Many talks have been going on discussing how Saudi Arabia is “evolving.” However, does anybody actually think the country will be a meaningfully different country in 2030?

They have embarked on what they say is a very ambitious plan to transform their society by 2030. This is partly due to their desire to not be completely dependent on oil and to diversify their economy. Anybody can say this is a good decision and many would support that.

According to their plan, the country is looking to lift certain restrictions as many of the restrictive policies are bad optics and ultimately terrible for business.

Even as they “wish” to move past their restrictions, we must remember the government bone sawed a reporter to death some 3 years ago. I would call that a devolution, not an evolution. My opinion is as long as Saudi Arabia is ruled by any sort of fanatical religious dictator, it will never evolve into anything it wishes to be. Let’s be honest, they aren’t even interested in evolving, they’re interested in keeping power and not be overthrown. Any steps they take in a positive direction are towards that end, not one of showing they’ve grown a conscience.

So, for you all, this leaves. the big question: Will the Saudi government push for sincere changes in their society for the better or are they only interested in changes that show just enough “evolution” to attract foreign business investment and little more?