JEDDAH — A meeting of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), held on Sunday virtually, reviewed the report submitted by the Strategic Management Office regarding the performance of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and national strategies for the first quarter of 2026.
The report highlighted the progress achieved toward fulfilling the objectives and the qualitative accomplishments realized across the Vision’s three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. It noted the continued positive performance and achievements of the Vision programs and national strategies despite regional shifts. The report also underscored the resilience of the Saudi economy and its ability to adapt to regional and international developments.
The CEDA meeting also reviewed the quarterly report of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, addressing the major developments in the national economy and its growth prospects amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, as well as the available opportunities to enhance national competitiveness, support economic development, and keep pace with global transformations.
The report highlighted the strength and resilience of the national 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 2026. The Purchasing Managers’ Index for the private sector also remained in expansion territory for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 53.1 points.
The Council also discussed a presentation by the Ministry of Health on the progress of its transformation plan, which resulted in the transfer of 10 health clusters from the Ministry of Health to the Health Holding Company. The presentation outlined the subsequent steps to complete the Ministry of Health’s transition to a regulatory and supervisory role over the health sector, ensuring a tangible impact through enhanced prevention, improved quality and accessibility of healthcare, and an elevated patient experience, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, including reaching a life expectancy of 80 years.
In addition, the council reviewed a periodic presentation from the National Center for Privatization & PPP on key developments in the privatization ecosystem during the first half of 2026, the performance of supervisory committees, major activities, and strategic projects, reflecting marked progress in overall performance and the volume of privatization and public-private partnership initiatives.
During the meeting, the council reviewed several procedural matters, including the draft regulations for the International Tourism Academy, the 65th annual report of the General Court of Audit, prominent high-quality investment and development projects in the Eastern Province, the updated organizational guide for programs dedicated to persons with disabilities, the quarterly economic forecast report, the economic report on international partnerships, and the semi-annual report of the ministerial committee for the social support and assistance system.
The meeting also reviewed the monthly report on the implementation of the executive plan for the Kingdom to host the headquarters and regional offices of international and regional governmental organizations, the results of the monthly executive summaries of the Consumer Price Index and Wholesale Price Index, the quarterly summary of the Real Estate Price Index, the monthly executive summary of foreign trade, and the underlying reports upon which these summaries were based. The council adopted the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these matters.
Source: Saudi Gazette