Government Press Conference: Transparency of Ambition and Achievements of Transformation

In line with its commitment to realising Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing direct communication with citizens, the center of Government Communication at the Ministry of Media organised the 23rd periodic press conference, with the participation of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, and His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadli. The conference reflected the approach of transparency and openness, showcasing the most prominent national achievements across various sectors, affirming that the Kingdom is no longer waiting for the future—it is shaping it with steady steps.  

The Minister of Media opened the conference by emphasizing that the Kingdom is experiencing an unprecedented transformation story, where Vision 2030 has become a symbol of limitless ambition. He noted that Saudi achievements are no longer just local but have garnered global attention, particularly in humanitarian aid. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has provided over 30 billion riyals to assist 108 countries through 3,500 developmental and medical projects. Additionally, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen contributed 4.27 billion riyals to 265 vital projects.  

In the digital sector, the Minister revealed that the digital economy reached 495 billion riyals in 2024, contributing 15% to the GDP, with an annual growth rate of nearly 7%. The number of technology companies listed in the financial market also rose from two in 2020 to 23 in 2024, confirming the Kingdom’s shift from a technology consumer to a producer. Saudi Arabia ranked second among G20 countries in telecommunications and technology sector regulations.  

For his part, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture highlighted the Kingdom’s pioneering initiatives in environmental conservation. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, 151.3 million trees were planted, and protected terrestrial areas expanded to 18.1% of the Kingdom’s total area. Additionally, five specialized environmental centers were established, and the Environmental Fund—one of the largest in the region—was launched.  

In water sustainability, the Minister explained that the Kingdom has become a global model, implementing projects worth 232 billion riyals and increasing desalinated water production to 16.6 million cubic meters per day. Energy consumption in desalination was reduced by 50%, while treated wastewater reuse rose to 554 million cubic meters annually.  

In the agricultural sector, the Minister disclosed that the sector contributed 118 billion riyals to the GDP in 2024, marking a 39% growth compared to 2020. Self-sufficiency rates exceeded 100% for products such as dates and fresh milk, while date exports reached 111 countries, valued at 1.7 billion riyals. The Kingdom also set a world record in sustainable agriculture with the inclusion of the Ibn Hashbal farm in the Guinness World Records as the largest farm globally.  

The Minister of Media touched on the upcoming National Media Strategy, noting that the Saudi Media Forum will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques as a platform for Saudi media’s global influence. He affirmed that the Kingdom supports its media message with Saudi talent, whether within the country or anywhere in the world.  

During the conference, journalists’ questions were addressed, covering topics such as measures to reduce water bills through the Kashf platform for leak detection and efforts to monitor agricultural pesticides, which achieved a 98% compliance rate with international standards. Cooperation with China in agriculture and cloud seeding was also highlighted, with the latter program increasing rainfall by 25-30%.  

The conference concluded by affirming that Saudi successes are not coincidental but the result of strategic planning and precise execution. The Kingdom continues to prove that it is not only building a prosperous present but also shaping a future that reflects the depth of its vision and the steadfastness of its resolve.