Why is Saudi Arabia’s patriotism so powerful today?

A few days ago, I went to the hospital, feeling unwell with a severe infection. The Tunisian doctor who treated me was kind, friendly, thoughtful and remarkably expressive.

What stayed with me wasn’t her diagnosis, but the spark in her eyes as she spoke about the transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia.

Our short conversation quickly shifted from my medical condition to her experience living in Riyadh.

She praised the Kingdom for giving her the opportunity to work and spoke admiringly of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a visionary leader, someone she said the Arab world needs to see more of.

As I stepped out of the hospital, her words lingered in my mind. I found myself asking: Why does the Saudi model, and the ongoing phenomenal transformation taking place within the Kingdom, resonate so deeply — even with people who are not Saudi?

Surely what’s happening in the Kingdom goes beyond geography or politics; it’s a story of ambition, renewal, and the courage to dream big.

Throughout modern history, and even today, people have asked what truly makes a nation succeed.

Today, Saudi Arabia has become part of that global discussion, an example of a successful model. The Saudi model is often highlighted and discussed with great interest by many.

From the very launch of Vision 2030, through the many transformative projects that have since been announced and inaugurated — culminating in the Kingdom’s remarkable success in winning the bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — Saudis have consistently responded with unity, pride and celebration.

These milestones reflect their deep trust in the leadership and their genuine love for the nation.

With more than 70 percent of the population under the age of 35, the Kingdom’s youth amplify this spirit online, turning every national achievement into a collective moment of pride and optimism.

Furthermore, during special occasions, everywhere you look, the green flag waves high, patriotic songs fill the air, and a keen sense of unity defines the nation.

Together, these moments send a message to others — that a new chapter of belief, confidence and purpose is being written.

Thinking about this new Saudi spirit reminded me of a moment in history that took place more than a century ago — when New York City opened its first subway in 1904.

As New Yorkers stepped underground for the first time, many said it felt “like entering another world.”

It was a symbol of hope, innovation and humanity’s refusal to stand still, as many described it at the time.

In the same way, today’s Saudi transformation carries that same energy and tells the story of a nation moving confidently toward its future.

Interestingly, data from a 2024 Gallup International Association survey reinforces this spirit.

When asked whether they would fight for their country in the event of war, 94 percent of Saudis answered “Yes,” one of the highest levels of commitment in the world.

While willingness to defend one’s homeland has declined in many countries, including the United States and across Europe, Saudi Arabia stands out for its intense sense of unity and national pride.

The admiration for Saudi Arabia’s transformation, in my opinion, reflects something broader — the fact that this model speaks to all of humanity.

The opportunities the Kingdom has created for people from every background have fostered a genuine sense of belonging, respect and shared pride.

This spirit of inclusiveness defines a new meaning of Saudi patriotism — a loyalty that, while deeply rooted in love for the land, now extends to the values of progress, prosperity and human development that continue to shape the Kingdom’s extraordinary journey under Vision 2030.

It is a new spirit — confident, forward‑looking and inspiring — that enriches lives and empowers people from all walks of life to build a better future for themselves and those they love.

• Nasser bin Hamed Al-Ahmad is a political researcher and writer with more than seven years’ experience in political media. He specializes in analyzing political trends in the MENA region and the US. X: nasseralahmad3