Riyadh: The Council of Economic and Development Affairs convened a meeting via videoconference to examine the monthly report from the Ministry of Economy and Planning. This report outlined significant developments and challenges in the global economy, its growth prospects in the context of evolving geopolitical circumstances, and the potential implications for the national economy. It also highlighted opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy and support Saudi Arabia's economic development, aligning with global transformations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the council discussed a report from the Ministry of Finance concerning the national budget's performance for the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. This briefing presented key financial performance indicators, including revenues, expenditures, and public debt levels, showcasing Saudi Arabia's effective management of public finances amidst global economic and geopolitical changes. The report emphasized the strength of the nation's financial position, economic diversification, and proactive fiscal policies that have advanced the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 while ensuring financial stability.
The council also reviewed a presentation from the Project Management Office on the implementation of decisions and recommendations issued by the council during the second quarter of 2026. This presentation highlighted achievement levels across government centers and representative entities.
Additionally, the council received a semi-annual briefing from the Human Capability Development Program and the Ministry of Media about Saudipedia's progress. The presentation detailed the multilingual encyclopedia's digital presence, search engine optimization strategies, and integration of artificial intelligence to enhance user experience. Efforts to maximize knowledge impact, promote national content, and establish Saudipedia as a reliable source documenting Saudi Arabia's progress were underscored.
The council also noted the progress of Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity sector, which ranked first globally in the Cybersecurity Index for the third consecutive year. It reviewed executive summaries covering the Consumer Price Index, the Wholesale Price Index, quarterly GDP, national accounts, and foreign trade. Necessary decisions and recommendations were adopted in response to these matters.