Quality of Life Program (Saudi Arabia)

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The Quality of Life Program (QOLP) is a Saudi Arabian government initiative aimed at increasing recreational facilities and boosting tourism as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Development Programs.^[1][2]

Launched in 2018, the Quality of Life Program aims to improve Saudi Arabia's tourism and entertainment infrastructure. As part of this initiative, the first cinema in the country was opened,^[3] with plans for 55 more cinemas in the coming years. Additionally, by March 2020, the program had issued more than 400,000 tourist visas, reflecting a growing interest in Saudi Arabia as a travel destination. ^[4]

In 2020, QOLP-supported events attracted 46 million visitors, with linked entertainment companies creating 101,000 jobs.[1] The QOLP has established the Tourism Development Fund, funding 67 tourism projects with 160 million Saudi riyals.^[5][6]

The program also includes a Hobbies Sector program designed to promote recreational activities and the development of related facilities. As part of this effort, the Hobby Clubs Association (Hawi)^[7] was established, with its bylaws approved. The association is supported by 11 government agencies and is responsible for the establishment, organization, and registration of hobby clubs across Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to foster a culture of leisure and engagement in diverse hobbies throughout the country.^[8][9][10]

QOLP evaluates program performance by referring to multiple indexes, including:

• The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index
• Mercer Quality of Life Index
• Monocle Magazine Quality of Life Survey
• UN World Happiness Report
• OECD Better Life Index
• AARP Liveability Index