EFL Policy Alignment With Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims at economic diversification and the establishment of a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing the importance of EFL education for global integration and engagement. This systematic review examined 44 studies on EFL policy alignment with Vision 2030's economic objectives, using the PRISMA framework and data from various academic databases, covering the period from 2013 to 2026. The findings revealed a substantial alignment with Vision 2030, highlighting the expansion of EFL programs, integration of technology, and the strategic role of English proficiency in enhancing global competitiveness. However, the study noted significant challenges to achieving educational objectives, including sociocultural barriers, insufficient teacher preparedness, outdated assessments, inadequate feedback, insufficient infrastructure, and curriculum misalignment, particularly regarding the underrepresentation of females in prestigious roles. The study advocates for a focus on vocational linguistic competence in EFL education to support economic transformation, recommending tailored professional development for teachers and improved integration of soft skills into the curriculum

Communicative competence · Curriculum · Economic transformation · Sociocultural evolution · Strategic planning · Vocational education · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Socioeconomic Development in MENA · Teacher Education and Assessments