Saudi Economy Association

Economics Section– College of Business Administration – King Saud University
P.O. Box 2459 Riyadh 11451
Tel (4674141) Fax (4674142)

Saudi Economy Association was established in 1407H with the aim of developing scientific thinking in the field of economy and giving workers of this field in public and private sectors the opportunity to participate in movement of scientific progress. It manages to exchange scientific production and thoughts in the economy domain among relevant agencies and institutions and provide advice and carry out economic studies in general, and of which that is related to Saudi economy in particular. Its membership is available for holders of university degrees in economy, whether they are academic or non academic, working in public or private sector.

The association holds an annual meeting for its general assembly, and on the meeting margin it discusses some researches concerned with Saudi economy in particular. It also conducts in the course of the year public lectures and seminars hosting some officials to talk about different economic issues.

Association Membership:

Every holder of scientific degree in the field of economic sciences has the right to get membership in the association. The association currently consists of more than four hundred and fifty member from different scientific and professional levels who are working in public and private sector and who are working inside and outside universities.

Membership is one of three types:
1- Honorary membership: conferred to whom the association selects from those who provided material or immaterial services to the association or who participated in developing its areas of interest inside and outside the kingdom. The honorary candidate is selected by a decision of the general assembly based on nomination from the board. The honorary member is released from membership fees. The honorary member has the right to attend sessions of the general assembly and the different association's committees and participation in discussions without having counted vote on issuance of decisions or on conducting elections.
2-Working membership: given to whoever fulfilled membership requirements from those who hold scientific degree in economy. The working member must satisfy condition of being resident in kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3- Affiliate membership: given to those who wish to get membership in the association who are non residents in kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Membership conditions and procedures:
1- Applicant must have good behavior record, good reputation and must have never condemned for an offence involving moral turpitude.
2- Applicant must pay the fees decided by the association for registration and annual subscription.
3- Applicant must be commended by two working members of the association.
4- Applications for working and affiliate memberships are submitted to the association board. Applications are not considered accepted before decision of approval taken by the board, and the applicant is informed about the board decision regarding his case.

Association annual meetings

The annual meeting is a scientific gathering for two or three days, and preparations are carried out long time before its being held. Various researches are discussed on specific subject or different subjects. These meetings included the following :

First annual meeting: was a meeting for the association's setting up held in 1407H.
Second annual meeting: (Saudi economy: achievements and future indicators).
Third annual meeting: (Saudi economy in its local and regional contexts).
Fourth annual meeting: two discussion sessions, the first was about (Labor market in kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and the second was about (Economy curricula in Saudi universities).
Fifth annual meeting: two discussion sessions, the first was about (Reality and future of Saudi economy) and the second was about (Reality and future of gulf economic integration).
Sixth annual meeting: (Reality and horizons of financing in kingdom of Saudi Arabia) that was inaugurated by his Highness Mr. Mohamed Aba Al-Kheil, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and held in Zul-Qida 1412H. The Minister presented a paper about “Investment and savings in kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
Seventh annual meeting: (International economic developments and their effects on kingdom economy and economies of gulf countries) that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Saud Al Faisal, Foreign Minister, and held on 19 and 20 Zul-Hijjah 1413H.
Eighth annual meeting: (Future directions of Saudi economy and performance of its participating corporations) that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdel Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, and held during the period from 28 – 30 Zul-Hijjah 1414H, corresponding to 7 – 9 June 1994.
Ninth annual meeting: (National economies and heading towards globalization) held on 4 – 5 Zul-Qida 1415H, corresponding to 4 – 5 April 1995.
Tenth annual meeting: (Reality and future of Saudi industry), that was under auspices of his Highness Dr. Hashim Bin Abdullah Yamani, Minister of Industry and Electricity, and held during the period from 4 – 6 Muharram 1417H, corresponding to 21 – 23 May 1996.
Eleventh annual meeting: (Reality and horizons of financing in economy of kingdom of Saudi Arabia), that was under auspices of his Highness Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdel Aziz Al Asaaf, Minister of Finance and National Economy, held during the period from 12 – 13 Jumadah Al-Ula 1418H, corresponding to 13 – 14 September 1997.
Twelfth annual meeting: (Services in Saudi economy), that was under auspices of his Highness Dr. Abdel Wahab Bin Abdel Salam Attar, Minister of Planning, held during the period from 25 – 26 Jumadah Al-Ula 1420H, corresponding to 11– 12 May 1999.
Thirteenth annual meeting: (Labor market in kingdom of Saudi Arabia), that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Naif Bin Abdel Aziz, Minister of Interior and Chairman of Workforce Council, held during the period from 20 – 22 Rajab 1421H, corresponding to 17– 19 October 2000.
Fourteenth annual meeting: (Reality and horizons of tourism and investment in kingdom of Saudi Arabia), that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Saud, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Aviation, and General Inspector, inaugurated on his behalf by his Royal Highness Prince Sattam Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Saud, Deputy Governor of Riyadh region, held during the period from 15 – 17 Safar 1423H, corresponding to 28– 30 April 2002 within campus of King Saud university in Riyadh.
Fifteenth annual meeting: (Saudi capital market: reality and expectations), that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdel Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, held during the period from 11 – 13 Shawwal 1426H, corresponding to 13 – 15 November 2005.
Sixteenth annual meeting: (Financial services in kingdom of Saudi Arabia), that was under auspices of his Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Aviation, and General Inspector, held during the period from 16 – 18 Jumada-Al Ula 1428H, corresponding to 2 – 4 June 2007 at King Fahd cultural center in Riyadh.

