The Saudis have been, at least officially, preparing for a post-petroleum economy for about forty years. The time horizon was probably well into this century before they would actually have to work for a living. Regardless of what the U.S. does, they will sitting on a lake of black gold for a hundred years. At least with the U.S. as a customer, they might be somewhat constrained. Now they will sell to India, Pakistan, China and Europe. It will be interesting to see how long it takes before Mecca is under Chinese control.
they have to radically change their political system if they want an advanced economy, which won’t happen.