Ending the privatization program in Saudi Arabia and starting the national strategy
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs held a virtual meeting, beginning with a review of the monthly economic report submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. The report provided an in-depth analysis of global economic developments and projected growth prospects for 2026, in light of current geopolitical and economic challenges. The Council also highlighted the potential impact of these changes on the national economy, emphasizing the Kingdom's strong capacity for adaptation and resilience in the face of global fluctuations.
The report highlighted the positive trend in the Kingdom's economic and financial indicators, noting that GDP continues to grow, driven by strong performance in non-oil sectors, reflecting the success of economic diversification policies. Data also showed a recovery in oil activities and significant growth in industrial production, alongside stable inflation rates at safe levels, thanks to proactive government measures to control real estate prices and stabilize markets.
The establishment phase of the privatization program has ended
In a pivotal step within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the Council reviewed the decision to conclude the Privatization Program, following the program's successful completion of all its foundational tasks and initiatives. This decision marks the end of the legislative and regulatory framework phase led by the program over the past years, which resulted in strengthening the private sector's role in the national economy, improving the efficiency of government asset operations, and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.
The Privatization Program is one of the Vision Realization Programs that has directly contributed to developing an attractive investment legislative environment, through the adoption of the Privatization System and its executive regulations, which paved the way for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contracts in vital sectors such as health, education, water, and transportation.
Transition to the National Privatization Strategy
The Council clarified that concluding the program does not mean halting privatization processes, but rather a strategic transition from the "foundation phase" to the "implementation and impact maximization phase" under the umbrella of the "National Privatization Strategy." The next phase will focus on a thorough review of targets, developing diverse investment opportunities, and establishing a comprehensive national framework that identifies initiatives based on priority sectors, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's regional and international competitiveness and attracting more foreign direct investment.
Monitoring performance and statistical indicators
Regarding periodic follow-up, the Council reviewed the presentation from the Project Management Office of the Council Secretariat on the implementation of decisions and recommendations issued during the fourth quarter of 2025. The presentation included a detailed breakdown of the progress made by government entities in fulfilling their assigned tasks, reflecting the Council's commitment to ensuring adherence to timelines and the achievement of set objectives.
The Council concluded its meeting by reviewing a number of important statistical reports, including the executive summary of the foreign trade index bulletin, the gross domestic product and national accounts report, as well as reports on inflation figures and wholesale prices. The Council then made the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these topics to ensure continued financial and economic stability.
