020, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1735481/saudi-arabia.

42 that will invest $3 billion in developing tourism and infrastructure in the southwestern Asir region. The newly formed Soudah Development Company will develop the mountainous Soudah area and the ancient village of Rijal Alma into a tourism destination.(244)

(244) “Saudi Arabia’s PIF Launches $3 Billion Tourism, Infrastructure Venture,” Reuters, February 24, 2021, https://www.reuters. com/article/us-saudi-economy-idUSKBN2AO2DH.

43 Investment and Employment Vision 2030 reflects the acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s leaders that the Kingdom cannot rely on oil forever. As a result, Saudi Arabia is expanding its private sector, liberalizing its economy, making its businesses more competitive, and opening its markets to foreign investors to offset a future decline in oil revenue. Below are some examples of the steps it has taken to achieve this.

Key Quotes

. Because of our dominant position, Saudi Arabia is the key to the economic success of the region.” - HRH Mohammed bin Salman, in an interview with Con Coughlin for The Telegraph, 5 March 2018.(245)

“Saudi Arabia is making good progress in implementing its ambitious reform program under Vision 2030… The government remains committed to wide-ranging economic and social reforms to transform the economy away from its traditional reliance on oil and to create a more dynamic private sector that creates jobs for the growing working-age population.” – Timothy Callen, Assistant Director in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department.(246)

Key Facts

· The government has moved to liberalize the economy by permitting full foreign ownership of engineering, health and education companies for the first time.(247)

(245) Con Coughlin, “Mohammed Bin Salman Interview: ‘British and Saudi People Will Be Much Safer If We Have a Strong Relationship’,” The Telegraph, March 5, 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/05/exclusive-interview-british- saudi-people-will-much-safer-have/. (246) “IMF Urges Saudi Not to Boost Spending as Oil Rises as Reforms Progress,” Reuters, May 23, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/uk-saudi-imf-idUKKCN1IO0HV. (247) “Saudi Arabia to Allow Full Foreign Ownership of Engineering Firms,” Reuters, August 8, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-companies-idUSKBN1AO0XQ.

44 · The government has also introduced new bankruptcy laws,(248) cracked down on corruption,(249) instituted a program of privatization,(250) and announced the launch of commercial courts.(251) · Saudi Arabia’s economic growth has led to several ratings agencies including the country on their emerging markets index. FTSE Russell,(252) MSCI, S&P Dow Jones,(253)and JP Morgan(254) are among those that now include the Kingdom. · Data from the General Authority for Statistics show that Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector grew by 3.3 percent in 2019, the strongest growth since 2014.(255) This shows progress in the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. · In December 2019, Saudi Arabia floated its national oil company, Aramco, on its stock exchange, . The initial public offering (IPO) resulted in a valuation of $1.7 trillion for the company. This partial privatization of the world’s most valuable and most profitable company is an example of the Kingdom’s determination to diversify its economy. · From 14 March 2021, Saudi Arabia’s kafala [sponsorship] system will remove the several restrictions on migrant workers. Non-Saudi workers will no longer need their employer’s permission to change jobs, travel abroad, or leave the country permanently.(256)

(248) Tom Arnold, Reem Shamseddine, and Katie Paul, “In Boost to Reform, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet Approves Bankruptcy Law,” Reuters, February 18, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-bankruptcy-idUSKCN1G20PJ. (249) Naser Alwasmi, “Saudi Arabia Suspends 126 Government Employees over Corruption,” The National News, January 30, 2019, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/gcc/saudi-arabia-suspends-126-government-employees-over-corruption-1.819702. (250) National Center for Privatization, March 6, 2017, Program Description, accessed April 8 202,1 https://www.ncp.gov.sa/en/ Pages/Privatization_Program_ppp.aspx. (251) “Saudi Arabia Unveils Commercial Courts in Three Cities,” Arabian Business, October 21, 2017, https://www.arabianbusiness. com/politics-economics/381365-saudi-arabia-unveils-commercial-courts-in-three-cities. (252) Anjli Raval, “Saudi Arabia to Attract Foreign Cash via FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Index,” Financial Times, March 29, 2018, https://www.ft.com/content/ddf1f43e-32e0-11e8-b5bf-23cb17fd1498. (253) Ahmed Al Omran, “Saudi Arabia Eyes $40bn in Foreign Investment Inflows after MSCI Decision,” Financial Times, June 21, 2018, https://www.ft.com/content/d6281742-7589-11e8-a8c4-408cfba4327c. (254) Davide Barbuscia, “Saudi Arabia, Four Other Gulf States to Enter Key JP Morgan Bond Indexes,” Reuters, September 26, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gulf-bonds-jpmorgan-idUKKCN1M61HZ. (255) Davide Barbuscia, “Saudi Economy Grows Just 0.3% in 2019 as Oil Sector Shrinks,” Reuters, March 1, 2020, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-gdp-idUSKBN20O1FX. (256) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Arabia Loosens Controversial Curbs on Foreign Workers,” Bloomberg, November 4, 2020, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-04/saudi-arabia-eases-controversial-restrictions-on-foreign-workers.

45 Companies

· In January 2017, a work ethics code was introduced for Saudi Arabia’s food industry.(257) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would allow foreign companies full ownership of engineering, health, and education companies, without the requirement of partnering with a Saudi-owned firm.(258) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it was creating a $1.07 billion “fund of funds” to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.(259) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced trading licenses allowing foreign entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the King Abdullah Economic City.(260) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced new ‘entrepreneurship licenses’ allowing overseas entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Saudi Arabia.(261) · In August 2018, Saudi Arabia’s capital markets regulator issued draft regulations to permitting local companies to issue depositary receipts abroad, giving them a new method of attracting foreign equity investment. This allows firms to invest directly in Saudi Arabia’s market.(262) · In January 2021, it was announced that Riyadh had attracted 24 multinational companies to establish regional headquarters there. These companies include PepsiCo, Schlumberger, Bechtel, Boston Scientific and Tim Hortons.(263)

(257) Justin Stoltzfus, “Saudis Commit to Labor Policy Reforms,” Gulf News Journal, January 30, 2017, https://gulfnewsjournal.com/ stories/511077806-saudis-commit-to-labor-policy-reforms. (258) Saudi Arabia to Allow Full Foreign Ownership of Engineering Firms,” Reuters, August 8, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-companies-idUSKBN1AO0XQ; Katie Paul and Reem Shamseddine, “Saudi to Open Health, Education Sectors to Full Foreign Ownership,” Reuters, August 24, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-privatisation- idUSKCN1B41IZ. (259) Katie Paul, “Saudi Sovereign Fund Creates $1.07 Bln ‘Fund of Funds’ to Back SMEs,” Reuters, October 9, 2017, https://www. reuters.com/article/saudi-fund-funds-idUSL8N1MK3XH. (260) Ryan Brown and Hadley Gamble, “Saudi Arabia Offers Licenses for Foreign Entrepreneurs to Set up Shop for the First Time,” CNBC, November 15, 2017, https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/saudi-arabia-offers-trading-licenses-for-foreign-entrepreneurs.html. (261) Misk Blog, “Saudi Arabia Opens Its Doors to Overseas Entrepreneurs,” Misk Global Forum, November 15, 2017, https:// miskglobalforum.com/saudi-arabia-opens-doors-overseas-entrepreneurs/. (262) “Saudi Arabia Issues Draft on Issuance of Global Depositary Receipts,” Reuters, August 27, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/saudi-listing-idUKL8N1VI30X. (263) Frank Kane, “Riyadh Attracts 24 New Corporate Groups to Set up in the Saudi Capital,” Arab News, January 28, 2021, https:// arab.news/jgdk5.

46 Global Indexes

· In March 2018, FTSE Russell added Saudi Arabia to its index of emerging markets.(264) This came into effect on 18 March 2019.(265) · In June 2018, MSCI decided to include 32 Saudi Arabian stocks in its emerging market index.(266) This became effective in mid-2019.(267) In August 2019, Tadawul completed the second and final phase of joining the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, raising its weight on the closely- monitored index to 2.8 percent.(268) · In July 2018, the global equity index compiler S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that it would upgrade Saudi Arabia to emerging market status as of March 2019, drawing further foreign money to the Saudi Arabian stock market.(269) This came into effect on 18 March 2019.(270) · In September 2018, it was announced that Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf states would enter JP Morgan’s emerging market government bond indexes during 2019.(271) Its inclusion could raise $11 billion,(272) and its approximate weight on the index will be 3.3 percent.(273) · Between January 2019 and July 2019, investment in Tadawul by mutual and exchange- traded funds has risen from $356 million to $4.8 billion.(274)

(264) Anjli Raval, “Saudi Arabia to Attract Foreign Cash via FTSE Russel Emerging Markets Index,” Financial Times, March 29, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/ddf1f43e-32e0-11e8-b5bf-23cb17fd1498, (265) Natasha Turak, “Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange Makes Its Debut on Global Emerging Markets Indexes,” CNBC, March 18, 2019, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/18/saudi-arabias-tadawul-joins-global-emerging-markets-indexes.html. (266) Kate Beioley, “Emerging Markets Investors to Be Put in Argentine and Saudi Stocks,” Financial Times, June 27, 2018, https:// www.ft.com/content/be112a10-791f-11e8-8e67-1e1a0846c475. (267) Rodrigo Campos and Trevor Hunnicutt, “Argentina and Saudi Arabia to be Added to MSCI Emerging Markets Index,” Reuters, June 20, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-funds-msci-idUKKBN1JG3AN. (268) Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Stock Exchange Now Full MSCI Member, but Market Euphoria May Fade,” Reuters, August 29, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-exchange-inclusion-idUSKCN1VJ1VM. (269) “S&P Dow Jones to Upgrade Saudi Stocks to Emerging Market next Year,” Reuters, July 25, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-stocks-s-p-idUKKBN1KF0WR. (270) Natasha Turak, “Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange Makes Its Debut on Global Emerging Markets Indexes,” CNBC, March 18, 2019, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/18/saudi-arabias-tadawul-joins-global-emerging-markets-indexes.html. (271) Davide Barbuscia, “Saudi Arabia, Four Other Gulf States to Enter Key JP Morgan Bond Indexes,” Reuters, September 26, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gulf-bonds-jpmorgan-idUKKCN1M61HZ. (272) “Saudi Arabia Expects $11 Billion Inflows from JP Morgan Bond Index Entry,” Reuters, September 29, 2018, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-arabia-bonds-idUSKCN1M909Q. (273) Arif Sharif and Ben Bartenstein, “Saudi Bonds to Join JPMorgan Index in $119 Billion Gulf Addition,” Bloomberg, January 17, 2019, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-17/jpmorgan-says-gulf-bonds-to-be-12-of-emerging-markets-index. (274) Richard Henderson, “Saudi Stocks Attract Billions of Dollars in Inflows,” Financial Times, July 31, 2019, https://www.ft.com/ content/22b009a8-b23d-11e9-bec9-fdcab53d6959.

47 · In August 2020, global index provider FTSE Russell launched a bond index for Saudi Arabia. The FTSE Saudi Arabian Government Bond Index will cover Sukuk and non-Sukuk government bonds and will introduce new inflows to the Kingdom. Eventually, this index could be included in the FTSE Emerging Markets Government Bond Index.(275)

Investment

· In October 2016, Saudi Arabia raised $17.5 billion in the biggest-ever bond sale by an emerging-market nation.(276) · In March 2017, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency inaugurated its Simah credit rating agency. This was Saudi Arabia’s first credit rating agency and it was expected to assist the development of Saudi Arabia’s stock market.(277) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia approved a license for the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s. This was the first foreign credit agency to obtain such permission.(278) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would introduce a new bankruptcy law in early 2018 as part of the effort to attract foreign investment.(279) The law was approved by Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on 18 February 2018 and became effective in August 2018.(280) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on Internet voice and video calling apps. WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype are now widely available. A directive from Saudi

(275) “FTSE Russell Launches Local Currency Saudi Government Bond Index,” Reuters, August 27, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/ article/uk-saudi-bonds-ftse-idUKKBN25N1Q5. (276) Arif Sharif, Archana Narayanan, and Lyubov Pronina, “Saudi Arabia Raises $17.5 Billion in Record Sovereign Bond Sale,” Bloomberg, October 19, 2016, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-19/saudi-arabia-poised-to-sell-record-17-5- billion-sovereign-bonds. (277) “SAMA Launches Simah Rating Agency,” Mubasher, March 2, 2017, https://english.mubasher.info/news/3065583/SAMA- launches-Simah-rating-agency/. (278) “Saudi Arabia Allows Fitch to Conduct Credit Rating Activities,” Reuters, April 10, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/ saudi-fitch-idUSL8N1HI31V. (279) “Saudi to Introduce Bankruptcy Law Early next Year,” Trade Arabia, September 23, 2017, http://www.tradearabia.com/news/ BANK_330597.html. (280) Tom Arnold, Reem Shamseddine, and Katie Paul, “In Boost to Reform, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet Approves Bankruptcy Law,” Reuters, February 18, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-bankruptcy-idUSKCN1G20PJ; Gareth Browne, “Saudi Arabia Bankruptcy Law Comes into Effect,” The National, August 18, 2018, https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/ economy/saudi-arabia-bankruptcy-law-comes-into-effect-1.761273.

48 Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said that “access to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will reduce operational costs and spur digital entrepreneurship”.(281) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance announced a new law to make the process of procuring goods and services fairer and better for local suppliers. A “strategic procurement unit” would coordinate the purchase of commonly-used goods across government bodies. Smaller companies and non-profit companies would no longer have to post security before bidding for contracts.(282) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would launch commercial courts in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to encourage investment.(283) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority announced that it would ease requirements for foreign institutional investors in its stock market by reducing the minimum value of assets under management required.(284) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced a $19.2 billion (SR 72 billion) plan to stimulate the private sector that would, among others, subsidize housing loans, rescue struggling businesses, promote advanced construction techniques, and invest in broadband and fiber- optic technology.(285) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia signed a deal with Nasdaq to upgrade Tadawul’s infrastructure.. The deal involves upgrading Tadawul’s post-trade technology, including its registry, depository, and risk management. The modifications should be completed during the second half of 2020.(286)

(281) “Saudi Arabia to Unblock Internet Calling Apps,” Mail Online, September 20, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ article-4901284/Saudi-Arabia-unblock-internet-calling-apps.html. (282) “Saudis Changing Procurement Rules to Save Money, Boost Local Firms,” Reuters, October 8, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-procurement-law/saudis-changing-procurement-rules-to-save-money-boost-local-firms-idUSKBN1CD0SE. (283) “Saudi Arabia Unveils Commercial Courts in Three Cities,” Arabian Business, October 21, 2017, https://www.arabianbusiness. com/politics-economics/381365-saudi-arabia-unveils-commercial-courts-in-three-cities. (284) Andrew Torchia, “Saudi to Allow Smaller Foreign Funds into Stock Market, Ease Other Rules,” Reuters, November 23, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-stocks-regulations-idUSL8N1NT4NN. (285) Saudi Press, “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Issues A Royal Decree Approving SR 72 Billon Private Sector Stimulation Plan,” Saudi Press Agency, December 14, 2017, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&news id=1698215#1698215. (286) Philip Stafford, “Saudi Arabia Signs Major Markets Upgrade with Nasdaq,” Financial Times, December 4, 2017, https://www. ft.com/content/8c1a3471-7ec3-3c6e-a72a-4ae0d0f40923.

