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International Women’s Day: Business leaders blaze a trail for Arab women

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Updated 08 March 2022
Rashid Hassan
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International Women’s Day: Business leaders blaze a trail for Arab women

  • Thanks to social reforms and economic empowerment, women are making their names in Arab boardrooms
  • Meet the pioneering Arab women laying the foundations for the region’s next generation of female business leaders
Updated 08 March 2022
Rashid Hassan

RIYADH: Women are increasingly making names for themselves in boardrooms across the Arab world as reforms and empowerment initiatives provide new opportunities. Their future successes will be built on the work of pioneering Arab women who laid the foundations for the next generation of female business leaders in the region. Here, we profile nine of them.

Sarah Al-Suhaimi
Chairperson of the Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange
SAUDI ARABIA

Al-Suhaimi has been head of the Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange, also known as Tadawul, since February 2017. The first Saudi woman to hold the position at the largest stock market in the Middle East, she was reappointed chairperson of the board of directors in 2020.

In addition she has been CEO and a member of the board of directors of the National Commercial Bank since March 2014. In April 2021, NBC merged with banking firm Samba and was renamed Saudi National Bank.

Al-Suhaimi served as vice-chairperson of the advisory committee to the board of the Capital Market Authority between 2013 and 2015, and before that as chief investment officer at Jadwa Investment.

She was named one of “50 people to watch” by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2017.

Randa Mohammed Sadik
CEO of Arab Bank
JORDAN

Arab Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East, was the first private-sector business of its kind in the Arab world when it was founded in 1930 in Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine. Its headquarters are now Amman, Jordan, and it has more than 600 branches on five continents.

Sadik, a Jordanian national, served for more than 10 years as deputy CEO of Arab Bank before becoming CEO last year.

She previously worked at the National Bank of Kuwait for 24 years, including a spell as Group General Manager of the International Banking Group.

Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish
Chairperson of Mohsin Haider Darwish’s Automotive, Construction, Equipment and Renewable Energy cluster
OMAN

Mohsin Haider Darwish, a renowned and leading business house in the Middle East, earned a place on the 2020 Forbes list of the Top 100 Arab Family Businesses in the Middle East. It has a diverse business presence, with a variety of interests in trading, contracting and projects. It has brought a number of international brands to Oman, including Land Rover, Jaguar, McLaren, Volvo, MG, Ford, Ashok Leyland, Huawei, Hitachi, KDK and DAIKIN.

Darwish graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Her career began with a position at Petroleum Development Oman. She joined MHD, the family business, in 1994 and with the guidance, support and motivation of her father, she worked her way up to become chairperson of its Automotive, Construction, Equipment and Renewable Energy cluster of operations.


Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khaled Al-Thani
Founder of Amwal and Al-Waab City
QATAR

Sheikha Hanadi began her career as an assistant lecturer in economics at Qatar University. In 1998 she founded the Qatar Ladies Investment Company, known as Amwal, the first investment company granted a license by Qatar Central Bank to conduct investment banking and asset and wealth management in the country.

In 2005 she founded Al-Waab City, an urban community development featuring more than 1.2 million square meters of mixed-use amenities. She is also founding chairperson of car dealership Q-Auto.

Sheikha Hanadi is chairperson of education and training organization INJAZ Qatar and a board member of INJAZ Al-Arab. She is a member of the Middle East board of Planet Finance and the advisory board of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She has been on Arabian Business magazine’s list of Most Influential Arabs for several consecutive years, and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2005.


Raja Easa Al-Gurg
Group managing director and vice-chairperson of Easa Saleh Al-Gurg Group
UAE

Known for her leadership of the family business, a conglomerate consisting of more than 20 businesses in a number of sectors including retail, construction, industrial and real estate, Al-Gurg is also a business leader in her own right, carving a niche through her support for female Arab entrepreneurs. She is president of Dubai Business Women Council and on the board of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

She serves as deputy chairperson of the National Bank of Fujairah, is on the advisory board of Coutts Bank, the wealth-management division of Royal Bank of Scotland Group, and on the board of trustees of community-development foundation Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives.

