Saudi GAC Joins 4th Arab Competition Network Conference in Kuwait

The General Authority for Competition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by its Chief Executive Officer and President of the Arab Competition Network Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri, participated in the 4th Conference of the Arab Competition Network (ACN), held in Kuwait from February 2 to 3, 2025. The Saudi delegation joined counterparts from across the Arab world to exchange ideas and expertise in the field of competition, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering fair markets and enhancing the regional business environment.

The two-day conference, hosted in Kuwait, served as a platform for competition authorities to showcase their initiatives and research, with discussions covering competition policies and their economic impact on Arab countries, penalties in competition laws, regional cooperation in combating monopolistic practices, and the challenges of mergers and acquisitions. Saudi Arabia’s active role in the network reflects its broader strategy to promote economic integration and sustainable development across the region. How does such cooperation shape the future of Arab economies?

Context and Background

What makes the Arab Competition Network a vital forum for regional economic cooperation? Established to enhance collaboration among Arab competition authorities, the ACN provides a structured environment for sharing best practices, building institutional capacity, and harmonizing approaches to market regulation. The network’s annual conference has become a cornerstone event for policymakers, regulators, and experts seeking to address common challenges in maintaining competitive markets.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership within the ACN is not incidental. As the largest Arab economy and a driving force behind Vision 2030, the Kingdom has prioritized the development of a robust competition framework that supports private sector growth, attracts foreign investment, and protects consumers. The General Authority for Competition, under Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri’s direction, has been at the forefront of these efforts, implementing policies that align with international standards while adapting to the unique dynamics of the Saudi market.

The 4th Conference builds on previous gatherings that have progressively deepened regional ties. Kuwait’s hosting of this edition highlights the collective commitment to addressing shared economic priorities, from curbing monopolistic practices to ensuring that mergers and acquisitions do not stifle innovation or harm consumers. For Saudi Arabia, participation reinforces its role as a regional leader and a bridge between Arab economies and global markets.

Key Details

What specific topics dominated the agenda at the 4th ACN Conference? The conference program featured in-depth sessions on competition policies and their macroeconomic impact, with participants examining how effective enforcement can drive productivity, lower prices, and stimulate entrepreneurship. Discussions also focused on penalties in competition laws, exploring how different Arab jurisdictions design and apply sanctions to deter anti-competitive behavior.

Regional cooperation in combating monopolistic practices emerged as a central theme. Delegates shared case studies and enforcement experiences, highlighting the importance of cross-border coordination in an era of increasingly integrated supply chains and digital markets. The challenges posed by mergers and acquisitions were also addressed, with experts analyzing how to assess their impact on competition and investment while avoiding unnecessary barriers to legitimate business growth.

Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri’s dual role as CEO of the General Authority for Competition and President of the Arab Competition Network gave Saudi Arabia a prominent voice in shaping the conference outcomes. His leadership underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the ACN’s mission and ensuring that Arab competition authorities speak with a unified and influential voice on the global stage. The exchange of research and initiatives among member states further enriches the collective knowledge base, enabling more effective policy design.

International and Regional Impact

How does the ACN’s work resonate beyond the Arab world? The conference’s emphasis on competition policy aligns with global trends toward stronger antitrust enforcement and market transparency. By collaborating within the ACN, Arab countries can present a coordinated approach to international forums and multinational corporations, ensuring that their markets are not disadvantaged by fragmented regulatory frameworks.

Saudi Arabia’s active participation also signals its openness to international best practices. The Kingdom’s competition regime has been evolving rapidly, with the General Authority for Competition introducing guidelines, conducting market studies, and engaging with counterparts worldwide. This engagement supports the broader goal of making Saudi Arabia a hub for foreign direct investment, as investors seek predictable and fair regulatory environments.

For the region, the conference reinforces the message that economic cooperation is a pathway to stability and prosperity. By tackling monopolistic practices and promoting competition, Arab states can unlock new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, foster innovation, and deliver better outcomes for consumers. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this effort is a testament to its vision of a diversified and dynamic regional economy.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why does competition policy matter for Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation? A robust competition framework is essential for achieving the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, increase private sector contribution, and create jobs. By preventing market abuses and encouraging fair competition, the General Authority for Competition helps ensure that new entrants can challenge incumbents, leading to greater efficiency and innovation.

The conference’s focus on mergers and acquisitions is particularly relevant as Saudi Arabia experiences a wave of corporate activity, both domestic and cross-border. The Kingdom’s regulators are keen to ensure that such transactions do not harm competition or consumer welfare. Through participation in the ACN, Saudi Arabia can share its experiences and learn from peers, refining its approach to merger control and investment screening.

