Virtual Meeting Held by Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs held a videoconference meeting to review the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s quarterly report, covering key developments in the national economy, its growth prospects amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, and opportunities to strengthen national competitiveness, support economic development, and keep pace with global changes.
The report highlighted the strength and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy in the face of regional challenges, noting that the annual inflation rate remained among the lowest globally at 1.8 percent for the third consecutive month in July. The Purchasing Managers’ Index for the private sector also stayed in expansion territory for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 53.1 points.
The council reviewed an analysis submitted by the Strategic Management Office on the performance of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and national strategies for the first quarter of 2026. The report outlined progress achieved toward fulfilling the Vision’s objectives and highlighted qualitative accomplishments across its three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. It noted that Vision programs and national strategies have continued to perform positively despite regional shifts, underscoring the resilience of the Saudi economy and its ability to adapt to both regional and international developments.
The council also discussed a presentation from the Ministry of Health outlining progress on its transformation plan, which has resulted in the transfer of 10 health clusters from the Ministry of Health to the Health Holding Co. The presentation detailed the next steps toward completing the ministry’s transition to a regulatory and supervisory role over the health sector, aiming to deliver tangible impact through enhanced prevention, improved quality and accessibility of healthcare, and an elevated patient experience, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, including the goal of reaching a life expectancy of 80 years.
In addition, the council reviewed a periodic presentation from the National Center for Privatization & PPP covering key developments in the privatization ecosystem during the first half of 2026, including the performance of supervisory committees, major activities, and strategic projects, reflecting notable progress in overall performance and the volume of privatization and public-private partnership initiatives.
During the meeting, the council also reviewed several procedural matters, including draft regulations for the International Tourism Academy, the General Court of Audit’s 65th annual report, major investment and development projects in the Eastern Region, an updated organizational guide for programs supporting persons with disabilities, and a range of economic and policy reports. These included the quarterly economic forecast, a report on international economic partnerships, the semi-annual report of the ministerial committee overseeing the social support and assistance system, and a monthly report on the implementation of the Kingdom’s executive plan to host the headquarters and regional offices of international and regional governmental organizations.
The council additionally reviewed monthly executive summaries covering the Consumer Price Index, Wholesale Price Index, and foreign trade, along with the quarterly summary of the Real Estate Price Index and the underlying reports supporting these summaries.
Following its review, the council adopted the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these matters.
Also Read:
How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Nature Conservation in Saudi Arabia
Hope Turns to Joy as Two Tunnel Workers Are Rescued in Nepal