In 2020, Al-Gurg received the Legion of Honor, Chevalier, from French President Emmanuel Macron, for enhancing bonds between France and the UAE.

She ranked top of the 2020 Forbes list of 100 Power Businesswomen in the Middle East, second on its 2019 list of Women Heading Family Businesses, and 89th on its 2020 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.


Mona Zulficar
Founding partner and chairperson of Zulficar and Partners, and EFG Hermes
EGYPT

In addition to her position with leading Egyptian law firm Zulficar and Partners, Zulficar has been chairperson of financial services company EFG Hermes Holding since 2008, and chairperson of the Egyptian Microfinance Federation since 2015.

An attorney for more than 35 years, she specializes in major restructuring and project finance. International legal directories consistently rank her as an expert in banking, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

An advocate for human rights and women’s rights since 1985, Zulficar led several campaigns resulting in significant legal reforms. She is currently working on an equal opportunity and non-discrimination law.

She was an expert member of the board of the Central Bank of Egypt (2003-2011); vice-president of the Constitutional Committee of the 2014 Constitution; vice-president of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (2008-2013); chairperson of the Women’s Health Improvement Association in Cairo; and chairperson of the External Gender Consultative Group of the World Bank in Washington DC (2000–2006).


Jalila Mezni
Co-founder and CEO of Societe d’Articles Hygieniques
TUNISIA

Entrepreneur Mezni — co-founder and CEO of Societe d’Articles Hygieniques, which makes diapers, tissues, and other hygiene products — weathered the storm of the Arab Spring over the past decade and guided her business through the worst of it.

She founded SAH in 1995 after quitting her job as vice-president of a Tunisian bank. She saw an opportunity in the hygiene-products industry and, at the suggestion of a colleague, applied to a government program that provided her with cheap land and tax breaks in a poor area outside of Tunis. Her business was born.

SAH Group now has a presence in 21 African nations and employs 4,000 people at nine production facilities.


Nezha Hayat
Chairperson and CEO of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority
MOROCCO

Hayat has been chair and CEO of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority since 2016. It is responsible for the country’s non-banking capital markets, including the stock exchange and brokerage firms. She is also president of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions.

An advocate for women’s rights, she is a founding member and president of Club des Femmes Administrateurs d’Entreprises, a non-profit that promotes good governance and gender diversity on the boards of public and private companies.

Her career began in Spain, where from 1985 to 1988 she worked in the international division of Banco Atlantico, responsible for global risks and restructured debt.

In 1999, she was elected president of the Association of Stockbrokers in Morocco, serving two terms. She co-founded Association des Femmes Chefs d’Enterprises du Morocco, an association for female entrepreneurs, in 2000, and was nominated as a global leader for tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2001.


Mona Ataya
CEO and founder of Mumzworld
PALESTINE

Ataya is the CEO of Mumzworld, a leading online store for baby products in the Middle East, which she founded in 2011. In 2014 and 2015, she was ranked among the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women by Arabian Business.

While she was raising her three children, she spotted a gap in the market when she struggled to find support for mothers who need advice and help with decisions about purchases of products for their children. She decided to make it her mission to empower mothers and make a difference in the community.

To develop her skills, she landed a job with Procter and Gamble working on leading brands in the soap sector and later with Johnson and Johnson managing a broad portfolio of leading global brands, including Neutrogena and Clean & Clear. Later, she became a co-founding members of job-search site Bayt.com.

Topics: International Women’s Day 2022

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Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Development Fund injects $3.19bn into the sector, minister confirms

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Development Fund injects $3.19bn into the sector, minister confirms

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: The Industrial Development Fund provided SR12 billion ($3.19 billion) in financing to the Kingdom in 2024, boosting its global competitiveness, according to leading minister.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Budget Forum 2024, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef highlighted the vital role of financing in driving industrial development.

“The Industrial Development Fund alone financed projects worth SR12 billion for 2024, but the total value of these projects exceeds SR60 billion,” Alkhorayef said.

He continued: “We have key indicators for the industrial sector: First, there are the licenses, which have seen significant growth. By the end of this year, more than 1,100 opportunities have been issued, and 900 factories have entered production. This is a very important key indicator.”

