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The Arab world stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the edges of the Arabian Gulf and from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It has, therefore, always formed a crossroads between continents and between peoples, connecting the world and radiating enduring influences. Today, its 22 countries, covering an area of 13 million sq. km, have a combined population of almost 500 million people. From the cradle of civilization to the birth of the world’s three big monotheistic religions, from a wealth of innovation — past and present — to a wealth of resources, the Arab world has always played a crucial role in the world and in our lives, whether we realize it or not.
In recent decades, much Western discourse concerning the Middle East has tried to paint the Arab world as closed and backwards, while elevating Israel as a paragon of democracy and innovation. As is almost always the case, it serves to look beyond the conventional discourse to discover a rather different, and far more nuanced, picture. Yes, the Arab world continues to experience major upheaval and conflict in Syria and Lebanon, in Iraq and Yemen, in Palestine and Libya, in Sudan and Somalia. Of course, this represents a tremendous challenge for broad populations, acting as a restraint on progress and a drain on shared resources. But there are major reasons to believe that the Arab world today is a region driving change for much of the rest of the world, as it is rapidly transforming and progressing.
While the Arab world’s combined gross domestic product of about $3.56 trillion includes substantial disparities between individual countries, the rate of economic growth has exceeded global averages in recent years, with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries leading the way. These numbers only tell a fraction of the story, as the Arab world is setting the trend in a number of crucial areas for the future. Particularly in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable urban development, food and water security, innovation and education, the Arab world has been breaking new ground. With one-third of its population under the age of 15, a youthful Arab world is being buoyed by a new sense of dynamism and enthusiasm, not least due to the shrewd decisions of a young and visionary set of leaders.
There are major reasons to believe that the Arab world today is a region driving change for much of the rest of the world
Hassan bin Youssef Yassin
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Morocco have all been launching innovative and forward-looking projects. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has shown a tremendous capacity for transformation over the past seven years with the realization of Vision 2030, as outlined by the young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under King Salman. Launching innovative projects, transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy, opening up its society and providing ever-growing opportunities for its youth, the country has achieved a tremendous sense of progress, enthusiasm and opportunity over recent years.
The Kingdom has invested heavily in renewable energies, sustainable urban development, education and innovation. From the world-leading King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to the National eLearning Center, from Neom’s smart city that emphasizes sustainability and innovation to the New Murabba development’s focus on cultural offerings and quality of urban life, there is something major underway in Saudi Arabia today.
The UAE and Qatar’s large infrastructure projects, tech hubs and research universities aim to provide similar opportunities for their populations. The great potential of solar and wind power is being tapped by all these countries in their drive for renewable energies, alongside Morocco with, for example, its Noor Solar Plant. The Arab world has also become a leader in sustainable and water-efficient farming, in saltwater irrigation and water desalination.
And we must not forget the healthcare innovation that is taking place, especially in the Gulf region, which is paving the way in telemedicine and genetic research. Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence and fintech, or modern financial technologies. As a progressive overhaul of education and a youthful push in entrepreneurship take hold, the region’s young population stands on the cusp of a new era of potential and opportunity.
These profound developments in the Arab world do not derive from nowhere. Centuries ago, the Arab world was the origin of major advancements in algebra, medicine, navigation and trade. Just as the Arab world once built qanat systems to transport water to arid regions or developed ingenuous irrigation systems, today the Arab world leads the way in smart water management, water recycling and desalination.
We have been able to reinvent ourselves and leapfrog many countries in areas that will be vital for the future
Hassan bin Youssef Yassin
Just as the Arab-Muslim caliphates found themselves at the center of regional diplomacy through the practice of Islamic principles such as “shura” (consultation) and “hudna” (truce), making peace by “sulh” (tribal reconciliation) and “waqf” (resource redistribution) in the interest of cohesion, today a number of Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt play an oversize role in conflict resolution and mediation. The caliphates were also known for their architectural innovation, mirroring the visionary projects of today’s Arab world.
As we embark on an era of great challenges for the world, particularly with regards to the environment, increased conflict and hatred, and a necessary reinvention of the world economy and world order, the Arab world has much to offer. As relatively late bloomers in the modern era, we have been able to reinvent ourselves and leapfrog many countries in areas that will be vital for the future. Our youthful populations and rapid progress offer the world hope for a brighter future. Both East and West are looking toward us as a land for environmental awakening, for youthful innovation and for future stability. Our Israeli cousins and neighbors must also rouse to a dynamic they can be a part of, accepting our extended hand to partner with us for peace and progress.
The Jewish people have formed an integral part of the Middle East for as long as we Arabs have. Until the creation of the state of Israel, we all lived together in peace and in mutual respect. Jews occupied top posts in government and in business in Iraq, Egypt and beyond; they were always regarded as important constituents of Arab society. The three monotheistic religions carry a message of peace for the world: they all belong to this region. This is an opportunity to be seized.
The time is right for understanding and empathy, not for being petty or talking by the gun. A peaceful and prosperous Palestinian state living side by side with an Israeli state fully integrated into a dynamic and forward-looking region would be the best hope for us and for global stability and progress.
Just like our great desert, the Sahara, hides tremendous riches and opportunities for the future in terms of mineral resources, underground water reservoirs and opportunities for agriculture and carbon capture, the Arab world, living in peace with Israel, has much to offer the world and this 21st century.
- Hassan bin Youssef Yassin worked closely with Saudi petroleum ministers Abdullah Tariki and Ahmed Zaki Yamani from 1959 to 1967. He headed the Saudi Information Office in Washington from 1972 to 1981 and served with the Arab League observer delegation to the UN from 1981 to 1983.