49 · In May 2019, the Saudi cabinet approved the Premium Residency Scheme. For a fee, foreigners can own property and reside in the Kingdom with their family, among other privileges. This will help boost foreign direct investment.(287) Some foreigners will be exempt from the sponsorship system under the new scheme.(288) The program took effect on 23 June 2019.(289) · In June 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced new regulations to allow broader foreign ownership of publicly-traded firms. Non-financial companies are now allowed to invest in companies listed on Tadawul and overseas investors can own controlling stakes. Foreign strategic investors will not be able to sell any shares for the first two years after purchase.(290) · In October 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced new rules to make it easier for foreign companies to be listed on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange, Tadawul and to trade and be listed on Saudi Arabia’s parallel stock exchange, NOMU.(291) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) set up a new real-estate subsidiary, Roshn (The Company) to build houses for Saudi Arabia’s domestic real-estate market.(292) · In August 2020, Tadawul launched Saudi Arabia’s first exchange-traded derivatives product.(293) The Saudi Futures 30, or SF30, is based on the MSCI Tadawul 30 Index created in 2019. The move will encourage further investment in Saudi Arabia’s stock market.(294) · In August 2020, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) signed a deal with the General Authority for Audiovisual Media to jointly enforce intellectual property (IP) rights in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will clamp down on IP violations in the Kingdom.(295)

(287) Vivian Nereim and Zainab Fattah, “Saudi Arabia Says Landmark Residency Plan Will Bolster Economy,” Bloomberg, May 15, 2019, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-15/saudis-offer-permanent-residency-to-some-expats- in-landmark-move. (288) Ahmed Al Omran, “Saudi Arabia Woos Foreign Workers with New Residency Scheme,” Financial Times, May 15, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/266c9940-772c-11e9-bbad-7c18c0ea0201. (289) Arab News, “Saudi ‘Green Card’ Online Platform Is Open for Business,” Arab News, June 24, 2019, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1514921/saudi-arabia. (290) Simeon Kerr, “Saudi Stock Exchange Relaxes Foreign Ownership Rules,” Financial Times, June 26, 2019, https://www.ft.com/ content/c062af36-981e-11e9-8cfb-30c211dcd229. (291) Jonathan Wheatley, “Saudi Arabia Seeks to Ease Path for Foreign Listings,” Financial Times, October 7, 2019, https://www. ft.com/content/35844cce-e8fc-11e9-a240-3b065ef5fc55. (292) “Saudi Sovereign Fund Sets up Real Estate Unit to Meet Housing Demand,” Reuters, August 19, 2020, https://www.reuters. com/article/saudi-pif-real-estate/saudi-sovereign-fund-sets-up-real-estate-unit-to-meet-housing-demand-idUKL8N2FL4H3. (293) Marwa Rashad and Hadeel Al Sayegh, “Saudi Bourse Says Derivative Product to Boost Investment Profile Ahead of IPO,” Reuters, July 15, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-saudi-tadawul-idUKKCN24G0VY. (294) “Saudi Bourse Unveils Derivatives Product to Lure Foreign Investors,” Financial Times, July 7, 2020, https://www.ft.com/ content/94c8648c-6fdd-4459-b6fe-a66ff4d9eb33. (295) “Steps to Enforce Intellectual Property Rights in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, August 16, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1720446/saudi-arabia.

50 · In September 2020, Saudi Arabia launched a cultural database to allow those working in the cultural sector to connect with one another, scope out funding opportunities, and find local technical expertise.(296) · In November 2020, the Saudi Development Authority launched a “Made in Saudi” brand to help consumers identify Saudi projects, boost their reputation, and market Saudi products to global markets. The initiative will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2021.(297) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud announced that the Kingdom would launch a state-run sports media company to manage and secure broadcasting rights.(298) · In January 2021, Speaking at a World Economic Forum (WEF) strategic dialogue, HRH Mohammed bin Salman said there would be investment opportunities worth $6 trillion within Saudi Arabia over the next decade of which $3 trillion would be within the framework of Vision 2030.(299)

Anti-Corruption Measures

· In April 2017, Saudi Arabia removed its Civil Service Minister Khaled al-Araj from his post due to concern about corruption. It is reported that he used his influence to secure a position for his son. This was the first time a Saudi minister had been dismissed and investigated after a complaint from a member of the public.(300) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia launched an anti-corruption drive that lead to 381 individuals questioned and an estimated $106.7 billion recovered in settlements. The money recovered was used to help Saudi citizens cope with the rising cost of living.(301)

(296) “Saudi Ministry Launches Culture Database,” Arab News, September 3, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1728791/saudi-arabia. (297) “‘Made in Saudi’ to Boost Non-Oil Exports,” Arab News, November 11, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1761421/ saudi-arabia. (298) “Saudi Arabia Media Group to Make Play For Elite Global Sports Event,” Financial Times, November 5, 2020, https://www. ft.com/content/179c9125-f2fc-4fcf-9eeb-61b1da03ce25. (299) “Saudi Crown Prince Says Kingdom Offers $6 Trillion Investment Opportunities over next Decade - State News Agency,” Reuters, January 14, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-economy-investments-idUSKBN29I37O. (300) “Saudis Celebrate Removal of Minister Who Exploited Position to Employ Son,” Arab News, April 24, 2017, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1089361/saudi-arabia. (301) “Saudi Anti-Corruption Drive Generates $106bn in Settlements,” BBC News, January 30, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/ world-middle-east-42874245.

51 · In November 2017, it was reported that Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council was to discuss a proposal for the protection of whistleblowers on financial and administrative corruption.(302) · In September 2018, Saudi Arabia removed a 60-day statute of limitations for investigating allegations against current or former ministers. This measure is part of the effort to tackle corruption within Saudi Arabia.(303) · In January 2019, Saudi Arabia suspended 126 government employees on charges of corruption and abuse of power.(304) · In February 2019, Saudi Arabia launched a new office to monitor state spending in a bid to fight corruption. The financial reporting office is part of Saudi Arabia’s General Auditing Bureau.(305) · In July 2019, the Saudi cabinet announced that businesses in Saudi Arabia would be given the option to remain open 24 hours a day in exchange for a fee, to promote economic growth in the Kingdom.(306) · In November 2019, Saudi Arabia convicted eighteen people, including government officials and private-sector employees, of bribery, fraud, and abuse of office, following an investigation by the Public Prosecutor.(307) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia clamped down on corruption in its tourism industry, removing officials working at the al-Ula heritage site, in Red Sea Tourism Development and at the Souda Development Company.(308) The officials are under investigation for encroachment on lands belonging to these projects.(309)

(302) Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr, “Saudi Shoura Council to Discuss Proposal for Whistleblower Protection,” Arab News, November 19, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1195746/saudi-arabia. (303) “Saudi Arabia Drops Statute of Limitations from Anti-Corruption Law,” Reuters, September 25, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-corruption/saudi-arabia-drops-statute-of-limitations-from-anti-corruption-law-idUSKCN1M52TF?il=0. (304) Naser Alwasmi, “Saudi Arabia Suspends 126 Government Employees over Corruption,” The National New, January 30, 2019, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/gcc/saudi-arabia-suspends-126-government-employees-over-corruption-1.819702. (305) “Saudis Launch Office to Keep up Corruption Fight after Crackdown,” Reuters, February 5, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/ article/uk-saudi-arrests/saudis-launch-office-to-keep-up-corruption-fight-after-crackdown-idUKKCN1PU0SE. (306) Lojien Ben Gassem, “Cabinet Gives Go-Ahead for Businesses to Open 24/7 in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, July 17, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1526731/saudi-arabia. (307) “Saudi Arabia Convicts 18 People of Bribery and Fraud - SPA,” Reuters, November 19, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/ us-saudi-corruption/saudi-arabia-convicts-18-people-of-bribery-and-fraud-spa-idUSKBN1XT2KO. (308) Joanne Serrieh, “Saudi Arabia Terminates Tourism Government Officials Suspected of Corruption,”Al Arabiya English, August 21, 2019, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/08/21/Saudi-Arabia-terminates-al-Ula-Red-Sea-project-officials-on- suspicion-of-corruption. (309) “Saudi Sacks Officials at Tourism Projects on Suspicion of Corruption,” Reuters, August 21, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-economy/saudi-sacks-officials-at-tourism-projects-on-suspicion-of-corruption-idUSKBN25G2SU.

52 · In September 2020, Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree dismissing the Commander of Saudi Arabia’s Joint Forces in Yemen, Lieutenant-General Fahd bin Turki, and his son, the Deputy Governor of Jouf, Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al Saud, citing corruption.(310) · In February 2021, Saudi Arabia announced plans to implement a series of legal reforms to reduce inconsistency in court decisions and speed up verdicts. New laws to be announced this year include a personal status law, a civil transactions law, a penal code for discretionary sanctions, and a law of evidence. Announcing the reforms Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said they would resolve discrepancies in court rulings that had hurt many people, mainly women.(311)

Private Sector

· In March 2017, the National Center for Privatization was opened. Its website states that its mission “is to empower the Kingdom’s private sector by facilitating the transfer of ownership of economic activities, services and assets owned by the government to the private sector”.(312) · In April 2017, it was announced that Saudi Arabia will privatize and transfer its airports to the Public Investment Fund by mid-2018. The transfer should boost oversight, as Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Authority will no longer be both an operator and regulator.(313) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan, said Saudi Arabia was looking to sell assets in sectors not previously considered for privatization. The sale of assets is hoped to generate more than SR50 billion over the next four to five years.(314)

(310) “King Salman Issues Decree Sacking Commander of Yemen Forces, Jouf Deputy Governor over Corruption,” Arab News, September 1, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1727666/saudi-arabia. (311) Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Legal Reforms ‘to Speed Access to Justice’,” Arab News, February 8, 2021, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1805936/saudi-arabia. (312) “National Center for Privatization,” March 6, 2017, https://www.ncp.gov.sa/en/Pages/Privatization_Program_ppp.aspx/. (313) Deena Kamel, “Saudi Wealth Fund to Get Airports in Privatization Push,” Bloomberg, April 18, 2017, https://www.bloomberg. com/news/articles/2017-04-18/saudi-wealth-fund-to-get-airports-in-step-toward-privatization. (314) Davide Barbuscia and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Arabia to Widen Privatisation Scope, Finance Minister Says,” Reuters, July 22, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-privatisation-idUKKCN24N1YE.

53 · In December 2020, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) established a company to develop and expand Saudi Arabia’s private security sector. The National Security Services Company (SAFE) will provide services such as security consulting, security solutions, training and development, and a range of specialized services.(315)

Employment

· In December 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Labor and Social Development Ahmed bin Suleiman al-Rajhi announced that 41 professions in al-Madinah province would be open to Saudi nationals only, to come into effect for nongovernmental organizations on 7 April 2019, and for hospitality and tourism businesses on 10 June 2019.(316) · In October 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture launched a talent-development program to train students in filmmaking, to be run in cooperation with the British Film Institute and the University of Southern California.(317) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development inaugurated a new platform to publicize flexible work contracts between employees and employers with the aim of boosting and female employment.(318) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that twenty percent of all engineering jobs in firms employing five or more engineering professionals must be filled by Saudis.(319) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that it would begin Saudization across a wide variety of wholesale and retail jobs. Businesses are now required to ensure that 70 percent of their positions are filled by Saudis in the following areas: the sale of coffee, tea, honey, sugar, spices, water and

(315) “Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Launches Company to Develop Private Security Sector,” Reuters, accessed March 3, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-pif-companies-int/saudi-sovereign-wealth-fund-launches-company-to-develop-private- security-sector-idUSKBN2930Z2. (316) “41 Job Types Designated as Saudi-Only,” Arab News, December 16, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1421836/saudi-arabia. (317) “Saudi Culture Ministry Launches Training Courses for Filmmakers,” Arab News, October 10, 2021, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1566671/saudi-arabia. (318) “Program to Help Private Sector Boost Saudization,” Arab News, August 13, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1718706/ saudi-arabia. (319) “Saudi Arabia’s Engineering Jobs to be Localized,” Arab News, August 24, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1723656/ saudi-arabia.

54 beverages, fruit, vegetables and dates, grains, seeds, flowers, plants and agricultural materials, books, stationery tools and student services, gift shop items, luxuries, handicrafts and antiques, toys and children’s games, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetable oils, detergents, cleaning supplies, and soaps.(320) · In October 2020, the Kingdom announced that jobs in IT and communications would be subjected to Saudization in companies employing more than five people. This will help to create jobs for 9,000 Saudis.(321) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia launched a tourism training program to upskill Saudis with training in issuing tickets, preparing food, countering contagious diseases in tourism facilities, customer services, hospitality, and basic English language.(322) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia launched the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI), which will seek to attract $20 billion in investment by 2030.(323) The NSDAI plans to upskill the Saudi workforce, train 20,000 Saudi specialists and experts, and foster the development of 300 startups.(324) · In October 2020, the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) signed an agreement with the Qiddiyah Investment Company to provide 1,200 Saudis with the necessary training to find work in the hospitality and entertainment sector.(325) · In October 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development signed a memorandum of understanding with the Transport Ministry, the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) and the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce to pursue Saudization within the Kingdom’s transport and logistical services.(326)

(320) “Saudization of Nine Activities Starts Thursday,” Saudi Gazette, August 18, 2020, https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/596764/ SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudization-of-nine-activities-starts-Thursday. (321) Zainab Mansoor, “Saudi to Localise IT, Communication Jobs in Kingdom,” Gulf Business, October 6, 2020, https://gulfbusiness. com/saudi-to-localise-it-communication-jobs-in-kingdom/. (322) “Saudi Ministry Launches Tourism Training Program,” Arab News, October 18, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1750466/ saudi-arabia. (323) “Saudis Launch National Artificial Intelligence Strategy,” Reuters, October 21, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi- economy-ai/update-1-saudis-launch-national-artificial-intelligence-strategy-idUKL8N2HC4WS?edition-redirect=uk. (324) Hebshi Ahammary and Rommer M. Balaba,Saudi Arabias $20bn Bid to Lead the World in Artificial Intelligence,” Arab News, October 21, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1752096/saudi-arabia. (325) “Deal Signed to Train Saudis in Hospitality Sector,” Arab News, October 9, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1746331/ saudi-arabia. (326) “Saudi Ministries Initiate Localization of Transport and Logistical Services,” Arab News, October 9, 2020, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1746261/saudi-arabia.

55 · In November 2020, the Saudi Tourism Development Fund signed a deal with Riyad Bank and Banque Saudi Fransi to finance $42.66 billion worth of tourism projects.(327) · In November 2020, the minimum wage for Saudis registered on the Nitaqat program, which monitors their progress towards Saudization, rose from 3,000 to 4,000 SR ($800 to $1,000) per month.(328) · In January 2021, the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) announced it would pay the cost of recruiting 5,000 Saudis to train in accounting, to help with the Saudization of the sector.(329) · In January 2021, Saudi Arabia launched an ambitious new business training program to promote the Kingdom’s e-gaming sector. The Game Changers initiative will offer apprenticeships and grants, will help participants to find jobs in the industry and will establish startups.(330) · In February 2021, the Saudi Minister for Human Resources and Social Development prohibited the outsourcing of customer care services to foreign call centers. Simultaneously, he announced that all customer care jobs within the Kingdom would be subject to Saudization, the Saudi nationalization scheme or Nitaqat, which requires Saudi companies to hire Saudi nationals on a quota basis.(331)

Sponsorship Program ‘kafala’

· In October 2015, the Ministry of Labor announced that employers who confiscate migrant workers’ passports, fail to pay salaries on time, or fail to provide their employees with copies of their contracts will be fined. Furthermore, foreigners working in firms that do

(327) “Saudi Tourism Development Fund Signs $43bn Deal for Tourism Projects,” Arab News, September 28, 2020, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1741311/saudi-arabia. (328) “Minimum Wage for Saudis Raised to SR4,000,” Arab News, November 24, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1767386/ saudi-arabia. (329) “Hadaf to Bear Cost of Accounting Training for Saudis,” Arab News, January 25, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1797881/saudi-arabia. (330) “Saudi Arabia Launches Ambitious E-Gaming Program,” Arab News, January 14, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1792291/saudi-arabia. (331) “Ministry Orders 100 Percent Saudization of Customer Care Services, Call Centers,” Arab News, February 2, 2021, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1802121/saudi-arabia.

56 not employ the required percentage of Saudis are now permitted to change jobs without employer consent.(332) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia reformed its , removing a number of restrictions applying to migrant workers. Non-Saudi workers will no longer need their employers' permission to change jobs, travel abroad, or leave the country permanently. The means to do this will be available to workers online. It is hoped that the reforms will attract overseas talent and reduce citizen unemployment. The changes came into effect on 14 March 2021.(333)

Special Needs

· In April 2016, Jeddah municipality warned employers that their licenses would be in danger if they failed to provide facilities for disabled people.(334) · In July 2018, Saudi Arabia attended a global disability summit in London and launched a service to accelerate the issuance of visas to disabled people looking for work.(335) · In October 2020, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority launched a manual in braille to help train visually impaired paramedics on first aid.(336)

Labor Rights

· In October 2015, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development introduced several new workplace regulations including five days paid leave on marriage, a maximum 12-hour working day, and a half-hour break after every five hours of work.(337) The Commission for Job Generation and Anti-Unemployment was also established.

(332) “World Report 2016: Saudi Arabia,” Human Rights Watch, accessed April13, 2021, https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/ country-chapters/saudi-arabia. (333) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Arabia Loosens Controversial Curbs on Foreign Workers,” Bloomberg, November 4, 2020, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-04/saudi-arabia-eases-controversial-restrictions-on-foreign-workers. (334) Amgad T. Husein and Anas Akel, “Saudi Arabia Update,” June 7, 2016, https://www.mondaq.com/saudiarabia/employee-rights- labour-relations/497872/saudi-arabia-update-may-2016. (335) Rasahid Hassan, “Saudi Arabia Joins Global Pledge to Protect Disabled Rights,” Arab News, July 26, 2018, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1346131/saudi-arabia. (336) “SRCA Introduces Blind Paramedic Manual in Braille,” Arab News, October 23, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1752746/saudi-arabia. (337) “Saudi Arabia Introduces New Employment Laws,” Pinsent Masons, October 7, 2015, https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out- law/news/saudi-arabia-introduces-new-employment-laws.