The minister went on to say: “The second key indicator is financing. Financing is a crucial driver for the industrial sector. The third key indicator is infrastructure. It is unimaginable to have a thriving industrial sector without properly developed industrial lands, primarily provided by the government.”

These key indicators are of great importance because they ensure the continued flow of investments into the sector, he added.

Alkhorayef also pointed to the Kingdom’s focus on promoting exports and supporting new sectors.

“Exports grew from SR458 billion in 2023 to SR528 billion this year, a 15 percent increase. This growth is largely driven by non-traditional sectors, showcasing the diversification of our economy beyond petrochemicals,” he said.

The minister highlighted the broader integration of industries, particularly between the industrial and mining sectors.

He praised Saudi Arabia’s streamlined approach to mining licenses, reducing wait times from eight to 10 years in advanced economies to just six months in the Kingdom, with plans to further reduce this to 90 days.

Alkhorayef emphasized the long-term vision of transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for mining services and technology companies.

“Our investment in geological surveys has increased the estimated value of the Kingdom’s mineral wealth from $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion. This achievement positions the Kingdom as a future leader in mining and industrial innovation,” he added.

The industrial and logistics sectors have experienced significant momentum, with the government’s efforts driving a surge in private and foreign investment.

By aligning with Vision 2030, these initiatives aim to create a thriving, diversified economy that maximizes the nation’s geographic and resource advantages.

Transport sector achieves record growth and job creation

The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser underscored the transport industry’s role as a key enabler of economic activity. He revealed that the sector achieved a 17 percent growth rate in just two years.

“International indicators also confirm this progress, such as the Logistics Performance Index, which saw an improvement of 17 ranks, as well as indicators for air connectivity, maritime connectivity, and road service quality,” Al-Jasser said.

He added: “Among other significant indicators is the reduction in fatalities and severe accidents on roads, achieved through an integrated national effort with other government entities. There is no doubt that progress has also been made across different modes of transport.”

The minister also highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing significant improvements, with a 50 percent increase in the number of international and domestic destinations connected to the Kingdom compared to pre-pandemic levels.

This reflects the sector’s rapid growth and its role in enhancing connectivity and economic activity.

A key goal of Vision 2030 is to create jobs and provide dignified employment opportunities for citizens.

“Saudi Arabia’s transport sector is at the core of our economic diversification efforts, providing critical infrastructure for all other industries,” Al-Jasser said.

He continued: “Investments exceeding SR447 billion have been made in the sector since the launch of the strategy. This includes more than 300 new aircraft ordered by national airlines, the highest in the Kingdom’s history, alongside significant expansions in logistics zones, maritime infrastructure, and other key areas.”

Al-Jasser highlighted the sector’s role in creating jobs, with 122,000 new employment opportunities generated by the third quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023.

Additionally, women’s participation in transport has risen to 29 percent, a notable increase in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“The focus on developing local content has been equally impactful,” he emphasized. “The transport system has increased local content from 39 percent to 50 percent, putting us on track to achieve our Vision 2030 target of 60 percent.”

During the same session, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in the technology sector, attributing this success to investments in artificial intelligence-native companies and digital transformation.

“Today, companies like Mozn and Amplify are leading the charge in AI and innovative solutions. The Kingdom is positioning itself as a global powerhouse for tech-driven growth,” Al-Swaha said.

He continued: “The next phase will focus on technology manufacturing and exports. With the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, we will further strengthen our National Program for Technology Development to ensure Saudi Arabia’s technological sovereignty and prosperity.”

Al-Swaha emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging resources and infrastructure to build a globally competitive tech economy.

“This is a clear message to all tech professionals: we are ready to lead,” he concluded.

Topics: Saudi Industrial Development Fund

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Saudi Arabia to introduce VAT refunds for tourists starting in 2025

Updated 27 November 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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Saudi Arabia to introduce VAT refunds for tourists starting in 2025

Updated 27 November 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

JEDDAH: In a move aimed at boosting tourism, Saudi Arabia will begin offering refunds on value-added tax for eligible purchases made by tourists starting in 2025, the government announced.

