‘All success stories start with a vision’

RIYADH: Cultural and entertainment activities have found special mention in Vision 2030, the ambitious plan to transform the Saudi economy with economic diversification, a decision which has received much applause from citizens.
One of the key goals set for 2030 by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and approved by the Cabinet under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Monday, includes increasing household spending on cultural and entertainment activities inside the Kingdom from the current 2.9 percent to 6 percent.
Cultural and entertainment activities form an essential part of the Kingdom’s most ambitious reform plans to date as this vision has a strong commitment for meaningful entertainment and cultural activities for citizens.
Vision 2030 promises to increase the number and variety of cultural and entertainment activities with the aim of opening dedicated venues to showcase citizen’s myriad talents. It also promises to review regulations to simplify the establishment and registration of amateur, social and cultural clubs. Moreover, the government aims to launch and provide the necessary financial support for “Daem,” a national program to enhance the quality of cultural activities and entertainment in the Kingdom.
By 2030, the program will create a national network of clubs, encourage the exchange of knowledge and international experiences, and promote better awareness of a wide range of hobbies and leisure activities.
According to the vision, by 2020, there will be more than 450 registered and professionally organized amateur clubs providing a variety of cultural activities and entertainment events to citizens.
Furthermore, the Kingdom will build the world’s largest Islamic museum in accordance with the highest global standards, equipped with the latest methods in collection, preservation, presentation and documentation, to be a major landmark.
Applauding the decision Talal Al-Otaibi, a media consultant, said: “All success stories start with a vision, and I am sure this cultural and infotainment vision as an integral part of the larger Vision 2030 will lead us to a bright future as aimed in this vision document.”
Mohammad Zeyad, a fresh graduate, welcomed the idea saying, “It will for sure add meaningful value to our daily life and help reduce the stress of routine living.”
Khaled Abdullah, a tour and travel operator, said the Kingdom has the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and building an Islamic museum will help it emerge as the international hub of Islamic tourism.