57 G20

· Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 in 2020. Under Saudi Arabia’s presidency, the G20: -. pledged $7 trillion to boost the global economy; -. inaugurated a global fund for research to find a Covid-19 vaccine; -. agreed to freeze bilateral government loan repayments for low-income countries until the mid of 2021; some 77 nations will benefit from this decision; -. urged private creditors to suspend debt repayments from developing countries; -. raised $8 billion for the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank’s Global Preparedness Monitoring Board to combat Covid-19; -. launched an international initiative to increase access to the health tools needed to fight COVID-19; -. pledged affordable and fair distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, drugs, and tests worldwide so that poorer countries are not left behind.(338) · The final communique of the G20 Leader’s Summit backed Saudi Arabia’s Circular Carbon Economy strategy as an approach to manage carbon emissions. The circular carbon economy advocates the “three Rs” of environmentalism: reduce, reuse, and recycle, and adds a fourth, aiming to remove harmful pollutants from the atmosphere.(339)

Infrastructure

· In July 2016, Saudi Arabia announced the creation of a new city to the west of Mecca. al-Faisaliyah will have residential units, entertainment facilities, an airport, and a seaport. Completion is expected by 2050.(340)

(338) “G20 leaders to inject $5 trillion into global economy in fight against coronavirus,” Reuters, March 28, 2020 https://www. reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-g20-saudi-idUSKBN21D0XL; “Extraordinary G20 Leaders Summit Chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Issues Statement on Corona Virus (Covid-19),” Saudi Press Agency, March 26, 2020, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2051734; Davide Barbuscia and Andrea Shalal, “G20 to Extend Debt Relief to Mid-2021, Pushes Private Sector to Help,” Reuters, November 22, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-g20- saudi-debt-idUSKBN2820NJ; Mohammed Al-Jadaan, “Private Sector Should Join Poor Countries’ Debt Relief Plan,” Financial Times, May 3, 2020, https://www.ft.com/content/f4de06d4-8af3-11ea-a109-483c62d17528. (339) Frank Kane, “G20 Backs Saudi Arabia’s Circular Carbon Economy Strategy,” Arab News, September 29, 2020, https://arab. news/65uje. (340) Sarah Algethami, “Saudi Arabia Builds Cities in the Sand to Move Beyond Oil,” Bloomberg, August 6, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-06/saudi-arabia-builds-cities-in-the-sand-to-take-economy-past-oil.

58 · In June 2017, Saudi Arabia announced its plan to build a new road and rail causeway to Bahrain to ease congestion on the King Fahd Causeway. The new causeway would be called the King Hamad Causeway.(341) · In July 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would build an Industrial Energy City in Eastern Province to boost jobs, add $6bn to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, and strengthen infrastructure in line with Vision 2030.(342) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would pay Saudi Telecom SAR 2.7 billion ($720 million) and the Saudi Electricity Company SAR 1.56 billion ($416 million) to roll out fiber-optic broadband to 2 million locations by 2020.(343) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that from the end of 2017 it would be inviting tenders for the construction of a 1,000 mile railroad linking the Red Sea with the Arabian Gulf.(344) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced $5bn for the redevelopment of Jeddah’s waterfront. This plan would create 36,000 new jobs and build housing for 58,000 individuals. The investment is part of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea regeneration project.(345) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced its establishment of the Saudi Company to support and operate its investments in domestic recycling projects.(346) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia announced the consolidation of six development funds as one National Development Fund to oversee the Real Estate Development Fund, the Saudi Development Fund, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Social Development Bank and the Human Resources Development Fund.(347)

(341) “Saudi and Bahrain Planning New Road and Rail Causeway,” Reuters, June 14, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/saudi- bahrain-causeway-idUSL8N1JA3XM. (342) “Saudi Planned Industrial Energy City Project to Spur Economic Growth, Create Jobs,” Xinhua, July 17, 2017, http://news. xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/17/c_136448266.htm. (343) “Saudi Arabia to Pay Two State Firms $1.14 Bln for Broadband Rollout,” Reuters, August 2, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/saudi-telecom-contract-broadband-idUSL5N1KO19K. (344) Glen Carey, “Saudi Arabia to Seek Bidders for 1,000-Mile Red Sea-,” Bloomberg, September 18, 2017, https:// www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-18/saudi-arabia-to-seek-bidders-for-1-000-mile-red-sea-gulf-railway. (345) Frank Kane, “$5bn ‘Jeddah Downtown’ Project at Heart of Red Sea Regeneration,” Arab News, September 27, 2017, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1168386/saudi-arabia. (346) Neha Bhatia, “Saudi’s Public Investment Fund to Form Firm - Business, Products And Services,” Construction Week Online, October 17, 2017, https://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-46769-saudis-public-investment-fund-to- form-waste-management-firm/. (347) “Arabie Saoudite: Des Fonds de Développement Placés Sous La Houlette Du Prince Héritier,” TSA, October 4, 2017, https:// www.tsa-algerie.com/arabie-saoudite-des-fonds-de-developpement-places-sous-la-houlette-du-prince-heritier/.

59 · In October 2017, the Saudi budget airline Flynas launched the first direct flight between Saudi Arabia and Iraq since the 27 years ago. The service will fly between Riyadh and Baghdad.(348) · In November 2017, a train arrived at Hail on its debut trip. The line will connect over 900,000 individuals to Riyadh.(349) · In January 2018, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to build nine desalination plants on the Red Sea Coast, which would be completed in less than eighteen months. This will support the development of tourist resorts on the Red Sea islands.(350) · In May 2018, the Saudi Arabian city of al-Khobar tested out the 5G mobile network. It was the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to use it.(351) · In September 2018, King Salman opened the 450 km high-speed Haramain Express line linking Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, with Jeddah and passing through King Abdullah Economic City.(352) · In January 2019, Saudi Arabia unveiled a ten-year industrial plan worth $427 billion. The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program focuses on industry, mining, energy, and logistics and is aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy.(353) · In July 2019, Virgin’s Hyperloop One company signed a deal with the Saudi government to build a test track for this futuristic mode of transport, which can travel ten times faster than current rail.(354) · Saudi Arabia is building its first recycling facility for construction debris. It became operational in July 2020.(355)

(348) “Saudi Carrier Flynas Launches First Direct Flight to Iraq in 27 Years,” The National, October 18, 2017, https://www. thenationalnews.com/world/gcc/saudi-carrier-flynas-launches-first-direct-flight-to-iraq-in-27-years-1.668435. (349) Aseel Bashraheel, “First Train Arrives in Hail,” Arab News, November 29, 2017, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1200771/saudi-arabia. (350) “Saudi to Build Nine Desalination Plants on Red Sea,” Reuters, January 21, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi- water/saudi-to-build-nine-desalination-plants-on-red-sea-idUSKBN1FA0BG. (351) “Saudi Arabia’s Al Khobar Becomes First Middle East City to Test 5G,” Arabian Business, May 27, 2018, https://www. arabianbusiness.com/technology/397381-saudi-arabias-al-khobar-becomes-first-middle-east-city-to-test-5g. (352) “Saudi Arabia Opens High-Speed Railway Linking Holy Cities,” BBC News, September 25, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/ world-middle-east-45639285; Mohammed Al-Sulami, “High-Speed Haramain Train Makes Pilot Trip,” Arab News, November 21, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1197041/saudi-arabia. (353) “Saudi Seeks to Move on from Khashoggi with $427bn Industry Plan,” Financial Times, January 28, 2019, https://www.ft.com/ content/22dd3822-231a-11e9-8ce6-5db4543da632. (354) “Hyperloop Track to Be Built in Saudi Arabia,” BBC News, July 24, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49096675. (355) Colin Foreman, “Saudi Firm to Open Construction Waste Recycling Plant,” Middle East Business Intelligence, June 4, 2020, https://www.meed.com/saudi-firm-to-open-first-construction-waste-recycling-plant.

60 · In August 2020, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones launched a training program to boost Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities.(356) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced a new initiative to provide 60,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots in public locations. The initiative will increase the availability of free Wi-Fi at hospitals, malls, public parks, and at the two Holy Mosques.(357) · In December 2020, it was announced that Google Cloud is to establish and operate a new cloud region in Saudi Arabia. A new company will be formed to supply services to Saudi businesses and help them scale up their businesses, as well as digitize the Kingdom’s economy.(358) · In December 2020, Saudi Arabia launched an online portal for those to streamline services such as the issuance of building permits, building occupancy certificates and survey decisions.(359) · Saudi Arabia is currently expanding King Saud Airport in al-Aqiq governorate to increase its capacity from 250,000 to one million passengers per year. The project is expected to be completed in May 2022, and it will help expand the Kingdom’s tourism industry.(360)

Renewable Energy and the Environment

· In January 2017, Saudi Arabia signed a $1.2 billion contract with Engie, a French company, to build a low-carbon power plant in Fadhili.(361) · Saudi Arabia built its first wind turbines in 2016.(362)

(356) “Cybersecurity Bootcamp Launched for Saudis,” Arab News, August 15, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1719606/ saudi-arabia. (357) Aarti Nagraj, “Saudi to Provide 60,000 Additional Free Wifi Points, Including at the Two Holy Mosques,” Gulf Business, November 16, 2020, https://gulfbusiness.com/saudi-to-provide-60000-additional-free-wifi-points-including-at-the-two-holy- mosques/. (358) “Aramco to Bring Google Cloud Services to Saudi Arabia,” PR Newswire, December 22, 2020, https://www.prnewswire.com/ in/news-releases/aramco-to-bring-google-cloud-services-to-saudi-arabia-843730597.html. (359) Hebshi Alshammary and Rommer M. Balaba, “E-Service to Issue Construction Licenses Launched in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, December 15, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1777511/saudi-arabia. (360) “Al-Baha Governor Inspects King Saud Airport Development,” Arab News, January 20, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1795881/saudi-arabia. (361) “Engie va Construire Une Centrale Électrique En Arabie Saoudite,” Les Echos, January 29, 2017, https://www.lesechos. fr/2017/01/engie-va-construire-une-centrale-electrique-en-arabie-saoudite-158968. (362) Hoda Al-Helaissi, “Comment lʼArabie Saoudite Prend, Peu à Peu, Le Chemin de La Modernité,” Les Echos, March 17, 2017, https://www.lesechos.fr/2017/03/comment-larabie-saoudite-prend-peu-a-peu-le-chemin-de-la-modernite-164253.

61 · In February 2017, Saudi Arabia began a $50 billion renewable-energy push to reduce its dependency on oil. The Kingdom plans to develop almost ten gigawatts of renewable energy by 2023, starting with a 300 MW solar facility in al-Jouf and a 400 MW wind plant in Midyan.(363) Twenty seven companies are bidding for the former and 24, for the latter project.(364) Contracts for the production of one GW of renewable power will be issued by the end of 2017.(365) · In March 2017, it was announced that Saudi Arabia had increased its daily production of desalinated water from 3.8 to 4.2 million cubic meters. Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest producer of desalinated water.(366) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia has made the use of oxo-biodegradable compulsory for the production of a wide range of locally-manufactured and imported plastic products, including carrier .(367) · In May 2017, Riyadh’s Governor, Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, announced that he would plant 1 million trees in Riyadh as part of a broader initiative to plant four million trees in Saudi Arabia by 2020.(368) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would allow households to produce solar energy and sell any surplus electricity back to the power grid.(369) · In March 2018, SoftBank and Saudi Arabia announced a $200 billion project to build solar panels with 200 GW capacity by 2030. It is the world’s biggest solar power generation project and will be enough to power 150 million homes. In comparison, America currently

(363) Anthony Di Paola, “Saudis Kick off $50 Billion Renewable Energy Plan to Cut Oil Use,” Bloomberg, February 20, 2017, https:// www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-20/saudis-kick-off-50-billion-renewable-energy-plan-to-cut-oil-use. (364) Anthony Di Paola, “Saudis to Seek Bids for 700-Megawatt Wind and Solar Projects,” Bloomberg, April 10, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-10/saudis-to-seek-bids-for-700-megawatt-wind-and-solar-projects. (365) Joe Ryan, “Saudi Arabia to Offer 1 Gigawatt of Renewable Contracts in 2017,” Bloomberg, April 25, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-24/saudi-arabia-to-offer-1-gigawatt-of-renewable-contracts-in-2017. (366) “Saudi Arabia Expands Water Desalination Production Capacity,” Middle East Monitor, March 21, 2017, https://www. middleeastmonitor.com/20170321-saudi-arabia-expands-water-desalination-production-capacity/. (367) Philip Whiterow, “Symphony Environmental Hails Saudi Directive on Oxo-,” Proactive, April 19, 2017, http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/176582/symphony-environmental-hails-saudi-directive-on-oxo- biodegradable-plastic-176582.html. (368) Mohammed Rasooldeen, “Riyadh Governor Launches Campaign to Plant 4 Million Trees in Kingdom,” Arab News, May 27, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1105836/saudi-arabia. (369) Wael Mahdi, “Saudis Will Let Households Produce Solar Energy and Sell to Grid,” Bloomberg, August 21, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-21/saudis-will-let-households-produce-solar-energy-and-sell-to-grid.

62 produces solar power with 70 GW capacity.(370) In October 2018, SoftBank dismissed media reports that the project has been canceled.(371) · In January 2019, Saudi Arabia announced that its first hydrogen-vehicle fueling station would be operational in the second quarter of 2019.(372) · In February 2019, Lucid Motors, a US electric vehicle company, announced its intention to build a factory in the Kingdom.(373) · In March 2019, Saudi Arabia announced a national program aiming to reduce per capita consumption from 263 to 150 liters by 2030, to reduce water wastage across the country.(374) · In March 2019, Saudi Arabia announced that it planned to invite tenders for the building of a 600-megawatt solar power project in Mecca. This is part of a wider plan to build a 2,600-megawatt solar power project in the city.(375) · In June 2019, the Royal Commission for al-Ula entered into a $20 million partnership with Panthera, a global organization committed to the protection of wild cats, to conserve Arabian leopards in the al-Ula region.(376) · In July 2019, Saudi Arabia approved the import of sixteen electric vehicles.(377)

(370) Tom DiChristopher, “SoftBank and Saudi Arabia Are Creating World’s Biggest Solar Power Generation Project,” CNBC, March 31, 2018, https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/27/softbank-and-saudi-arabia-announce-new-solar-power-generation-project.html; Anjli Raval and Kana Inagaki, “Saudi Arabia Signs SoftBank Deal to Invest up to $200bn in Solar,” Financial Times, March 28, 2018, https://www.ft.com/content/66277e50-324b-11e8-b5bf-23cb17fd1498. (371) “SoftBank Dismisses Report That $200bn Saudi Solar Scheme is Cancelled,” Global Construction Review, October 5, 2018, https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/softbank-dismisses-report-200bn-saudi-solar-scheme/. (372) “, Air Products Agree to Build First Hydrogen Vehicle Fueling Station,” Reuters, January 25, 2019, https://www. reuters.com/article/saudiaramco-air-prdcts-fuelcells/saudi-aramco-air-products-agree-to-build-first-hydrogen-vehicle-fueling- station-idUSL8N1ZP0NY. (373) Ben Flanagan, “Tesla Rival Lucid Motors Wants to Build Factory in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, February 20, 2019, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1455411/business-economy. (374) “Ahead of World Water Day, Saudi Arabia Launches Program for a Drastic Reduction in Water Use,” Center for International Communication, March 20, 2019, https://cic.org.sa/2019/03/ahead-of-world-water-day-saudi-arabia-launches-program-for-a- drastic-reduction-in-water-use/. (375) “Saudi Arabia to Tender Construction for Mecca 600MW Solar Project: Energy Ministry,” Reuters, March 24, 2019, https:// www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-renewables-solar/saudi-arabia-to-tender-construction-for-mecca-600mw-solar-project- energy-ministry-idUKKCN1R507J?edition-redirect=uk. (376) “Royal Commission for AlUla and Panthera Partner on New Arabian Leopard Initiatives (ALI) to Champion Global Leopard Conservation,” Panthera, June 7, 2019, https://www.panthera.org/royal-commission-alula-and-panthera-partner-new-arabian- leopard-initiatives-ali-champion-global. (377) “Saudi Arabia Approves 16 Electric Vehicle Imports,” Argaam, July 27, 2019, https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/ id/1304221.