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority proposed changes to the VAT Implementing Regulations in August, which were open for public consultation via the Istitlaa platform until Sept. 17. The proposed amendments cover the definition of eligible goods, the refund process, and the role of authorized service providers in handling claims.

This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance its global appeal as a tourist destination under the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. The National Tourism Strategy aims to attract 150 million visitors by the end of the decade and increase tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.

In its 2025 budget statement, the Ministry of Finance noted: “The introduction of VAT refunds for tourists in Saudi Arabia is designed to improve the traveler experience while ensuring tax compliance.”

According to the proposed changes, tourists will be able to claim VAT refunds on goods purchased in Saudi Arabia for personal use, provided the items are taken out of the country. Certain goods, including vehicles, tobacco products, and food, will be excluded from the refund scheme.

Refunds will be processed through authorized service providers, who will verify eligibility, manage claims, and maintain the necessary records. These providers may charge a commission for their services, while ZATCA will retain the authority to review and reject claims if necessary.

The proposal defines a tourist as someone who is not a permanent resident of Saudi Arabia or any other Gulf Cooperation Council state that applies VAT. Transport crew members and other specific categories will be excluded. Tourists from GCC countries will be treated as non-GCC visitors until a unified VAT refund system is established across the region.

ZATCA’s governor will oversee the implementation of the refund system, including setting the conditions for eligible goods, processing refund requests, and authorizing service providers.

The VAT refund initiative is part of broader efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. By refining tax policies and enhancing the shopping experience for international visitors, the Kingdom aims to attract higher spending and stimulate growth in the tourism sector.

This move also reflects Saudi Arabia’s focus on economic diversification and robust tax governance, reinforcing its competitiveness as a global hub for both tourism and investment.

Topics: VAT

Saudi Arabia sets new unemployment rate target of 5% by 2030, minister reveals

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Arabia sets new unemployment rate target of 5% by 2030, minister reveals

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has revised its unemployment rate target to 5 percent by 2030, down from the previous goal of 7 percent, as part of Vision 2030’s ambitions, an official revealed.

During a panel discussion at the Budget Forum 2024, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi detailed the Kingdom’s strides toward improving employment figures.

“The unemployment rate among Saudis was 12.8 percent in 2018, and today it has dropped to 7.1 percent. The Vision 2030 target was to reduce Saudi unemployment to 7 percent by 2030, a milestone we have achieved six years ahead of schedule,” Al-Rajhi said.

He added: “For this reason, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince directed a review of this target, and now we have a new ambition: to reduce the unemployment rate among Saudis to 5 percent by 2030.”

The move highlights Saudi Arabia’s progress in building a robust labor market and achieving economic diversification under its reform agenda.

The human resources and social development system is deeply involved in implementing Vision 2030, contributing to eight of its 11 key programs and managing six specific workforce and social development strategies.

“One of the achievements of the system, and the government as a whole, is that this year we have achieved an overall unemployment rate of 3.3 percent, down from 6 percent in 2018,” Al-Rajhi said.

Regarding women’s involvement, the economic participation rate of females has reached 35 percent, exceeding the Vision 2030 target of 30 percent by 2030.

“We have surpassed the goal by 5 percent seven years ahead of schedule, and we now have a new target to aim for,” the minister said.

He continued: “The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has implemented 84 percent of the Labor Market Strategy over the past four years, creating 300,000 jobs in specialized professions such as engineering, accounting, pharmacy, and radiology. These efforts align with Vision 2030’s emphasis on building a future-ready workforce.”

Al-Rajhi explained that the Kingdom has been tasked with updating this strategy, and the ministry submitted a new ambitious plan to elevate the Saudi labor market to one of the strongest globally.

“The second phase of this strategy is now awaiting government approval,” he said.

To further strengthen the labor market, the ministry has launched initiatives like the Waad program in partnership with the private sector, which has provided over 1.3 million training opportunities to date.

Additionally, labor regulations have been overhauled, with more than 38 articles amended to ensure a modern and adaptable workforce framework.

New insurance products, such as domestic worker insurance and labor market insurance, have also been introduced to safeguard employees and employers.

“Regarding beneficiary satisfaction: previously, the ministry in the labor sector received 60,000 visitors to its branches across the Kingdom each month,” Al-Rajhi said.

