By Vijay Soni, President – Rajasthan Foundation, Riyadh Chapter
Pravasi Rajasthan Divas (PRD), to be held in Jaipur on 10 December 2025, is more than an annual reunion. It is a strategic platform to convert the goodwill of the global Rajasthani diaspora into measurable development outcomes for Rajasthan. A delegation of Rajasthan Foundation (RF) executive members, investors, and community leaders from Saudi Arabia will participate to amplify opportunities for investment, employment, and long‑term value creation in the state.
Saudi Arabia and Rajasthan share natural common ground: desert resilience, rich cultural pride, youthful populations, and a forward‑looking growth agenda that respects heritage. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is accelerating infrastructure, tourism, logistics, food security, renewable energy, and private‑sector participation. Saudi Arabia’s role as host of major global events such as the Asia Cup 2027, World Expo 2030, and FIFA World Cup 2034 is further boosting hospitality, transport, and destination development. The Kingdom is also emerging as a global leader in solar energy, achieving some of the world’s lowest generation costs—an arena with clear collaboration potential for Rajasthan.
The Non‑Resident Rajasthani (NRR) community in Saudi Arabia, estimated at nearly one lakh people, is among the largest Rajasthan‑origin groups abroad. This hardworking community contributes significantly to the Saudi economy while supporting families and investing back home. Yet many still face avoidable challenges because of gaps in information, guidance, and facilitation. At PRD, we will discuss with the Hon’ble Chief Minister a practical project to bridge these gaps, with active community support.
Strengthening overseas RF chapters is essential. International chapters can act as community‑driven facilitation channels—supporting NRR welfare, promoting Rajasthan’s investment opportunities, and enabling skill development—while complementing formal government mechanisms. The Government’s encouragement for worldwide RF chapters is a timely and appreciated step.
Our multi‑industry delegation includes:
• Vijay Soni, Finance and business expert from Saudi Arabia
Laxman Singh Parmar, food technologist and FMCG expert
• Gauri Shankar Pareek, industrialist with four decades in Saudi Arabia
• Gulam Mohd Khan, social leader recognized for humanitarian support to thousands of NRRs
• Rajiv Kumar Antarctican ‑Member of Antarctica Scientific Expedition, Government of India,working in healthcare .
• Raksha Soni, young entrepreneur in sustainable textiles
• Ramavtar Devasi, finance professional turned entrepreneur
• Ramesh Patidar and Ramesh Dadhich, community leaders and entrepreneurs from Bahrain & Ramesh Choudhary Engineer at GOSI,Riyadh
• and several other senior professionals and investors.
We will propose setting up NRR Support Centers in Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia through a self‑sustaining model, with government facilitation and volunteer‑led financing. These centers would provide faster, structured assistance to workers and entrepreneurs. Support in the form of suitable land and streamlined regulatory clearances will be critical to operationalize this idea.
Three priorities consistently emerge from our interactions with Pravasi workers and investors:
1. Professional, empowered RF chapters
Overseas RF units should have greater autonomy, simplified processes, and clear service standards. This will help resolve community issues quickly and promote Rajasthan’s opportunities more effectively.
2. Skill development linked to higher earnings
Targeted training, certification, and placement support can raise incomes and help workers transition into higher‑value sectors. Our industrial partners are ready to support financing and employment pathways for skills in demand across the Gulf.
3. A predictable investment environment
Diaspora interest in investing in Rajasthan is strong, especially among SME and mid‑size entrepreneurs. Many step back due to complex approvals and uncertain timelines. Time‑bound clearances and competitive incentives—on par with other leading states—will unlock capital already eager to participate, driving inclusive growth and job creation.
We also recommend establishing a “Rajasthan Bhawan” in both Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia as a non‑official, first‑hand support platform for NRRs—providing facilitation, short‑stay support, and hand‑holding services.
RF chapters worldwide are led by volunteers. Keeping them informed about projects they refer enables stronger coordination with investors, early resolution of bottlenecks, and timely follow‑ups with departments. This is not a parallel system, but constructive support that strengthens outcomes.
PRD should be viewed as a development mission, not a one‑day event. If Rajasthan aligns diaspora energy with practical facilitation, lease‑based investment support, and focused skilling, PRD 2025 can become a turning point. Saudi Arabia and Rajasthan are natural partners for the next decade; together they can drive growth in tourism, infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital.
About the author: Vijay Soni is a finance professional based in Saudi Arabia for over two decades. He has actively supported business and investment ties between India and Saudi Arabia through forums including SIBN and IBPN, and serves as President of the IMA Chapter, Jeddah.