A tribute on Saudi National Day – Fifty years of trust and transformation

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, we at the World Bank Group join in honoring the remarkable achievements of the Kingdom and its people. This occasion offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the impressive strides Saudi Arabia has made in advancing its economy and society, driven by a strong sense of unity and purpose. It also allows us to celebrate our longstanding partnership with the Kingdom—one rooted in trust, a shared vision, and a commitment to transformative development. Over the years, our collaboration has continued to grow, guided by shared visions and strategic alignment of our development goals.

Our journey together spans decades, beginning in August 1957, when the Kingdom joined the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or better known as the World Bank. This was followed by membership in the other four World Bank Group institutions*, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision and commitment to global economic progress. In the 1970s, we supported key development initiatives through technical assistance projects in transportation, manpower planning and literacy programs, pilgrimage accommodations, and feasibility studies for the Saudi-Bahrain Causeway. 

These early collaborations laid the foundation for a deeper relationship, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a Technical Cooperation Program agreement in December 1975 and the opening of our Resident Mission Office in Riyadh. This year, we proudly celebrate the 50th anniversary of this major milestone. What began 50 years ago as a resident mission with just four professionals has grown into a Regional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Headed by a Division Director, the office now includes over 50 professionals supporting both public and private sector initiatives in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC.

Saudi Arabia’s development since then is one of the most remarkable stories of our time, especially over the past decade. We are proud to be part of this journey. As the first country to use the World Bank’s Reimbursable Advisory Service (RAS) instrument for high-income member countries, the Kingdom has benefited from advisory and technical support, contributing to strategies, reforms and programs across multiple sectors.  

The World Bank Group played a key role in advancing Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, with collaboration spanning nearly every sector— from economic diversification, investment promotion, labor market reforms, and digital development to social protection, health and education quality, road safety, urban development, and sustainable tourism. While the impact of our collaboration can be seen across the board, I would like to highlight three examples of our support:

• Women’s economic empowerment: The World Bank supported reforms that allowed for a stronger participation of women in the labor force. The results were outstanding! Female Labor Force Participation jumped from 24 percent in 2019 to 34 percent in 2025.
• Digital Development- E-Government: The World Bank has supported Saudi Arabia’s digital government transformation since 2019, helping propel its UN eGovernment Development Index ranking from 52 in 2019 to 6 in 2024. These efforts produced joint research and frameworks, while the Kingdom’s $25 billion investment in 2025 in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and AI, aims to drive tech-led job creation and position the Kingdom as a regional tech hub.
• Social Protection System: The World Bank provided advisory services and technical assistance to strengthen the Kingdom’s Social Protection System, which stands today as one of the top modern delivery systems in the world.  
• The benefits flow both ways. The Kingdom has deepened its engagement with the World Bank Group, becoming the largest Arab shareholder and one of the top 20 donors since inception. Its contributions are supporting development globally and helping shape the future of international cooperation. As a key regional leader, Saudi Arabia plays an active role in promoting development, including through initiatives such as the Middle East Green Initiative, the Global Labor Market Academy, and the Digital Cooperation Organization among others. 

Last December, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group signed an agreement with His Excellency, Dr. Majid Al Kassabi establishing the first World Bank Group – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) in partnership with the National Competitiveness Center (NCC) in Riyadh. The K-Hub is a platform for global exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices to tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges with outbound sharing of the transformation experiences of Saudi Arabia and for the kingdom to continue to learn from global experiences. 

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, our partnership must be bigger and bolder. With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is reshaping institutions, investing in digital infrastructure, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and creating space for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. These are not just national goals. They are global ambitions that we at the World Bank Group share. Our mission—to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet—likewise requires inclusive growth, strong institutions, and a climate transition that works for all. In Saudi Arabia, we see a partner that understands the stakes and is willing to lead by example.

On this National Day, our partnership is stronger than ever. The future promises deeper engagement, greater impact, and expanded opportunities for the Kingdom and the development world. 

_{*International Development Association (IDA): 1960; International Finance Corporation (IFC): 1962; International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID): 1980; Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): 1988}