Saudi Says Vision 2030 Nears Completion; Oman Reports Gains

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih told the Fortune Global Forum that Saudi Arabia has moved from an emerging player to a key architect of the global economy, warning that rising protectionism is a setback and advocating “connected resilience” and international collaboration. He cited Vision 2030 gains—non‑oil activity at about 56%, an economy near $1.3 trillion, unemployment below 7% and women’s workforce participation doubling—and officials have also described the program as roughly 85% complete. The initiative has attracted hundreds of firms to Riyadh and continues major projects such as NEOM and the New Murabba district, though some projects have faced delays from cost pressures and supply‑chain issues. Experts and leaders say the success of smart‑city and economic reforms depends on trust, transparent governance, long‑term value creation and cross‑sector collaboration. Separately, Oman's Vision 2040 Implementation Follow‑up Unit reported that 74% of performance indicators show measurable advancement—with gains in university rankings, patents, research projects and health services (including the country’s first heart transplant)—and the Omani‑Lebanese Economic Forum in Muscat opened to deepen trade and propose a permanent joint economic committee.