The Privatization Strategy expands private participation across 18 sectors, targeting 220+ PPP contracts by 2030/Image: File Saudi Arabia has formally moved into a new phase of its economic reform agenda, with the government beginning implementation of the National Privatization Strategy following Cabinet approval. The shift signals a clear focus on execution, aimed at improving infrastructure quality, upgrading public services and expanding private sector participation across key areas of the economy.The National Privatization Strategy serves as the government’s framework for involving private companies in the development, operation and management of selected public services and infrastructure through public-private partnerships, while the state retains its legislative, supervisory and regulatory authority. The approach is intended to raise efficiency, improve service quality and support long-term fiscal sustainability.A strategic shift aligned with Vision 2030Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who also chairs the board of the National Centre for Privatization and PPP, said the strategy was approved by the Cabinet on November 25, 2025. He described it as a central pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, designed to raise service efficiency, deepen public-private partnerships and support the Kingdom’s long-term fiscal sustainability.Speaking on the rollout, Al-Jadaan said the Kingdom is working to build future-ready infrastructure that delivers world-class public services to citizens, residents and visitors, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global benchmark for public-private partnership models.The strategy targets 18 priority sectors and seeks to improve satisfaction levels with public services nationwide. It also aims to create tens of thousands of specialised, high-quality jobs as private sector participation expands.By the end of the decade, the government is targeting:More than 220 signed public-private partnership contracts by 2030Over SR240 billion in private sector capital investment by 2030
From programme completion to execution phaseAl-Jadaan confirmed that the Council of Economic and Development Affairs has approved the conclusion of the Privatization Program, marking the completion of its original mandate.Launched in 2018, the programme laid the groundwork for the Kingdom’s privatisation drive. Key achievements included the establishment of the National Center for Privatization, the development of more than 200 approved projects, and total investments estimated at SR800 billion, equivalent to around $213 billion.During this period, nearly 90 contracts were signed, covering asset transfers and public-private partnership agreements across multiple sectors. The programme also strengthened the private sector’s role in the economy, improved the operational efficiency of government assets, and helped develop a legislative and regulatory environment supportive of investment, economic diversification and competitiveness.With these objectives met, the National Privatization Strategy now replaces the programme’s foundation phase with a sharper focus on delivery and impact.Core programmes and investment opportunitiesTo drive implementation, the National Privatization Strategy is built around five core programmes supported by 42 executive initiatives. Together, they are designed to strengthen the privatisation ecosystem and deliver Vision 2030 targets.A key element of the strategy is a structured implementation framework to identify and prioritise privatisation opportunities. Through this process, more than 145 high-priority investment opportunities have already been identified, offering what officials describe as attractive prospects for private sector participation.In addition to mobilising capital, the strategy is intended to allow the government to concentrate more fully on its legislative, supervisory and regulatory roles, while the private sector takes a larger role in service delivery and infrastructure development.Accelerating impact across the economyThe launch of the National Privatization Strategy formally marks Saudi Arabia’s transition from planning to execution. Officials say the focus is now on accelerating delivery, scaling partnerships and translating earlier groundwork into tangible improvements in infrastructure, services and job creation.With Cabinet backing secured and targets clearly defined, the strategy represents the next stage in reshaping the Kingdom’s economic model, with privatisation positioned as a key driver of growth, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
