Whenever I tell my friends around the world that I'm heading back to Saudi Arabia to explore — because I LIKE it — most look at me as if I'd booked a beach holiday in Karachi.
"Well, go see it for yourself!"
"Yeah, ok ok, maybe sometime, not sure, let's see."
"No, now is the time, go now!"
"Well, you know, the thing is, I mean, let's change the topic."
For those who fancy it, yes, you actually CAN go on a bikini beach holiday at Red Sea Global, or have a glass of red wine at a diplomat's home — both legal, both possible today. But more importantly, you'll get to know a fascinating traditional country and culture that awoke from a decades-long slumber. And what an awakening.
This time, I went to the capital to inspect all the awe-inspiring projects under construction. Many of the world's brightest minds are living there today, building the Singapore of the future.
Come 2035, that "beach-holiday-in-Karachi" look of disbelief will have long evaporated, and I bet Riyadh, Jeddah, NEOM & co will have plenty of people singing their praises.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stefanzwanzger_whenever-i-tell-my-friends-around-the-world-activity-7381572009907929089-OnY5/