Abdullah Saleh Kamel elected as President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers (2026-2029)
In a move reflecting the high level of confidence that the Saudi Arabian economic and business community places in its prominent leaders, Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, was elected President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers for its sixteenth term. His term will extend from 2026 to 2029, thus leading the Saudi private sector during a pivotal period in the history of the national economy.
Long-standing experience and extensive economic legacy
The selection of Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel for this position is not a coincidence, but rather the culmination of a distinguished career in institutional and economic work. He comes from a long-established economic school founded by his late father, Sheikh Saleh Kamel, a pioneer of Islamic banking and media in the Arab world. Abdullah Kamel possesses extensive experience through his chairmanship of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, one of the oldest and most prestigious chambers of commerce in the Kingdom, in addition to his leadership of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, which gives him an international dimension and broad strategic relationships.
Economic context and Vision 2030
This election comes at a crucial time, as the Kingdom witnesses unprecedented economic activity driven by the objectives of "Saudi Vision 2030." The Vision primarily aims to increase the private sector's contribution to GDP to 65% and diversify income sources away from oil. The Federation of Saudi Chambers, under Kamel's leadership, is expected to play a pivotal role in removing obstacles for investors, strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs), and supporting localization and innovation initiatives.
Regional and international dimensions
Sheikh Abdullah Kamel's appointment to this position carries implications that extend beyond local affairs. His dual role as head of the Saudi Federation and president of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development strengthens opportunities for economic integration between the Kingdom and the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This strategic alliance will open new horizons for Saudi non-oil exports and contribute to attracting high-quality investments to the Kingdom, thus solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics and trade hub connecting three continents.
Supporting small and medium enterprises
It is anticipated that the 16th session of the Union will focus heavily on empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the lifeblood of any growing economy. The new council will be responsible for developing the business environment and introducing impactful initiatives that ensure the sustainability and growth of these enterprises, in line with ambitious national aspirations to build a prosperous and sustainable economy.
