Transparency (Open Budget Index) 0/100
The Government of Saudi Arabia provides the public with no budget information.
Public Participation 0/100
The Government of Saudi Arabia provides the public with no opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 0/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Saudi Arabia is nonexistent.
By auditor 34/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Saudi Arabia is weak.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Saudi Arabia should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Publish an Executive’s Budget Proposal, Enacted Budget, Year-End Report, and Audit Report.
- Produce and publish a Pre-Budget Statement, Citizens Budget, In-Year Reports, and Mid-Year Review.
Improving Participation
Saudi Arabia should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish credible and effective mechanisms (i.e., public hearings, surveys, focus groups) for capturing a range of public perspectives on budget matters.
- Hold legislative hearings on the budgets of specific ministries, departments, and agencies as well as on audit reports at which testimony from the public is heard.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
Saudi Arabia should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- Establish a specialized budget research office for the legislature.
- Ensure the executive receives prior approval by the legislature before implementing a supplemental budget.
- Require legislative or judicial approval to remove the head of the supreme audit institution.