Saudi Arabia: Developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Usamah al-Kurdi
Member, Consultative Council of Saudi Arabia

Overview

Usamah al-Kurdi spoke at the Middle East Institute on the reforms that are presently taking place in Saudi Arabia. Through his presentation, al-Kurdi emphasized the particularity of Saudi Arabian development and democratization, insisting that change is occurring slowly but surely in the Kingdom and responding to critics of Saudi reform, who claim government foot-dragging on the issue.

Event Summary

During his talk at the Middle East Institute, prominent member of Saudi Arabia's Majlis al-Shura -- or the Consultative Council -- Usamah al-Kurdi imparted his views on the developments that have been underway in the Kingdom since 1993. Al-Kurdi's presentation traced the series of reforms that have begun to alter the way that the Saudi people live, work, and participate in government. Central to these reforms were the rights of individuals to challenge the government and the removal of those barriers that have heretofore preceded the limited engagement of particular groups (most notably women and foreigners) in Saudi Arabia's government, society, and economy. All in all, al-Kurdi's message was clear: while change occurs slowly in Saudi Arabia, it is underway, and the country will one day enjoy a more democratic society.

Al-Kurdi acknowledged the pressing need for human development as the key instigator of reform in the Kingdom, which he dates to 1993, when King Fahd established the Majlis al-Shura. He elaborated on reforms dealing with education while pointing to the creation of the Consultative Council, civil societies, and municipal councils as the bench mark of progress in Saudi Arabia -- theoretically these measures should ensure that the Saudi peoples' voices will be heard. Al-Kurdi emphasized the opening of the economy that has been taking place over the last decade, most notably as a result of dismantling measures that had restricted foreign investment. However, al-Kurdi shunned the suggestion that Saudi Arabia should follow the economic expansion model of its neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, who over the past decade has enjoyed a quick ascent to the top of the business and financial world.

Al-Kurdi also stated that contrary to the perception of many Americans, progress is not a science; there is no universal formula for initiating reform. Accordingly, al-Kurdi challenged the notion that Saudi development must adhere to Western patterns of progress through direct engagement of citizens. Rather, he argued that change must align with Saudi customs, which he conceded are still very much steeped in tradition and religious values. Al-Kurdi asserted that these traditions are unlikely to change soon and that a "mass democratization" of Saudi society is impossible.

Al-Kurdi also addressed the status of women in Saudi society. Although al-Kurdi stated his desire to see Saudi women's rights advanced more quickly, he also pointed out evidence of progress already made, citing examples of well-educated and successful women from his own family. Al-Kurdi noted that women currently constitute 35% of all employees in the public sector and 55% of all university students in Saudi Arabia. Al-Kurdi also admitted the limitations of developments concerning women's rights, but he expressed satisfaction at the current rate of Saudi progress on this issue and optimism about the potential for further improvements.

---Saudi-US Relations Information Service (SUSRIS)