Structural Reforms in Saudi Arabia Since 2016

ByDavid Koll, Andrea Medici, Marina Mendes Tavares, Masashi Saito

January 23, 2026

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms have improved governance, business regulations, capital markets, the labor market, and the external sector, narrowing structural gaps with frontier economies and improving economic performance. This paper summarizes progress, estimates the output impact of the reforms, notes challenges, and highlights future priorities for continued growth and diversification.

Subject: Capital markets, Financial markets, Labor, Labor demand, Labor markets, Macrostructural analysis, Structural reforms

Keywords: Business Regulation, Capital Markets, Central Asia, Global, Governance, Growth, IMF working papers, International Factor Movement, Labor demand, Labor Market, labor market mismatch, Labor markets, Middle East, output dividend, output impact, Saudi Arabia, Structural Reforms

Pages:
47
Volume:
2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229032728.001
Issue:
014
Series:
Working Paper No. 2026/014
Stock No:
WPIEA2026014
ISBN:
9798229032728
ISSN:
1018-5941

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