SAUDI ARABIA

In 2025, Saudi Arabia is continuing its rapid transformation under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), as part of the "Vision 2030" plan. This strategy aims to reduce the country’s dependency on oil, modernise the economy, and reposition the Kingdom as an influential regional power.

On the economic front, megaprojects such as NEOM, The Line, and Red Sea Global are ongoing, backed by the sovereign wealth fund PIF. However, delays, budget overruns, and uncertainty regarding their long-term viability have fuelled some scepticism, particularly abroad. Despite these challenges, the country has managed to attract investment in tourism, new technologies, and infrastructure sectors.

Economic diversification remains dependent on oil prices, which remained relatively high in 2024, thereby supporting public finances. Nevertheless, the Saudi economy remains exposed to geopolitical risks, both in the Middle East and in global energy markets.
Domestically, societal reforms continue in a controlled manner: women are increasingly visible in public life and the labour market, some restrictions have been lifted, and the cultural sector (cinema, concerts, sporting events) is thriving. However, any political opposition or criticism of the regime remains harshly repressed. Human rights defenders, activists, and some clerics critical of the authorities continue to be imprisoned or silenced.

In terms of security, the terrorist threat remains contained but real. Attacks or infiltration attempts by armed groups linked to the Houthis or Al-Qaeda have been reported. The war in Yemen remains a major source of tension, although the fragile truce in effect in early 2025 has reduced the number of attacks on Saudi territory. The country’s southern border with Yemen remains formally advised against.
The regional rivalry with Iran persists, although a diplomatic rapprochement was initiated in 2023 under Chinese mediation. Nevertheless, relations remain fragile, particularly in the context of heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, which has rekindled Sunni-Shia divisions across the region.

Regarding domestic security, Saudi Arabia remains one of the safest countries in the region for Western travellers. The rate of common crime is extremely low, due to a highly repressive judicial system. However, caution is advised on political, religious, or social matters, as behaviour is strictly monitored — even in private spaces.