The Quality of Life Program in the Kingdom has highlighted the accomplishments of its relevant sectors in its annual report for 2023, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
These sectors include urban landscape, security, culture and heritage, sports, tourism, and entertainment. The Program achieved notable progress in its strategic indicators last year, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Quality of Life Program scored 100% or more in 22 indicators, contributed SAR 1.5bn to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, and led the implementation of 127 diverse initiatives in close cooperation with 17 executive agencies.
Urban Design
The Quality of Life Program achieved significant progress in urban design. As a result, the per capita share of popular spaces increased by 132% to reach 6.61 square meters per person. Meanwhile, the number of parks increased to 8,328, including 5,515 playgrounds and 222.9 million square meters of green spaces.
This underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to promote the urban landscape and improve the quality of services. Furthermore, it reflects a focus on humanizing cities, addressing visual pollution, developing roads, and boosting digitalization in the municipal sector.
Sports Sectors
In 2023, the number of people who engage in weekly sports and physical activities surged to 37%, exceeding the target by 103%.
Moreover, the number of licenses issued for private sports facilities reached 3039, while the number of venues hosting sports events and programs 2,793.
Entertainment Sector
The entertainment sector witnessed a steady progress in 2023. Saudi Arabia supported global events and provided training and educational programs to produce qualified human cadres, including an employment program for 600 beneficiaries, and training 90 entertainment leaders.
For supporting and promoting investment, the Kingdom launched entertainment accelerators which involved a variety of activities, such as adopting 28 startup projects.
Additionally, the number of entertainment venues increased to 584, surpassing the target by 169%. The “mall space per capita” indicator made a quantum leap with 0.68 square meter/person, exceeding the target by 183%. Moreover, the number of hobby clubs surpassed the target by 142%, reaching 569.
Tourism Sector
This vital sector witnessed several breakthroughs during 2023. The Kingdom welcomed more than 100 million domestic and international visitors by the end of the year, 7 years ahead of schedule. Hence, the target was updated to 150 million visitors by 2030. Tourist spending surpassed SAR 250bn, including SAR 135bn from incoming tourists.
Furthermore, the tourism sector harnessed several innovative solutions and online applications. These initiatives contributed to achieving several successes within the project of enhancing tourism data system, as well as providing training and qualification opportunities in the sector for Saudi youth.
Cultural Sector
Construction projects and training programs played a key role in supporting the cultural sector. The number of Saudi employees in the sector surged to 216,878, exceeding the target by 201%. Also, the number of integrated cultural facilities increased to 45, and the cultural events accounted for 3,934 days.
Moreover, several museums have been inaugurated, and restoration of many archeological sites have been completed, including Al-Qashla Palace in Hail, and King Abdulaziz Palace, in addition to operating handicraft centers in Madinah, Tabuk and Al-Ahsa, and registering Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve in UNESCO World Heritage List.
Quality of Life Program
The annual report underlined the Quality of Life Program’s efforts to improve the standards of living and liveability, by providing options, developing systems and human capital, and building infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Program contributes to enabling and supporting various quality-of-life related sectors. This has led to signing agreements and partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and non-profit sector. The Quality of Life Program has marketed and implemented a lot of investment opportunities, valued at SAR 800bn, in a wide range of projects that contribute to achieving the Quality of Life targets.
