Jeddah hosted the Saudi Industry Forum (SIF 2026) from September 14 to 16 under the theme “Innovation for Sustainability,” where the General Authority for Competition (GAC) highlighted the role of competition policies in empowering the industrial sector.
According to SPA, these policies aim to improve market efficiency, stimulate productivity and innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of national industries.
Walid Alzahrani, GAC Executive Director of Economic Studies and Markets, stated during a presentation that competition supports industrial growth by creating a fair and investment-friendly market environment. He noted that this encourages businesses to improve their operations and products, which helps them access international and domestic markets.
Alzahrani detailed the tools GAC uses to protect competition, including the enforcement of the Competition Law, monitoring markets, and reviewing economic concentrations. The authority also conducts sector and market studies, addresses reports and complaints, and cooperates with competent authorities to review laws and regulations.
What was the theme and location of the Saudi Industry Forum (SIF 2026)? The Saudi Industry Forum (SIF 2026) was held in Jeddah from September 14 to 16. The event took place under the theme “Innovation for Sustainability,” where the General Authority for Competition (GAC) discussed the role of competition policies in empowering the industrial sector.
How do competition policies benefit national industries according to the GAC? Competition policies contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of national industries by stimulating productivity and innovation. According to the GAC, these policies also help in improving market efficiency and creating an investment-friendly and fair market environment.
What tools does the GAC use to protect competition in the industrial sector? The GAC employs several tools, including the enforcement of the Competition Law and the monitoring of markets. Additionally, the authority reviews economic concentrations, conducts market and sector studies, addresses reports and complaints, and works with competent authorities to review regulations and laws.