Saudi economy highly resilient amid global headwinds: CEDA

The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) affirmed, during a virtual meeting, the high resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy despite global headwinds.

CEDA noted that various economic statistics and indicators point to robust growth, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among the world’s fastest-growing and most stable economies, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

This followed CEDA’s review of the Ministry of Economy and Planning's quarterly report, which covered global economic developments, the impact of geopolitical challenges, global market volatility on growth prospects, as well as the latest developments in the domestic economy and outlook through 2027

CEDA reviewed the Q4 2025 state budget performance report submitted by the Ministry of Finance, which provided a comprehensive overview of fiscal performance during the period, including revenue and expenditure developments, public debt levels, and an analysis of domestic and global economic variables and their impact on fiscal indicators.

The report’s findings indicated continued adoption of a balanced and flexible fiscal policy that supports economic growth and enhances fiscal sustainability in the medium and long term.

This was achieved through disciplined and efficient fiscal tools and the continuation of countercyclical spending on development programs and projects with economic and social impact, thereby contributing to improved public service quality, investment stimulation, and stronger public finances.

CEDA discussed several procedural matters, including a draft Government Tender and Procurement Law and a draft Space Law. In addition, they were briefed on progress regarding the mandate assigned to the Council of Universities Affairs (CUA) to update governance frameworks for public and private universities and health colleges, oversee them, and periodically monitor compliance based on approved quality standards.

The council was also briefed on the quarterly Real Estate Price Index report, summaries of the monthly consumer price index (CPI) and wholesale price index (WPI) reports, as well as the underlying analytical reports.