Saudi privatization strategy targets SR240bn in investment across 18 sectors

2026-02-01 - 13:36

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s national privatization strategy is a central pillar of the Kingdom’s economic transformation, covering 18 sectors and offering 147 investment opportunities with a total targeted value of SR240 billion, according to an economic analyst.Speaking on Saudi television, academic and economic analyst Dr. Bandar Al-Jaid said the strategy is closely aligned with Vision 2030, particularly its goals of economic diversification and improving government spending efficiency.“The national privatization strategy works to enhance government services by raising spending efficiency and redirecting expenditure toward the sectors most in need,” Al-Jaid said.He explained that the strategy is designed to achieve two objectives simultaneously: empowering the private sector while improving the quality of public services.“Empowering the private sector is a strategic objective for the local economy,” he said, adding that privatization also aims to “enhance the quality of government services through competition and private-sector participation.”Al-Jaid noted that the impact of privatization is expected to be most visible in sectors that directly affect daily life, including education, healthcare, transportation and sports. In education, he said privatization focuses on infrastructure and operations rather than academic content.“When we talk about privatizing education, we are talking about building and operating educational facilities,” he said, allowing public authorities to focus on curriculum development and learning outcomes.A similar model applies to healthcare, where private-sector participation is expected to improve efficiency and service delivery.“Privatization in healthcare involves building, operating and managing hospitals, reducing waiting times and improving service quality,” Al-Jaid said, stressing that the public sector will remain an active partner. “Privatization does not mean a full withdrawal of the state.”Addressing concerns about potential cost increases, Al-Jaid said the strategy is not aimed at maximizing profits, noting that pricing and service standards will continue to be regulated.“Financial sustainability is important, but profit is not the objective,” he said.He added that the strategy is also expected to support job creation and workforce development, with localization requirements remaining a core component.In the sports sector, he said private-sector involvement has already helped improve facilities and create new employment opportunities, particularly as the Kingdom prepares to host major international sporting events.Al-Jaid emphasized that the opportunities are open to both local and foreign investors, especially those able to bring international expertise that can be transferred to Saudi talent.