RIYADH – The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) recently reviewed positive indicators of the Saudi economy, signaling continued resilience and adaptation to global economic pressures. The assessment, based on a report from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, highlighted strong GDP growth and improvements in the non-oil private sector. This review underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economic base and achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2030.
The CEDA meeting, conducted via video conference on Monday, focused on both the current economic landscape and progress toward long-term strategic objectives. Discussions included updates on global economic trends, national economic indicators, and the performance of key Vision 2030 programs. The council also addressed the development of the non-profit sector and reviewed proposed legislation impacting public education and consumer protection.
Saudi Economic Resilience Confirmed by CEDA Review
According to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s report, the Saudi economy is demonstrating a notable ability to withstand and adjust to fluctuating global conditions. Accelerated GDP growth was a key finding, alongside increased industrial production and a stable inflation rate of 2.2 percent. This positive performance is attributed, in part, to the growing contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy.
Vision 2030 Progress
The CEDA also examined a quarterly report from its Strategic Management Office detailing the implementation of Vision 2030. The report indicated continued progress across the three core pillars of the initiative: building a vibrant society, developing a thriving economy, and fostering an ambitious nation. Specifically, the review covered the third quarter of 2025 and analyzed performance indicators and achievements of national strategies.
Furthermore, the report addressed ongoing efforts related to the third phase of Vision 2030, which centers on solidifying existing achievements and ensuring their long-term sustainability. This phase is crucial for translating initial gains into lasting economic and social benefits for the Kingdom.
Public Sector Performance and Non-Profit Development
The National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Entities (ADAA) presented a performance report for the third quarter of 2025, showcasing positive trends in government agency performance. The presentation highlighted efforts to empower these agencies and improve service delivery, with a focus on measuring beneficiary satisfaction. The report suggests government entities are effectively working towards the targets set by Vision 2030.
Additionally, CEDA reviewed the performance of the non-profit sector and considered a draft National Strategy for the sector. The strategy aims to promote the non-profit model as a viable business approach, enhancing efficiency and maximizing social and economic impact. Increasing the sector’s contribution to the GDP and expanding employment opportunities within it are also key objectives.
Legislative and Regulatory Updates
Several draft laws and regulations were also discussed during the CEDA meeting. These included the draft Public Education Law, the draft Consumer Protection Law, and regulations pertaining to the National Falconry Center, including its financial sustainability plan. The second phase of implementing the Universities Law was also on the agenda.
The Council also followed up on reports from the General Auditing Bureau and the General Authority for Competition. The latter’s report focused on the restaurant delivery platform market, identifying challenges and potential solutions. A separate discussion addressed challenges related to the education of people with disabilities.
Ongoing monitoring of economic indicators was also a priority, with the Council reviewing reports on price controls, foreign trade, and consumer and wholesale price indices. These reports provide crucial data for informed decision-making and proactive economic management. The Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts are closely tied to monitoring these trends.
Based on these reviews, the Council adopted necessary decisions and recommendations across all discussed topics. These decisions are expected to further support the Kingdom’s economic growth and the successful implementation of Vision 2030.
Looking ahead, the CEDA will likely continue to monitor these key economic indicators and assess the progress of Vision 2030 initiatives. The next steps involve implementing the decisions made during the meeting and tracking their impact on the national economy. The evolving global economic situation and potential shifts in oil prices remain key uncertainties to watch in the coming months, as does the continued development of the private sector in Saudi Arabia.
