Progress in the Gulf: How Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE are embracing reforms to shape a liberal identity

When people think of the Middle East, especially the Gulf countries, they often imagine conservative Islamic societies. Just two decades ago, this was indeed true; countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) adhered to strict Islamic practices as part of their official state policies. 

But fast forward to today, the picture has drastically changed. 

Saudi Arabia, for instance, has been taking many steps towards liberalisation under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His vision encompasses everything from ambitious mega-projects to broader social change.

Saudi Arabia's liberal turn is strategic — a state-driven effort to modernise society, attract investment, and diversify its economy.

The most noticeable part of this change is the 'Vision 2030' plan, which aims to reduce the country's reliance on oil and make society more modern. 

Saudi civil servants, once complacent, are now urgently revising policies on everything from divorce to foreign investment. In total, over 600 reform packages have been introduced.

On the economic front, the most eye-catching of these initiatives are the 'giga-projects,' where officials plan to invest nearly $900 billion by 2030. These include a futuristic 'linear city', a ski resort set against a desert backdrop, 50 luxury hotels along the Red Sea, and the world's tallest building in Riyadh. 

At present, the non-oil sectors experiencing the fastest growth in Saudi Arabia include retail and hospitality. According to its central bank, the portion of household spending allocated to dining out, recreation, and culture increased from 12% in 2017 to nearly 20% in 2024.

Socially though, the big change that has been making the headlines is the improvement of women's rights. Since 2018, women have gained greater autonomy in movement, employment, and entrepreneurship. Discrimination in hiring and pay is now prohibited. Women's participation in the workforce has surged from 20% to 36%.

Cultural liberalisation has also taken root. Cinemas reopened after a 35-year ban in 2017, concerts by international artists are now common, and tourism is being promoted with the easing of visa restrictions. The growth in tourism has risen from around 60 million in 2016 to more than 100 million in 2023.

Earlier this year, Jennifer Lopez, clad in a catsuit, performed at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah. On a more everyday level, at Boulevard City, an open-air mall in Riyadh, a DJ energises a crowd of young dancers — something that would have been beyond imagination two decades ago. 

With a young population and high unemployment, the government understands that diversifying the economy and modernising society are essential for lasting stability.

However, it is important to note that this is not merely economic necessity that has driven these changes. There are also diplomatic reasons. 

With its liberalism, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a neutral mediator for global crises. As a leading power in the Middle East, it has historically mediated in conflicts, most notably in Yemen, where it led a coalition against Houthi rebels since 2015. The country has also hosted peace talks aimed at resolving tensions between different factions in Yemen. 

In addition to facilitating talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, Riyadh has also become a meeting spot for summits of the Arab League to discuss the conflict in Sudan and the future of Palestinians in Gaza.

"We see it providing that mediating role between the US and Russia, between the US and Ukraine, and it has become an essential player in the Middle East, certainly with regards to the Palestinians, to Syria and to Lebanon," Neil Quilliam, a foreign affairs specialist at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told DW.

In fact, Saudi Arabia offered to mediate in the recent India-Pakistan conflict as well, reports AFP.

Meanwhile, Qatar, another superpower of the Middle East, has shown a gradual shift toward liberalisation in recent years, navigating a balance between its traditional values and the pressures of an increasingly globalised world. 

Historically recognised for its conservative interpretation of Islamic law, the country has started embracing reforms designed to modernise its social, political, and economic landscape.

The most significant of these changes includes the easing of certain social restrictions. Women are now allowed to drive and participate more actively in the workforce. Furthermore, the government has introduced reforms that promote greater freedom of expression, with increased international media presence and platforms for public discourse. 

Qatar's economic prosperity, fueled by its vast oil and natural gas reserves, has enabled the government to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, thereby improving the quality of life for its citizens and expatriates. The country has actively sought to diversify its economy, moving beyond oil dependence and encouraging sectors such as tourism, technology, and finance. 

The nation's approach to liberalisation has also been seen in its diplomatic efforts. It has engaged in a more open foreign policy, fostering ties with both Western and regional powers. 

The country has developed a strong reputation as a neutral party in conflict mediation, particularly in the Middle East. Its role in facilitating peace talks in Afghanistan is one of the most notable examples. 

Qatar hosted the US-Taliban talks that culminated in the 2020 Doha Agreement. It allowed the country to play a crucial part in the peace process. Qatar has been involved in efforts to mediate between rival factions in Sudan, Libya, and Lebanon, providing diplomatic channels for dialogue and reconciliation.

Another Gulf country, the UAE, has also changed a lot in recent years, becoming more open, especially in its social policies and relationships with other countries.

This change is largely attributed to the leadership of Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has promoted modernisation and reform across various sectors. The UAE has introduced a range of progressive reforms, such as allowing unmarried couples to live together, decriminalising alcohol consumption, and granting greater freedom for women in terms of work, education, and personal rights. 

On the global stage, the UAE has become more open, forming diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 and working to become a center for business, tourism, and innovation.

These changes reflect the country's desire to position itself as a progressive, modern state while maintaining its core values and traditions. 

The UAE, with its growing military and diplomatic reach, has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts as well. In Libya, the UAE has been involved in supporting the eastern forces of Khalifa Haftar but has also been part of peace talks in efforts to find a resolution to the civil war.