A Masterclass in Change Management:
Saudi Arabia is teaching us that change doesn’t have to be slow. With clear vision, committed leadership, and integrated systems, a transformation that once seemed impossible is now unfolding in front of us.
Mark Saymen
7/15/20251 min read
A Masterclass in Change Management:
Through my various visits to Saudi Arabia over the years, I’ve witnessed something remarkable — a visible, tangible cultural shift.
From dress codes and gender inclusion to entrepreneurship and digital innovation, the pace of change has been intentional, bold, and deeply strategic.
👏 Kudos to the visionary leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and the architects of Vision 2030, who have not only reimagined a nation's economy — but reshaped its culture in real time.
The National Transformation Program (NTP) — launched in 2016 — stands as a bold example of driving sustainable, system-wide transformation.
One powerful case in point:
📍 The Digital Government Authority and the Absher platform, a once-simple government e-service portal, evolved into a national digital infrastructure that now handles over 280 services — from renewing passports to filing business permits — radically improving accessibility and accountability.
💥 Result?
Government e-transactions rose from 26% in 2016 to over 96% by 2023.
Citizen satisfaction with digital services surged, empowering a generation accustomed to slow, paper-based processes.
🌍 But the real transformation?
Culture. Mindset. Possibility.
👩💼 Women’s workforce participation increased from 19% in 2016 to over 36% by 2022
🎓 A surge in entrepreneurship: more than 900 tech startups launched across Riyadh and Jeddah
🎭 Cultural openness: from global sporting events to concerts, cafes, and public festivals — a nation reconnecting with both its roots and its global future
🔄 What Can Organizations Learn from Vision 2030?
Top-down vision meets bottom-up inclusion
Visionary leadership set the tone, but execution relied on local innovators, digital talent, and everyday citizens.Symbols of change matter
Shifts in policy were mirrored in public space, communication, and everyday norms — building momentum beyond regulation.Transformation must touch systems and stories
Data-driven KPIs were balanced with bold storytelling — empowering people to see themselves in the future being built.
Saudi Arabia is teaching us that change doesn’t have to be slow.
With clear vision, committed leadership, and integrated systems, a transformation that once seemed impossible is now unfolding in front of us.
And for those of us working in transformation, innovation, or public policy — this is a case study worth studying deeply.