Saudi Arabia’s National Competitiveness Center (NCC) has achieved remarkable success in implementing over 900 legislative and procedural reforms since its 2019 establishment, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its business environment through strategic government coordination. Working in partnership with more than 65 government entities, the NCC has emerged as a crucial driver of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, helping propel the Kingdom to 17th place globally in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Strategic Impact and Evolution
The National Competitiveness Center operates through 14 distinct functions, positioning itself as a central hub for competitiveness development in Saudi Arabia. These functions encompass critical areas including comprehensive research studies, monitoring reform implementation across government entities, and facilitating knowledge exchange through international forums and workshops. The center’s systematic approach has proven instrumental in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s regulatory framework.
Reform Implementation and Achievements
Through its coordinated efforts with government partners, the NCC has orchestrated a sophisticated reform agenda that spans multiple sectors of the Saudi economy. The implementation of more than 900 legislative and procedural reforms represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward creating a more dynamic and attractive business environment. These reforms have been carefully designed to align with international best practices while maintaining Saudi Arabia’s unique economic advantages.
The center’s success is quantifiably demonstrated by Saudi Arabia’s dramatic rise in global competitiveness rankings, advancing from 39th place in 2018 to 17th position in 2025 according to the prestigious IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. This 22-position improvement reflects the tangible impact of the NCC’s strategic initiatives and reform implementation.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
The NCC has established itself as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and the global business community through strategic partnerships with international organizations and competitiveness development centers. These relationships facilitate the exchange of best practices and ensure that Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness initiatives align with global standards while addressing local market needs.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The National Competitiveness Center’s achievements directly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of creating a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By continuing to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness and harmonizing government strategies under a unified vision, the NCC is playing a pivotal role in positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s most competitive economies. This alignment with Vision 2030 ensures that the center’s work contributes to the broader national transformation while creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.