#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Vision 2030 #Public-Private Partnerships

Saudi Arabia Unveils National Privatization Strategy

On January 29, 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed an ambitious National Privatization Strategy devised to significantly expand public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the nation. This strategic initiative marks a critical phase in the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy by facilitating private sector investment, thus aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

The strategy, spearheaded by the National Center for Privatization and PPP (NCP), sets a clear objective to sign over 220 contracts for public-private partnerships by the year 2030. Furthermore, it aims to attract substantial private sector investment, with a target of mobilizing an estimated $64 billion (approximately SAR 240 billion) in direct capital expenditure.

Scope and Impact

This new approach encompasses various sectors vital to the Kingdom’s infrastructure and services. It seeks to increase the private sector’s role in operating and delivering essential large-scale initiatives, which in turn enhances efficiency and quality across public services. The explicit aims include boosting resident and visitor satisfaction, generating thousands of high-quality jobs, and improving infrastructure quality for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, the Saudi Minister of Finance and Chairman of the NCP, emphasized the importance of having world-class infrastructure that not only meets the needs of the local populace but also solidifies Saudi Arabia’s stature in global public-private partnerships. The strategy is designed to transition from a foundational phase, which was successfully completed in 2018 under the previous privatization program, into an executable plan with a focus on results and delivery.

New Opportunities for Investment

The strategy opens up a multitude of sectors for investment, both locally and internationally. Projects such as the Saudi Landbridge, which will connect the eastern and western coasts through Riyadh, as well as various educational infrastructure developments, water desalination initiatives, and health sector enhancements will be prioritized under this vision.

Moreover, the strategy comprises five core programs—planning, regulation, human capital, awareness, and prioritization—to construct a functional privatization ecosystem supported by 42 targeted executive initiatives. This structured approach will help identify and maximize privatization opportunities, thereby presenting attractive prospects for private sector involvement.

Achievements and Progress

Significant milestones from the previous 2018 Privatization Program include the establishment of the National Center for Privatization, the approval of more than 200 projects totaling around $213 billion in investments, and nearly 90 signed contracts, including asset sale and PPP contracts across diverse sectors.

This prior initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing private sector participation in the economy, ultimately elevating operational efficiency within governmental assets and promoting an investment-friendly legislative and regulatory framework. As a result, this has contributed positively to the economic diversification goals of the Kingdom while increasing its global competitiveness.

Vision 2030 Framework

Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2016, serves as the framework for these developments. This comprehensive plan aims to modernize the Saudi economy and society, reducing dependence on oil revenues while expanding into sectors such as tourism, mining, and finance. Key aspects of the vision emphasize positioning Saudi Arabia as a central player in the Arab and Islamic world and a focal point for global investments.

In conclusion, the introduction of the National Privatization Strategy embodies Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a dynamic economy-ready for the future. By significantly enhancing public-private collaborations, the Kingdom is not just aiming for economic growth, but also for sustainable development that enriches the lives of its people and reinforces its role on the international stage.