Deputy Minister of Commerce Meets Investors in Al-Jouf

Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia — Dr. Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi, Deputy Minister of Commerce and CEO of the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business, met with businessmen, businesswomen, and investors in the Al-Jouf region on August 10, 2026, at the Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce. The meeting, attended by leaders from the commerce ecosystem, discussed proposals, challenges, and opportunities for developing various business sectors in the region.

Context and Background

The gathering reflects the Ministry of Commerce’s ongoing efforts to engage directly with the private sector across the Kingdom. It also highlights the growing economic activity in Al-Jouf, where commercial registrations have surpassed 21,800, a sign of expanding entrepreneurship and investment. The presence of the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business branch in the region has been instrumental in facilitating business setup and operations.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mutairi reviewed the ministry’s initiatives to improve the business environment, including the review and development of over 110 legislations covering companies, commercial registration, trade names, commercial franchise, e-commerce, and anti-commercial concealment, among others. These reforms are part of a broader national strategy to enhance competitiveness and align with Saudi Vision 2030.

Key Details

Dr. Al-Mutairi highlighted that more than 1,000 economic and developmental reforms and recommendations have been implemented in partnership with 80 government entities, the local and foreign business sector, and international organizations. These efforts have improved the business environment for both traditional and electronic commerce, boosting competitiveness.

The Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business, through its “Business Platform” and 21 physical branches across 16 cities and governorates, has provided over 4,800 services via a “single destination” approach. Since its establishment, the center has delivered more than 20 million services to businesses and investors. The investor journey has been streamlined by reviewing 3,962 procedures, mapping 268 investor journeys, reclassifying 2,800 economic activities, and enabling 618 immediate licenses.

The meeting also addressed the growth of e-commerce in the Kingdom, efforts to empower and support small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of entrepreneurship. Dr. Al-Mutairi held a separate meeting with Al-Jouf Chamber staff, where she reviewed future projects and plans, and the chamber’s role in developing the region’s business and investment sector.

She also inspected the work of the Ministry of Commerce branch and the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business in Al-Jouf, accompanied by Abdulaziz Al-Duhaim, Assistant Deputy Minister of Commerce, and other officials. She reviewed the workflow, services provided to business owners and investors, and the facilitations for starting and practicing business in the region.

Implications and Impact

The visit underscores the Ministry of Commerce’s commitment to regional development and inclusive economic growth. By engaging with local businesses and investors, the ministry gains valuable insights to further refine policies and services. The expansion of commercial registrations and the center’s services in Al-Jouf signal a vibrant investment climate that can attract both domestic and foreign investment, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.

Moreover, the emphasis on e-commerce and SME support aligns with global trends and Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda. The streamlined processes and reduced bureaucratic hurdles make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and scale their ventures, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, enhancing the business environment, and empowering the private sector. By improving competitiveness and reducing barriers to entry, the Ministry of Commerce and the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business are helping to create a dynamic, knowledge-based economy that offers opportunities for all Saudis. The ongoing reforms and regional outreach are vital steps toward achieving a thriving, sustainable future for the Kingdom.

20 Questions

Q1. Who chaired the meeting with businessmen and investors in Al-Jouf?

A1. Dr. Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi, Deputy Minister of Commerce and CEO of the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business, chaired the meeting.

Q2. Where was the meeting held?

A2. The meeting was held at the Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Sakaka.

Q3. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A3. The meeting aimed to discuss proposals, challenges, opportunities, and enablers for developing various business sectors in the Al-Jouf region.

Q4. How many commercial registrations have been recorded in Al-Jouf?

A4. The number of commercial registrations in Al-Jouf has exceeded 21,800, indicating growing business activity.

Q5. What role does the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business play in Al-Jouf?

A5. It facilitates starting and practicing business by providing services through its branch and the Business Platform.

Q6. How many legislations have been reviewed and developed by the Ministry of Commerce?

A6. More than 110 legislations have been reviewed and developed, covering areas like companies, commercial registration, and e-commerce.

Q7. How many economic and developmental reforms have been implemented?

A7. Over 1,000 reforms and recommendations have been implemented in partnership with 80 government entities and other stakeholders.

Q8. What is the Business Platform?

A8. The Business Platform is a digital and physical network providing over 4,800 services through a single destination across 21 branches in 16 cities.

Q9. How many services has the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business provided since its establishment?

A9. It has provided more than 20 million services to businesses and investors.

Q10. What improvements have been made to the investor journey?

A10. The investor journey has been enhanced by reviewing 3,962 procedures, mapping 268 journeys, reclassifying 2,800 activities, and enabling 618 immediate licenses.

Q11. What specific sectors were highlighted during the meeting?

A11. The meeting highlighted e-commerce growth, SME empowerment, and entrepreneurship culture.

Q12. Did Dr. Al-Mutairi meet with Al-Jouf Chamber staff?

A12. Yes, she held a separate meeting with chamber staff to review future projects and plans.

Q13. Who accompanied Dr. Al-Mutairi during her inspection of the ministry branch?

A13. Abdulaziz Al-Duhaim, Assistant Deputy Minister of Commerce, and other leaders accompanied her.

Q14. What services were inspected at the ministry branch in Al-Jouf?

A14. The workflow, services for business owners and investors, and facilitations for starting and practicing business were inspected.

Q15. How does this meeting support Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. It supports economic diversification, private sector empowerment, and improving the business environment, key goals of Vision 2030.

Q16. What is the significance of the growing commercial registrations in Al-Jouf?

A16. It indicates a vibrant investment climate and successful efforts to facilitate business setup in the region.

Q17. How many branches does the Saudi Center for Competitiveness and Business have?

A17. It has 21 physical branches across 16 cities and governorates in Saudi Arabia.

Q18. What role does e-commerce play in the ministry’s strategy?

A18. E-commerce is a growing sector that the ministry supports through legislation and services to enhance competitiveness.

Q19. What are the key benefits for investors in Al-Jouf?

A19. Investors benefit from streamlined processes, reduced bureaucracy, and access to a wide range of support services.

Q20. What future plans does the Al-Jouf Chamber have?

A20. The chamber plans to continue developing the business and investment sector in the region, as reviewed during the meeting.

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