## Structural Reforms in Saudi Arabia Since 2016

_IMF Working Papers, January 23, 2026_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Structural Reforms in Saudi Arabia Since 2016](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2026/01/23/structural-reforms-in-saudi-arabia-since-2016-572697)

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## Bibliographic details
- Authors: David Koll, Andrea Medici, Marina Mendes Tavares, Masashi Saito
- Published: January 23, 2026
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229032728.001

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### Overview
- 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.

### Major areas of reform and progress
- 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.

### Analysis and estimates
- 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).

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

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

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## Content in this bundle

- **Working Paper**
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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2026/01/23/structural-reforms-in-saudi-arabia-since-2016-572697_