Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition (GAC) received 340 complaints last year, most of them related to the wholesale and retail sector, and referred 35 firms for criminal proceedings over anti-competitive practices, according to a new report seen by Asharq Al-Awsat.
The authority also reviewed settlement requests from 34 companies and took enforcement action against 22 entities found to be in violation of the Kingdom’s competition law.
The report showed that GAC received 317 economic concentration requests in 2024 and issued non-objection decisions for 202 of them. Another 105 were deemed not subject to reporting requirements, while 10 applications were still under review at year-end. No merger requests were rejected during the period.
The authority intensified its enforcement efforts by ramping up oversight and crackdowns on anti-competitive behavior. Investigations into the 340 complaints led to criminal referrals for 35 companies, it said.
Over the year, GAC carried out 459 monitoring and investigation operations and launched eight public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of compliance and fair competition.
To enhance the efficiency of its investigative tools, the authority developed a digital forensics and data analysis lab, enabling its inspectors and investigators to process evidence more accurately and efficiently. The move bolstered the authority’s ability to intervene and enforce regulations more effectively.
The GAC conducted in-depth studies on competition fairness in key sectors such as data, auditing, and management consulting. It also evaluated the impact of algorithms and artificial intelligence on market dynamics—efforts that informed policies aimed at fostering fair competition while balancing innovation and consumer protection.
These studies helped identify both challenges and opportunities, laying the groundwork for regulatory frameworks that support a more sustainable and competitive economic environment.
To improve governance and operational maturity, the authority rolled out internal digital platforms to track key indicators, manage projects, and streamline internal service requests. These upgrades helped accelerate decision-making and improve institutional efficiency.
Most departments have also updated their internal policies and procedures in line with global best practices, the report said, as part of broader efforts to enhance transparency and achieve strategic alignment across the organization.
In a major digital milestone, the authority received national enterprise architecture certification from the Digital Government Authority, after successfully adopting the government’s enterprise architecture framework to improve customer experience through enhanced digital channels.
Throughout the year, the GAC continued developing its regulatory environment and governance practices. It activated settlement tools to help companies remain operational while easing their financial burdens.
The authority reviewed laws, regulations, and policy proposals, participating in 61 legislative processes—most initiated by the GAC itself, while others responded to requests from government bodies or public consultations.
The report underlines GAC’s commitment to creating a robust, transparent regulatory landscape that promotes compliance and boosts institutional performance.
