Saudi Arabia Erasing Religion From National Identity Reverting To Nationalism

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 It is a known fact that the Saudis want to develop non-religious tourism to become a major source of income for the country. They have announced new tourism strategies in their Vision 2030. The Saudis want regular tourism income to eclipse religion based income for the country.
 There are many ways of reading this. Diversification of income is a good strategy.  But another reason that is being suggested is that the Saudis wish to be weaned off religion itself. 
The rash of rock concerts, entertainment shows, Samba dancers and other government funded hedonistic pursuits seem to indicate this new direction in Saudi Arabia. 
And here is more news about the Saudis possibly making changes to the Saudi Arabian flag - which carries a very forceful religious identity ie the shahadah or the declaration of faith.



Saudi Arabia to change its national anthem, green flagSaudi flag features proclamation of faith in Arabicflag identifies country as birthplace of the religion kingdom hosts pilgrims from around the worldkingdom's Shura Council voted in favour of changesamending flag, slogan, national anthemThe council has not disclosed further details
 idea result of rapid changes the kingdom undergoing changes to support Vision 2030 to overhaul economycrown prince emphasises Saudi nationality, national prideone example : Feb 22 is now Founding Day, a public holidayto commemorate 18th-century attempt to found Saudi state govt renamed Arabic coffee as Saudi coffee to raise Saudi identityMy comments : The name 'Saudi' is not the name of a country or a people. Saudi is a family name. This is the only country in the world that is named after a family that still rules the country. It would be better to call themselves simply Arabia. 
Anyway it looks like the Saudis are moving away from religion.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
By Syed Akbar Ali 

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