40 Projects Open for Feedback via Istitlaa Platform

The Saudi Competitiveness & Business Center (SCBC) has announced that 40 projects related to economic and development affairs are now open for public feedback through the Istitlaa Public Consultation Platform, in cooperation with 25 government entities. The initiative allows stakeholders to review and comment on proposed regulations before they are finalized, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to transparency and inclusive policymaking. Among the projects are key amendments to data protection, judicial procedures, and renewable energy regulations.

Context and Background

The Istitlaa platform serves as a unified electronic hub for public consultation in Saudi Arabia. Managed by the SCBC, it enables citizens, businesses, and government bodies to participate in shaping legislation that affects the business environment. By involving the public early in the regulatory process, the platform aims to improve the quality of laws and ensure they meet the needs of society and the economy. This latest batch of 40 projects, developed with 25 government entities, underscores the growing culture of participatory governance in the Kingdom.

Key Details

Several high-impact projects are featured. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has proposed amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Personal Data Protection Law. The changes aim to clarify compliance procedures, strengthen personal data protection, and boost trust in services that rely on personal data. Feedback is open until November 5, 2026. The Board of Grievances has put forward amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Law of Procedure, seeking to streamline procedures for minor cases, enhance efficiency, and balance case significance with hearing time. Feedback closes on November 5, 2026. The Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority has introduced the Renewable Energy for Self-Consumption Regulations, which establish a unified framework for self-consumption systems, improve grid integration, and shift from fixed limits to hosting capacity and technical studies. Feedback is open until November 3, 2026. These projects reflect the Kingdom’s focus on modernizing legal and regulatory frameworks in line with Vision 2030.

Implications and Impact

The public consultation process is expected to enhance the business environment by making regulations more responsive and effective. For international investors and companies operating in Saudi Arabia, the ability to provide input on draft laws signals a predictable and transparent regulatory landscape. The inclusion of data protection and renewable energy projects highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to align with global standards and attract foreign investment. By engaging stakeholders early, the Kingdom reduces the risk of unintended consequences and fosters a collaborative approach to governance. This approach also supports the private sector by ensuring that regulations are practical and conducive to growth.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of fostering a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By promoting transparency and public participation in legislative processes, Saudi Arabia strengthens its institutions and creates an enabling environment for business and innovation. The Istitlaa platform exemplifies how the Kingdom is leveraging digital tools to engage citizens and stakeholders in shaping the future, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and economic diversification. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its reform agenda, such inclusive practices will be crucial in achieving the vision’s objectives and solidifying its role as a global leader.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Istitlaa Public Consultation Platform?

A1. The Istitlaa platform is a unified electronic public consultation platform managed by the Saudi Competitiveness & Business Center. It allows stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed laws and regulations before they are approved, enhancing transparency and participation in the legislative process.

Q2. How many projects are currently open for feedback?

A2. There are 40 projects related to economic and development affairs currently open for public feedback on the Istitlaa platform, in cooperation with 25 government entities.

Q3. Who can participate in the public consultation?

A3. The platform is open to all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, government entities, and the private sector, allowing them to share their feedback and proposals on the projects.

Q4. What is the deadline for feedback on the SDAIA project?

A4. Public feedback on the SDAIA project regarding amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Personal Data Protection Law is open until November 5, 2026.

Q5. What does the SDAIA project aim to achieve?

A5. The project aims to clarify procedures and controls in the Implementing Regulations, enabling compliance, protecting personal data, and enhancing trust in services that rely on personal data.

Q6. What is the Board of Grievances project about?

A6. The project proposes amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Law of Procedure before the Board of Grievances, aiming to specify procedures for minor cases, improve efficiency, and balance case significance with hearing time.

Q7. When does feedback close for the Board of Grievances project?

A7. Feedback on the Board of Grievances project is open until November 5, 2026.

Q8. What does the Renewable Energy for Self-Consumption Regulations project entail?

A8. Launched by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, the project establishes a unified regulatory reference for renewable energy self-consumption, improves procedures based on system capacity, and relies on hosting capacity and technical studies.

Q9. What is the feedback deadline for the renewable energy project?

A9. Public feedback on the Renewable Energy for Self-Consumption Regulations is open until November 3, 2026.

Q10. How does the Istitlaa platform enhance transparency?

A10. By allowing public consultation on draft laws and regulations, the platform ensures that stakeholders can review and comment on proposals, making the legislative process more open and inclusive.

Q11. Which government entities are involved in these projects?

A11. The projects involve 25 government entities, including the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Board of Grievances, and the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, among others.

Q12. What is the role of the Saudi Competitiveness & Business Center?

A12. The SCBC manages the Istitlaa platform and coordinates with government entities to facilitate public consultation on economic and development projects, promoting a culture of participation.

Q13. How does public consultation benefit the business environment?

A13. It ensures that regulations are practical and effective, reduces unintended consequences, and creates a predictable and transparent regulatory landscape that attracts investment and supports economic growth.

Q14. What are the implications for international investors?

A14. International investors can provide input on draft laws, signaling a transparent and inclusive regulatory process that aligns with global standards and enhances confidence in the Saudi market.

Q15. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A15. It supports Vision 2030 by fostering transparency, public participation, and digital innovation in governance, contributing to a thriving economy and ambitious nation.

Q16. Can individuals submit feedback on multiple projects?

A16. Yes, stakeholders can provide feedback on any or all of the 40 projects open on the platform, as long as they do so before the respective deadlines.

Q17. What happens after the feedback period ends?

A17. After the feedback period, the relevant government entities review the comments and may incorporate them into the final regulations before approval and implementation.

Q18. Are the projects limited to economic affairs?

A18. The 40 projects primarily relate to economic and development affairs, but they also cover areas such as data protection, judicial procedures, and renewable energy, reflecting a broad scope.

Q19. How does the platform promote a culture of consultation?

A19. By engaging the public, government entities, and the private sector in shaping projects, the platform fosters collaboration and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.

Q20. Where can stakeholders access the Istitlaa platform?

A20. The Istitlaa platform is accessible online through the official website, where stakeholders can review projects and submit their feedback electronically.

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