Saudi GAC Highlights Competition Reforms At Global Events

The General Authority for Competition (GAC) of Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its global engagement by participating in several major international events dedicated to competition policy and regulation. The events, held from October 28 to 30 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, gathered leading experts, decision-makers, and regulatory authorities from across the world to exchange knowledge and discuss future directions in competition law and market regulation.

The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Fahad Alshathri, Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Competition. Under his leadership, the GAC delegation took part in a series of discussions and specialized workshops that examined key regulatory challenges in maintaining fair markets and promoting sustainable competition. The GAC’s active involvement underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its global role in shaping the principles of competitive markets.

During the sessions, the delegation presented an overview of the Kingdom’s progress in promoting competition and addressing regulatory challenges. The GAC highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to ensure fair market practices, prevent monopolistic behavior, and create a transparent environment that supports both businesses and consumers. The Saudi experience, as shared by the GAC, was well received for its innovative approach to integrating competition policy within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 — the national roadmap for economic diversification and sustainable development.

The GAC’s participation also aimed to demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is aligning its competition policies with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant economy and empower the private sector. By promoting competitive markets, the Kingdom is working to attract investments, enhance efficiency, and improve consumer welfare. The authority emphasized that fostering competition is essential for stimulating innovation and ensuring a balanced and fair economic environment that benefits all participants.

One of the core objectives of the GAC’s participation in the Kuala Lumpur events was to strengthen cooperation with international counterparts. The delegation held several bilateral meetings with global regulatory bodies to explore joint initiatives, technical partnerships, and knowledge exchange programs. These interactions contribute to building long-term relationships with agencies from other nations, supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a leading model in fair and transparent market regulation.

Throughout the workshops, the GAC representatives engaged with experts from diverse regions to discuss emerging issues in global competition law. Topics included the rise of digital markets, challenges in regulating e-commerce, and policies to prevent unfair trade practices. By sharing Saudi Arabia’s experience in implementing modern competition policies, the GAC contributed to the global dialogue on maintaining economic fairness and ensuring inclusive market growth.

The GAC delegation emphasized that promoting competition is not limited to traditional markets but extends to emerging sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and renewable energy. These fields are central to Saudi Arabia’s future economy, and the authority’s approach ensures that innovation thrives under fair and transparent conditions. Dr. Alshathri noted that competition encourages efficiency, reduces costs, and increases the quality of products and services available to consumers.

The authority reaffirmed its ongoing mission to establish a fair and dynamic marketplace that supports Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. By enhancing competition awareness and improving regulatory practices, the GAC aims to empower entrepreneurs and investors, promote consumer protection, and contribute to the sustainability of the national economy. The participation in Kuala Lumpur was another step in demonstrating the Kingdom’s progress toward achieving these objectives.

The Kingdom’s reforms in the area of competition policy have gained growing recognition from the global community. During the events, international experts praised the GAC’s efforts in building an institutional framework that ensures market integrity and transparency. The authority’s initiatives to prevent anti-competitive practices, alongside its efforts to educate businesses and consumers, have positioned Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in competition enforcement.

The conclusion of the Kuala Lumpur events marked a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to engage with international partners and showcase its regulatory progress. The GAC’s active participation reflects the Kingdom’s forward-looking approach to building a robust and competitive economy. Through continuous dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the General Authority for Competition continues to advance the principles of fairness, transparency, and innovation — all central to achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.