Chaired by the Crown Prince… Council of Ministers: Approval of a special clause for localizing pharmaceutical industries in government health sector budgets

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chaired the session held by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Council on the contents of his meetings with the leaders and heads of government of a number of brotherly and friendly countries during their visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Future Investment Initiative conference.

In this context, the Council affirmed that the high-level international attendance at the conference reflects the global appreciation for the Kingdom, its achievements, and its vision, which has made it an international economic destination and a leading global hub that brings together leaders and innovators from various countries of the world to turn visions into practical strategies that shape the future of investment.

The Council of Ministers approved granting financial incentive rewards to those who help uncover violations of the municipal violations penalties regulations, according to a number of controls. The Council also approved the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in agreement with the Ministry of Finance, to take the necessary measures to create and approve a special clause for localizing pharmaceutical industries in the budgets of government health entities.

The Kingdom’s Economy Keeps Pace with Global Transformations

The Council of Ministers noted the ability of the Kingdom’s economy to keep pace with global transformations with flexibility, resilience, and alignment between resources, capabilities, and national priorities, alongside continued growth in non-oil sectors and further development in a number of fields, including advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

It was explained in a statement following the session that the Council praised the private sector’s contribution to driving the growth of non-oil activities to notable levels since the launch of (Saudi Vision 2030); reflecting the effectiveness of economic policies and reforms that have enabled the business environment to expand and prosper.

Shaping a Future that Enhances Transparency and Governance

The Council considered the Kingdom’s win of the presidency of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) for a three-year term starting in 2031 as a confirmation of its leadership in this field and its role in shaping a global future that enhances transparency and governance.

The Council of Ministers appreciated AlUla’s winning of three World Travel Awards for 2025, embodying its continuous distinction and growing status on the regional tourism map, and the multiple historical, civilizational, and cultural components it boasts.

Decisions:

The Council reviewed the items on its agenda, including items studied jointly with the Shura Council. It also reviewed the conclusions reached by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, the General Committee of the Council of Ministers, and the Experts Commission of the Council of Ministers regarding them. The Council concluded the following:

– Approval of a headquarters agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Urban Development Institute.

– Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Kuwait for financial cooperation.

– Authorizing the Minister of Tourism – or his representative – to negotiate with the San Marino side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Tourism, Post, Cooperation, Exhibitions, and Media and Attracting Tourism Investments in the Republic of San Marino for cooperation in the field of tourism, and to sign it.

– Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Economy and Planning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for cooperation in the economic and commercial field.

– Approval of an agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Panama in the field of air transport services.

– Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety in the Republic of France in the field of veterinary medicinal product management.

– Approval of a memorandum of understanding between the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait University in the State of Kuwait for cooperation in the field of measurement, evaluation, and accreditation.

– Approval of transferring the authority to issue licenses for the chemical consulting profession from the Ministry of Commerce to the Ministry of Energy.

– Granting financial incentive rewards to those who help uncover violations of the municipal violations penalties regulations, according to a number of controls.

– The Ministry of Industry

Future Investment Initiative conference

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) is an annual global investment conference launched in 2017 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Often called “Davos in the Desert,” it serves as a platform to promote the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan and attract international capital. The event has become a significant forum for world leaders, CEOs, and investors to discuss trends in technology, sustainability, and the global economy.

Saudi Vision 2030

“Saudi Vision 2030” is a strategic framework launched in 2016 to reduce Saudi Arabia’s economic dependence on oil and diversify its economy by developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. It is not a physical site but a national transformation plan with ambitious goals, including developing futuristic projects like the megacity NEOM and opening the country to international tourism. The vision aims to reshape the nation’s social and economic landscape by 2030, drawing on Saudi Arabia’s historical position as a cultural and commercial crossroads.

International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)

The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) is a global professional body established in 1953 that unites the supreme audit institutions (SAIs) of countries worldwide. It promotes the exchange of ideas and expertise in public sector auditing, fostering good governance, transparency, and accountability. Operating as an autonomous and independent organization, INTOSAI sets international standards and provides a platform for SAIs to enhance government auditing globally.

AlUla

AlUla is a historic oasis valley in northwestern Saudi Arabia, renowned for the monumental tombs of Hegra (also known as Mada’in Salih), a UNESCO World Heritage site that was a major southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. The area also contains the remnants of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, making it a site of profound archaeological significance. Today, it is a center for cultural tourism, with ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its ancient rock art, inscriptions, and dramatic desert landscapes.

Arab Urban Development Institute

The Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) is a non-profit organization established in 1980 by the Arab Towns Organization to support sustainable urban development across the Arab world. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, its history is rooted in addressing rapid urbanization by providing research, training, and technical expertise to city planners and officials. Its core mission is to enhance the quality of life in Arab cities through knowledge sharing and promoting best practices in urban management.

Shura Council

The Shura Council is the legislative body of the State of Qatar. Established in 1972 following the country’s independence, it was initially an appointed advisory council. In 2021, Qatar held its first-ever elections for 30 of the Council’s 45 members, with the remaining 15 still appointed by the Amir, marking a significant step toward increased public participation in governance.

Council of Economic and Development Affairs

The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) is a cabinet-level committee in Saudi Arabia, established in 2015 as part of a major government restructuring under King Salman. It is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the country’s economic and development policies, with a primary focus on implementing the ambitious Vision 2030 reform program to diversify the economy away from oil dependence.

Council of Political and Security Affairs

The Council of Political and Security Affairs is not a specific cultural or historical site, but a key decision-making body within the African Union (AU). It is part of the AU’s Peace and Security Council structure, established to promote peace, security, and stability on the African continent. It operates by implementing the AU’s common defense and security policies and responding to conflicts and crises.