Details of today's meeting of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs held an important meeting via videoconference to discuss a range of vital reports and topics concerning the trajectory of economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This meeting comes as part of the wise leadership's ongoing and periodic monitoring to ensure the achievement of national objectives and to enhance the resilience of the Saudi economy in the face of rapid global changes.
The role of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs in shaping the future
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs was established in 2015 as a pivotal strategic step to restructure government agencies and unify efforts aimed at diversifying income sources and reducing dependence on oil. Since its inception, the Council has undertaken the task of directly overseeing the implementation of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs and addressing any obstacles that government agencies may face. This establishment reflects a forward-looking vision aimed at building a prosperous economy and a vibrant society. The Council has become the primary driver of economic and development policies in the Kingdom, contributing to significant progress in various non-oil sectors and supporting innovation and investment.
Review of global economic developments and evaluation of Vision programs
During the meeting, the Council reviewed the monthly report submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, which detailed the latest developments in the global economy and its growth prospects. The report focused on analyzing current geopolitical tensions and their repercussions on supply chains and the Gulf economy. The Council commended the exceptional resilience demonstrated by the national economy, thanks to prudent fiscal policies and a robust logistics infrastructure.
The Council also reviewed the annual report of the Strategic Management Office on “Vision 2030,” which included a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the Vision’s realization programs up to the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. The report highlighted the significant progress in the Vision’s three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. It noted that the second phase witnessed qualitative developments reflecting the Vision’s flexibility and adaptability, thus paving the way for the successful implementation of the third phase, which focuses on accelerating the pace of implementation and achieving a sustainable impact.
Enhancing the efficiency of government performance and developing the holy sites
In a related context, the Council discussed the National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Entities (Adaa) report for 2025, which demonstrated the continued positive performance of government entities in achieving their objectives, reflecting stability and high efficiency in implementation. The Council also reviewed the National Center for Privatization report, which highlighted tangible progress in privatization projects during the second half of 2025.
In addition, the Council reviewed the report submitted by the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites. Discussions focused on the use of modern technologies in the central area of the Grand Mosque for waste monitoring and management, facilitating the movement of vehicles and goods, and enhancing safety measures in expansion projects to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, according to a three-year action plan.
The strategic dimensions of the Council's decisions and their regional and international impact
The significance of this meeting's outcomes lies in their charting a clear roadmap for financial and economic stability, not only domestically but also extending to enhance the Kingdom's position as a leading economic power regionally and internationally. The focus on governance, as highlighted in the report of the National Framework Committee for Regulating Governance, Risk, and Compliance Departments, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to the highest standards of institutional transparency and attracting foreign investment.
The Council concluded its meeting by reviewing several procedural matters, including the draft National Intellectual Property Policy, reports on the social support system, improving the balance of payments, plans for hosting the headquarters of international organizations, and price monitoring. The Council adopted the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these matters to ensure the continuation of comprehensive development and enhance investor confidence in the Saudi market.
