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'Saudi Arabia' - often the mere mention of this Arab Gulf state triggers fear and antipathy, or even jealousy of thousands of princes, swimming in black gold and wallowing in luxury. Consequently the announcement of a planned visit to the country is received with sheer horror: the western media has done its work. This book is not concerned with politics, arms sales, human rights offences, executions or similar topics, although these are in no way glossed over. But the main concern is with the themes of the economy, education, art and culture - in the context of the 'Vision 2030' programme published in April 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and seen as revolutionary by the arch-conservative Wahhabis. This vision, which affects all aspects of life, will undoubtedly bring about a change in the Kingdom, against a background of falling oil income. Ministries, important institutions, state concerns, the strengthened private sector and the young population support Vision 2030. Playing an important role in this, and being challenged at the highest level are the new bearers of hope: Saudi women. This book is addressed to all those who want to get to know a large part of the reality of Saudi Arabia and its hospitable and open-minded inhabitants, an aspect ignored by the wider world. The book is like this great land itself: different from anything else.
