In Saudi Arabia and the Arab world in general, wasta means connections and influences that can be used to achieve what a person wants. It can be employment opportunities, overcoming bureaucratic rules, or getting any other things done. According to the country’s Vision 2030, it is expected to make Saudi Arabia a global model of success based on an ambitious nation and thriving economy. This essay includes the introduction, three body paragraphs that discuss the role of wasta in accomplishing Vision 2030, and conclusions on Saudi identity and wasta. Although the widespread use of wasta can cause corruption and a lack of talented employees, it is a part of Saudi society and should be integrated into Vision 2030 with certain changes.
The origins of wasta are related to the earlier tribal nature of Saudi society. From the times when families were large, wasta allowed them to stay connected and supportive of each other. Today, wasta is understood much wider as it includes friends and acquaintances. This system is traditional for the mentioned country, but foreigners can be confused and uncomfortable with it. Since one of the goals of Vision 2030 is to connect three continents, wasta can be a barrier to effective cooperation.
The use of wasta provides opportunities to those who use it, while it limits jobs for talented professionals. In this regard, this tradition can threaten progress and transparency. As noted in the official document, people are the main power and resource of Saudi Arabia, and national unity is the basis for values and faith. As wasta is used to gain economic benefits, it can a reason for corruption and reduced productivity. Nevertheless, wasta and Vision 2030 can co-exist to strengthen the nation. While older adults are likely to perceive the tradition as the link between the family members, younger generations associate it with economic opportunities and important social structure. In this connection, wasta should be used to encourage Saudi people to help each other and thrive as a united nation.
Without wasta, Saudi Arabia could not be authentically Saudi as it is something more than a tradition, it is a lifestyle. However, it would be better if wasta could be changed to fit Vision 2030 and contribute to its accomplishment. Namely, it would be better if wasta would not be applied to foreign entrepreneurs to avoid confusion. It must be explained to the countries of cooperation that wasta is natural to Saudi Arabia and that they don’t need to apply it. Public information should be unbiased and reliable and transparent to make sure that citizens and countries can easily access them. It might be necessary to include wasta issues in Vision 2030 to promote culture and social well-being.
To conclude, wasta and Vision 2030 can exist in combination, even though this tradition may be a barrier if remained as it is. The Saudi Arabia society cannot be imagined without wasta as it serves as an integral component that supports relationships between people. However, certain changes in practicing it are necessary, including avoiding wasta in working with foreign countries, making public information reliable, and explaining the tradition to partners who are not engaged in the local culture.
References
Daffa, R. (2019). Saudi Arabia’s ‘super wasta’ paves a path for big businesses. Arab News. Web.
Ramady, M. A. (2015). The Political Economy of Wasta: Use and Abuse of Social Capital Networking (1st ed. 2016 ed.). Springer.