| Saudi cities are quickly strengthening their appeal as global investment and tourism hubs. They have also become oases for citizens and international talent who are able to access quality jobs, modern infrastructure, and healthy lifestyle programmes. The government’s vision to transform Riyadh, for example, into a global business hub has helped attract a pool of skilled workforce. Authorities are keen to transform the capital into one of the world’s 10 largest cities and increase its population from 7.5 million today to around 15-20 million by 2030. Last year, the kingdom said it had licensed 44 international companies to set up regional headquarters in Riyadh. Some of these multinationals – specialising in technology, food and beverages, consulting, and construction – include Unilever, Baker Hughes and Siemens. The new regional headquarters are projected to add USD 18 billion to the Saudi economy and provide around 30,000 job opportunities by 2030. The government also aims to raise the number of multinational companies in Riyadh to 480 during tha period. Similarly, Jeddah Central Project is expected to transform the west coast city. Featuring 17,000 residential units, 2,700 hotel rooms, more than 10 entertainment and tourism projects, and four landmarks, the development will revitalise the city’s infrastructure while maintaining its historic and cultural significance. The Public Investment Fund also launched the ‘Boutique Group’, a new hospitality brand that will manage and convert a collection of the country’s iconic attractions with historical and cultural significance into ultra-luxury boutique hotels. A number of other developments, such as NEOM City, the Red Sea Project, and other multi-faceted projects, are underway in the kingdom to create metropolises that are engines of economic growth, deploying the latest sustainable technologies, which will also attract fresh investment in the country.
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