Saudi Arabia leaves a strong impression.
Arriving in Riyadh today reveals a country transformed from fifteen years ago. Construction projects are ubiquitous, with giant screens showcasing visions of futuristic cities. International conferences are frequent, and world leaders, including American CEOs, European investors, and Asian officials, regularly visit the capital.
The Kingdom is intent on change, and change is happening.
With the launch of Vision 2030, Mohammed bin Salman has initiated a rare transformation in the region. It’s not just about skyscrapers or cinemas; it’s redefining an economic model that heavily relied on oil revenue for decades.
The statistics are telling: non-oil growth is up, women’s workforce participation has nearly doubled, unemployment has decreased, and the Public Investment Fund now manages hundreds of billions. NEOM, The Line, and the Mukaab have become global ambition symbols.
Yet, despite these changes, billions in investments, and diplomatic visits, international trust remains cautious. The world engages with Riyadh but does not fully commit.
Why?
Because two Saudi Arabias exist.
The first is the Saudi Arabia of futuristic models and global summits. The second is the one of concentrated power, lacking institutional checks, and a judiciary rooted in a strict religious framework.
This paradox has the economy opening rapidly while political power remains centralized.
Domestically, modernization comes at a cost. In Riyadh, rents have soared, prompting the government to freeze increases. VAT is at 15%, and subsidies have been reduced. The Saudi social contract, once based on redistribution and stability, is shifting toward a more competitive model.
This bold transition might succeed, but it also disrupts longstanding balances.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom employs sophisticated image diplomacy. Prince William’s visit wasn’t coincidental but part of a broader strategy with European heads of state, American executives, global sports figures, climate forums, and international competitions.
These images are powerful: young Saudis with Western royalty, women entrepreneurs at public events, and cheering crowds in stadiums. It portrays a modern, open, and engaging country.
But imagery doesn’t erase memory.
Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 assassination left a deep mark. It wasn’t just a crime but a symbol of the potential deadly consequences of dissent and power that transcends borders. This event still haunts diplomatic discussions, even if unspoken.
Human rights remain a concern, with international reports highlighting severe sentences for social media activity, restrictions on freedom of expression, and significant use of the death penalty. Authorities cite security and stability, while critics see repression.
There’s also the religious aspect. For decades, Saudi Arabia funded the global spread of conservative Islam. Today, Mohammed bin Salman promotes a more moderate national Islam, confronting some Islamist movements and reducing the religious police’s authority.
History, however, doesn’t vanish overnight. Decades-long ideological networks can’t dissolve in a few years. This memory persists in Europe.
Another recent issue involves antisemitism accusations from Israeli media and political figures. Riyadh denies this, distinguishing political criticism from religious hatred. Yet, this debate underscores the fragility of the Kingdom’s international reputation.
Saudi Arabia’s challenge isn’t resistance to change; it’s that economic change is outpacing political change.
It invests heavily and engages with Washington, Brussels, Beijing, and Moscow, positioning itself as a key player in the 21st century.
However, international trust isn’t built on financial power or modern architecture alone. It depends on coherence, predictability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
The world doesn’t reject Saudi Arabia; it watches.
The central question remains: is the dramatic modernization the start of deep institutional transformation or merely a strategic adaptation to globalization?
Saudi Arabia can build cities in the desert.
The real question is whether it can build lasting trust.
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