Lessons From The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

Are We Building a World for the Elite? Lessons from Saudi Arabia’s Vision and Beyond

Introduction

What if the cities of the future are designed not for everyone, but for a select few? I recently watched a documentary about Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and his ambitious Vision 2030, and it left me with an unsettling thought: are we seeing a world where infrastructure and systems are built to prioritize the elite, while others are left on the sidelines? From gleaming freeways to futuristic smart cities, the patterns in Saudi Arabia seem to echo globally. Let’s explore what’s happening and ask: is this the future we want?

A Top-Down Vision in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, promises to transform the kingdom into a global hub of innovation. Projects like NEOM—a $500 billion futuristic city—and Riyadh’s luxury developments showcase cutting-edge infrastructure: high-speed rail, AI-driven governance, and pristine highways. But who are these projects for? The documentary suggested a system where lives are meticulously analyzed, almost as if people are pieces in a grand chess game, moved to serve the state’s goals. NEOM, for instance, is pitched as a haven for innovation, but its exclusivity and cost raise questions about whether it’s for the average citizen or a global elite.

Global Echoes: Infrastructure for the Few?

This isn’t just a Saudi story. Around the world, we see similar patterns. In cities like Dubai, London, or New York, shiny skyscrapers and high-tech transport systems often cater to the wealthy, while marginalized communities are pushed to the edges. McKinsey’s 2025 infrastructure report estimates $106 trillion will be spent globally by 2040 on projects like smart cities and electric-vehicle networks. Sounds great, right? But these developments often prioritize corporate interests or affluent urbanites. Rural areas and lower-income groups? They’re often left with crumbling roads and outdated systems.

Take smart cities, for example. From Singapore to Toronto’s scrapped Sidewalk Labs project, these hubs use AI and data to optimize urban life. But they also collect vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about surveillance and control. China’s social credit system is an extreme case, where citizens’ behaviors are tracked and scored, shaping their access to opportunities. It feels like a top-down system where individuals are managed to fit the needs of those in power.

Are We Being “Tucked Away”?

The documentary showed gleaming Saudi freeways that seemed built for a privileged few, while others appeared sidelined. Globally, this feels familiar. Gated communities, private airports, and luxury districts are on the rise, while public housing and accessible transit lag behind. It’s as if parts of society are being “tucked away” to make room for elite playgrounds. In 2024, KPMG noted a “Great Reset” in infrastructure, where geopolitical priorities drive projects that often reinforce existing power structures. The result? A world where the benefits of progress aren’t shared equally.

What Can We Do?

If this is the future, it’s not set in stone. Awareness is the first step. By noticing these patterns—whether in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 or your own city’s development—you can start asking questions. Who benefits from these projects? Who’s left out? Engage with your community, support policies that prioritize equitable infrastructure, and explore alternatives like decentralized systems (e.g., privacy-focused tech or local cooperatives) that empower individuals over elites.

Conclusion

The Saudi documentary opened my eyes to a world where top-down control and elite-focused infrastructure are reshaping societies. But it’s not just Saudi Arabia—it’s a global trend. From smart cities to surveillance systems, the future seems designed for the few, not the many. Let’s talk about it. Have you seen these patterns in your city or country? Share your thoughts below, and let’s figure out how to build a future that works for all of us.

Call to Action
Drop a comment with your observations or examples from your area. If you found this post eye-opening, share it to spark discussion. Together, we can shine a light on these trends and push for a more inclusive world.

You can watch the documentary "The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia" for free on platforms like PBS and its associated PBS App, as well as Plex. Other documentaries about the Crown Prince are available on YouTube