Scientific activities:
In addition to the association annual meetings, the association holds discussion forums, lectures, and meetings with high officials in economic fields. Activities during the last years included:
· Meeting with his Highness Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, where he addressed “Reality and horizons of petroleum policy and industry in kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, in which a dialogue took place between him and association members about the subject.
· Meeting with his Highness Minister of Commerce, held in headquarters of the chamber of commerce and industry in Riyadh, in which discussions were conducted around a number of subjects related to competency of the ministry such as management of joint stock companies and subscription in its shares, professional companies, and organizing of trade businesses.
· Meeting with his Highness Minister of Industry and Electricity, held on 29 Zul-Hijjah 1413H, in which he addressed “Reality and horizons of industrial development in kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, and that topic was the core of discussion and dialogue with his Highness.
· Meeting with his Highness Dr. Salah Al- Hazlul, Deputy Minister of Municipality and Rural Affairs for Urban Planning, held on 18/7/1413H, corresponding to 11/1/1993, about “Real-estate and housing market in kingdom of Saudi Arabia … reality and future”.
· Meeting with Dr. Robert Mabro, Manager of Oxford energy institute, a professor at Oxford University, held on 11/11/1413H, corresponding to 2/5/1993, in which he addressed “Developments in petroleum market”.
· Meeting with his Highness Mr. Sulaiman Al Mandeel, General Manager of Riyadh Bank, held on 28 Shaaban 1414H, in which he addressed “Future challenges that face Saudi banking sector”.
· Discussion forum about “Privatization in kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, dated 3 Jumada II 1415H, corresponding to 5 November 1994, in which Dr. Majid Abdullah Al Menif and Dr. Waleed Abdel Kader Taher participated, and it was held in headquarters of the chamber of commerce and industry in Riyadh.
· Discussion forum about “Agricultural economy: marketing problems in Al Qassim region and in the kingdom”, dated 6 Jumada II 1415H, corresponding to 10 November 1994, in which Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Qanbit, head of agricultural economy section at King Saud university in Riyadh, and Dr. Ali Youssef Khalifa from section of extension and agricultural economy – College of Agriculture and Veterinary medicine at King Saud university - Al Qassim branch, and it was held in headquarters of the chamber of commerce and industry in Al Qassim.
· Discussion forum about “European integration and its effects on Arabic and Islamic world” dated 6 Jumada II 1415H, corresponding to 10 November 1994, in which both of Dr. Mohamed Faraj Al Khatrawi, Deputy Chairman of the chamber of commerce and industry in Al Madinah, member of the board of the association, and Dr. Osama Othman participated, and it was held in Saleh cultural center in Onaiza.
· Discussion forum held by the association dated 2 Shabaan 1415H, corresponding to 3 January 1995, at College of Economy and Administration at King Abdel Aziz university in Jeddah about “Saudi industries and looking forward towards necessary strategy” in which both of Dr. Omar Khalifty, and Mr. Mohamed Bin Zagr have talked.
· Discussion forum held by the association in cooperation with the chamber of commerce and industry in Madinah, dated 10 Shaaban 1415H, corresponding to 11 January 1995, about “Phases of setting up an industrial project and investment challenges in industry”, in which both of Dr. Abdullah Al Mouajjel and Dr. Ahmed Ba Makhrama have participated.
· Discussion forum held by the association in cooperation with College of Economy and Administration at king Abdel Aziz university, in which the association hosted Mr. Saleh Abdullah Kamel, Chairman of Dallah group, where he presented a paper on “Objectives and policies of privatization and its relation to capital markets” dated 13 Shawwal 1415H, corresponding to 14 March 1995.
· Lecture delivered by the association dated 1/7/1416H, corresponding to 28 November 1996, under the title “Fluctuations of exchange rates and their effects on economic policies” within campus of King Saud university, given by his Highness Mr. Hamad Saud Al-Siari, Governor of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.
· Lecture delivered by the association dated 26 Rajab 1417H, corresponding to 7 December 1996, under the title “Labor market and economic development in kingdom of Saudi Arabia” within campus of King Saud university, given by his Highness Dr. Faisal Safouq Al- Bashir.
