saudi arabia has had five-year "development plans" since 1970. among its plans were to launch "economic cities" (e.g. king abdullah economic city) to be completed by 2020, in an effort to diversify the economy and provide jobs. four cities were planned. the king has announced that the per capita income is forecast to rise from $15,000 in 2006 to $33,500 in 2020. the cities will be spread around saudi arabia to promote diversification for each region and their economy, and the cities are projected to contribute $150 billion to the gdp.