63 · In July 2019, Saudi Arabia confirmed the creation of its first wind farm. The 400 MW Dumat al-Jandal facility start producing electricity in the first quarter of 2022 and will be the biggest wind-power plant in the Middle East.(378) · In August 2019, Saudi Arabia installed its first commercial electric car charging station, in Riyadh. The petrol station chain SASCO said that it would launch several charging points across its stations.(379) · In October 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Saline Water Conversion Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to plant five million indigenous trees in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2030 using treated renewed wastewater.(380) · In November 2019, Saudi Arabia confirmed that al-Jouf region would launch its first renewable power project before the end of the year. The 300 MW Sakaka solar project will

generate enough energy to power 45,000 households and offset over 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. The project is the first renewable energy project under HM King Salman’s renewable energy initiative.(381) In October 2020, the first twenty wind turbines for the 400 MW al- Jouf wind farm arrived.(382) · In December 2019, the Saudi Electricity Company began a $2.5 billion project installing ten million smart meters in Saudi homes over the next three years to help Saudis conserve electricity and reduce wastage.(383) · In September 2020, Saudi Arabia began a project to plant over half a million trees in Medina as a way of mitigating climate change.(384)

(378) Anthony Di Paola, “Oil Giant Saudi Arabia Set to Build First Wind-Power Plant,” Bloomberg, July 22, 2019, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-22/oil-giant-saudi-arabia-is-set-to-start-first-wind-power-plant. (379) “Saudi Arabia Gets First EV Charging Stations,” Utilities Middle East, August 25, 2019, https://www.utilities-me.com/ news/13642-saudi-arabia-gets-first-ev-charging-stations. (380) “5 Million Trees to Be Planted in Saudi Arabia by 2030,” Arab News, October 21, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1572346/saudi-arabia. (381) “Saudi Sakaka Solar Project to Be Launched Before End of Year -State News Agency,” Reuters, November 15, 2019, https://www. reuters.com/article/saudi/saudi-sakaka-solar-project-to-be-launched-before-end-of-year-state-news-agency-idUSL8N27V66Y. (382) Caline Malek, “Saudi Wind Farm’s Progress Heralds a New Era in Clean Energy,” Arab News, October 5, 2020, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1744636/saudi-arabia. (383) “10 Million Saudi Homes to Get Smart Meters,” Arab News, December 20, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1601571/ saudi-arabia. (384) David Rose, “Oil-Rich Saudi Arabia Tries to Turn Medina Green Again,” The Times, September 23, 2020, https://www.thetimes. co.uk/article/oil-rich-saudi-arabia-tries-to-turn-medina-green-again-hcqd3760x.

64 · In September 2020, The Saudi Electricity Company raised $1.3 billion by issuing Sukuk to finance a range of green projects. This was the biggest green Sukuk issue in the Middle East in 2020,(385) and the first green Sukuk issued by a Saudi cooperation. · In September 2020, Saudi Arabia shipped forty tons of blue ammonia to Japan for use in zero-carbon power generation. Blue ammonia does not give off carbon dioxide when

burned. Saudi Arabia captured nearly all the CO2 generated during its conversion from by- products of Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical industry.(386) This is the world’s first shipment of its kind and demonstrates the viability of hydrogen, which is a major component of blue ammonia, as an energy source.(387) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) increased its stake in ACWA Power from 33.6 percent to 50 percent. ACWA Power carries out renewable energy and desalination projects across the Kingdom. The move comes ahead of ACWA Power’s initial public offering in the first half of 2021.(388) · In November 2020, a raft of reforms in Saudi Arabia’s electricity sector were announced. The Saudi Electricity Company will shift its energy mix for electricity production towards renewable energy and natural gas, increase system efficiency and reduce the use of liquid fuels for energy production, introduce environmental compliance measures to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, and increase connectedness with other countries.(389) · In February 2021, Saudi Arabia launched training courses on solar-panel design and installation for Saudis. Four training centers offer a five-day training program, and the Energy Ministry announced that solar panels are now available for installation on homes and business premises and can later be connected to the country’s grid.(390)

(385) Anup Oommen, “KSA’s SEC Raises $1.3bn in First Green Sukuk on International Markets,” Construction Week, September 16, 2020, https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/267233-ksas-sec-raises-13bn-in-first-green-sukuk-on-international-markets. (386) Grant Piper, “It’s Time to Get Excited About Blue Ammonia,” Age of Awareness, September 28, 2020, https://medium.com/ age-of-awareness/its-time-to-get-excited-about-blue-ammonia-4620e74d5861. (387) “Saudi Aramco: World’s First Blue Ammonia Shipment Opens New Route to Sustainable Future,” Saudi Press Agency, September 27, 2020, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2138747#2138747. (388) “Saudi’s PIF Increases ACWA Power Involvement,” Energy Voice, November 20, 2020, https://www.energyvoice.com/ renewables-energy-transition/solar/middle-east-solar/280333/saudi-pif-acwa-power/. (389) “Saudi Arabia’s Electricity Sector Undergoes Largest, Most Comprehensive Transformation on a Global Scale,” PR Newswire, November 17, 2020, https://www.prnewswire.com/ae/news-releases/saudi-arabias-electricity-sector-undergoes-largest-most- comprehensive-transformation-on-a-global-scale-301175277.html. (390) Lama Alhamawi, “Saudi Arabia Launches Training Courses for Solar-Panel Installers”, Arab News, February 5, 2021, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1804181/saudi-arabia.

65 · In March 2021, HRH Mohammed bin Salman launched the Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives which “are set to apply a number of ambitious programs that will reduce carbon emissions by 60 percent in the region and plant 50 billion trees in the world’s biggest afforestation project.”(391)

NEOM and Other Giga Projects

· In April 2017, HRH Mohammed bin Salman announced the Qiddiya project as part of Vision 2030. The Qiddiya site is 40 kilometers from the center of Riyadh city. The project is expected to be the world’s largest entertainment city. “The ambitious project hopes to attract local, regional and international tourists. It includes theme parks, entertainment centers, sports amenities capable of hosting international competitions, training academies, desert and asphalt tracks for motorsport enthusiasts, water- and snow-based recreation, adventure activities alongside nature and safari experiences, and an array of historical, cultural and educational activities and events.”(392) · In July 2017, HRH Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of an international tourism project in the Kingdom called The Red Sea. “The Red Sea Project, one of the giga-projects announced by the crown prince in 2017, is billed as one of the world’s most ambitious tourism and hospitality projects: An ultra-luxury destination that is being created around one of the world’s hidden natural treasures.”(393) · In October 2017, at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Saudi Arabia announced that it would build the new city Neom, an independent economic zone covering 26,500 square kilometers on the border of Jordan and Egypt.(394) Neom will be run entirely on alternative energy. The promotional video features women running in sports bras and working side by

(391) “Saudi Crown Prince Announces Green Saudi Initiative, Green Middle East Initiative,” Arab News, March 27, 2021, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1832861/saudi-arabia. (392) Fareed Rahman, “Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Awards 700m Riyal Contract at Riyadh Mega-Project,” The National News, July 20, 2020, https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/saudi-arabia-s-qiddiya-awards-700m-riyal-contract-at-riyadh-mega- project-1.1051857. (393) “Red Sea Project ,” Arab News, February 24, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/tags/red-sea-project. (394) “Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Promises Country Will Return to ‘moderate’ Open Islam’,” The Independent, October 24, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-saud-moderate- islam-vision-2030-conference-a8017181.html.

66 side with men, often without a hijab.(395) Construction on the first homes in the city began in the first quarter of 2019.(396) Saudi Arabia plans to use solar technology to desalinate seawater for Neom; this will be more environmentally friendly than current desalination technologies and cheaper than conventional plants at 34 cents per cubic meter.(397) · In March 2018, Saudi Arabia and Egypt established a $10 billion joint fund to develop Neom, a megacity that will be a hub for advanced technological industries. Egypt agreed to commit more than 1,000 square kilometers of land in South Sinai for the project.(398) · In September 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it would redevelop an area of its northwestern coast to create an international tourist destination called Amaala, with Nicholas Naples as CEO of the new development. Amaala will focus on “wellness, healthy living and meditation.”(399) · In November 2018, “Saudi Arabia launched an ambitious multi-billion-dollar project aimed at boosting the Kingdom’s mining infrastructure and providing thousands of jobs to locals in the northern region of the country. Waad Al-Shamal, the new industrial city being built along the northern border, was officially inaugurated in Turaif by King Salman as he concluded a multi-day tour in the area.”(400) · In June 2020, NEOM and Misk Foundation launched the SPARK program, an intensive six-week course of training and vocational guidance for young entrepreneurs and innovators.(401)

(395) Amanda Erickson, “Saudi Arabia’s City of the Future Has Women in Sports Bras and Co-Ed Offices,” The Washington Post, October 25, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/25/saudi-arabias-city-of-the-future-has- women-in-sports-bras-and-co-ed-offices/. (396) “Saudi Arabia to Begin Building Homes in Futuristic City Neom,” Arabian Business, January 17, 2019, https://www. arabianbusiness.com/construction/411511-saudi-arabia-to-begin-building-homes-in-futuristic-city-. (397) Vivian Nereim and Anthony Di Paola, “Saudis Plan ‘Solar Dome’ Desalination Plants at Neom Mega-City,” Bloomberg, January 29, 2020, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-29/saudis-plan-solar-dome-desalination-plants-at-neom-mega-city. (398) “Crown Prince Signs $10 Billion Deal on Mega-City during Cairo Visit,” Reuters, March 4, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-egypt/crown-prince-signs-10-billion-deal-on-mega-city-during-cairo-visit-idUSKBN1GG0Q. (399) “Saudi Arabia’s PIF Unveils Amaala, a New Global Leading Destination for Wellness,” Arab News, September 26, 2018, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1378411/saudi-arabia; “Saudi Arabia Announces Project to Build ‘Global’ Tourism Destination,” Reuters, September 26, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-pif-tourism/saudi-arabia-announces-project-to-build- global-tourism-destination-idUKKCN1M62V4. (400) Hala Tashkandi, “Waad Al-Shamal: Saudi Arabia Launches New City to Boost Mining Capacity,” Arab News, November 22, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1408951/saudi-arabia; “Wa’ad Al Shamal,” Ma’aden, accessed April 21, 2021, https:// www.maaden.com.sa/en/about/shamal. (401) “NEOM, Misk Academy Launch SPARK Program to Empower Entrepreneurship, Innovation in Saudi Arabia,” Saudi Press Agency, June 8, 2020, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2096017.

67 · In January 2021, HRH Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to build a 170 km zero-carbon city in NEOM. “The Line” will house one million people and it will have no roads or cars. Inhabitants will have everything they need within a five minute walk and will be connected by an underground high-speed railway. With construction to begin in 2021, the city is expected to create 380,000 jobs and contribute $48 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.(402)

(402) Aziz El Yaakoubi and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Crown Prince Launches Zero-Carbon City in NEOM Business Zone,” Reuters, January 10, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-neom-project/saudi-crown-prince-launches-zero-carbon-city-in- neom-business-zone-idUSKBN29F0L8; “Saudi Arabia to Build Zero Carbon City in NEOM Business Zone,” Reuters, January 10, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-neom-project/saudi-arabia-to-build-zero-carbon-city-in-neom-business-zone- idUSD5N2GH02P.

68 Counterterrorism The West has considered Saudi Arabia a reliable and effective partner in counterterrorism for many years, and the Kingdom is an acknowledged global leader in establishing deradicalization centers for the rehabilitation of extremists. King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman have instigated several counterterrorism initiatives over the last few years to cement this perception.

Key Quotes

. [We will] pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, November 2017.(403)

. The biggest danger of this terrorism is the tarnishing of the reputation of our beloved religion… We will not allow this to happen.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, November 2017.(404)

. We will continue to confront any extremist… behavior and ideas… We will continue to strike with an iron fist against all those who want to harm our security and stability.” – HRH Mohammed bin Salman, November 2020.(405)

. We must wipe out this extremist thinking through the work we do. We need to annihilate religious severity and extremism which is the entry point to terrorism. That is the mission of the Muslim World League.” – Mohammed al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, November 2017.(406)

(403) “Riyadh Vows New Islamic Alliance ‘Will Wipe Terrorists from the Earth,’” Kuwait Times, November 26, 2018, https://news. kuwaittimes.net/website/riyadh-vows-new-islamic-alliance-will-wipe-terrorists-earth/. (404) Arab News, “Saudi Crown Prince Vows Not to Allow Extremists to Tarnish ‘Our Beautiful Religion’,” Arab News, November 26, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1199381/saudi-arabia. (405) France 24, “Saudi Prince Vows ‘Iron Fist’ against Extremists after Attacks,” France 24, November 12, 2020, https://www. france24.com/en/live-news/20201112-saudi-prince-vows-iron-fist-against-extremists-after-attacks. (406) John Irish, “‘Wiping out’ Extremist Ideology Is My Mission - Head of Saudi-based Muslim Body” Mail Online, November 24, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-5114229/Wiping-extremist-ideology-mission--head-Saudi-based- Muslim-body.html.

69 . We will not let anyone spread the ideology of hatred, to finance that kind of ideology or terrorism… Our approach to this problem has been very strict: we…modernize[d] our educational system in order to rule out the possibility of misinterpretation of texts.” – Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, October 2019.(407)

. Saudi Arabia continued to maintain a strong counterterrorism relationship with the United States and supported enhanced bilateral cooperation to ensure the safety of both U.S. and Saudi citizens within Saudi territories and abroad.” – US State Department of State, September 2018.(408)

Key Facts

· In March 2015, Saudi Arabia created its first list of proscribed terrorist organizations. The list includes al-Qaeda, the Nusra Front, AQAP, Daesh, Saudi Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Muslim Brotherhood. · In May 2017, during a visit to the Kingdom by President Trump, he and King Salman inaugurated Etidal, a major counter-extremism center.(409) In the same year, the Kingdom’s Information Ministry announced that it would begin monitoring interpretations of the Prophet’s teachings to prevent them from being used as justification for violence or terrorism.(410) · In October 2017, King Salman ordered establishing the “King Salman Compound for the Prophet’s ,” to scrutinize the “” of the Prophet. One of its main aims is to “eliminate fake and extremist texts and any texts that contradict the teachings of Islam and justify the committing of crimes, murders and terrorist acts” and will include a council of elite scholars from around the world.(411)

(407) Arab News, “Saudi FM Al-Jubeir: Saudi Arabia ‘Has Fired Thousands’ of Extremist Imams,” Arab News, October 9, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1174721/saudi-arabia. (408) “Country Reports on Terrorism 2017 - Saudi Arabia,” Refworld, September 19, 2018, https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bcf1f85c.html. (409) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Global Center to Combat Extremism Launched in Riyadh,” Arab News, May 22, 2017, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1103136/saudi-arabia. (410) “Saudi Arabia to Vet Use of Prophet’s Sayings to Counter Extremism,” Reuters, October 18, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-islam-idUSKBN1CN1SZ. (411) “Saudi King Orders Creation of ‘King Salman Complex’ for Prophet’s Hadith,” Arab News, October 18, 2018, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1179456/saudi-arabia; “Saudi Arabia to Vet Use of Prophet’s Sayings to Counter Extremism,” Reuters, October 18, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-islam-idUSKBN1CN1SZ.

70 · The Kingdom is a major funder of counter-terrorist operations in the Sahel.(412) · In January 2015, Saudi Arabia published new counterterrorism and terrorism financing legislation in full.(413) · In December 2015, Saudi Arabia formed the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism (IMCTC). It currently has 41 member countries, and Saudi Arabia hosted its inaugural meeting on 26 November 2017.(414) · In February 2016, Saudi Arabia joined the international coalition against ISIS.(415) · In April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced a $10 million donation to a specialized center to combat nuclear terrorism at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.(416) · In March 2017, Saudi Arabia pledged $20 million to a fund to prevent the destruction of heritage sites during war.(417) · In April 2017, the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition will set up a mobile military force to aid member countries that do not have strong counterterrorism capabilities.(418) · In May 2017, President Trump and King Salman opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (GCCEI) in Riyadh. Also known as Etidal (moderation), the Center aims to expose, combat, and refute extremist ideology. It will use artificial intelligence to detect possible extremism.(419)

(412) “Saudis Pledge $100 Million to African Anti-Jihadist Force: Mali,” Reuters, December 4, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-africa-security-saudi-idUSKBN1DY2J5. (413) “Saudi Arabia – Country of Concern,” UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, March 12, 2015, https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/saudi-arabia-country-of-concern--2/saudi-arabia-country-of-concern. (414) “Saudi Crown Prince Pledges to Rid World of Islamist Terror,” Financial Times, November 26, 2017, https://www.ft.com/ content/0f61de82-d2c7-11e7-a303-9060cb1e5f44. (415) Ian Black, “Saudi Arabia Offers to Send Ground Troops to Syria to Fight Isis,” The Guardian, February 4, 2016, https://www. theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/04/saudi-arabia-ground-troops-syria-fight-isis. (416) Habib Toumi, “Saudi Arabia Donates $10m to Combat Nuclear Terrorism,” Gulf News, April 2, 2016, https://gulfnews.com/ world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-donates-10m-to-combat-nuclear-terrorism-1.1702522. (417) “World Donors Pledge $75 Million to Protect Cultural Heritage Sites from War, Terrorism,” , March 20, 2017, https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-heritage-sites-war-zones-20170320-story.html. (418) Saeed Shah and Margherita Stancati, “Saudi-Led Antiterror Coalition Sharpens Its Focus,” Wall Street Journal, April 18, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-led-antiterror-coalition-sharpens-its-focus-1492532875. (419) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Global Center to Combat Extremism Launched in Riyadh,” Arab News, May 22, 2017, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1103136/saudi-arabia.

