From Oil to Tourism: Geopolitical Transformation in Saudi Arabia with Vision 2030

Abstract

This article examines the geopolitical transformation emerging from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 marks a significant pivot toward sectors such as tourism, technology, and sustainable development. The article focuses on two flagship projects—NEOM and the Red Sea Project—as case studies to understand how this shift is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s regional and international positioning. NEOM, with its emphasis on high technology, innovation, and urban sustainability, represents a vision of a post-oil economy rooted in global competitiveness. The Red Sea Project, on the other hand, introduces a model of ecologically responsible luxury tourism designed to attract international visitors and investment. Both projects are analyzed in terms of their economic, environmental, and geopolitical impact. Ultimately, the article argues that tourism-led development is central to Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to redefine its global image and geopolitical influence in the 21st century.