Publications

Sustainable development has been an increasingly important dimension in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the inception of the country’s development process, with major highlights of this dimension already evident in Saudi Arabia's long-term strategic directions. Practical implementation of this endeavor proceeded throughout the Kingdom's successive five-year development plans that were initiated in 1970, with a primary focus on development of capabilities of citizens, attainment of their ambitions, satisfying their needs and improving their standard of living, since citizens are the ultimate target of sustainable development. In addition, development plans have been keen to extend development to all social and economic sectors across all provinces. In the context of implementing its development strategy, Saudi Arabia draws upon Islamic principles and values as well as on economic freedom, so as to integrate the three basic dimensions of development: economic, social and environmental.