Governance contexts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia open a window onto a global model for curbing corruption and strengthening integrity: (Saudi Vision 2030 as a model)
Dr. Abdulmohsen Allafi Isweesi Saad
There is no doubt that Saudi Vision 2030, which was launched under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, and then established and came into being under the supervision and leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God protect him, on April 25, 2016, has revealed a tangible strategic transformation centered around achieving legal and financial reforms that reflect a fortification against corruption, and even its eradication from the ground up. It also reinforces integrity and transparency within the framework of sound governance, opening the door to a modern and contemporary model for employing capacity and efficiency, embodied in what was stated in relevant international reports. Accordingly, the aspects of this governance can be sensed in a number of contexts, which we will arrange as follows:
First: The strategic context:
Here, we can highlight the goals of Vision 2030 towards digital transformation, which has become evident in most, if not all, transaction programs, to the point that they are now conducted electronically, known as “Yusr.” There is no clearer evidence of this than the launch of the Fasl platform, which removes transactions with the government from cash, and the adoption of the Ethmad application, which places government contracts under monitoring, in addition to the use of artificial intelligence to analyze data related to non-competitive deals.
This is in addition to the transparency programmes (Elite) that come within a framework that enhances integrity in parallel with the implementation of this vision and the work it entails.
Second: The regulatory context:
Such a national project, while aiming for a historic transformation, cannot progress toward achieving its objectives and realizing its goals unless it is reinforced by oversight that prevents any corruption that might undermine these goals or obstruct its achievement. In this context, the role played by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, as an independent oversight body, is highlighted in its support for integrity and the greatest possible preservation of public funds used to implement this historic national strategy and finance its projects.
Third: Legislative reform:
The Anti-Corruption Law issued in 2018 contributed to improving financial monitoring and auditing in line with the requirements of international financial reporting standards ( IFRS ), the most prominent of which were:
- Criminalizing embezzlement, financial fraud and commercial cover-up.
- Enhancing the protection of whistleblowers by maintaining the confidentiality of their personal data.
Fourth: The context of economic impact:
This is clearly evident in the rise in the foreign investment index at the Kingdom level, which was set at 48% according to SAMA data . This is in addition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia advancing to 17th place globally in the ease of doing business of an economic nature, according to the World Bank report for the past year 2024.
Established The Saudi financial market was not far from reaping the benefits of this sound governance in the context of Vision 2030, and has been ranked among the top 10 emerging markets in corporate governance.
From this standpoint, international evidence has emerged to crown this success and this wise governance of the wise succession of His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God protect him. We mention among them:
- The ( Moody’s ) rating, which was based on the stability of the Kingdom at financial levels, due to the results that this governance seeks to achieve.
- The 2023 IMF report revealed the strength and resilience of the Saudi regime in combating corruption.
- Paving the way for a partnership with Interpol in pursuing corruption and recovering stolen assets internationally.
- As for the results of implementing this governance within the framework of achieving Vision 2030, they can be listed as follows:
- The Public Prosecution announced the recovery of 107 billion riyals in corruption cases between 2017 and 2023.
- Saudi Arabia jumped to second place globally in government services performance indicators, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2024.
- The Kingdom advanced to 28th place in the Corruption Perceptions Index, according to Transparency International’s 2023 report.
These direct reforms at the Kingdom level, in light of the aforementioned contexts, were implemented in a context prior to the occurrence of corruption. Under the patronage of His Highness the Prince, this governance targeted three areas:
- Strict rules.
- Effective technique.
- Accounting culture.
In a gesture that reflects a commitment to combating corruption, based on the belief that this fight is a cornerstone of achieving a national economy that is immune to any violations or suspicions that might undermine it, the Kingdom’s judiciary, thanks to this governance , is no longer one that merely adjudicates complaints subsequent to the occurrence of a corruption crime. Rather, it has moved to pursue the sources of this corruption based on digital data and compelling and substantial evidence.
Dr. Abdulmohsen Allafi Isweesi Saad
السعودية الاخبارية ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.