71 · In September 2017, the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir stated that Saudi Arabia had dismissed several thousand Imams from mosques for perpetrating extremism.(420) · In October 2017, King Salman ordered establishing the “King Salman Compound for the Prophet’s Hadith,” to scrutinize the “hadiths” of the Prophet. One of its main aims is to “eliminate fake and extremist texts and any texts that contradict the teachings of Islam and justify the committing of crimes, murders and terrorist acts” and will include a council of elite scholars from around the world.(421) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.(422) · In November 2017, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa stated that his focus was on annihilating extremist ideology.(423) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Culture and Information Ministry announced that Saudi Arabia would begin monitoring interpretations of the Prophet’s teachings to prevent them from being used to justify violence or terrorism. He ordered the establishment of the King Salman Complex in Medina where elite scholars will root out “fake and extremist texts.” The Complex will be overseen by a council of senior Islamic scholars from around the world.(424) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia pledged $100 million to help fight Daesh, al-Qaeda, and other extremist groups in Niger, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania. The money was to fund the G5 Sahel, a multi-national counterterrorism force working across West Africa’s Sahel.(425)

(420) “Saudi FM Al-Jubeir: Saudi Arabia ‘Has Fired Thousands’ of Extremist Imams,” Arab News, September 9, 2017, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1174721/saudi-arabia. (421) “Saudi King Orders Creation of ‘King Salman Complex’ for Prophet’s Hadith,” Arab News, October 18, 2018, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1179456/saudi-arabia; “Saudi Arabia to Vet Use of Prophet’s Sayings to Counter Extremism,” Reuters, October 18, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-islam-idUSKBN1CN1SZ. (422) Fatma Bulbul, “Israeli Minister Welcomes Saudi Mufti’s Anti-Hamas Remarks,” Anadolu Agency, November 14, 2017, http:// aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-min-welcomes-saudi-muftis-anti-hamas-remarks/964652. (423) John Irish, “‘Wiping out’ Extremist Ideology is My Mission: Head of Saudi-Based Muslim Body,” Reuters, November 24, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-islam-idUSKBN1DO1JV. (424) Harriet Sherwood, “Saudi Scholars to Vet Teaching of Prophet Muhammad to Curb Extremism,” The Guardian, October 18, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/18/saudi-scholars-to-vet-teaching-of-prophet-muhammad-to-curb-extremism. (425) “Saudis Pledge $100 Million to African Anti-Jihadist Force: Mali,” Reuters, December 4, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-africa-security-saudi-idUSKBN1DY2J5.

72 · In March 2018, the Ministry of Education announced that it would make the necessary changes to ban the “extremist ideologies” espoused by the Muslim Brotherhood from school curricula and books, and to dismiss staff who support the group’s views.(426) · In May 2018, alongside the US and other Gulf partners, Saudi Arabia sanctioned Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.(427) · In June 2019, Saudi Arabia was granted full membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body that counters money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It is the first time an Arab country has been granted full membership. This will also increase Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as an investment destination.(428) · In June 2019, Saudi special forces captured Daesh’s leader in Yemen, Abu Osama al- Muhajir.(429)

(426) “Saudi Arabia Says Revamping Education to Combat ‘Extremist Ideologies’,” Reuters, March 21, 2018, https://www.reuters. com/article/us-saudi-brotherhood-idUSKBN1GX0XH. (427) Saleha Mohsin, “U.S. Sanctions Head of Hezbollah in Joint Action With Qatar,” Bloomberg, May 16, 2018, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-16/u-s-sanctions-head-of-hezbollah-in-joint-action-with-qatar-jh9ilw52. (428) “UPDATE 1-Saudi Arabia Named Full Member of Anti-Illicit Funding Body,” Reuters, June 21, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/ article/saudi-regulations-idUSL8N23S4NC. (429) Mohammed Al-Sulami, “Revealed: How Saudi Special Forces Captured Yemen’s Daesh Chief in Daring 10-Minute Raid,” Arab News, June 27, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1516756/saudi-arabia.

73 Specific Areas

Judicial Reform

· In August 2017, the Justice Ministry safeguarded interns in the legal profession by approving a three-year law diploma that concludes with a license to practice law.(430) · In December 2016, Saudi Arabia reshuffled its top religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, to include moderate clerics who support a more liberal lifestyle and women’s participation in the workforce.(431) · In April 2018, Saudi Arabia issued a law ruling out the use of the penalty in most cases, apart from anti-terrorism cases, and cases of qisas and hudud, which are aspects of Sharia law.(432) · In September 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Justice Ministry announced that it had created an electronic portal to collect details of commercial cases, reducing the time taken to resolve them from two months to 72 hours.(433) · In 2019, Saudi Arabia began recording all judicial hearings.(434) · In January 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission announced that 27 executions were documented in Saudi in 2020, compared to an all-time high of 184 executions in 2019. The decrease by 85% is due to a moratorium on death penalties for drug-related offenses.(435) · In April 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission announced that it would no longer impose the death penalty on those who committed crimes as minors. Death sentences will be replaced with sentences of ten years in a juvenile detention center.(436)

(430) “Saudi Arabia Approves Four Decisions in 10 Days to ‘Boost Women’s Rights,’” Al Arabiya English, August 15, 2017, https:// english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/15/Saudi-ministry-approves-four-decisions-in-10-days-to-empower-women-. (431) Samar Fatany, “Reshuffle of Saudi Councils Signifies a Moderate Direction,” Alarabiya English, September 11, 2016, https:// english.alarabiya.net/views/news/middle-east/2016/12/11/Reshuffle-of-Saudi-Councils-signifies-an-inclusive-moderate-direction. (432) Richard Spencer, “We Will Stop Putting Children to Death, Vows Saudi Arabia,” The Times, April 28, 2020, https://www. thetimes.co.uk/article/outcry-over-death-penalty-has-forced-the-saudis-to-yield-only-a-little-6hrhmw6m8. (433) “Digital Courts Cut Time Spent on Cases from Two Months to 72 Hours across KSA,” Arab News, September 15, 2018, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1372186/saudi-arabia. (434) Saudi Justice Ministry Launches Audiovisual Recording of Court Hearings in Makkah,” Arab News, November 25, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1589651/saudi-arabia. (435) “Death penalty 2020: Middle East and North Africa dominates list of world’s top executioners,” Amnesty International, April 21, 2021, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/04/death-penalty-2020-middle-east-and-north-africa-dominates-list- of-worlds-top-executioners/; “Saudi Arabia Executions: ‘Drastic’ Reduction Reported in 2020,” BBC News, January, https:// www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55710005. (436) “Saudi Arabia Ends Executions for Crimes Committed by Minors, Says Commission,” BBC News, April 27, 2020, https://www. bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52436335.

74 · In April 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that it would abolish flogging as a form of punishment,(437) to be replaced with fines, a prison sentence, or both.(438) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia proposed to change the law to end the death penalty for drug and other non-violent offenses.(439) — In February 2021, Saudi Arabia announced plans to implement a series of legal reforms to reduce inconsistency in court decisions and speed up verdicts. New laws to be announced this year include a Personal Status Law, a Civil Transactions Law, a Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and a Law of Evidence. Announcing the reforms, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said they would resolve discrepancies in court rulings that had hurt many people, mainly women.(440)

Miscellaneous

· In December 2015, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers passed a law permitting the establishment of civil society organizations. Further guidance for implementation was published in April 2016.(441) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian assistance agency KSRelief announced that it was extending its humanitarian work to 37 countries. KSRelief has a network of more than 102 local, regional, and international partners implementing more than 191 projects worldwide.(442) · In June 2017, Saudi Arabia imposed an excise tax on “harmful products,” doubling the price of and energy drinks and putting a 50 percent levy on soda. It is estimated that the tax will raise between $2.1 and $2.7 billion per annum.(443)

(437) “Saudi Arabia to Abolish Flogging - Supreme Court,” BBC News, April, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52420307. (438) “Saudi Arabia Abolishes ‘Ta’Zir Flogging’ as Punishment,” Alarabya News, May 19, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/ News/gulf/2020/05/19/Saudi-Arabia-abolishes-flogging-as-punishment?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=web_push&utm_ campaign=en_tazir_flogging&webPushId=MTQ4NTk=. (439) Richard Spencer, “Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to End Death Penalty for Drug Crimes,” The Times, July 11, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-to-end-death-penalty-for-drug-crimes-zm3xjbm0c. (440) Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Legal Reforms ‘to Speed Access to Justice,’” Arab News, February 8, 2021, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1805936/saudi-arabia. (441) “Saudi Arabia’s Religious Police Ordered to be ‘Gentle’,” BBC News, April 13, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-36034807. (442) “KSRelief Extends Humanitarian Work to 37 Countries,” Arab News, April 20, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1087392/ saudi-arabia. (443) “Saudi Arabia to Impose Tax on Tobacco, Sugary Drinks on June 10,” Arab News, May 29, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1106726/business-economy.

75 · In September 2018, Saudi Arabia notified the that it planned to adopt plain packaging for tobacco products. It would be the first country in the region to implement such a policy.(444) · In May 2019, Saudi Arabia imposed a 100 percent excise tax on electronic and a 50 percent excise tax on sugary drinks.(445) · In October 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet passed a law allowing foreign universities to establish branch campuses across Saudi Arabia.(446) · In February 2020, Saudi Arabia commenced court martial proceedings against air crew suspected of causing breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen. This is the first of its kind and highlights Saudi Arabia’s willingness to have its military adhere to international humanitarian law.(447) · In June 2020, the US State Department upgraded Saudi Arabia’s ranking in its annual human trafficking report from its tier three to its tier two watchlist, highlighting the Kingdom’s improvements in this field, including increased numbers of prosecutions and convictions of traffickers, and increased data-sharing.(448) · In September 2020, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would introduce English language classes to the elementary grade one curriculum. This will come into effect in the 2021 academic year. In the long-term, this will make Saudis better able to compete in the global market.(449) · In September 2020, digital colleges for females in Jeddah were opened in Riyadh. The colleges will provide specialized training programs to 4,000 students in network systems

(444) “Saudi Arabia Tells WTO it Plans to Adopt Plain Tobacco Packaging,” Reuters, September 12, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-tobacco/saudi-arabia-tells-wto-it-plans-to-adopt-plain-tobacco-packaging-idUKKCN1LS2QJ. (445) “Saudi Arabia to Tax E-Cigarettes and More Soft Drinks,” Reuters, May 19, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi- economy-tax/saudi-arabia-to-tax-e-cigarettes-and-more-soft-drinks-idUSKCN1SP0F0. (446) Mariam Nabbout, “New Saudi Law Allows International Universities to Launch Branches in the Kingdom,” StepFeed, October 31, 2019, https://stepfeed.com/new-saudi-law-allows-int-l-universities-to-launch-branches-in-the-kingdom-9717. (447) Patrick Wintour, “Saudi-Led Coalition Starts Courts Martial against Yemen Strikes Air Crews,” The Guardian, February 12, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/12/saudi-led-coalition-starts-courts-martial-against-yemen-strikes-air-crew. (448) “Saudi Arabia’s Ranking Improves in Annual Human-Trafficking Report,” Arab News, June 26, 2020, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1695601/saudi-arabia; Kylie Atwood, “US Removes Saudi Arabia from List of Worst Human Traffickers,” CNN, June 25, 2020, https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/25/politics/saudi-arabia-us-human-trafficking/index.html. (449) Hebshi Alshammary, “Saudi Experts Praise English Language Move,” Arab News, September 21, 2020, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1738011/saudi-arabia.

76 management, media technology, software, the Internet of Things, smart cities, robotics technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.(450) — In February 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission launched new programs to boost workers’ capabilities in the field of human rights and charity work. This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Saudi Human Rights Commission and Alwaleed Philanthropies.(451)

(450) “Saudi Education Minister Opens Two Digital Colleges for Women,” Arab News, September 17, 2020, https://arab.news/mq4pj. (451) “New Programs to Protect, Promote Human Rights in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, February 2, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1813481/saudi-arabia.

77 Appendix

Women’s Rights

2016 · In August 2016, Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority announced a new female department headed by Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud.(452) · In September 2016, Jumanah al-Shami became the first woman to present morning newscasts. (453)

2017 · In February 2017, Saudi Arabia began distributing licenses for female-only gyms.(454) The NuYu chain has already opened gyms in Riyadh and al-Khobar. NuYu will soon be opening gyms in Jeddah and Dammam.(455) · In March 2017, Dr. Sumaya bint Sulaiman al-Sulaiman was appointed Saudi Arabia’s first female Dean of the College of Design at Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faysal University.(456) · In March 2017, famous Saudi women held a conference in Riyadh to inspire the next generation of Saudi women. Speakers included Raha Moharrak, the first woman to climb Mount Everest (2013) and Hadeel Ayoub, who has invented a smart glove that converts sign language into text.(457) · In April 2017, a delegation of thirteen Saudi businesswomen visited Catalonia on a commercial mission.(458)

(452) “Saudi Arabia: Women Are ‘Changing the Game’,” Human Rights Watch, August 4, 2016, https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/08/04/ saudi-arabia-women-are-changing-game. (453) Amanda Erickson, “For the First Time Ever, a Woman Anchored the Nightly News in Saudi Arabia,” The Washington Post, September 24, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/09/24/first-time-ever-woman-anchored-nightly-news-saudi-arabia/. (454) Madeline Holcombe, Yousuf Basil, “Saudi Arabia to Issue Licenses for Female-Only Gyms,” CNN, 19 February, 2017, https:// edition.cnn.com/2017/02/13/middleeast/saudia-arabia-women-gyms-trnd/. (455) Source: https://nuyu-ksa.com/ (456) Justine Testado, “Meet Dr. Sumaya Bint Sulaiman Al Sulaiman, Saudi Arabia’s First Female Dean of a Design College,” Archinect, April 5, 2017, https://archinect.com/news/article/150001526/meet-dr-sumaya-bint-sulaiman-al-sulaiman-saudi- arabia-s-first-female-dean-of-a-design-college. (457) Jimmy Nsubuga, “Saudi Women Hold Massive Conference to Inspire Girls in the Kingdom,” Metro News, March 11, 2017, https://metro.co.uk/2017/03/11/saudi-women-hold-massive-conference-to-inspire-girls-in-the-kingdom-6504295/. (458) “Saudi businesswomen visit Catalonia on trade mission for the first time,”La Vanguardia, April 24, 2017, https://www.lavanguardia. com/vida/20170424/422016074540/empresarias-saudies-visitan-cataluna-en-mision-comercial-por-primera-vez.html.

78 · In July 2017, the first Saudi jobs website for females was established.(459) · In October 2017, Saudi state TV televised its first concert in decades.(460) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Weightlifting Federation confirmed that it had established a program to train female athletes.(461) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia hosted its first official basketball tournament for females.(462) · In December 2017, Riyadh hosted its first female-only music concert, featuring the Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji.(463)

2018 · In January 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted its first car show for females, which was held in Le Mall, Jeddah.(464) · In February 2018, Adwa al-Arifi became the first female to serve on the Saudi Arabia Football Federation committee.(465) · In February 2018, Najat Mouftah became the first female to star in a theatrical play in Saudi Arabia.(466) · In March 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted its first major women’s economic leadership forum in Riyadh. The two-day Women in Leadership Economic Forum was called “Let’s Talk about Tomorrow”.(467)

(459) Heba Kanso, “Saudi Women Get First Job-Searching Website for Females,” News.Trust.Org, July 20, 2017, https://news.trust. org/item/20170720145647-xa2pr/. (460) “Saudi TV Concert Prompts Nostalgia and Condemnation,” BBC News, October 3, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-41490022. (461) Brian Oliver, “Iran and Saudi Arabia to Compete in Women’s Weightlifting - and America Lends a Helping Hand,” November 23, 2017, https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1058276/iran-and-saudi-arabia-to-compete-in-womens-weightlifting-and- america-lends-a-helping-hand. (462) Rayana Khalaf, “A Women’s Basketball Tournament in Saudi Arabia? Yes, It’s Happening,” StepFeed, November 9, 2017, https://stepfeed.com/a-women-s-basketball-tournament-in-saudi-arabia-yes-it-s-happening-8082. (463) “Lebanese Singer Dazzles Riyadh in First Women-Only Concert,” Mail Online, December 7, 2017, https://www.dailymail. co.uk/wires/afp/article-5156205/Lebanese-singer-dazzles-Riyadh-women-concert.html. (464) “Saudi Arabia Holds First Women-Only Car Show,” The Guardian, January 12, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/ jan/12/saudi-arabia-first-women-only-car-show. (465) Wael Jabir, “Adwa Al-Arifi Makes History as First Female Committee Member at Saudi Arabia Football Federation,” Arab News, February 23, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1252936/sports. (466) “Saudi Arabia’s First Woman to Star in a Theatrical Play,” The News, February 11, 2018, https://www.thenews.com.pk/ latest/279750-saudi-arabias-first-woman-to-star-in-a-theatrical-play. (467) Karen Gamble and Hadley Gilchrist, “Saudi Arabia Celebrates Female Leaders in Push to Welcome More Women to the Workforce,” CNBC, March 20, 2018, https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/20/saudi-arabia-women-in-leadership-forum-to-drive- workplace-reforms.html.

