The annual royal address before the Saudi Shoura Council has become a well-established tradition; an occasion for the state to unveil its major plans, aspirations, and ambitions in front of the Saudi people. This is in the context of the "unprecedented" structural reform process initiated under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. One of the most striking features of the royal speech, delivered by the Crown Prince on behalf of the King, was the Saudi leadership's candidness in affirming its commitment to reform, as well as in diversifying the economy, and bringing down dependence on oil revenues. For the first time, non-oil activities account for 56 percent of the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP). The Saudi leadership did not stop there; rather it addressed an important issue with utmost courage, frankness, and credibility. The annual royal speech deliberately aimed to send a clear message to those who have made it their hobby to exaggerate every announcement about reconsidering Saudi projects or restructuring spending on this or that project. It was as if they wanted to tell the world that the reforms had broken Saudi Arabia's back! Saudis, their friends, and partners know that this is quite normal for any country that spends on development, construction, progress, and technology acquisition. Therefore, the royal address emphasized that the state will not hesitate to cancel or radically modify any programs or targets if the public interest warranted it. This is based on affirming the ability of the public and private sectors to confront challenges, absorb economic shocks, and review the path of programs and modify them to be more immune to fluctuations. These information and achievements come from a leadership that closely monitors and tracks the progress of all projects implemented by the state, especially in light of the significant role played by the Crown Prince in crystallizing Vision 2030, as well as his patient monitoring of what is being achieved, and the targeted solutions to remove obstacles and challenges. Therefore, the royal address was extremely clear and transparent regarding the possibility of reviewing the course of programs or projects, or making any radical changes to any objectives, if the public interest serves the purpose. This instills reassurance in the hearts of Saudis regarding the strength of their country's economy and the continued vigilance on the part of their wise leadership to ensure the realization of the goals of Vision 2030 and related policies, projects, and planning. It emphasized the government's constant endeavor to advance citizens' well-being and progress as well as to increase their income. The close monitoring of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has led to significant progress in infrastructure, technical services, and tourism and entertainment targets. This has made the Kingdom an attractive destination for foreign investment, enjoying security, prosperity, and stability, apart from the state's commitment to economic and societal reform. This, in turn, has led to the implementation of major plans to develop sports, tourism, entertainment, and technology sectors, making the Kingdom a destination for millions of foreign tourists in addition to making available vast opportunities for doing businesses and making investments. The final part of the annual royal speech cannot be overlooked, as it condemns the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar and affirms solidarity with it through a powerful and resolute statement: "We stand by Qatar in all measures it takes without limits." This exposed the procrastination of Benjamin Netanyahu's government with regard to providing a window of hope for the establishment of a Palestinian state at a time when dozens of countries from around the world are moving forward to recognizing the Palestinian state. The international legitimacy stipulates that the Palestinian state must be established within the framework of the "two-state solution." There is no doubt that the UN General Assembly session, scheduled to begin within a few days, will be more painful for Netanyahu than the atrocities he is committing against the Palestinians. International recognition of the Palestinian state will be a true victory for Saudi diplomacy in granting Palestinians their legitimate rights in an independent, peaceful state. It is certain is that the annual royal speech unveiled the remarkable Saudi achievements, based on numbers and facts, in all realms. Overall, these are positive developments that confirm the accomplishment of the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, years before the approach of the year 2030. The vision of a courageous man who "says and does" for an ambitious nation for which the sky is the limit.