· Seminar about “Future of privatization in kingdom of Saudi Arabia” dated 2 Zul-Qida 1417H, corresponding to 11 March 1997, in which participated both of Dr. Mohamed Faraj Al Khatrawi, member of the board of the association, and Dr. Ahmed Bin Abdel Karim Al Mehaimeed, Deputy Dean of College of Economy and Administration at King Saud university, Al-Qassim branch, and held at chamber of commerce and industry in Al-Qassim.
· Seminar about “Alternative means of financing in times of scarcity of cash flow”  dated 2 Zul-Qida 1417H, corresponding to 11 March 1997, in which participated both of Dr. Bou Alam Bin Jilaly, Islamic bank of development, and Dr. Abdel Monem Al Abdel Monem, head of economy section, College of Economy and Administration at King Saud university, Al-Qassim branch, Dr. Youssef Bin Abdullah Al-Zamil, economy section, College of Economy and Administration at King Saud university, Al-Qassim branch, and Dr. Shabaan Abdel Alim, economy section, College of Economy and Administration at King Saud university, Al-Qassim branch, and held at chamber of commerce and industry in Al-Qassim.
· Seminar about “Obstacles facing businesswomen in the field of private investment”, held by women committee at King Fahd cultural center dated 23 Rajab 1422H, corresponding to 10 October 2001, in which participated a group of specialists from Ministry of Commerce and Industry and chamber of commerce and industry in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association dated 11/11/1421H, corresponding to 5 February 2001, under the title of “The new foreign investment regulation and its effects on Saudi economy”, given by Dr. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Batil, Chairman of the Association, where it was delivered at chamber of commerce and industry in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association dated 17/11/1422H, corresponding to 21 January 2002, under the title of “International efforts to combat money laundry”, given by Dr. Abderrahman Abel Mohsen Al Khalaf, member of teaching faculty at economy section and Deputy Chairman of Saudi Economy Association, and it was delivered at Prince Salman social center in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association in cooperation with Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority under the title of (Strategy of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority), delivered by his Highness Mr. Amr Al-Dabbagh, Governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority at 9:00 pm on 17 Ramadan 1425H, corresponding to 31 October 2004, at King Faisal conference auditorium in Intercontinental hotel in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association in cooperation with Saudi British bank under the title of (Saudi stock exchange: reality and challenges), in which participated both of Mr. Mohamed Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Dahian and Dr. Mohamed Al-Jebrein, at 7:30 pm on 7 Zul-Qida 1425H, corresponding to Sunday 19 December 2004, at conference auditorium in Intercontinental hotel in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association under the title of (Towards one strategy to demolish unemployment), given by his Highness Minister of Labor Dr. Ghazi Bin Abdelrramban Al Qussaibi, at 8:00 pm on 21 Zul-Qida 1425H, corresponding to Sunday 2 January 2005, at King Fahd cultural center in Riyadh.
· Lecture delivered by the association under the title of (Vision on Islamic economy), presented by Spokesman of Shurah Council  his Highness Dr. Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Hemaid, at 8:00 pm on Sunday 17 Safar 1426H, corresponding to 27 March 2005, at King Faisal conference auditorium in Intercontinental hotel in Riyadh.

Scientific Publications:
· For the purpose of strengthening the ties amongst association members, a quarterly bulletin titled "Economy" including news of universities and economic institutions, in addition to member news and activities (11 volumes issued up to date).
· The association publishes "Economic Studies" magazine, the scientific series of Saudi Economy Association, which is an arbitrated biannual scientific magazine concerned with economic affairs, and publishes scientific researches and studies after they are assessed and arbitrated scientifically (11 volumes issued up to date). This magazine was approved by the scientific council at King Saud University.
· The association started printing of the annual meeting minutes, of which the following were issued up to date:

1- (Problems of teaching of economy in Saudi universities).
2- (Importance of savings and fields of investment available for the family).
3- (Reality and horizons of investment and financing in kingdom of Saudi Arabia).
4- (Small business premises).
5- (Insight into privatization).
6- (Future directions of Saudi economy and performance of its participating joint stock companies).
7- (National economies and heading towards globalization).
8- (Principles of economy).
9- (Reality and future of Saudi industry).
10- (Seminar on reality and future of labor market of Saudi women).
11- (Program for tomorrow: Futurology studies in Saudi economy).