Saudi reforms ensure security, stability

[Mosamania]

Saudi reforms ensure security, stability

By SAMAR FATANY

Lately many international journalists have been invited to Saudi Arabia to obtain first-hand information about Saudi society and to determine why the country has not been affected by the Arab Spring. The reason should be obvious to all; however, for the sake of those who are not informed let me highlight the ongoing reforms that continue to be the main factor behind the stability that we enjoy today.

Road to refinement:

King Abdullah has initiated many reforms since his ascension to the throne in 2006, long before the unrest erupted in neighboring Arab countries. Some may feel that the implementation of reforms are slow and that our challenges are overwhelming, but nevertheless there have always been concerted efforts toward progress and development.

The nationwide reforms address six major challenges, namely combating terrorism, confronting extremism and the hardline position against women, reforming the judiciary, implementing social and economic reforms and upgrading the educational system.

In 2011, King Abdullah openly defied hardliners in his speech to the Shoura Council criticizing their positions and granting women political rights. He announced that women would be allowed to vote and run in municipal elections in 2015 and that they would be appointed members of the Shoura Council in 2013.

Quality education:

Investing in education for women has been a priority in educational reform. Women today represent almost 60 percent of university graduates. Vocational institutes for women have been established and private colleges and universities for women have been set up in major cities in the Kingdom facilitating the integration of more qualified women into the workforce.

Princess Noura University, the first women’s university in Saudi Arabia, has been expanded and modernized to accommodate 40,000 students and 12,000 employees. It has 15 colleges and a large number of departments.

Over SR200 billion has been allocated for education in this year’s budget. The development of education or the “Tatweer” initiative was launched to improve nearly all aspects of education in the Kingdom, from teacher training through the quality of educational facilities to student evaluation methods.

In 2012 the second phase of the reform movement in education was launched with a SR81.5 billion budget to boost higher education programs in all regions of the Kingdom. The first phase of reforms was less effective than originally planned mainly because Saudi graduates did not have the qualifications or skills needed in the market due to an educational system which placed little emphasis on English and computer skills, the basic requirements in the job market today.

Moreover, the labor market was saturated with graduates in social sciences and religious studies, literature and history. New universities were established in each region of the Kingdom and a university branch was set up in each governorate in order to provide all citizens with better access to education.

The most significant achievement of King Abdullah’s reform of education is the scholarship program, which provides an opportunity for 120,000 students to study in universities abroad. The initiative is meant to raise the educational standard of Saudi graduates and expose a large number of students to other cultures promoting intercultural relations and global coexistence.

Economic infrastructure:

The World Bank has recognized Saudi Arabia as the world’s fastest-reforming economy. High oil prices and heavy government spending has boosted the national economy, initiating large-scale development programs across the country that include the underdeveloped regions which have been neglected for a long time.

The government stepped up its economic reforms in 2012 and allocated a SR400 billion budget for infrastructure projects and enhanced public services in all governorates and rural centers.

SR130 billion was earmarked for housing development plans and SR10.67 billion was provided for the construction of 500,000 houses.
Projects were initiated to address the major challenges of unemployment, the diversification of the economy and reducing reliance on state-run industries.

The reforms included a SR1 billion increase in the social security budget, a 15 percent increase in aid for unemployed young people plus payment of their tuition fees. Private sector growth, entrepreneurship, employment, and education were also high on the agenda of economic reforms.

Addressing the vast dependency on foreign labor, the government initiated the second phase of the Saudization of the private sector designed to increase the number of Saudi employees in private firms and therefore tackle the rising unemployment problem, which has reached 35 percent according to unofficial estimates. Most job seekers are between the ages of 20 and 24.

In 2011 King Abdullah ordered the prompt formation of the Anti-Corruption Commission and a number of relevant bylaws have been issued to crack down on bribery and corrupt practices in the workplace and in government.

Enactment of law:

However, the slow judicial reforms make it difficult to put an end to corruption and human rights violations that jeopardize the due process of law. Saudi courts need more effective reforms to uphold the rule of law to ensure justice for all.

Reforming the judiciary continues to be one of the major challenges facing the Kingdom. A Royal Decree was issued in 2007 to reform the judiciary system and improve human rights in Saudi Arabia. A budget of SR7 billion has been allocated to upgrade the judiciary. A new supreme court as well as regional appeal courts, specialized courts, and family courts have been established and the number of judges has been increased to 150 in order to expedite court rulings and dispose of cases as soon as possible.

A vigorous national campaign has been launched to defend the rights of children and put a stop to child abuse cases. Community doctors and social workers continue to call for more stringent laws to combat the rise in domestic violence and to penalize parents who fail to provide proper care for their children.

The determination to pursue the reform path that King Abdullah initiated has inspired the entire nation. In the course of eight years much has been achieved. The strong public support for King Abdullah’s reforms and the concerted efforts to initiate political, social and economic reforms are the reasons for the security and stability that prevail in Saudi Arabia today.

