In: Economics
What factors or pressures are encouraging political change in Saudi Arabia, and what types of political changes do you expect to see in the next twenty years?
Saudi Arabia is experiencing exceptional times. It is attempting to decrease its dependence on oil economically. Politically, it is affected by a young prince's vision, Mohammed bin Salman, who is progressively influential in policymaking. Socially, after curbing the powers of the religious police for the first time and opening up the nation to entertainment, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive change.All these modifications took place over a period of just a few years. The role of Saudi females was particularly important. For the first time, this section of society is going through a collective motion to enhance their condition, especially on social media. Saudi females have never before engaged in such a large-scale drive to demand their rights.
All these modifications took place over a period of just a few years. The role of Saudi females was particularly important. For the first time, this section of society is going through a collective motion to enhance their condition, especially on social media. Saudi females have never before engaged in such a large-scale drive to demand their rights.Women's condition entered an all-time low in the 1980s. The oil boom earnings enhanced the Saudi family's situation and enabled individuals to depend strongly on domestic workers. Moreover, the increase of the Salfist religious Sahwa movement further restricted the position of females. Segregation has reduced women's work opportunities. Women were not anticipated or encouraged to work outside the home.
Saudi girls who grew up at that time realized how conservative values were the cornerstone of Saudi lifestyle. It wasn't just what females were meant to do inside, but what females were not permitted to do outside the home that made for these girls a restricted breathing space.
That did not, however, dissuade a small group of Saudi women who took to the streets in their cars in 1990 to demand that the driving ban be lifted. Not only among conservative males, but also among females, the protest caused an uproar. For the first time, Saudi women challenged the status quo–and, subsequently, paid a high price for doing so.They were labelled as westernised and were accused of attempting to weaken Saudi society.The introduction of the Internet in 1999 launched the process of change for Saudi society and especially for females. It gave them understanding, entertainment, and a private place. For females who wished more than their workplace could give, the internet was not only a breathing space, but also a realization that there was a distinct truth out there. They were no longer caught in the world of black and white in which they grew up, but the various shades of truth that initiated the spark to foster self-realization and individualism.
In 2005, thousands of learners were permitted to study overseas by the late King Abdullah. In the start, many Saudi females were not permitted to enter the program because they still regarded the concept of a female traveling overseas against the norm, but slowly the amount began to raise.
Another key factor contributing to this normalization was social media. YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat were able to broadcast their life to Saudi females. It has become a room for communicating thoughts, creativity and voice requirements. Students overseas became an active voice in the globe of social media.
For the first time tourists can visit Saudi Arabia.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of the Saudi Tourism and National Heritage Commission, informed Richard Quest of CNNMoney that in 2018 the kingdom will issue its first tourist visas. Previously, visas were limited to individuals traveling to work in the nation or visiting its sacred places.
The Kingdom's plans to expand its tourism industry are ambitious. Several projects have already been announced, including one to construct a series of resorts around 100 miles off the sandy shoreline of the Red Sea. It aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030, up from 18 million tourists in 2016.Saudi men and women are customarily separated in public places. But that restriction is also slowly being relaxed. Men and women were able to sit together at several music concerts and events