Hisham Mohieddin Nazer (1932–2015) stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most visionary leaders—the architect behind the Kingdom’s first structured national development strategy. As Saudi Arabia's first Minister of Planning, Nazer spearheaded the design and execution of the groundbreaking Five-Year Development Plans that laid the foundation for the country’s transformation into a modern economy.
For today’s new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, Nazer’s story offers timeless lessons in strategic thinking, nation-building, and long-term vision.
Building the Framework for Modern Saudi Arabia
Nazer’s journey in planning began in 1968 when he was appointed President of the Central Planning Organization. By 1975, he led the newly established Ministry of Planning at a critical time when the Kingdom was beginning to harness its oil wealth.
His leadership resulted in Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Five-Year Development Plan, launched in 1970. This was the first comprehensive framework that coordinated all ministries to pursue unified national goals. The plan focused on expanding education, healthcare, infrastructure, and diversifying the economy.
Lesson for today: Building great nations requires cross-sector collaboration, unified goals, and visionary planning. These fundamentals remain just as relevant for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 generation.
Transforming Society and Economy
In an era when Saudi Arabia had limited infrastructure, Nazer’s vision was bold:
“We had hardly any schools. There were only 400,000 students in all levels of education in the whole country. No health facilities. No telephones. No power except in a few of the major cities.” — Hisham Nazer
Through his leadership, the Kingdom rapidly developed modern infrastructure:
- Education: Schools and universities were built nationwide.
- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics expanded access to medical services.
- Cities: Industrial hubs like Jubail and Yanbu emerged, linked to oil and gas infrastructure.
- Communications & Utilities: Telecommunication networks and electricity grids were established.
Lesson for today: Progress often starts from a place of scarcity. Bold leadership and commitment to public service can drive remarkable national transformation.
Driving Economic Diversification
Nazer also recognized the perils of oil dependency. Under his leadership, the Third Five-Year Development Plan (1980–1985) emphasized economic diversification and job creation. Key priorities included:
- Promoting non-oil industries such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture.
- Encouraging private sector participation in national development.
- Implementing Saudization to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Lesson for today: Diversification is not a one-time goal—it is an ongoing process. Nazer’s early efforts paved the way for today’s push for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship under Vision 2030.
Enduring Legacy
Hisham Nazer’s influence continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s development trajectory. The principles he established remain embedded in national strategies, including today’s Vision 2030, which echoes his emphasis on diversification and human capital development.
Beyond policymaking, Nazer authored Power of a Third Kind, critiquing global media imbalances and advocating for a fairer global discourse—demonstrating his lifelong commitment to intellectual leadership.
Lesson for today: Great leaders think beyond their immediate roles. Nazer’s writings show the importance of critical thinking, global awareness, and intellectual courage.
Hisham Nazer’s pioneering work as the architect of Saudi Arabia’s early Five-Year Development Plans forever transformed the Kingdom. His strategic foresight, unwavering dedication to national development, and legacy of progress continue to inspire new generations of Saudi leaders.
For young Saudis shaping the next chapter of the nation’s story, Nazer’s life reminds us:
- Dream big.
- Plan boldly.
- Serve your nation with vision and integrity.
