The article focuses on Saudi Arabia’s political economy under the Vision 2030 reforms. It seeks to analyse the reforms as related to employment and tourism to gauge their success thus far. The article concludes that as far as can be ascertained the targets for tourism are proceeding as planned and will be achieved by 2030. To counter unemployment it appears that at present the proposed reforms are not having the desired impact. This is not set in stone as future initiatives, foreign direct investment and an increased public consciousness of the value of the private sector and innovation can alter this trajectory.

Curran Flynn is an Assistant Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). His research interests include, classical realism, the IPE of the Gulf and geopolitics.