The aim of the S R Nathan Distinguished Lecture is to provide greater awareness and understanding of the modern Middle East. This lecture provides a forum for statesmen, internationally prominent scholars and public intellectuals to express their views on key issues. The lecture series is named in honour of Singapore’s late former president, Mr S R Nathan, who encouraged a deeper understanding of the Middle East region in Singapore.

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Sustaining the Saudi Success Story

Despite the conflicts roiling the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has not stopped pursuing its social and economic agendas. Vision 2030 represents one of the region’s most ambitious national transformations, seeking not just economic diversification away from oil dependence, but also groundbreaking social reforms. Since its introduction in April 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, remarkable milestones include non-oil sectors contributing over 50 per cent of GDP, and women’s workforce participation surging from 17 to 36.2 per cent.

Alongside this, entertainment activities once thought unthinkable, ranging from concerts featuring Western superstars to e-sports tournament, are now routine in the Saudi landscape. The Kingdom has also launched numerous giga-projects to turn its cities into both tourism and investment hubs. Legal reforms have also been rolled out to turn Saudi Arabia into a conductive, international business environment.

The Middle East Institute hosted HE Mr Mohammed Khalid Alyahya, the adviser to the Saudi Foreign Minister, who delved into the revolutionary changes in Saudi Arabia, and how the Kingdom is branding itself as the beacon of the region. It also highlight how investors and firms from abroad can engage with its increasingly open business environment.