ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

A few weeks ago, a famous Saudi anthropologist appeared in a TV interview and articulated some provocative views on tribalism, especially the condescending attitude in some segments of Saudi society toward people who are non-tribal or of lower tribal rank. Immediately afterward, the anthropologist urged the government to introduce a national program to integrate society through intermarriage between tribal and non-tribal individuals, Bedouin and urban. These comments sparked a heated debate on digital, social and printed media. People from conservative, liberal and tribal backgrounds jumped fervently into the controversy. It seems that tribalism has many fierce and dedicated supporters, as inferred from their scathing criticism of the anthropologist and his commentary. Accordingly, questions emerged: How will today’s tribalism interact with the national development plans? Is tribalism contrary to Vision 2030 or compatible with it?
ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, the cradle of Islam, a member of the G20 and one of the world’s wealthiest nations, is located in a region that is notorious for its geopolitical conflicts and threats. However, the biggest challenge for the Kingdom is to overhaul its economy beyond oil and ensure its sustainability for a growing population, two-thirds of which are young men and women under the age of 35.
Time is of the essence. The world is relentlessly searching for renewable and clean sources of energy that are safe for the public and benign to the environment. Sharp changes in demand for oil and volatility in its price do not bode well for an economy that derives its revenue mainly from a depletable commodity. Without correction, the Saudi economy would have descended precipitously toward extremely dire consequences for one of the most pivotal countries in the Middle East.

Commitment to the tribe and its territory should evolve into a devotion to the entire homeland and all of its inhabitants

Dr. Hasan Massloom

As a result, a national corrective plan was born, with Vision 2030 unveiled to Saudi citizens and the world at large on April 25, 2016. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stood behind a podium at a press conference broadcast across the globe to introduce his vision and answer questions related to it. Vision 2030 was highly praised by world leaders and economy magnates, who characterized it as ambitious, inspiring and bold. This unique, transformative economic and social reform agenda is opening ºÚÁÏÉçÇø up to the world and aims to achieve its goals by 2030. The targets include a diverse economy rich in local content, an increase in the non-oil gross domestic product from 16 percent to 50 percent, innovative opportunities for local and foreign investments, and the purging of corruption.
For anyone who knows a little bit of the history of the Kingdom and the fabric of its people, two big questions readily come to mind: What social changes are needed to realize Vision 2030? And what are its social ramifications? No discussion of social change is conceivable without acknowledging the tribal background of the society of ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.
Tribalism in Arabia has existed for thousands of years, predating Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It was an independent, cohesive system for survival in the desert that provided social status, economic advantage and physical protection for its members. People of one tribe shared a common ancestry, a collective dignity and a coalesced reputation. Harsh life in the arid desert decreed a firm and binding moral bond among tribes to defend their progeny and possessions. Tribal history prided itself on social hierarchy, an obligation for vengeance and a deep commitment to territory, pasture and water wells.
The founding King Abdulaziz tactfully pivoted the Arabian tribal scene toward his dream of a national kingdom when he persuaded hostile and fighting tribes to cast their conflicts aside and unite under his leadership to build a modern state. Likewise, Vision 2030 espouses a national identity beyond tribal allegiances. Therefore, commitment to the tribe and its territory should evolve into a devotion to the entire homeland and all of its inhabitants, whether they are tribal or non-tribal, male or female, or a native of Arabia or naturalized.
Discrimination, the marginalization of women and corruption are all obstacles to social progress and threaten economic reform for any nation anywhere in the world. Vision 2030 affirms equal protection under the law regardless of race and gender, holds individuals accountable for their actions, and bases advancement in society on an individual’s capabilities and merits.
Secondly, nepotism, in which some segments of society indulge, has become unacceptable, untenable and unforgivable. Nowadays, the fast rhythm of life, instant connectivity and the interdependent nature of the global economy require an agile approach that facilitates investment, innovation and production through partnership and collaboration with people from diverse identities, cultures and backgrounds.
The challenges confronting the status of tribes in ºÚÁÏÉçÇø today are the rural-urban migration, adaptation to a massive cultural shift and sustainability of the same level of prosperity. In 1950, approximately half the Saudi population lived in tents without a fixed address, while only 5 percent lived in urban areas. Today, 85 percent of Saudis are city and town dwellers. The nuclear family has become the cornerstone of Saudi society; the personal choice is more relevant than tribal consensus. Alongside tribal affiliation, education level and financial status are becoming important factors in choosing a suitable husband or wife. Even tribal spouses in rural areas are marrying later in life and having fewer children.
Despite the challenges, the altruistic tribal culture continues to radiate many admirable and inspirational attributes. Arab tribes are legendary for their generosity to their guests and their philanthropy to the poor and needy. A few months ago, a Sudanese resident, who had lived in Najran for 37 years, was put in prison after he caused the death of another person in a car accident. The judge’s verdict was the payment of blood money that the Sudanese man could not afford. In less than 48 hours, the people of Najran collected a sum of SR112,000 ($29,800) on behalf of their neighbor.
Tribesmen deliver on their promises and pledges — even if it means sacrificing their lives — in accordance with their legacy of honor and moral integrity. Conflicts are frequently resolved through reconciliation and forgiveness to save lives and avert harsher punishments from the courts. For example, a man from Tabuk, whose son was killed in a brawl a few years ago, pardoned the killer without requesting any financial remuneration.
Border tribes are fundamental to the Kingdom’s defense against foreign threats. And Bedouins love their camels, horses and falcons in a manner that exemplifies human kindness toward animals. Furthermore, there is growing demand locally and internationally for desert tourism and exploration, which could contribute a great deal to the national revenue. Camel beauty contests, camel races, falcon auctions, poetry competitions and traditional festivals attract huge audiences because of the captivating, picturesque and natural beauty of the desert.
In conclusion, strict ideologies and austere lifestyles preserved the social and political order in the desert for centuries before the discovery of oil. However, social development and economic progress require a move away from rigid, obsolete and futile values. Vision 2030 is sifting through tribal heritage to align with and augment its positive values, which can drive the momentum of social and economic development forward. Conversely, negative and divisive values that encroach upon reform or impede development could pose a serious threat to the cohesion of Saudi society and its economic sustainability in the future.

• Dr. Hasan Massloom is a board certified cardiothoracic surgeon and a member of the Shoura Council of ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. Twitter: @massloom