He added: “After launching the automation service and targeting zero visits, the number has now dropped to 3,000 beneficiaries per month.”

The Minister of Education Youssef Al-Benyan highlighted the ministry’s efforts in aligning its strategies with Vision 2030.

He emphasized the cumulative nature of transformation in the education sector, pointing out that the ministry has been building on progress from previous years to achieve sustainable development.

“The allocation for the 2025 budget exceeds SR200 billion ($42.09 billion),” Al-Benyan said, underscoring the government’s significant investment in education.

He explained that this funding reflects the ministry’s comprehensive approach to enhancing spending efficiency, institutional performance, and transformation.

“Today, if we talk about 2025, we must also briefly discuss 2024 and previous years, where the Ministry of Education has been building on cumulative progress,” Al-Benyan said.

He continued: “This reflects a professional culture that needs to be strengthened within the government system— that work is cumulative, and transformation is a gradual, ongoing process.”

 Al-Benyan also mentioned the ministry’s focus on embedding a professional culture of long-term planning within government systems.

He said: “Spending efficiency is not solely the responsibility of the financial sector but a collaborative effort across various sectors. This is why we have revisited the operational system’s role in the ministry to ensure alignment with broader national goals.”

The minister highlighted the importance of education as a foundational pillar for Saudi Arabia’s economic and social development.

This includes investing in academic and operational infrastructure, supporting the Kingdom’s workforce needs, and ensuring the education system meets global standards.

Topics: Saudi unemployment Budget 2025

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,590

Updated 27 November 2024
Reem Walid
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,590

Updated 27 November 2024
Reem Walid

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index ended lower on Wednesday, losing 145.28 points, or 1.24 percent, to close at 11,590.79.

The benchmark index saw a total trading turnover of SR6.02 billion ($1.6 billion), with 65 stocks advancing and 168 declining. The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also experienced a decline, dropping 438.11 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 30,164.72, as 30 stocks advanced and 52 retreated. The MSCI Tadawul Index fell 22.41 points, or 1.52 percent, to finish at 1,451.98.

Tamkeen Human Resource Co. was the best performer of the day, with its share price rising 30 percent to SR65. Other notable gainers included United International Transportation Co., whose stock rose 6.54 percent to SR76.60, and Anaam International Holding Group, which saw a 5.98 percent increase to SR1.24.

On the other hand, Saudi Cable Co. recorded the biggest loss, falling 6.67 percent to SR90.90.

SHL Finance Co. also saw a decline of 4.74 percent, closing at SR16.90, while Filing and Packing Materials Manufacturing Co. dropped 4.12 percent, ending the day at SR43.

On the announcements front, Saudi Awwal Bank announced the launch of its riyal-denominated additional tier-1 sukuk offering.

The terms and amount of the sukuk will be determined at a later stage, based on market conditions. The minimum subscription is set at SR1 million, with a par value of SR1 million.

The return will also be determined later, depending on market conditions. The targeted investors are institutional and qualified clients in accordance with the Capital Market Authority’s rules. HSBC Saudi Arabia has been appointed as the sole lead manager for the sukuk issuance. The bank’s stock closed down 2.95 percent at SR32.15.

Tamkeen Human Resource Co. also released its interim financial results for the period ending Sept. 30, reporting a net profit of SR69.1 million for the first nine months of 2024. This marks a 40.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The growth was primarily driven by a 40 percent rise in revenues, a 28 percent increase in gross profit, and a SR10.3 million rise in general and administrative expenses. Non-operating income also grew by SR10.1 million, highlighting the company’s strong financial performance and effective management of its operations and risks.

Topics: TASI NOMU

Saudi Arabia looks to non-oil growth for a stronger, more stable future

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Arabia looks to non-oil growth for a stronger, more stable future

Updated 27 November 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is focused on achieving high-quality growth through sustainable non-oil activities, aiming to boost private sector dynamism and productivity, while ensuring continued economic progress that goes beyond short-term expenditures, a minister stated.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Budget Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim highlighted that Saudi Arabia's growth rate has consistently ranged from 4 percent to 6 percent in recent years and is expected to continue at a similar pace in the years ahead.

