Great Futures is a year-long program, launched in Riyadh in May 2024, aimed at accelerating business and cultural exchange between the UK and Saudi Arabia. This initiative, promoted by the UK government's GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland Campaign, is designed to showcase UK innovation and ingenuity in various sectors, including trade, education, architecture, tourism, culture, education, clean tech, AI, luxury, fashion, and construction, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. The program features showcases, networking events, thought leadership sessions, and entertainment, aiming to foster partnerships between UK and Saudi businesses.
The inaugural event brought together over 750 leaders from both nations, including UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. The summit facilitated discussions on economic diversification, cultural exchange, and educational collaboration. Notably, bilateral trade between the UK and Saudi Arabia saw a 68% increase in 2023, reaching $17 billion, with aspirations to achieve £30 billion by 2030.
Education emerged as a focal point, with the University of Strathclyde planning to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, over 40 higher education partnerships were signed, emphasizing the commitment to knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Cultural collaboration was also prominent. The UK's National Archives signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture to support the development of the Saudi National Archives, enhancing expertise in documentation and archiving. Furthermore, the Royal College of Art partnered with Effat University in Jeddah to initiate a student exchange programme, nurturing future creative leaders.
The programme recognizes Saudi Arabia’s bold ambition under Vision 2030, which includes a $3 trillion investment plan and the development of five major giga-projects such as NEOM and AlUla. By fostering collaboration in key sectors, the programme aligns with the Kingdom’s transformative social and economic goals. It supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy, empower its youth, and promote cultural openness, reflecting a shared commitment between the UK and Saudi Arabia to shape a more innovative and inclusive future.
Tourism and heritage sectors received attention, with the UK and Saudi Arabia working together to promote AlUla as a world-class cultural destination. UK institutions are contributing to AlUla's development, aiming to attract two million tourists annually by 2035 and generate $32 billion for the local economy.
GREAT FUTURES 24–25 represents a comprehensive effort to deepen UK–Saudi relations across multiple sectors. By facilitating collaboration in trade, education, culture, and tourism, the initiative seeks to contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 while offering opportunities for UK businesses and institutions.
