Saudi Arabia, between repression and transformation | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to reduce oil dependence and diversify the economy, encompassing social, economic, and environmental reforms.
• Muhammad bin Salman (MBS): The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, driving force behind Vision 2030 and significant political and social changes.
• Neom: A futuristic city project in northwest Saudi Arabia, intended as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, facing logistical and financial challenges.
• Repression & Human Rights: The increasing authoritarian tendencies of the MBS regime, including arrests, restrictions on freedoms, and the use of force against dissent.
• National Identity & Historical Revisionism: The reshaping of Saudi national narrative, particularly through the re-emphasis of the 1727 founding date and downplaying the role of Wahhabism.
• Regional Politics: Saudi Arabia’s shifting alliances and diplomatic efforts, including normalization talks with Israel and reconciliation with Iran.

The Transforming Kingdom: A Deep Dive into Saudi Arabia Under MBS

The documentary explores the sweeping changes occurring in Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), examining the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, the accompanying social and economic reforms, and the increasingly authoritarian methods employed to maintain control. The narrative is interwoven with personal stories of exiles, activists, and Saudis living within the kingdom, offering a multifaceted perspective on this evolving nation.

The Imperative for Change & MBS’s Rise to Power

Saudi Arabia faces an “existential matter” – the need to transition away from its oil-dependent economy. This urgency fuels Vision 2030, a plan aiming to diversify the economy and modernize Saudi society. MBS’s ascent to power was unconventional. Unlike previous heirs, he lacked a clear path to the throne, benefiting from the deaths of older brothers and a strategic series of decisions by his father, King Salman. He was educated within Saudi Arabia, fostering a sense of grievance towards established elites and a deep understanding of the royal court’s dynamics. His initial positioning involved securing the defense ministry and launching military interventions in Yemen, establishing his authority and projecting power.

Modernization & Social Shifts

The documentary highlights the visible changes within Saudi Arabia. Previously segregated spaces like malls now allow mixed-gender interaction. The mandatory hijab is no longer strictly enforced. This modernization is intentionally “Saudi,” not an imitation of Western models, catering to a young population (70% under 30) eager for opportunities and freedoms seen elsewhere. Saudi Arabia boasts the highest smartphone usage and social media saturation globally, fueling this desire for change. The shift is driven by a frustration with the old system and a belief that Saudi Arabia could achieve more. The government actively promotes these changes, exemplified by content creators like Age, who express pride in the government’s progress.

Economic Diversification & The Neom Project

Vision 2030’s core is economic diversification. The goal is to move beyond oil dependence, a project deemed “the absolute imperative” and “an existential project.” This ambition is embodied in Neom, a futuristic city planned in northwest Saudi Arabia. Initially envisioned to cost $500 billion with significant foreign investment, Neom has faced challenges, attracting zero foreign investment and experiencing escalating costs (estimated up to $8.8 trillion). The project’s timeline has been scaled back, with only 2.4 km projected to be completed by 2030. The documentary points to the inherent risk of top-down modernization, warning that removing state benefits without providing alternatives could lead to unrest.

The Dark Side of Reform: Repression & Control

Alongside modernization, the documentary reveals a parallel trend of increasing repression. MBS’s regime is characterized by a crackdown on dissent, with arrests, travel bans, and even the use of lethal force. Khaled Al Jabri’s story exemplifies this, detailing the abduction of his siblings Omar and Sarah immediately after MBS became Crown Prince, and the persecution of his father, a former intelligence official perceived as a threat. The 2017 arrests at the Ritz-Carlton, where hundreds of royals, officials, and businessmen were detained and extorted under the guise of anti-corruption, illustrate the regime’s willingness to use any means to consolidate power. Fouz Alotibi’s experience highlights the double standards applied to Saudi women, with freedoms seemingly granted for propaganda purposes only. The eviction of the Alhat tribe to make way for Neom, involving orders to shoot those who resisted, demonstrates the brutal lengths to which the regime will go to achieve its goals. Saudi Arabia’s record of over 300 executions in 2024 further underscores this trend.

Shifting Alliances & Regional Politics

Saudi Arabia is actively reshaping its regional relationships. The documentary details the normalization talks with Israel, driven by a shared interest in modernizing Saudi Arabia and containing Iran. However, the October 7th attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza have complicated these efforts, leading to a renewed focus on the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia has also engaged in dialogue with Iran, mediated by China, and restored diplomatic relations, signaling a shift in regional strategy. MBS views himself as the leader of the Arab world, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in regional stability.

Historical Revisionism & National Identity

The regime is actively rewriting Saudi history to bolster its legitimacy. The re-emphasis of 1727 as the founding date of the Saudi state, downplaying the historical alliance with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the Wahhabi movement, aims to diminish the influence of conservative religious clerics. The opening of museums, like the one in Diriyah, presents a curated narrative of Saudi history, reinforcing the monarchy’s authority. This reshaping of national identity is intended to create a more unified and modern Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia under MBS is a nation in profound transition. While Vision 2030 promises economic diversification and social liberalization, these changes are accompanied by increasing authoritarianism and a suppression of dissent. The success of this transformation remains uncertain, contingent on navigating the challenges of Neom, managing regional tensions, and addressing the potential for unrest as the kingdom moves away from its traditional foundations. The documentary paints a complex picture of a country striving for a future while grappling with its past and the inherent contradictions of its present.