79 · In March 2018, al-Ahsa hosted Saudi Arabia’s first females-only road race. Around 1,500 females ran 3 km in a conservative area of the country.(468) · In July 2018, Taleedah Tamer became Saudi Arabia’s first couture model when she opened Antonio Grimaldi’s show at the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.(469) · In September 2018, the first female karting championship took place in Jeddah. The event was created to encourage more women to compete in motor sports.(470)

2019 · In February 2019, the Real Estate Development Fund Board approved the issuance of mortgage loans to females.(471) · In July 2019, a team of Saudi females represented the country at the World Bowling Women’s Championship in Las Vegas. It is the first time a female sports team has represented Saudi Arabia internationally.(472) · In August 2019, Ibtisam al-Shehri was appointed Spokesperson for Public Education in Saudi Arabia. She is the first female to hold this position.(473) · In October 2019, WWE hosted its first-ever women’s wrestling match in Saudi Arabia.(474) · In November 2019, Reema Juffali became the first Saudi woman to race in an international series when she competed in Formula E’s Ad Diriyah ePrix in Riyadh.(475)

(468) Hannah Lucinda Smith, “Saudi Women on the Road to Freedom,” March 5, 2018, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/saudi- women-on-the-road-to-freedom-rv3qzlpf8. (469) Elizabeth Paton, “In Paris, Saudi Arabia’s First Couture Model Arrives on the Runway,” , July 5, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/05/fashion/saudi-arabia-model-couture.html. (470) Aseel Bashraheel, “Saudi Arabian Women Compete behind the Wheel for the First Time,” Arab News, September 1, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1365246/saudi-arabia. (471) “Property Loans for Saudi Women Approved,” Arab News, February 14, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1452401/saudi-arabia. (472) Mariam Nabbout, “An All-Women Bowling Team to Represent Saudi Arabia in Las Vegas,” StepFeed, July 12, 2019, https:// stepfeed.com/an-all-women-bowling-team-to-represent-saudi-arabia-in-las-vegas-0080. (473) “First in Saudi Arabia: Spokeswoman for Ministry of Education,” Saudi Gazette, August 21, 2019, https://www.saudigazette. com.sa/article/575155. (474) Gary Stonehouse, “Woman’s Right: WWE Announce First-Ever Women’s Wrestling Match in Saudi Arabia between Natalya and Lacey Evans for ,” The Sun, October 30, 2019, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/wwe/10244706/-crown- jewel-saudi-arabia-womens-match-lacey-evans-natalya/. (475) George Boulton, “’Some Men Disagree’ Reema Juffali Set to Make History by Becoming First Female to Race in International Series in Saudi Arabia,” The Sun, November 11, 2019, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/10325564/reema-juffali-set-to-make- history-by-becoming-first-female-to-race-in-international-series-in-saudi-arabia/.

80 2020 · In February 2020, Saudi Arabia announced that it would launch a female football league which would play matches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in its first season.(476) The President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, said “The commencement of the Saudi Woman’s Football League is one more major leap forward for the future of our country, our health, our youth, and our ambitions to see every athlete be recognized and nurtured to their fullest capability”.(477) The competition will include a prize fund of around £100,000.(478) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia’s first female cycling championship took place. The time trial event was won by Ahlam Nasser al-Zaid.(479) · In December 2020, the falconer Athari Alkhaldi was the first females to participate in Saudi Arabia’s annual King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival.(480) · In December 2020, it was announced that more than 73,000 Saudi females in the Kingdom have benefited from mortgage loans provided by the Real Estate Development Fund (REDF) as part of its effort to enable females to own their first home.(481)

2021 — In February 2021, the Saudi Sports for All Federation announced that Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Football League would be televised at some point during 2021.(482)

(476) “Meet the Players Competing in the First Women’s Football League in Saudi Arabia”, Al Arabiya English, December 15, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/sports/2020/12/15/Meet-the-players-competing-in-the-first-women-s-football-league-in-Saudi- Arabia. (477) Ivana Kottasiva and Chandler Thornton, “Saudi Arabia Launches a Soccer League for Women,” CNN, February 27, 2020, https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/25/football/saudi-arabia-football-league-women-rights-intl/index.html. (478) Molly McElwee, “Saudi Arabia to Launch Women’s Football League,” The Telegraph, February 26, 2020, https://www. telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/02/26/saudi-arabia-launch-womens-football-league/. (479) Lojien Ben Ben Gassem, “First Saudi Cycling Championship Crowns Four Female Winners | Arab News,” Arab News, August 25, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1724136/saudi-arabia. (480) “Falconry Expert Becomes First Woman to Showcase Skills in Saudi Arabia Festival,” Al Arabiya English, December 8, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/12/08/Falconry-expert-becomes-first-woman-to-showcase-skills-in-Saudi- Arabia-festival-. (481) “Saudi Fund Helps More than 73,000 Women to Own Homes,” Gulf Insider, December 7, 2020, https://www.gulf-insider.com/ saudi-fund-helps-more-than-73000-women-to-own-homes/. (482)

81 Sports, Culture and Entertainment

2017 · Between 17 and 18 March 2017, Saudi Arabia hosted its first Monster Jam motorsport event at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium, showcasing huge powerful 4x4 vehicles.(483) · In May 2017, US country music star performed at a concert in Riyadh. President Donald Trump and King Salman were in attendance.(484) Keith was reportedly the first western musician to perform in the country in a quarter of a century. · In May 2017, the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team played in Saudi Arabia for the first time. The event was organized by the General Entertainment Authority.(485) · In May 2017, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage announced that it had organized more than 113 festivals for summer 2017.(486) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s National Day (21 September 2017 to 25 September 2017) celebrations featured 27 diverse festivities across seventeen cities. The General Entertainment Authority organized laser shows, firework displays, aerobatics, animated smoke shows, operettas, fashion shows, music concerts, and other events.(487) · In September 2017, US-based Blue Man Group performed to mixed-gender audiences in Riyadh and Jeddah.(488) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia became the first nation to give a robot, named Sophia, citizenship.(489) · In October 2017, Riyadh hosted a movie night dedicated to short films.(490)

(483) “General Entertainment Authority Backs Monster Jam in Riyadh,” Arab News, March 6, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1063911/saudi-arabia. (484) Dale Eisinger, “Donald Trump Watched a Toby Keith Concert With the Saudi King From a Moving Golf Cart,” SPIN, May 21, 2017, https://www.spin.com/2017/05/trump-toby-keith-concert-golf-cart-saudi-king/. (485) Hussam Al-Mayman, “Harlem Globetrotters Wow Saudi Fans in Riyadh,” Arab News, May 27, 2017, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1105861/saudi-arabia. (486) Rashid Hassan, “Summer Tourism Festivals Planned Across Kingdom,” Arab News, May 17, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1099326/saudi-arabia. (487) Mohammed Rasooldeen, “Saudi National Day Celebrations to Feature 27 Major Events in 17 Cities Across Kingdom,” Arab News, September 22, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1165411/saudi-arabia. (488) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Plans $2.7 Billion Entertainment Firm as Kingdom Opens Up,” Bloomberg, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-20/saudi-plans-2-7-billion-entertainment-firm-as-kingdom-opens-up. (489) Tracy Alloway, “Saudi Arabia Gives Citizenship to a Robot,” Bloomberg, October 26, 2017, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/ articles/2017-10-26/saudi-arabia-gives-citizenship-to-a-robot-claims-global-first. (490) “Saudis Crave Revival of Night out at the Movies,” Daily Mail, October 22, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ article-5005073/Saudis-crave-revival-night-movies.html.

82 · In November 2017, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and National Heritage Commission, Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, confirmed that Saudi Arabia would start issuing single-entry tourist visas valid for a maximum of 30 days.(491) Saudi Arabia was already giving visas to business travelers, pilgrims, and people visiting family.(492) Females aged over twenty five would be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia without a male companion.(493) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority established an e-portal to facilitate the organization of more entertainment events in Saudi Arabia.(494) · In December 2017, the US rapper Nelly performed a concert in Jeddah, and the US actor John Travolta held a discussion in Riyadh on “the secrets of Hollywood”.(495)

2018 · In January 2018, the Jeddah Art Festival hosted many contemporary young artists who freely expressed their ideas on society, politics, and life through their art.(496) · In January 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted its first professional females squash tournament in Riyadh.(497)

· In February 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted its first international motorsport event. The Race of Champions was held at King Fahd International Stadium in partnership with the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia.(498)

(491) Zahraa Alkhalisi and Richard , “Saudi Arabia Will Issue its First Tourist Visas in 2018,” CNN Business, November 22, 2017, https://money.cnn.com/2017/11/22/news/economy/saudi-arabia-tourist-visa/. (492) Ronan J. O’Shea, “Saudi Arabia Plans to Issue First Tourist Visas in 2018,” The Independent, November 24, 2017, https:// www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/saudi-arabia-tourist-visas-2018-first-issue-holidays-middle-east-flights-laws- relaxed-latest-his-royal-highness-prince-sultan-bin-salman-a8073396.html. (493) Mia Taylor, “Saudi Arabia Increases Female Visitor Freedoms,” Travel Pulse, January 15, 2018, https://www.travelpulse.com/ news/impacting-travel/saudi-arabia-increases-female-visitor-freedoms.html. (494) Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Entertainment Authority Launches E-Portal to Facilitate Event Planners,” Arab News, November 16, 2017, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1194151/saudi-arabia. (495) “Nelly Raps for Saudis as Travolta Talks Tinseltown,” Mail Online, December 15, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ article-5183647/Nelly-raps-Saudis-Travolta-talks-Tinseltown.html. (496) Melissa Gronlund, “How the Saudi Art Scene is Determined to Keep up with the Changes of its Country,” Athr Gallery, February 13, 2018, https://www.athrart.com/news/238. (497) “Saudi Arabia Hosts its First Professional Women’s Squash Tournament,” The National, January 8, 2018, https://www. thenationalnews.com/world/mena/saudi-arabia-hosts-its-first-professional-women-s-squash-tournament-1.693854. (498) Graham Keilloh, “Race of Champions 2018: David Coulthard Beats Petter Solberg to Win,” Autosport, February 3, 2018, https:// www.autosport.com/general/news/race-of-champions-2018-david-coulthard-beats-petter-solberg-to-win-4986650/4986650/.

83 · In February 2018, Saudi Arabia organized its first jazz festival with bands from the US, the UK, and Lebanon performing alongside local bands.(499) · In February 2018, Saudi authorities announced that Saudi Arabia would host its first national card-playing competition in April 2018.(500) The Senior Muslim Cleric Sheikh Adel al-Kalbani dealt the first hand. The four-day event witnessed 12,000 participants playing Baloot for one million SAR ($267 thousand).(501) · In March 2018, The Saudi General Sports Authority announced its agreement with WWE to host World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events for the next ten years. (502) A Royal Rumble occurred in Jeddah place in April 2018,(503) and in November 2018, a WWE wrestling event was held at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh.(504) · In March 2018, The Financial Times ran an article exploring the music scene in Saudi Arabia and featuring five bands and artists representing genres from heavy metal through to hip-hop.(505) · In April 2018, Saudi Arabia hosted its first international extreme sports festival.(506) · The World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight final was held in Jeddah in May 2018.(507) Jeddah also hosted the Super Middleweight final in September 2018. (508)

(499) Rashid Hassan, “Crowds Throng Saudi Arabia’s First Jazz Festival,” Arab News, February 24, 2018, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1253641/saudi-arabia. (500) Sara Elizabeth Williams, “Saudi Reform Continues as Women Given Freedom to Open Businesses,” The Telegraph, February 18, 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/18/saudi-reform-continues-women-given-freedom-open-businesses/. (501) “Muslim Cleric Deals out the Deck at First-Ever Saudi Arabia Card Tournament,” The New Arab, April 6, 2018, https://www. alaraby.co.uk/english/society/2018/4/6/saudi-arabia-hosts-first-ever-card-tournament-amid-modernization-drive. (502) “Saudi Arabia’s Top Sports Body Announces 10-Year Deal with WWE,” Arab News, March 1, 2018, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1256696/sports. (503) Sam Stride, “WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble to Feature SEVEN Championship Matches Alongside 50-Man Main Event,” Mirror Online, March 19, 2018, https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/wrestling/wwes-greatest-royal-rumble-event-12213982. (504) “Wrestling Champions to Fight it Out at WWE’s Crown Jewel Extravaganza in Riyadh on Friday,” Center for International Communication, October 31, 2018, https://cic.org.sa/2018/11/wrestling-champions-to-fight-it-out-at-wwes-crown-jewel- extravaganza-in-riyadh-on-friday/. (505) “The Secret Sounds of Saudi Arabia – From Rock to Black Metal,” Financial Times, https://www.ft.com/content/2cc2fb5e- 2066-11e8-a895-1ba1f72c2c11 (506) “Festival Sports Extrêmes: LʼArabie Saoudite Fait Du ʻbuzzʼ,” Le Point, April 2, 2018, https://www.lepoint.fr/sport/festival- sports-extremes-l-arabie-saoudite-fait-du-buzz-02-04-2018-2207267_26.php. (507) Sebastian Clayton, “Boxing Super Series Final to be Hosted in Saudi Arabia,” Mail Online, October 17, 2017, https://www. dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-4990882/Boxing-Super-Series-final-hosted-Saudi-Arabia.html. (508) Steven Muehlhausen, “DAZN to Air World Boxing Super Series Final Between and Callum Smith,” Sporting News, June 9, 2018, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/boxing/news/george-groves-vs-callum-smith-fight-world-boxing-super- series-dazn-wba-super-middleweight-title/pb7djq72yjfi1lbwu8nxjhcuk.

84 · In May 2018, the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation launched SBC, a new entertainment channel 75 percent of whose programs are aimed at those aged between 15 and 35,(509) and announced its plans to launch an English-language channel called SBC 2.(510) · In May 2018, it was announced that Formula Edited by, an all-electric street racing series, would make its Middle East debut in Riyadh on 15 December 2018.(511) · In May 2018, Saudi Arabia’s General Culture Authority signed an agreement to identify and develop Imax-format films in the Kingdom.(512) · In May 2018, Saudi Arabia was represented at the Venice Biennale for the first time ever. The Saudi pavilion was organized by the Misk Art Institute and Italian Embassy.(513) The exhibition was entitled “Spaces In Between”.(514) · In September 2018, Cirque du Soleil staged a show in Saudi Arabia for the first time to coincide with the country’s national day.(515)

2019 · In January 2019, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority, Turki Al al-Sheikh, announced a new program of government-sponsored events including a concert by the rap artist Jay-Z, an NBA basketball game, Disney musicals, Madame Tussauds exhibitions, and a Pamplona-style running of the bulls.(516) · In January 2019, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority, Turki Al al-Sheikh, announced that live music licenses would be permitted for cafés and restaurants.(517)

(509) “ʻSBCʼ, Nouvelle Chaîne TV Dans lʼair Du Temps Saoudien,” France 24, May 13, 2018, https://www.france24.com/ fr/20180513-sbc-nouvelle-chaine-tv-lair-temps-saoudien. (510) “New Channel Showcases Best of Saudi Arabia,” Center for International Communication, May 18, 2018, https://cic.org. sa/2018/05/new-channel-showcases-best-of-saudi-arabia/. (511) “Formula E to Race in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia ’Looks to the Future’,” CNN, May 17, 2018, https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/17/ sport/formula-e-riyadh-saudi-arabia/index.html. (512) Nick Vivarelli, “Imax and Saudi Arabia Partner to Develop Local Films,” Variety, May 12, 2018, https://variety.com/2018/film/ news/imax-saudi-arabia-agreement-develop-films-1202808137/. (513) Ghazanfar Ali Khan, “International Architecture Expo in Venice to Include Saudi Arabia Pavilion,” Arab News, May 21, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1306441/saudi-arabia. (514) “Spaces in Between,” Misk Art Institute, accessed April 14, 2021, https://miskartinstitute.org/exhibitions/spaces-in-between. (515) “Cirque Du Soleil Heads to Saudi in Special One-off Show,” Arab News, September 10, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1370316/featured. (516) Richard Spencer, “Rap Gigs and Bull Runs in ‘Fun’ Saudi Arabia,” The Times, January 25, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ article/rap-gigs-and-bull-runs-in-fun-saudi-arabia-qk3z7s9sj. (517) Richard Spencer, “Rap Gigs and Bull Runs in ‘Fun’ Saudi Arabia,” The Times, January 25, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ article/rap-gigs-and-bull-runs-in-fun-saudi-arabia-qk3z7s9sj?.

