The last year took everyone in Saudi by surprise, after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s surprising revelations about his plans for the Kingdom’s economy. It wasn’t until it was announced that the lift on women driving ban, did we really listen and believe. 

Well due to the many changes stated in 2017 for the next year, here are a few things we should be really excited about:

1. Cinemas are coming back to the Kingdom! 

This means no more driving to Bahrain, and we all finally get to invest our salaries into something that’s entertaining to do- even alone. Cinemas will do more than just have everyone’s eyes glued to large screens with popcorns and a soda. 

The return of cinemas is historic enough to change the creative outlets of Saudi youth and give them more of a platform too. 

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How exciting!

2. Women will be able to drive in Saudi this 2018

A long ban on women driving will finally be lifted sometime around June 2018, meaning the women around you will not only save more money (cost-cutting on Ubers and drivers) but they’ll finally get to run their own errands, hassle-free! 

This move will even provide more opportunity for women, like jobs as driving instructors or actual Careem/Uber drivers. And in turn, this will coincide with Crown Prince MBS’ Vision 2030, to lift women in the workforce by 30% than its current 22%.

3. Women will also now be able to watch sporting events 

Starting 2018 on the right path, the Kingdom plans to allow women into three major sports stadiums as issued by the General Sports Authority. This means more form of spectating events and getting to cheer their favorite teams while showing national unity, along with the other gender. 

Long gone are the daaays!

4. Tourists will easily get visas to see the beauty of Saudi Arabia 

Say all you want, but Saudi is a treasure waiting to be excavated not just by its locals but by others too. We’ve got sights to see, developmental projects in the works and the beautiful Red Sea coast among other things. 

Tourists will finally get to witness all that we see and this will help lessen the misconceptions that often come with the Kingdom. 

5. More events and performances possibly from your fave Hollywood stars 

Before 2017 ended, we saw John Travolta coming to the Kingdom and actors Jason Momoa and more for Comic Con. We also had surprising performances from rapper Nelly, singer Yanni and more. 

So sky is really the limit now… 

6. Aramco will be privatised and might sell 5% for US $100 Billion

Reports have shown that Saudi officials intend to sell a small stake in Aramco this year. If this does take place, it might be one of the largest stock market listing historically. Selling only 5% of Aramco could already raise U.S. $100 Billion. 

WOWZA.