Structural Reforms in Saudi Arabia Since 2016

IMF Working Papers, January 23, 2026

Source details

Title: Structural Reforms in Saudi Arabia Since 2016
Authors: David Koll, Andrea Medici, Marina Mendes Tavares, Masashi Saito
Publication date: January 23, 2026
Series: IMF Working Papers, Working Paper No. 2026/014
Summary statement: 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. The paper summarizes progress, estimates the output impact of the reforms, notes challenges, and highlights future priorities for continued growth and diversification.

Governance: Reforms have improved governance structures since 2016.
Business regulations: Regulatory reforms have improved the business environment.
Capital markets: Developments in capital markets are highlighted as part of reform progress.
Labor market: Improvements in labor market policies and functioning are documented.
External sector: Reforms have strengthened aspects of the external sector.
Net effect: These reforms have narrowed structural gaps with frontier economies and improved economic performance.

Purpose: The paper summarizes progress, estimates the output impact of the reforms, notes challenges, and highlights future priorities for continued growth and diversification.
Output impact: The paper contains estimates of the output impact of the reforms (detailed figures and methodology are contained in the full paper).

The paper notes remaining challenges to sustaining reform momentum and achieving continued growth and diversification (specific challenges are detailed in the full paper).

The paper highlights future priorities for continued growth and diversification (policy recommendations and priorities are presented in the full paper).