Economic Affairs: Saudi Economy Demonstrates Strength and Resilience Amid Regional and Global Developments

In a virtual meeting, the Council reviewed the monthly report of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, which addressed key developments in the global economic landscape in light of accelerating geopolitical shifts and the resulting rise in global inflationary pressures and monetary policy tightening by major central banks. The report highlighted the impact of these factors on the national economy, along with the challenges and opportunities they present, confirming the resilience and strength of the national economy in the face of regional and global developments.

The report noted sustained growth in private sector activity, reflected in the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 53.8 points in August 2026, compared to 53.1 points in the previous month, continuing its expansion for the fifth consecutive month despite regional tensions. In addition, the Business Confidence Index recorded 56.7 points, up by 0.2 points from the previous month, reflecting the business sector's confidence in the national economic outlook and its ability to maintain growth.

Furthermore, "Vision 2030" is characterized by flexibility, underpinned by accumulated institutional, economic, and operational capabilities, developments across vital sectors, infrastructure expansion, economic diversification, and enhanced integration between government entities and the private sector. This has contributed to raising readiness levels, expanding response options, and strengthening the economy's capacity to absorb shifts and manage their impacts efficiently. Continued investment in development and capacity-building will bolster the Kingdom's resilience, grant its institutions and economy greater flexibility in confronting challenges, and sustain progress toward targeted goals.

On another note, the Council reviewed the annual report of the Quality of Life Program Center, which covered the center's key efforts in 2025 to enable the Quality of Life Program—one of the "Vision 2030" realization programs—to implement its strategic objectives and advance its initiatives. The report highlighted several achievements accomplished by the program during the year, including its initiatives' contribution to local content reaching 44 percent by the end of 2025, exceeding the 37 percent target, and its contribution to GDP reaching SAR 78 billion ($20.8 billion), surpassing the SAR 77.1 billion ($20.6 billion) target.

The report also highlighted the program's key efforts in directing support to eligible families and individuals, outlining the beneficiary journey from registration and eligibility to entitlement, as well as the operational, economic, and financial impact of the program. Total support disbursed through the Citizen Account Program since its inception reached approximately SAR 262 billion ($69.9 billion), with total beneficiaries reaching around 2.4 million, reflecting the program's role in supporting beneficiary households and strengthening the social protection system.

The Council also addressed the quarterly presentation submitted by the National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Entities for the second quarter of 2026, the performance of government agencies' indicators and initiatives under "Vision 2030," the work undertaken to support and empower government agencies to achieve their targets, and the evaluation results of management practices within these entities. It affirmed the center's ongoing efforts to implement the measurement of national strategies, review strategic documents, and ensure that indicators and initiatives cover all strategic objectives, while continuing efforts to support these agencies...