Strategically, the conference strengthens Arab economic integration, a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. Deeper ties among Arab economies can boost intra-regional trade, attract joint ventures, and create a more resilient economic bloc. The ACN provides a practical mechanism for achieving these goals by aligning competition rules and enforcement practices, reducing the risk of regulatory arbitrage, and building trust among member states.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the General Authority for Competition’s participation in the ACN advance Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s ambitious reform agenda places a premium on creating a thriving private sector and a competitive business environment. The authority’s work directly supports these objectives by ensuring that markets function fairly, that consumers are protected, and that innovation is rewarded. International and regional engagement, such as the ACN conference, is integral to keeping Saudi Arabia at the forefront of regulatory excellence.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open up its economy and attract global investors, a strong competition regime becomes even more critical. The exchange of ideas at the 4th ACN Conference will help the Kingdom refine its policies, adopt best practices, and contribute to a regional environment that is conducive to sustainable growth. The participation of Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri and the Saudi delegation demonstrates the Kingdom’s proactive approach to shaping the future of competition policy in the Arab world and beyond.

Looking ahead, the outcomes of the conference are expected to inform ongoing reforms in Saudi Arabia and across the region. By fostering cooperation and sharing knowledge, the ACN is helping to build a more integrated and competitive Arab economy, one that can compete globally and deliver prosperity for its people. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this endeavor is a clear reflection of its Vision 2030 commitment to a vibrant, diversified, and inclusive economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of the 4th Conference of the Arab Competition Network?

A1. The conference aimed to exchange ideas and expertise among Arab countries in the field of competition, highlighting its significance in supporting national economies and enhancing the business environment.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to the conference?

A2. Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri, Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Competition and President of the Arab Competition Network, led the Saudi delegation.

Q3. Where and when was the 4th ACN Conference held?

A3. The conference was held in Kuwait from February 2 to 3, 2025.

Q4. What is the Arab Competition Network?

A4. The Arab Competition Network is a regional forum that brings together competition authorities from Arab countries to cooperate on competition policy and enforcement.

Q5. What topics were discussed at the conference?

A5. Discussions covered competition policies and their economic impact, penalties in competition laws, regional cooperation in combating monopolistic practices, and challenges of mergers and acquisitions.

Q6. How does competition policy support national economies?

A6. Competition policy promotes fair markets, encourages innovation, lowers prices for consumers, and fosters a business environment that attracts investment and drives economic growth.

Q7. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in the Arab Competition Network?

A7. Saudi Arabia plays a leading role, with Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri serving as President of the network and the Kingdom actively contributing to its initiatives and goals.

Q8. Why is regional cooperation important in combating monopolistic practices?

A8. Regional cooperation helps address cross-border anti-competitive behavior, harmonize enforcement, and ensure that markets remain open and competitive across the Arab world.

Q9. What are the benefits of exchanging expertise among Arab countries?

A9. Exchanging expertise allows countries to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, adopt best practices, and build capacity in competition regulation.

Q10. How does the conference address mergers and acquisitions?

A10. Participants explore how mergers and acquisitions impact competition and investment, and discuss strategies to assess and regulate such transactions effectively.

Q11. What is the significance of penalties in competition laws?

A11. Penalties deter anti-competitive behavior, ensure compliance, and uphold the integrity of market rules, thereby protecting consumers and businesses.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A12. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting a competitive business environment, attracting investment, and fostering economic diversification and private sector growth.

Q13. What initiatives has the General Authority for Competition undertaken?

A13. The authority has implemented guidelines, conducted market studies, and engaged internationally to enhance competition enforcement and awareness in Saudi Arabia.

Q14. How does the ACN benefit Arab economies collectively?

A14. The ACN fosters integration, aligns regulatory practices, and creates a unified voice on competition matters, strengthening the region’s economic resilience and attractiveness.

Q15. What challenges do Arab countries face in competition enforcement?

A15. Challenges include differing legal frameworks, limited resources, and the need for cross-border coordination to address multinational anti-competitive practices.

Q16. How can competition policy attract foreign investment?

A16. A transparent and fair competition regime reassures investors that markets are open and rules are applied equally, reducing risks and encouraging capital inflows.

Q17. What role does the ACN play in global competition discussions?

A17. The ACN represents Arab interests in international forums, promotes convergence with global standards, and facilitates dialogue with other regional competition networks.

Q18. How does the conference support small and medium-sized enterprises?

A18. By promoting fair competition, the conference helps SMEs compete on merit, access markets, and innovate without being disadvantaged by monopolistic practices.

Q19. What are the expected outcomes of the 4th ACN Conference?

A19. Expected outcomes include enhanced cooperation, shared best practices, and concrete steps toward harmonizing competition policies across Arab countries.

Q20. How can the public learn more about Saudi Arabia’s competition efforts?

A20. Information is available through official channels such as the General Authority for Competition’s website and statements published by the Saudi Press Agency.

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