Saudi Arabia's crown prince said Wednesday (October 24th) his country would be "totally different" within five years, vowing to pursue sweeping reforms to diversify its economy away from oil, AFP reported.
"I believe the new Europe is the Middle East," Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told a major investment forum in Riyadh.
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in five years will be completely different."
Prince Mohammed has been the driving force behind Riyadh's Vision 2030 plan for economic and social reforms, including ambitious projects such as futuristic mega-cities, as Riyadh prepares for a post-oil era.
"If we succeed in the coming five years, other countries will join us," he said.
He said his country had already taken "very big steps" to develop its own economy.
"The numbers speak for themselves," he said. "Our non-oil revenues have almost tripled."
