Saudi Arabia concludes Privatization Program

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The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) announced in its meeting today, Jan. 28, the completion of the Saudi Privatization Program, following the implementation of its projects and initiatives.

The program’s conclusion marks the shift from its foundational phase to implementation, aiming to maximize impact through the National Privatization Strategy, which set targets, developed opportunities, and created a national framework for priority-sector initiatives, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

CEDA also reviewed procedural matters for closing the program, noting its achievements in boosting the private sector, improving government asset efficiency, and creating an investment-friendly environment.

Launched in 2018 under the Saudi Vision 2030, the Privatization Program focused on supporting national economic growth and enhancing private sector participation, while identifying government assets, services, and resources suitable for privatization across multiple sectors to improve service quality, efficiency, and reduce costs for individuals and businesses.

In 2017, the National Center for Privatization was established by a Cabinet decision, reporting to CEDA. It drives the Kingdom’s privatization ecosystem and oversees private sector participation.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s monthly report was reviewed. It covers global economic updates, 2026 growth prospects, possible challenges, and potential national impacts, highlighting the economy’s adaptability, gross domestic product (GDP) from non-oil and oil activities, industrial production gains, and inflation stability supported by government measures.

A presentation from CEDA’s Project Management Office on Q4 2025 decisions was also showcased during the meeting, detailing relevant entities’ progress, outputs, and achievement statistics.

Besides, CEDA was briefed on the monthly executive summary of the Foreign Trade Index, the quarterly GDP and national accounts summary, and summaries of the monthly Consumer Price Index and Wholesale Price Index reports, along with the underlying reports.

During the meeting, CEDA issued a number of resolutions and recommendations on these matters, according to SPA.