“We aspire for more than just numbers. We also aim for high-quality growth — growth that is based on sustainable non-oil activities, not dependent on temporary expenditures that stop when the spending stops,” Al-Ibrahim said.

He further added: “The growth we expect for non-oil activities by the end of this year is approximately 3.9 percent, and for next year, it is projected to be 4.8 percent. These figures will be adjusted as estimates improve.”

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan also emphasized that Vision 2030 is focused on establishing stable, sustainable public finances by reducing reliance on volatile revenue sources like oil.

“This is to guarantee the sustainability of funding for sectors that require a long-term horizon to achieve stability,” he said.

Al-Jadaan continued: “The difference between then and now is that spending is now sustainable and continuous because we have diversified the economy, diversified income sources, and utilized major fiscal policies.”

Al-Ibrahim stressed the importance of economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, pointing to tourism as a key example. He explained that without the deliberate focus on expanding the tourism sector and related industries, the country’s economic performance today would be significantly weaker.

“The growth we’re seeing in other sectors would not have compensated for the global changes affecting traditional sectors we used to rely on, such as the voluntary oil production cuts,” Al-Ibrahim said.

He added: “The role of tourism in the economy’s composition today is a testament to the strength and value of economic diversification.”

The minister also discussed the prioritization of economic transformation, with diversification at the top of the agenda.

“However, we’ve highlighted two key sectors: tourism and industry, along with their sub-sectors. Tourism helps us achieve rapid diversification and creates swift job opportunities. It also establishes a soft infrastructure for long-term investments, ideas, visitors, and industries,” Al-Ibrahim explained.

Al-Ibrahim emphasized that Saudi Arabia views the defense sector as a strategic priority and will continue investing in it for both national security and economic reasons.

“We have spent on defense and will continue to invest in it for several reasons, and its returns are strategic. Local content in the sector was at 4 percent, and today it has reached approximately 13 percent to 20 percent, with a target of 50 percent by 2030,” the minister said.

This focus on local content will prioritize complexity, as “many countries are now reinvesting in military sectors to meet strategic needs,” and the Kingdom is part of this global trend, focusing on peaceful objectives and long-term economic returns.

Al-Jadaan further explained that sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia heavily relies on maintaining stable and responsible public finances. To achieve consistent economic growth, the government must manage its financial resources effectively and direct them toward sectors that drive economic development and diversification, such as non-oil industries.

“Enabling public finance to support economic diversification is crucial. If public finance fails to allocate resources to the targeted sectors, or if it lacks commitment and consistency, the efforts may falter,” Al-Jadaan said.

He continued: “Fiscal policies consist of two components: government spending and the tax burden on the economy. These two policies are used to control and support the economy.”

Al-Jadaan acknowledged the importance of the structural reforms introduced at the start of Vision 2030, recognizing the challenges involved.

“Some of these reforms were considered painful,” he said, referring to difficult decisions such as reducing subsidies, introducing taxes like the value-added tax and excise tax, and imposing specific fees.

“These measures could have caused significant shocks in other economies, but the Saudi economy managed to overcome them,” he noted.

Al-Jadaan clarified that these reforms were not about imposing taxes and fees for their own sake, but about ensuring public finances could sustainably support the economy.

Reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s economic history, Al-Jadaan acknowledged that during the decades when oil dominated the economy, the country experienced rapid growth.

“The past 40-50 years were not wasted; we built a very strong infrastructure. However, this growth was not sustainable,” he said.

He explained that in the past, spending would rise and projects would be launched during periods of high oil revenue, but spending would stop, and projects would face delays when revenues fell.

Al-Jadaan also highlighted the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s fiscal policies. “We did not previously use debt instruments as we do today. Now, we use them to balance revenues and ensure continuous and sustainable expenditures. This allows for proper planning—not just for government entities and targeted sectors, but also for the private sector,” he said.

The shift toward sustainable spending has had significant benefits, Al-Jadaan emphasized, including improved services for citizens across various sectors such as health, education, and transportation.

“Sustainable spending supports a sustainable economy, which translates into better services for our citizens,” he said.

Topics: SaudiVision2030

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