The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) convened virtually to spotlight reforms designed to raise the skills and quality of expatriate workers, accelerate health-sector transformation, and drive progress toward Saudi Vision 2030.
CEDA held an online session to review accreditation, health transformation, and Vision 2030 initiatives.
Strengthening Expat Worker Skills Through Accreditation and Licensing
Professional Accreditation under Cabinet Resolution No. 195
The council studied a joint report from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development detailing the professional accreditation program. The initiative ensures expatriate workers meet required qualifications, skills, and experience, both before entry and through post-arrival professional verification.
Organizing and Standardizing Professional Licensing
The report included research on standardizing licensing procedures across sectors to improve labor-market data, raise service quality, and streamline licensing pathways for in-demand professions.
Implications for the Labor Market
- Limits on low-skilled inflows and a shift toward higher-skilled expatriate recruitment
- Improved labor statistics and evidence-based policymaking
- Incentives for skill development and targeted professional training
Economic Outlook and Fiscal Performance
Quarterly Economic Report: Continued Growth Momentum
CEDA reviewed the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s quarterly economic report, which examined global trends, sectoral performance across the Kingdom, and key drivers of growth. The study confirmed continued robust performance across multiple sectors.
State Budget Q3 FY2025: Revenues, Expenditures, and Debt
The Ministry of Finance presented the third-quarter budget performance, covering income, spending, and public debt. The report reiterated support for development projects and government measures that strengthen fiscal stability and diversify revenue sources in alignment with Vision 2030.
Health Transformation: Accelerating Reform
Phase Two Readiness and Institutional Empowerment
The Ministry of Health updated the council on operational and regulatory steps taken in preparation for phase two of the health transformation program. The aim is to empower the Health Holding Company and the Center for National Health Insurance as core pillars of a restructured health sector.
Draft Regulations for Network Participation
CEDA reviewed proposed regulations that would set requirements for healthcare providers and clusters to join the Center for National Health Insurance network. The rules are designed to support an integrated, results-driven network that prioritizes quality, access, sustainability, and efficient use of resources.
Access, Quality, and Preventive Care
Major initiatives discussed include a new healthcare delivery model focused on preventive services, expanded treatment access, improved patient outcomes, and resource optimization consistent with the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030.
Human Capability Development and Saudipedia
The council reviewed a semi-annual report from the Human Capability Development Program and the Ministry of Media on Saudipedia’s multi-language expansion and AI-driven UX improvements. Key highlights included a 20% increase in search visibility (Sept–Oct vs. Jul–Aug) and more than 70% growth in audience engagement.
Institutional Reforms, Strategic Studies, and Procedural Items
CEDA also discussed a range of procedural and strategic items, including:
- Draft law for the National Curriculum Center
- National insurance sector strategy
- Goals for the national football system
- Draft document on geographical zones for non‑Saudi property ownership
- Feasibility and specialization programs in infection prevention and control
- Field survey results on food loss and waste
- Study on cognitive development testing in health programs
Monitoring Key Indicators
The council was briefed on a set of monitoring reports and summaries:
- Quarterly real estate price index
- Semi‑annual electricity and water consumption reports for government entities
- Monthly foreign trade summary
- Monthly consumer and wholesale price index summaries
Decisions, Recommendations, and Next Steps
Based on the reports and studies presented, CEDA approved a package of decisions and recommendations to advance the reforms. The council emphasized continuing coordination between ministries and agencies to implement the accreditation, licensing, and health transformation plans—key enablers for sustainable growth under Vision 2030.
Conclusion
CEDA’s latest session underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic push toward a more skilled workforce, an integrated and efficient health system, and strengthened institutions—each central to realizing Vision 2030.
