of the companies just expected. Plans to impose value-added tax (VAT) on corporate products such as tobacco, beverages, water and energy will also increase government revenue, allowing the nation to carry out more development projects and improve its economic status. Whether Salman's economic plans will succeed is up for debate due to the governance structure. A number of challenges and situations are compromising the implementation of these plans. Such situations have painted a bad image of the nation to the outside world, limiting the interest of foreign investors and business entities in involving Saudi Arabia in international affairs. These include the ban on women driving, competition from rivals, corruption and unemployment among others (Khan, 2016). The ban banning women from driving vehicles has raised concerns internationally, with other nations perceiving it as an inequality in human rights. According to Dirani, Hamie & Tlaiss (2017), Saudi Arabia has for years been perceived as a nation that does not respect gender equality, and the ban, although traditionally, has been criticized as a violation of human rights. This painted a grim picture of the nation to the outside world, especially European nations, rejecting their interest in conducting business with the nation. Salman's lifting of the ban was applauded by the world and is likely to attract foreign investors and international businesses on the basis that Saudi Arabia has adhered to human rights and gender equality provisions (Vogelstein, 2018). The reversal of the law also allows women to attend sporting events and other socio-economic events. This step will promote socioeconomic liberalization. It will also help the government reduce the pressure exerted by “restrictive” traditions and religious and social conservatives that have overwhelmed the nation for centuries. Another limiting factor is corruption. For decades, Saudi Arabia's economy has been crippled by corruption, with cartels taking control of the economy in both the public and private sectors. On a mission to reform the nation, Mohammed has formed an anti-corruption commission tasked with rooting out corrupt government officials and corporate cartels. This led to the arrest of sitting princes and ministers among other government officials suspected of being corrupt. According to Stenslie (2018), the commission conducted an operation on “Saudi Arabia's most wanted”. Over 200 people were convicted in an operation that took place at the Ritz-Carlton, led by the Attorney General. Corrupt cabinet officials, wealthy businessmen and the princess were called to the bargain. Those who did not reach an agreement with the government were prosecuted, including 11 princes and four sitting ministers. From the agreed fines imposed on corrupt officials, the government expects to raise more than $100 billion which will be channeled into the economic sector to help recover the national economy which is still in crisis after the 2014 oil crisis. Ending corruption will improve transparency and accountability, creating a good image of the nation towards the outside world and promoting development (Stenslie, 2018). Much of the public revenue has been spent on external conflicts and on the purchase of weapons. The reforms are aimed at diverting Saudi attention from the economic challenges experienced to economically improve the state with national unity and political stability. The government has diverted its investments into cultural heritage by supporting sports entertainment activities. This will develop the tourism and industry sector,.

Topic > of the companies just expected. Plans to impose value-added tax (VAT) on corporate products such as tobacco, beverages, water and energy will also increase government revenue, allowing the nation to carry out more development projects and improve its economic status. Whether Salman's economic plans will succeed is up for debate due to the governance structure. A number of challenges and situations are compromising the implementation of these plans. Such situations have painted a bad image of the nation to the outside world, limiting the interest of foreign investors and business entities in involving Saudi Arabia in international affairs. These include the ban on women driving, competition from rivals, corruption and unemployment among others (Khan, 2016). The ban banning women from driving vehicles has raised concerns internationally, with other nations perceiving it as an inequality in human rights. According to Dirani, Hamie & Tlaiss (2017), Saudi Arabia has for years been perceived as a nation that does not respect gender equality, and the ban, although traditionally, has been criticized as a violation of human rights. This painted a grim picture of the nation to the outside world, especially European nations, rejecting their interest in conducting business with the nation. Salman's lifting of the ban was applauded by the world and is likely to attract foreign investors and international businesses on the basis that Saudi Arabia has adhered to human rights and gender equality provisions (Vogelstein, 2018). The reversal of the law also allows women to attend sporting events and other socio-economic events. This step will promote socioeconomic liberalization. It will also help the government reduce the pressure exerted by “restrictive” traditions and religious and social conservatives that have overwhelmed the nation for centuries. Another limiting factor is corruption. For decades, Saudi Arabia's economy has been crippled by corruption, with cartels taking control of the economy in both the public and private sectors. On a mission to reform the nation, Mohammed has formed an anti-corruption commission tasked with rooting out corrupt government officials and corporate cartels. This led to the arrest of sitting princes and ministers among other government officials suspected of being corrupt. According to Stenslie (2018), the commission conducted an operation on “Saudi Arabia's most wanted”. Over 200 people were convicted in an operation that took place at the Ritz-Carlton, led by the Attorney General. Corrupt cabinet officials, wealthy businessmen and the princess were called to the bargain. Those who did not reach an agreement with the government were prosecuted, including 11 princes and four sitting ministers. From the agreed fines imposed on corrupt officials, the government expects to raise more than $100 billion which will be channeled into the economic sector to help recover the national economy which is still in crisis after the 2014 oil crisis. Ending corruption will improve transparency and accountability, creating a good image of the nation towards the outside world and promoting development (Stenslie, 2018). Much of the public revenue has been spent on external conflicts and on the purchase of weapons. The reforms are aimed at diverting Saudi attention from the economic challenges experienced to economically improve the state with national unity and political stability. The government has diverted its investments into cultural heritage by supporting sports entertainment activities. This will develop the tourism and industry sector,.