Saudi Arabia has taken over as president of the Arab Chambers Union for its new term, led by Abdullah Saleh Kamil, head of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development. This move follows Tunisia's term, in line with the alphabetical rotation system for the union's presidency among Arab states. The Saudi presidency coincides with the implementation of the union's strategy for 2026-2030.
The strategy aims to expand Arab economic integration by stimulating investment and joint production, linking capital to investment opportunities, developing value chains, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhancing private sector participation in setting Arab economic priorities. The upcoming phase will prioritize joint Arab investment, productive integration, food and industrial security, and digital transformation.
The presidency comes as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 enters its third phase for 2026-2030, focusing on accelerating implementation and maximizing impact. This phase relies on continued government capital spending and the role of the Public Investment Fund and the National Development Fund in stimulating local investment. This provides an economic context that supports expanding investment partnerships and production.
Abdullah Saleh Kamil holds leadership positions in institutions representing the private sector at the Saudi, Gulf, and Islamic levels. He heads the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, and serves as the first deputy chairman of the GCC Chambers of Commerce for 2026-2028. This institutional extension gives the new presidency broader scope for coordinating business communities and developing cooperation opportunities.
The Arab Chambers Union was founded on December 16, 1951, with its main headquarters in Beirut. As an Arab economic institution operating at the non-governmental level, it aims to enhance cooperation and Arab economic integration. The union is based on the membership of Arab trade and industry chambers and a network of Arab foreign chambers.
The Saudi presidency of the Arab Chambers Union will likely focus on enhancing economic cooperation and integration among Arab countries. This includes promoting joint investment, developing value chains, and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises. The presidency's priorities align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the union's strategy for 2026-2030.
The Arab Chambers Union plays a significant role in promoting economic cooperation and integration among Arab countries. Its presidency is rotated alphabetically among Arab states, ensuring equal representation and opportunities for all member states. The union's work contributes to achieving sustainable economic development and enhancing the competitiveness of Arab economies.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia assumes presidency of Arab Chambers Union for new term
- The presidency coincides with implementation of union's strategy for 2026-2030
- The union aims to enhance cooperation and Arab economic integration