85 · In January 2019, the first cinema in Jeddah opened. It is expected to host up to 35 million individuals each year. (518) · Between 31 January and 3 February 2019, a European Tour golf event was held in in King Abdullah Economic City.(519) · In January 2019, King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah hosted the Italian Super Cup football match between Juventus and AC Milan,(520) at which 15,000 of the 62,000-strong crowd were females.(521) · In February 2019 it was reported that Warner Music Group was seeking to buy a stake in Rotana Music, the Saudi-owned music .(522) · In March 2019, the Sharqiah Season Festival started on the Alkhobar Corniche. The first of eleven festivals planned for 2019, the festival included more than 80 art exhibitions, cultural demonstrations and other entertainment events.(523) · In March 2019, the Saudi cabinet approved plans for an electronic tourist visa that would allow foreign visitors to attend concerts and sporting events in the Kingdom. Embassies will be able to approve the visa within 24 hours.(524) · In May 2019, Saudi Arabia announced that it would invest in entertainment facilities across the Eastern Province, including a 100-hectare theme park in al-Aziyah, six cinemas, and three new entertainment destinations.(525) · In June 2019, the first art-house cinema opened in Saudi Arabia. The open-air Elhoush Cinema in Jeddah has 75 seats.(526)

(518) Mohammed Al-Kinani, “First Cinema in Jeddah Opens,” Arab News, January 29, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1443511/saudi-arabia. (519) Tom Kershaw, “European Tour Confirm First Golf Event in Saudi Arabia Despite Scrutiny Following Murder,” Independent, October 29, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/european-tour-saudi-arabia-golf-event- crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-patrick-reed-dustin-johnson-a8607276.html. (520) Steve Luckings, “AC Milan Arrive in Jeddah Ahead of Italian Supercup Final with Juventus - in Pictures,” The National, January 13, 2019, https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/ac-milan-arrive-in-jeddah-ahead-of-italian-supercup-final- with-juventus-in-pictures-1.812550. (521) “Ronaldo Seals Italian Super Cup for Juventus,” Northern Star, January 17, 2019, https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/ cristiano-ronaldo-seals-italian-super-cup-for-juve/3624345/. (522) Benoit Faucon, Keach Hagey and Rory Jones, “Warner Music Seeks Stake in Saudi Record Label,” Wall Street Journal, February 28, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/warner-music-seeks-stake-in-saudi-record-label-11551367050. (523) Hala Tashkandi and Mo Gannon , “Sharqiah Season Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province,” Arab News, March 14, 2019, http://www.arabnews.com/node/1466791/saudi-arabia. (524) “Saudi Cabinet Approves Tourism Visa for Foreign Travellers,” Reuters, March 3, 2018, https://uk.reuters.com/article/saudi- visa/saudi-cabinet-approves-tourism-visa-for-foreign-travellers-media-idUKL5N20Q0BQ. (525) “Saudi Arabia Looks East for Next Stage of Entertainment Revolution,” Arab News, May 2, 2019, http://www.arabnews.com/ node/1491201/saudi-arabia. (526) Alex Ritman, “First Art House Cinema Opens in Saudi Arabia,” The Hollywood Reporter, June 20, 2019, https://www. hollywoodreporter.com/news/first-art-house-cinema-opens-saudi-arabia-1221044.

86 · In September 2019, female teachers began teaching boys of kindergarten and primary school age in Saudi public schools.(527) · In October 2019, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would build a modern art museum on the outskirts of Riyadh, to be called the Saudi Museum of Modern Art.(528) · Saudi Arabia hosted its first international tennis tournament in December 2019.(529)

2020 · In January 2020, Saudi Arabia unveiled detailed plans for a new racetrack with the potential to host Formula 1 racing from 2023. The circuit will be a part of the Qiddiyah entertainment and sports complex.(530) · In January 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the final of the Spanish Super Cup football tournament. Real Madrid FC won.(531) · In January 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the Dakar Rally, a desert racing tournament. It was the first time the rally had taken place in the Middle East.(532) · In February 2020, Saudi Arabia created three new ministries: tourism, sports, and investment. The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s focus on these sectors as a means of diversifying its economy under Vision 2030.(533) · In February 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the Saudi Cup, a horse race where the available prize pot stands at $20 million.(534) Female jockeys competed.(535) Maximum Security won the race.(536)

(527) “Women Teach Young Boys for the First Time in Saudi Public Schools,” Arab News, September 2, 2019, https://www.arabnews. com/node/1548366/saudi-arabia; Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, “Women Will Now Be Allowed To Teach Boys In Saudi Arabia,” BAZAAR, 2019, https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/people/news/women-can-teach-boys-in-saudi-arabia. (528) Dominic Dudley, “Saudi Arabia Joins The Gulf’s Culture Race With Plans For Modern Art Museum,” Forbes, October 22, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2019/10/22/saudi-modern-art-museum/. (529) “International Tennis Tournament ‘Watershed Moment’ for Saudi Arabia, October 9, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1565981/sport. (530) Andrew Benson, “Formula 1: Saudi Arabia Unveils Plans for Race in 2023,” BBC Sport, January 17, 2020, https://www.bbc. com/sport/formula1/51137520. (531) Richard Martin, “Spanish Super Cup Jets off to Saudi amid Dissenting Voices,” Reuters, January 6, 2020, https://www.reuters. com/article/uk-soccer--supercup-preview/spanish-super-cup-jets-off-to-saudi-amid-dissenting-voices-idUKKBN1Z5191. (532) “Grande Première et Polémique Pour Le Dakar 2020 Sur Les Routes dʼArabie Saoudite,” France 24, January 3, 2020, https:// www.france24.com/fr/20200103-rallye-dakar-2020-sport-automobile-course-arabie-saoudite. (533) “Saudi Creates New Tourism, Sports, Investment Ministries,” France 24, February 25, 2020, https://www.france24.com/ en/20200225-saudi-creates-new-tourism-sports-investment-ministries. (534) Matt Majendie, “Saudi Arabia to Stage Record $20M Horse Race,” CNN, August 9, 2019, https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/09/ sport/richest-horse-race-saudi-arabia/index.html. (535) https://www.facebook.com/worldhorseracing/videos/198479361224669/?v=198479361224669 (536) John Cherwa, “Maximum Security Wins Saudi Cup, the Richest Horse Race in World,” Los Angeles Times, February 29, 2020, https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-02-29/maximum-security-wins-richest-horse-race-in-world-saudi-cup.

87 · In February 2020, the first Saudi International Cycling Tour was held in Riyadh.(537) · In June 2020, Saudi Arabia announced it would start a $4 billion tourism development fund.(538) · In July 2020, Vox Cinemas opened its first movie theater in Tabuk with eleven screens and seating for 831 viewers.(539) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia unveiled its Mahd Sports Academy, which focuses on the discovery and development of Saudi talent from within and outside the nation. Girls and boys from the ages of six to twelve will be able to take part.(540) · In August 2020, Saudi Arabia announced that it was opening its first cinema in the Eastern Province, in the city of al-Jubail, with 5 screens and 416 seats.(541) · In September 2020, Saudi Arabia launched its bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, a football tournament between Asian nations.(542) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia was ranked the third-happiest country after China and the in a global happiness survey of 27 countries carried out by the French market research company Ipsos. Eighty percent of Saudis described themselves as “very happy” or “rather happy”.(543) · In November 2020, Saudi Arabia’s first football league saw 24 teams across the country competing for the championship cup and a $40,000 cash prize. The competition was originally due to be held in March but was cancelled due to Covid-19.(544) Challenge Riyadh won the cup.(545)

(537) “World’s Top Cyclists to Race in First Saudi International Tour,” October, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1576326/saudi-arabia. (538) “Saudi Arabia to Launch $4bn Tourism Development Fund,” Arab News, June 21, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1693306/saudi-arabia. (539) “VOX Cinemas Opens its First-Ever Theater in Tabuk,” Arab News, July 28, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1711416/ saudi-arabia. (540) “Saudi Arabia Unveils Long-Awaited Mahd Sports Academy,” Arab News, July 27, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1711016/sport. (541) Ismaeel Naar, “Saudi Arabia Set to Open First Cinema in Eastern City of Al-Jubail,” August 25, 2020, https://english.alarabiya. net/life-style/entertainment/2020/08/25/Saudi-Arabia-set-to-open-first-cinema-in-eastern-city-of-al-Jubail. (542) “Saudi Football Federation Officially Launches Bid to Host 2027 AFC Asian Cup,” Arab News, September 9, 2020, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1732066/sport. (543) Emily Judd, “Saudi Arabia Ranks Third in Ipsos Global Happiness Survey of 27 Countries,” Al Arabiya English, October 13, 2019, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/10/13/Saudi-Arabia-ranks-third-happiest-country-ahead-of-US--in-global-poll. (544) “Saudi Arabia First Women’s Football League Kicks Off,” BBC News, November 18, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-54988746. (545) “Challenge Riyadh Crowned Champions of Inaugural Saudi WFL Campaign,” Arab News, December 18, 2020, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1779376/sport.

88 · In December 2020, Saudi Arabia licensed its first two music institutes, the Music International Training Center and the Music Training House, to provide talented Saudis with training in music.(546) · In December 2020, Saudi Arabia submitted a film to represent the Kingdom at the Oscars. Scales is about female empowerment and was directed by the Saudi film-maker Shahd Ameen.(547)

2021 · Saudi Arabia will host a ranking tournament for the first time in 2021. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will have a total prize fund of £2.5 million ($3.5 million) and female referees will be allowed to officiate. The event was due to be held in October 2020 but was postponed due to Covid-19.(548) — In November 2021, Jeddah is to host the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in Saudi Arabia.(549)

(546) Samir Salama, “Saudi Arabia Licenses Two Music Institutes,” World Gulf, December 29, 2020, https://gulfnews.com/world/ gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-licenses-two-music-institutes-1.1609212215661. (547) “Saudi Film ‘Scales’ to Represent Kingdom at Oscars,”, December 21, 2020, https://thearabweekly.com/saudi-film-scales- represent-kingdom-oscars. (548) Nigel Slater, “Barry Hearn Confirms New Plan for Big-Money Saudi Arabia Event,” Snooker Chat, August 4, 2020, https:// theoldgreenbaize.com/2020/08/04/barry-hearn-confirms-new-plan-for-big-money-saudi-arabia-event/. (549) “Saudi Arabia to Host Formula 1 Race In 2021,” , November 5, 2020, https://corp.formula1.com/saudi-arabia-to- host-formula-1-race-in-2021/.

89 Investment, Finance and Fiscal Policy

2017 · In March 2017, Moody’s credit rating agency upgraded the outlook on Saudi Arabia’s banking system from “negative” to “stable”.(550) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia raised $9 billion in its first international sale of Islamic bonds, or Sukuk.(551) Fitch rated Saudi Arabia’s Sukuk A+ after it obtained a license to operate in Saudi Arabia.(552) · In April 2017, Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange moved from same-day settlement of trades to settlement within two working days of execution. It also allowed the short-selling of stocks.(553) · In April 2017, Saudi stock exchange CEO, Khalid al-Hussan, announced the introduction of equity futures and options within 24 months.(554) · In July 2017, the credit rating agency Moody’s was granted a license to operate rating activities in Saudi Arabia.(555) · In August 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Housing established the Saudi Real Estate Institute (SREI) as part of Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP). It aims to professionalize Saudi Arabia’s real estate industry.(556) · In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it was to invest $2.7 billion to create a new entertainment investment company, to be launched by 2019.(557) The initiative aims to create 22,000 jobs by 2030 and serve 50 million visitors a year across various types of entertainment.(558)

(550) “Moody’s Revises Outlook on Saudi Arabia’s Banking System to Stable from Negative,” Reuters, March 14, 2017, https://www. reuters.com/article/brief-moodys-revises-outlook-on-saudi-ar-idUSFWN1GR0LV. (551) Carolyn Cui and Nikhil Lohade, “Saudi Arabia Raises $9 Billion in First International Sukuk Issuance,” Wall Street Journal, April 12, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabia-raises-9-billion-in-first-international-sukuk-issuance-1492022455. (552) “Fitch Rates Saudi Arabia’s Sukuk ‘A+(EXP)’,” Reuters, April 4, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-fitch-rates-saudi- arabias-sukuk-a-idUSFWN1HC0I0. (553) “Saudi Arabia Allows Fitch to Conduct Credit Rating Activities,” Reuters, April 10, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/ saudi-fitch-idUSL8N1HI31V. (554) Andrew Torchi and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Exchange May Be Ready for Equity Futures, Options in 24 Months,” Yahoo Finance, April 25, 2017, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/saudi-exchange-may-ready-equity-futures-options-24-103947479--sector.html. (555) “Moody’s Gets Licence to Rate Saudi Arabia’s Corporates,” Reuters, July 31, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/moodys- saudi-idUSL5N1KM4R1. (556) Neha Bhatia, “Ministry Launches Saudi Real Estate Institute,” Construction Week, August 7, 2017, https://www. constructionweekonline.com/article-45748-ministry-launches-saudi-real-estate-institute/. (557) Zahraa Al-Khalisi, “Saudi Arabia Launches $2.7 Billion Entertainment Company,” CNN Business, 2017, https://money.cnn. com/2017/09/20/news/economy/saudi-arabia-entertainment-investment-fund/index.html. (558) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Plans $2.7 Billion Entertainment Firm as Kingdom Opens Up,” Bloomberg, 2017, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-20/saudi-plans-2-7-billion-entertainment-firm-as-kingdom-opens-up.

90 · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s central bank, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), joined an international standard-setting body for Islamic finance. The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) is based in Bahrain.(559) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s markets regulator relaxed its rules on licensing asset management and other investment firms. The revisions reduced the requirements for obtaining a management activity license, boosting the number of asset managers in Saudi Arabia and increasing private equity and the investment of venture capital.(560) · In October 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it was creating a $1.07 billion “Fund of Funds” to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, with the of creating 58,000 jobs and adding SAR 8.6 billion ($2.3 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2027.(561) · In November 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced trading licenses that would allow foreign entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the King Abdullah Economic City.(562) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia signed a deal with Nasdaq to upgrade its stock exchange infrastructure. The deal involves upgrading the Tadawul’s post-trade technology, including replacing its registry, depository clearing and settlements systems. The modifications were expected to be completed during the second half of 2020.(563) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia announced a system of financial allowances to help low- and middle-income households cope with the costs of economic reforms.(564)

(559) “Saudi Arabia Joins Islamic Finance Body, Could Boost Cross-Border Deals,” Mail Online, October 23, 2017, https://www. dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-5006997/Saudi-Arabia-joins-Islamic-finance-body-boost-cross-border-deals.html. (560) Katie Paul, “Saudi Market Regulator Loosens Asset Management Rules,” Reuters, October 1, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/us-saudi-markets-regulations/saudi-market-regulator-loosens-asset-management-rules-idUSKCN1C61NC. (561) Katie Paul, “Saudi Sovereign Fund Creates $1.07 Bln ‘Fund of Funds’ to Back SMEs,” Reuters, October 9, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/saudi-fund-funds/saudi-sovereign-fund-creates-1-07-bln-fund-of-funds-to-back-smes- idUSL8N1MK3XH. (562) Ryan Browne and Hadley Gamble, “Saudi Arabia Offers Trading Licenses for Foreign Entrepreneurs to Set Up Shop for the First Time,” CNBC, November 15, 2017, https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/saudi-arabia-offers-trading-licenses-for-foreign- entrepreneurs.html. (563) “Saudi Arabia Signs Major Markets Upgrade with Nasdaq,” Financial Times, December 4, 2017, https://www.ft.com/ content/8c1a3471-7ec3-3c6e-a72a-4ae0d0f40923. (564) “Saudi to Announce Household Allowance System Tomorrow,” Business Recorder, December 11, 2017, https://www.brecorder. com/news/385948/.