Saudi reforms ensure security, stability

 

[Sinnerman108]

What I find more impressive is the approach.

They (saudis) are not hurrying into anything, they are letting things take their time but they are making sure they turn up right.

Saudis have a lot of power in diplomatic circles and in the bank, and they are using that power to forward their foreign policy.

This will be a case study for the rest of the muslim world.

 

[KRAIT]

KSA has money and it can develop research and educational base much faster with teaching faculties from one of the best universities.

Investment in human resources is must for national development.

 

[T-123456]

Its better to go slow and do it good then rush into things and get nasty surprises.
I think this is the best way,it should be an example to other muslim(arabian penunsula mostly) countries trying to adapt to modern times.

 

[al-Hasani]

Adopt to modern times? You do realize that large parts of the Arabian Peninsula (the Gulf region especially) is among the most rich, stable and modern areas in the world? The GDP per capita is among and the highest (in Qatar) in the world. There are other challenges such as being located in a unstable region while being stable itself, sustainability from both a economic and social perspective on the long run, the immigration issue and the governmental form.

But many good and wise steps are being taken to counter those issues in the future on almost all areas although the rapidly growing population, bigger demands from the populace etc. are challenging just as well as the level of reforms. And let's not forget that the region is located in the Middle East a war torn area that has left most of the Arabian Peninsula alone though. But is desalinated to influence it's policies and internal security.

Adaptability, stability, sustainability, education and wise/accepted reforms will be the key to a continuous and prosperous future. And ultimately I believe that all countries who can afford such changes will do it as long as their populace is willing to accept the changes and challenges.

 

[Mosamania]

Reforms must take place, in more than one level, from judiciary to political to educational.

Sure many positive steps have been taken but it is not nearly enough as it should be. I understand they are trying to appease the sentiment of the religious wackos by slowing reforms but I wish for reforms to happen during my life time at least.

 

[Sinnerman108]

Reforms must take place, in more than one level, from judiciary to political to educational.

Sure many positive steps have been taken but it is not nearly enough as it should be. I understand they are trying to appease the sentiment of the religious wackos by slowing reforms but I wish for reforms to happen during my life time at least.

too much ...

some times even the King would put his hand on his face and wish for a better nation.

 

[al-Hasani]

Bahrain is a little country that plays no role in GCC. Apart from that there is no oppression. A few dissidents trying to stir up trouble at the behalf of Ajami agents were quickly crushed. UAE and all other GCC countries are way better of than Iran. It's not even debatable. Hence why you have thousands of Iranian non-nationals who are doing all kind of manual jobs and even prostitution mostly for the foreign clients. The GCC surpass Iran on every single international list of importance. Well, it's not really that hard considering how much a failed state it really is.

Mesomania:

All this will come when the time will be right. We are already way better of than basically all Middle Eastern countries bar a few exceptions (Qatar, Kuwait and UAE) only due to their small size and more reforms. GCC is basically one body anyway so we benefit from each other.

 

[Surenas]

Hence why you have thousands of Iranian non-nationals who are doing all kind of manual jobs and even prostitution mostly for the foreign clients.

You mean Iranians who have build Dubai? Because thats true. Just like westerners have architected Dubai, Pakistanis have build it and Philippines are cleaning it.

Anyway;

Reforms are welcome, but I remain skeptical on which change whatsoever in the Arab world. If even countries like Egypt and Tunisia (traditionally relative 'modern') find it difficult to reform, than KSA has a long way to go.

 

[AUz]

Saudi Arabia and Arabs in general must use their wealth for the spread of Islam on global level, and NOT the spread of extremist, dry Wahabism.

GCC, under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, and Iran must start more and more corporation in trade, science & technology, education etc.

Figure out the mechanism in which both nations' supreme national interests are protected...

Regarding reforms, I don't know much. Saudis spend money to send their rich brats here in US to study. When here, they only party and show their idiocy and don't study even a bit.

I hope King reforms the behaviors of Saudis too...

 

[Surenas]

Modern? Ahum. Go ask everyone that has visited both Iran and the KSA. Not even close.

But yes, I would like to see reforms in the Arab world. Eventually the whole region influences it each other.

Btw, why were you banned on Skyscrapercity Al-Hasani? I know who you are. How is living in France these days?

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Arabia and Arabs in general must use their wealth for the spread of Islam on global level, and NOT the spread of extremist, dry Wahabism.

GCC, under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, and Iran must start more and more corporation in trade, science & technology, education etc.

Figure out the mechanism in which both nations' supreme national interests are protected...

Regarding reforms, I don't know much. Saudis spend money to send their rich brats here in US to study. When here, they only party and show their idiocy and don't study even a bit.

I hope King reforms the behaviors of Saudis too...

