English abstract
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is widely regarded as a preeminent regional power within
the Arabian Peninsula, possessing a considerable abundance of natural resources that bolster its
geopolitical standing. Over several decades, the KSA has pursued a foreign policy aimed at
securing a multitude of interests, which encompass maintaining domestic stability and peace,
preserving its regional influence, defending its territorial integrity against external adversaries, and
upholding its status as a leader within the Islamic world. Nevertheless, any nation's foreign policy
may inevitably encounter challenging circumstances that necessitate prudent and measured
responses. The inception of the KSA's Vision 2030 plan and the appointment of Prince Mohammed
bin Salman (MBS) as the Crown Prince and Prime Minister have marked a transformative period
in the nation's history, characterized by comprehensive reforms across political, economic, social,
and cultural domains. The Vision 2030 blueprint delineates three foundational pillars: establishing
the KSA as the epicenter of the Arab and Islamic worlds; cultivating a business hub to attract
foreign direct investment (FDI); and serving as a nexus connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Consequently, the KSA's foreign policy is undergoing rapid evolution, potentially integrating
initiatives designed to enhance partnerships, foster trust, and augment prosperity. Empirical
observations suggest that MBS is intent on steering the KSA's political landscape towards a more
audacious and autonomous trajectory. He has elevated the nation's relations with numerous
regional and global powers while broadening the scope of collaborative endeavors. Presently, the
primary impetus for the KSA's foreign policy is not solely security-focused, but encompasses the
economy, which assumes a pivotal role in this context. The KSA has embarked on an aggressive
foray into the regional tourism industry, investing in expansive projects aimed at attracting ultra high-net-worth visitors across the country. This is widely perceived as a strategic move to facilitate
the nation's transition into a post-oil era. Scholarly research indicates that recent alterations in
strategic considerations have prompted the KSA's leadership to recalibrate its foreign policy
practices, placing greater emphasis on regional and international trends. A considerable body of
literature exists on both the KSA's foreign policy and its Vision 2030 plan; however, no
comprehensive analysis has been conducted to elucidate the integral role of Vision 2030 in shaping
the KSA's foreign policy. This study, therefore, endeavors to discern the manifestations of the
KSA's foreign policy within the context of its Vision 2030 plan and to examine the challenges that
may arise in relation to domestic, regional, and global concerns. Employing qualitative methods,
this study reviews extant literature and sources pertinent to the topic and conducts interviews with
experts in the field to garner insights into prevailing attitudes and perspectives. The study aims to
serve as a foundational document, offering background information and knowledge for individuals
seeking to further investigate this subject matter.