91 · In December 2017, it was announced that Saudi Arabia and the UAE were working together to issue a digital currency that would be accepted in cross-border transactions between the two countries.(565) · In December 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced a $19.2 billion private sector stimulation plan that would among other things, subsidize housing loans, rescue struggling businesses, promote advanced construction techniques, and invest in broadband and fiber-optic technology.(566)

2018 · In January 2018, Saudi Arabia introduced a 5 percent VAT on all goods and services except rent, property sales, certain medications, airline tickets, school tuition, and certain medical devices. Tourists can reclaim VAT at the airport.(567) · In February 2018, the Head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority announced that Saudi Arabia would invest $64 billion in developing its entertainment industry over the next decade and that 5,000 events were planned for 2018.(568) · In March 2018, FTSE Russell added Saudi Arabia to its emerging markets index.(569) · In May 2018, Saudi Arabia published draft rules to allow foreign insurers and reinsurers to establish practices in Saudi Arabia. Foreign companies usually have to operate through partnerships with local ventures.(570)

(565) “UAE, Saudi Working on Digital Currency for Cross-Border Deals,” Reuters, December 13, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/ article/emirates-saudi-currency/uae-saudi-working-on-digital-currency-for-cross-border-deals-idUSD5N1KU01P. (566) “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Issues A Royal Decree Approving SR 72 Billon Private Sector Stimulation Plan,” Saudi Press Agency, December 14, 2017, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1698215#1698215. (567) “Saudi Arabia to Exempt Medicines and Medical Equipment from VAT,” Mail Online, December 9, 2017, https://www.dailymail. co.uk/wires/reuters/article-5162605/Saudi-Arabia-exempt-medicines-medical-equipment-VAT.html; Hannah Lucinda Smith, “Saudis to Impose VAT and Tax Foreign Expats’ Pay,” The Times, December 30, 2017, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ saudis-to-impose-vat-and-tax-foreign-expats-pay-hr36978np. (568) “Saudi Arabia to Invest $64bn in Entertainment,” BBC News, February 22, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- east-43152289. (569) “Saudi Arabia to Attract Foreign Cash via FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Index,” Financial Times, March 29, 2018, https:// www.ft.com/content/ddf1f43e-32e0-11e8-b5bf-23cb17fd1498; Natasha Turak, “Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul Joins Global Emerging Markets Indexes,” CNBC, March 18, 2019, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/18/saudi-arabias-tadawul-joins-global-emerging- markets-indexes.html. (570) Tom Arnold, “Saudi Arabia Moves to Tempt More Foreign Insurers with Draft Rules Change,” Reuters, May 2, 2018, https:// www.reuters.com/article/saudi-insurance/saudi-arabia-moves-to-tempt-more-foreign-insurers-with-draft-rules-change- idUSL8N1S972Q.

92 · In June 2018, MSCI decided to include 32 Saudi Arabian stocks in its emerging markets index from mid-2019.(571) In August 2019, Tadawul completed the second and final phase of joining the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, raising its weight on the closely monitored index to 2.8 percent.(572) · In July 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources announced that it had modified regulations to facilitate private investment in Saudi Arabia’s mining industries.(573) · In 2018, Saudi Arabia launched Meras, a digital interface for starting businesses that cuts the wait time for some financial services from 81 days to 24 hours.(574) · In September 2018, Saudi Arabia signed the OECD Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. The implementation of this convention should allow Saudi Arabia to increase its corporate tax revenues.(575) · In October 2018, Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of a special economic zone at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to attract more foreign investment and multinational companies focused on integrated logistics to Saudi Arabia.(576)

2019 · In May 2019, Saudi Arabia approved a program offering certain foreigners permanent residency, allowing them to own property and to apply for an indefinite stay or a one- year renewable residency. This would help to boost foreign direct investment.(577) Some

(571) “Emerging Markets Investors to Be Put in Argentine and Saudi Stocks,” Financial Times, June 27, 2018, https://www.ft.com/ content/be112a10-791f-11e8-8e67-1e1a0846c475; Rodrigo Campos and Trevor Hunnicutt, “Argentina and Saudi Arabia to Be Added to MSCI Emerging Markets Index,” Reuters, June 20, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-funds-msci/argentina- and-saudi-arabia-to-be-added-to-msci-emerging-markets-index-idUKKBN1JG3AN. (572) Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Stock Exchange Now Full MSCI Member, but Market Euphoria may Fade,” Reuters, August 29, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-exchange-inclusion/saudi-stock-exchange-now-full-msci-member-but-market- euphoria-may-fade-idUSKCN1VJ1VM. (573) Andrew Torchia, “Saudi Issues Draft Law for Public-Private Projects Worth Billions,” Reuters, July 9, 2018, https://www.reuters. com/article/us-saudi-privatisation/saudi-issues-draft-law-for-public-private-projects-worth-billions-idUSKBN1JZ1RU. (574) Sarah Aziza, “The Saudi Crown Prince’s Digital Iron Fist,” The New York Times, September 6, 2019, https://www.nytimes. com/2019/09/06/opinion/saudi-arabia-internet.html. (575) “Saudi Arabia Signs Landmark Agreement to Strengthen its Tax Treaties,” OECD, September 18, 2018, http://www.oecd.org/ tax/saudi-arabia-signs-landmark-agreement-to-strengthen-its-tax-treaties.htm. (576) “Saudi Arabia to Set up Special Economic Zone at Riyadh Airport: SPA Agency,” Reuters, October 21, 2018, https:// www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy/saudi-arabia-to-set-up-special-economic-zone-at-riyadh-airport-spa-agency- idUSKCN1MV0KD. (577) Vivian Nereim, Zainab Fattah, and Sarah Algethami, “Saudi Arabia Says Landmark Residency Plan Will Bolster Economy,” Bloomberg, May 15, 2019, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-15/saudis-offer-permanent-residency-to-some- expats-in-landmark-move.

93 privileged foreigners are exempt from the sponsorship system under the new program, (578) which started to accept applications on 23 June 2019.(579) · In June 2019, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat) announced that 824 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) had benefitted from $213 million in indirect investment. Monshaat’s indirect lending initiative aims to provide low-cost loans for SMEs and entrepreneurs throughout Saudi Arabia.(580) · In June 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced new regulations to allow broader foreign ownership of publicly-traded firms. Non-financial companies are now allowed to invest in companies listed on Tadawul and overseas investors can take controlling stakes. Foreign strategic investors may not sell any of their shares for two years after purchase.(581) · In July 2019, Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said it will start the next phase of privatizing its flour mills.(582) · Between January 2019 and July 2019, mutual and exchange-traded funds that invest in companies on Riyadh’s Tadawul stock exchange rose from $356 million to $4.8 billion.(583) · In July 2019, Saudi Arabia’s cabinet announced that for a fee, businesses in Saudi Arabia would be allowed to remain open 24 hours a day. This would help promote economic growth within the Kingdom.(584) · In October 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced new rules to make it easier for foreign companies to list on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange, Tadawul. The new rules also made it easier for foreign companies to list and trade on Saudi Arabia’s second stock exchange, NOMU.(585)

(578) Ahmed Al Omran, “Saudi Arabia Woos Foreign Workers with New Residency Scheme,” Financial Times, May 15, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/266c9940-772c-11e9-bbad-7c18c0ea0201. (579) “Saudi ‘Green Card’ Online Platform Is Open for Business,” Arab News, June 23, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/ node/1514921/saudi-arabia. (580) “Monshaat Spends over SR800m on 824 Small and Medium Saudi Enterprises,” Arab News, June 18, 2019, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1512751/saudi-arabia. (581) Simeon Kerr, “Saudi Stock Exchange Relaxes Foreign Ownership Rules,” Financial Times, June 26, 2019, https://www.ft.com/ content/c062af36-981e-11e9-8cfb-30c211dcd229. (582) “Saudi Arabia to Start Next Phase of Flour Mill Privatization,” Reuters, July 28, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi- privatization-sago/saudi-arabia-to-start-next-phase-of-flour-mill-privatization-idUSKCN1UN0C6. (583) “Saudi Stocks Attract Billions of Dollars in Inflows,” Financial Times, July 31, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/22b009a8- b23d-11e9-bec9-fdcab53d6959. (584) Lojien Ben Gassem, “Cabinet Gives Go-Ahead for Businesses to Open 24/7 in Saudi Arabia,” Arab News, July 16, 2019, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1526731/saudi-arabia. (585) “Saudi Arabia Seeks to Ease Path for Foreign Listings,” Financial Times, October 7, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/35844cce- e8fc-11e9-a240-3b065ef5fc55.

94 · In November 2019, Saudi Arabia granted 73 foreigners “premium” residency under a new program that allows selected people to buy property and do business without a Saudi sponsor. The move was designed to help diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy.(586) · In November 2019, Saudi Arabia announced that it would begin taxing all domestic flights. Revenues generated from the tax would go towards funding airport infrastructure and improving airport services. The taxes range between $5.60 and $23, depending on the type of ticket booked.(587) · In December 2019, shares amounting to 1.5 percent of Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, Aramco, were floated. The IPO raised $26 billion, giving the company a total valuation of $1.7 trillion. This partial privatization of the world’s most valuable and profitable company highlights the Kingdom’s determination to diversify its economy. MSCI, S&P Dow Jones, and FTSE Russell include Aramco in their indexes, which was expected to increase passive investment in the company.(588)

2020 · In June 2020, Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved a new regulation on investment in mining to accelerate foreign investment in the sector. This will speed up exploration, prospecting and help to diversify the Kingdom’s economy. It is estimated that Saudi Arabia’s untapped mineral resources could be worth $1.33 trillion.(589) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia’s VAT was raised from 5 to 15 percent to support the economy during the Coronavirus pandemic.(590) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan, said Saudi Arabia was looking to sell assets in sectors not previously considered for privatization. It is

(586) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Arabia Gives First Permanent Residencies to Foreigners,” Bloomberg, November 11, 2019, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-11/saudi-arabia-gives-first-permanent-residencies-to-foreigners. (587) Mariam Nabbout, “No Longer Tax-Free: Saudi Arabia Will Soon Tax All Domestic Flights,” Step Feed, November 4, 2019, https://stepfeed.com/no-longer-tax-free-saudi-arabia-will-soon-tax-all-domestic-flights-9715. (588) Filipe Pacheco, “Aramco’s Inclusion in Indexes Seen Underpinning Stock,” Bloomberg, December 16, 2019, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-16/aramco-s-inclusion-in-indexes-seen-underpinning-stock-this-week. (589) “Saudi Arabia aims to boost investment with new mining law,” Reuters, June 9, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi- mining/saudi-arabia-aims-to-boost-investment-with-new-mining-law-idUSKBN23G2H7. (590) “Saudi Arabia Triples VAT to Support Coronavirus-Hit Economy,” BBC News, May 11, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/ business-52612785.

95 hoped the sale of assets will generate more than SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) over the next four to five years.(591) · In July 2020, Tadawul said it was committed to listing on the stock exchange. With market capitalization of $2.5 trillion, it is the world’s ninth-largest stock market.(592) · In July 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Refinance Company signed a SAR three billion ($800 million) deal to buy a mortgage portfolio from the Saudi Public Pension Agency. This would increase liquidity within Saudi Arabia’s mortgage market and enable cheaper mortgages to be offered to Saudis. Vision 2030 aims to increase home ownership in Saudi Arabia to 70 percent,(593) up from 62 percent at the end of 2019.(594) · In August 2020, Tadawul announced that it would launch an environmental, social or governance (ESG) index by Q4 2020 or Q1 2021, which would include 70 Saudi companies.(595) · In October 2020, Saudi Arabia issued a new five-riyal polymer banknote. These are harder to forge, cleaner, more durable, and more environmentally friendly than the older paper note.(596) · In October 2020, the Saudi Geological Survey signed several contracts worth $530 million to survey 600,000 square km. of the mineral-rich Arabian Shield region. This will advance the Kingdom’s goal of developing its mining sector.(597) · In December 2020, the Ministry of Investment reported that Saudi Arabia granted twenty percent more foreign investment licenses in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same

(591) Davide Barbuscia and Marwa Rashad, “Saudi Arabia to Widen Privatisation Scope, Finance Minister Says,” Reuters, July 22, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-privatisation/saudi-arabia-to-widen-privatisation-scope-finance- minister-says-idUKKCN24N1YE. (592) Marwa Rashad and Hadeel Al Sayegh, “Saudi Bourse Says Derivative Product to Boost Investment Profile Ahead of IPO,” Reuters, July 14, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-saudi-tadawul/saudi-bourse-says-derivative-product-to-boost- investment-profile-ahead-of-ipo-idUKKCN24G0VY. (593) “Saudi Real Estate Refinance Co Signs 3 Billion Riyals Deal with Pension Agency,” Reuters, July 19, 2020, https://www. reuters.com/article/us-saudi-housing-src/saudi-real-estate-refinance-co-signs-3-billion-riyals-deal-with-pension-agency- idUKKCN24K0HR. (594) “Saudi Sovereign Fund Sets up Real Estate Unit to Meet Housing Demand,” Reuters, August 19, 2020, https://www.reuters. com/article/saudi-pif-real-estate/saudi-sovereign-fund-sets-up-real-estate-unit-to-meet-housing-demand-idUKL8N2FL4H3. (595) “Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul to Launch Environmental Index with MSCI, Says CEO,” Al Arabiya English,August 12, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/business/markets/2020/08/12/Saudi-stock-exchange-Tadawul-to-launch-environmental-index- with-MSCI-says-CEO. (596) “Saudi Arabia’s Monetary Authority Issues New 5 Riyal Polymer Banknote,” Arab News, October 4, 2020, https://www. arabnews.com/node/1743996/saudi-arabia. (597) “Saudi Geological Survey Signs Contracts Worth over $530,” Arab News, October 19, 2020, https://www.arabnews.jp/en/ business/article_29302/.

96 period last year. Three hundred and six foreign projects were licensed between June and September 2020 compared to 254 the previous year.(598)

2021 · In January 2021, it was announced that 24 multinational companies had established regional headquarters in Riyadh, including PepsiCo, Schlumberger, Bechtel, Boston Scientific, and Tim Hortons.(599) · In January 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) committed to spending $40 billion per annum on the Kingdom’s domestic economy.(600) · Saudi Telecom Co. has announced plans to spin off its internet-services unit via an initial public offering that could raise SAR 10 billion ($2.7 billion).(601) · Saudi Arabia plans to launch special economic zones or free zones in 2021 to attract foreign investment.(602) · In January 2021, a new law came into effect that will encourage investment in Saudi Arabia’s mining industry and simplify the issuance of new mining licenses.(603)

(598) Vivian Nereim, “Saudi Arabia Sees Foreign Investment Boost From , Egypt,” Bloomberg, December 22, 2020, https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-22/saudi-arabia-sees-foreign-investment-boost-from-india-egypt?sref=eF4nwheu. (599) Frank Kane, “Riyadh Attracts 24 New Corporate Groups to Set Up in the Saudi Capital,” Arab News, January 28, 2021, https:// www.arabnews.com/node/1800006/business-economy. (600) Andrew England, “Saudi Arabia steps up domestic investment as low oil prices and coronavirus bite,” Financial Times, January 14, 2021, https://www.ft.com/content/eec63ef2-ddd5-479c-a310-9b090992fe9f. (601) “Saudi Telecom Said to Weigh IPO for Internet-Services Unit,” Bloomberg, September 15, 2020, https://www.bloomberg.com/ news/articles/2020-09-15/saudi-telecom-is-weighing-an-ipo-for-its-internet-services-unit?sref=eF4nwheu. (602) Seth O’Farrell, “Saudi Arabia to Launch Free Zones,” fDi Intelligence, January 20, 2021, https://www.fdiintelligence.com/ article/79165. (603) “Saudi Arabia Approves New Mining Investment Law,” Saudi Press Agency, January 3, 2021, https://www.spa.gov.sa/ viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2174657#2174657.

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King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) The KFCRIS is an independent non-governmental institution based in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Center was founded in 1403/1983 by the King Faisal Foundation (KFF) to preserve the legacy of the late King Faisal and to continue his mission of transmitting knowledge between the Kingdom and the world. The Center serves as a platform for research and Islamic Studies, bringing together researchers and research institutions from the Kingdom and across the world through conferences, workshops, and lectures, and through the production and publication of scholarly works, as well as the preservation of Islamic manuscripts. The Center’s Research Department is home to a group of established and promising researchers who endeavor to produce in-depth analyses in various fields, ranging from Security Studies, Political Economy, African Studies and Asian Studies. The Center also hosts the Library which preserves invaluable Islamic manuscripts, the Al-Faisal Museum for Arab Islamic Art, the Al-Faisal Institute for Human Resources Development, the Darat Al-Faisal, and the Al-Faisal Cultural Press, which issues the Al-Faisal magazine and other key intellectual periodicals. For more information, please visit the Center’s website: www.kfcris.com/en

P.O. 51049 Riyadh 11543 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel: (+966 11) 4555504 Fax: (+966 11) 4659993 E-mail: [email protected]

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