This episode showcases the King's transparency and honesty in addressing challenges. When oil prices plummeted to record lows, the kingdom faced unprecedented budget deficits and record debt levels.
Consequently, the King devised a new strategy to lessen the country's dependency on oil as its main source of income.
The reform program began with cost cutting, diversifying income sources, improving living conditions for the lower classes, opening the way for foreign investment, establishing large industrial complexes -- and most important of all -- reshaping the educational makeup of the Saudi citizen to meet modern demands.