Ramadan is officially over and Eid Al-Fitr started on Sunday. In most countries Eid is celebrated for 3 days, but in KSA it's usually a week. The US Embassy here is also closed during this time so it’s been nice having more time with J with week. And I'm not sure if you heard the news this past week, but there was royal decree which replaced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef with Mohammed bin Salman, the King's son and the previous Deputy Crown Prince. It’s BIG news. With these announcements came another week of Eid. It means nothing for us, as the US Embassy will be back to 100% next week, but the change in power will mean a lot for the people of the Kingdom and the US's relationship with KSA.
I'm am by no means well-versed in the politics between our countries and I'm not going to act as if my 3-week experience in KSA gives me any right to give an opinion on what the change in power will affect. What I do know is that the Crown Prince, MBS as he's widely called, is 31 years old (very young for a Crown Prince), considered progressive in Middle East terms, and basically said that he’ll enact more change, quickly.
He's been at the forefront of Saudi Vision 2030, a plan for economic and developmental action in KSA. It's set to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and rely on alternatives to diversify the economy and the development of service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, construction, recreation and tourism. Some goals include reinforcing economic and investment activities, increasing the non-oil industries trade between the countries through the goods and consumer products, and increased government spending on military manufacturing equipment and ammunitions.
It’s wonderful that it’s published online and in English so that anyone around the globe can access it. There is so much discussion that could be had on every theme of it. I’m sure so many Poli-Sci and Middle Eastern Studies professors have starting delving into this with their students. What I find most interesting about the Vision is the theme of a “vibrant society with fulfilling lives”. Within that theme are two particular tenants: 1) promoting culture and entertainment and 2) living healthy, being healthy.
Currently there are no movie theaters here. The irony of the presence of Disney’s Frozen and other movie characters in the malls and grocery stores is not lost though. How does a young girl know about Elsa if she’s supposedly never seen the movie? At any rate, construction for Riyadh’s first movie theater has started. I wonder what movies will be shown? Although music isn’t technically illegal because there is a music industry here, it’s impossible to learn an instrument in school so lessons are very private, plus there is no way to purchase music here. I read that people use Torrent. Any music that’s somewhat recognizable in malls or restaurants is Kenny G-esque and actual lullabies set to muzac. Toby Keith playing here during Trump’s last visit was sadly thought of as progressive - women weren’t allowed to attend. Artists, filmmakers, writers are pretty much “underground” or creating in other countries. Maybe it’s the American in me that can’t imagine a country without freedom of speech or the fact that arts and culture were such a big part of my upbringing that I feel every child should be exposed to, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what strides the Kingdom makes. I hope we’ll be able to go a gallery during our time here.
The other part of the vision I find intriguing is around living and being healthy. At one point women could work out in public gyms, then there was a ban and now it seems that there are now women’s only gyms…progress! Up until the last few years, in girls’ schools and universities, there are no gym classes or sports teams, and therefore there are no professional women’s teams. And you probably remember that there were only four women sent to the Olympic games in Rio, three of which trained in the US. It’s tough to find any recent articles or proof of additional progress being made. Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud was appointed as the Vice President for Women's Affairs of the General Sports Authority a year ago, just before the Olympics announcement was made. And a professional women’s squash tournament will be hosted at her university in Riyadh later this year. I know, soccer or tennis would be much more exciting. Hopefully these milestones aren’t just for PR and will create some positive momentum. I just read about some women’s running clubs in Riyadh, although I can’t imagine running in an abaya. I nearly trip in mine just walking up stairs! Maybe I’ll eventually get out with them once I get more coordinated in it.
As I read the plans for 2030, there seems like SO much opportunity and possibility for creative minded people and women to have an active role in attaining the goals that the King and Crown Prince have set out for the Kingdom. It’s an exciting time and I’m hopeful we’ll get to witness a number of positive changes that will greatly impact the lives of so many people. Will update you all along the way…