Yeah, we are partying as crazy. I drank 10 bottles of vodka yesterday night and I am planing to skip classes on Monday. Tomorrow I am hijacking a plane and flying into the White House and after I have done this I am launching the Nuclear weapon the Iranian government gave me in order to attack NYC.

Apart from that I see no reason to cooperate with Iran. What are we going to import from them? Carpets and opium? We have been doing fine without them since forever and can continue to do it. Most Arabs don't want cooperation with Iran as long as they interfere in Arab lands - something they first started to do in 1979 when the Arab based mullah's gained power. Tragicomical indeed.

If they stop I will welcome cooperation. Apart from that there is already cooperation on a private level in the Gulf among Arabs and Iranians.... I am talking state wise.

 

[T-123456]

Adopt to modern times? You do realize that large parts of the Arabian Peninsula (the Gulf region especially) is among the most rich, stable and modern areas in the world? The GDP per capita is among and the highest (in Qatar) in the world. There are other challenges such as being located in a unstable region while being stable itself, sustainability from both a economic and social perspective on the long run, the immigration issue and the governmental form.

But many good and wise steps are being taken to counter those issues in the future on almost all areas although the rapidly growing population, bigger demands from the populace etc. are challenging just as well as the level of reforms. And let's not forget that the region is located in the Middle East a war torn area that has left most of the Arabian Peninsula alone though. But is desalinated to influence it's policies and internal security.

Adaptability, stability, sustainability, education and wise/accepted reforms will be the key to a continuous and prosperous future. And ultimately I believe that all countries who can afford such changes will do it as long as their populace is willing to accept the changes and challenges.

Modern times yeah,as in human rights, equal rights,freedom of speech and maybe a little democrasy.
Dont pretend as if you didnt understand.
Women can drive cars now or vote?
Can they go out of the country without permision of the husband?
These are examples so relax.

 

[al-Hasani]

KSA will not turn into a Las Vegas so there is no need for strip clubs and discos in every street corner. Sacred land (Makkah and Madinah) are located in KSA so we have been given a special responsibility that. How do you think the Umma would react if you had Western laws in the middle of Makkah and Madinah? How would this reflect upon us Arabs in KSA who live on this land and whose ancestors were the Ahl al-Bayt, Sahaba etc. and the best of Muslims? There is already equal rights under Islamic law which we follow. Islamic law is democracy for most Saudis. Which humans rights are violated in KSA? I have never experienced anything. If you are referring to executions then this form of punishment is in accordance with the Shari'ah which is the law of state. Executions are also practiced in secular countries like USA, China and India.

Reforms have already taken place and more will come without a doubt. But it will come when people will be ready and when they accept the changes. Right now most are satisfied hence why calling for KSA to turn into a Las Vegas is unserious and unwise. Moreover the internal matters is something we alone should deal with and nobody else with all due respect.

The ban of women driving cars is more cultural and is interpreted differently but many people are against this rule but this will also change eventually. Personally I don't support it but this has been discussed 1000 times internally and many are still supportive of this and they have their reasons for this and this must be respected.

Also the realities are much more different than what the Western media is trying to portray. If it was as bad as some propagandists like to portray there would not be hundred thousand of Western people working/living in KSA not to mention millions of non-Muslims.

 

[T-123456]

KSA will not turn into a Las Vegas so there is no need for strip clubs and discos in every street corner. Sacred land (Makkah and Madinah) are located in KSA so we have been given a special responsibility that. How do you think the Umma would react if you had Western laws in the middle of Makkah and Madinah? How would this reflect upon us Arabs in KSA who live on this land and whose ancestors were the Ahl al-Bayt, Sahaba etc. and the best of Muslims? There is already equal rights under Islamic law which we follow. Islamic law is democracy for most Saudis. Which humans rights are violated in KSA? I have never experienced anything. If you are referring to executions then this form of punishment is in accordance with the Shari'ah which is the law of state. Executions are also practiced in secular countries like USA, China and India.

Reforms have already taken place and more will come without a doubt. But it will come when people will be ready and when they accept the changes. Right now most are satisfied hence why calling for KSA to turn into a Las Vegas is unserious and unwise. Moreover the internal matters is something we alone should deal with and nobody else with all due respect.

The ban of women driving cars is more cultural and is interpreted differently but many people are against this rule but this will also change eventually. Personally I don't support it but this has been discussed 1000 times internally and many are still supportive of this and they have their reasons for this and this must be respected.

Also the realities are much more different than what the Western media is trying to portray. If it was as bad as some propagandists like to portray there would not be hundred thousand of Western people working/living in KSA not to mention millions of non-Muslims.

This shows that you totaly agree with my first post so why that reaction?
Who said something about turning SA into Las Vegas?
This backword thinking will not bring your country far.
Its good that there are forward thinking people in SA.