The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued today, Thursday, a number of generous royal orders that included important administrative changes in the emirates of regions and governorates, within the framework of the wise leadership’s continued keenness to inject new blood into the administrative system and develop government work in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Royal decrees have been issued relieving His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud Al Saud, Governor of Taif, of his post and appointing him Deputy Governor of the Madinah Region with the rank of Minister. This decision reflects the King's gracious confidence in His Highness to assume new duties and responsibilities in one of the most important regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The strategic and religious importance of the Medina region

The appointment of Prince Saud bin Nahar as Deputy Governor of the Madinah Region is of particular significance given the sacred status of Madinah in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, as the second holiest site in Islam and the place of the Prophet's migration. The Saudi leadership gives exceptional attention to this region, dedicating all its resources to serving visitors to the Prophet's Mosque and the residents of the area.

It is expected that His Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar, through his new position, will contribute to supporting the efforts of His Royal Highness the Prince of Madinah Region in supervising the major development projects that the region is witnessing, especially those related to the expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque, improving the infrastructure, and raising the quality of services provided to the guests of God, which is a file that is a fundamental pillar in the ambitious national vision programs.

Administrative expertise and the role of the princes' deputies

The transfer of Prince Saud bin Nahar from Taif, a major tourist and economic hub in the Makkah region, to the governorship of Madinah, marks the culmination of his distinguished administrative career. His Highness gained extensive field and administrative experience during his tenure as governor of Taif, positioning him to contribute effectively to the development of Madinah.

It should be noted that the appointment of deputy governors of the regions aims primarily to enhance institutional work in the emirates of the regions, to follow up on the progress of work in the governorates and centers affiliated with them, in addition to closely monitoring the needs of citizens and residents, which is the approach that the Kingdom has followed since its establishment to ensure the stability and development of all parts of the homeland.

These royal orders reflect the wise leadership approach of rotating national talents among various positions and responsibilities, to maximize the benefit from accumulated expertise, and to ensure the continuity of development in government performance, in order to achieve the well-being of the citizen and enhance the Kingdom’s position at the regional and international levels.

The Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) has revealed recent statistics reflecting significant development in the Kingdom's accounting and auditing sector. The number of SOCPA fellows has seen a substantial increase of 47% over the past two years. This growth serves as a strong indicator of the rising demand for specialized professional qualifications and the expanding pool of qualified Saudi professionals in this vital sector.

Rapid growth and remarkable female participation

Official data released by the Authority revealed that in 2025, 230 professionals received the fellowship certificate, one of the most prestigious professional certifications in the accounting field in the Kingdom. Notably, these statistics show a strong female presence, with women comprising 34% of all fellowship recipients that year. This figure reflects the success of women's empowerment programs in the Saudi labor market and the growing participation of qualified women in specialized and critical career paths, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to increase women's contribution to economic development.

Increase in professional practice licenses

Alongside the growth in professional certifications, the job market has witnessed an expansion in practical application, with the number of licensed accountants and auditors increasing by 13% during the same period. The total number of licensed professionals rose from 672 in 2023 to 762 in 2025. This increase indicates a healthy balance between acquiring theoretical qualifications and the actual transition towards establishing accounting firms and practicing the profession, which directly contributes to increasing the capacity and professionalism of the Saudi market to meet the growing demand for financial services.

Boosting confidence in the national economy

Commenting on these figures, the CEO of the Authority, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mughamis, affirmed that this growth is not accidental, but rather the result of comprehensive development efforts led by the Authority. He explained that the increasing number of fellowship recipients directly contributes to raising the quality of professional practice and enhancing the efficiency of financial statements for companies and institutions, thus strengthening confidence in their outputs.

Dr. Al-Mughamis added that expanding the pool of qualified professionals raises the level of adherence to international and local professional standards and strengthens oversight and quality control mechanisms. This positively impacts investor protection, enhances transparency in the financial market, and supports the stability of the business environment, which aligns perfectly with national objectives to boost confidence in the national economy and attract foreign investments seeking a transparent and regulated financial environment.

The importance of accounting in light of economic transformation

This growth in the accounting and auditing sector is particularly important given the Kingdom's significant economic development. With the diversification of income sources and the expansion of the private sector, the need for accurate and reliable financial data to support decision-makers and investors is becoming increasingly critical. The Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) plays a pivotal role in regulating this system, as its fellowship certification is the primary standard of professional competence, ensuring that accountants can handle complex accounting standards and apply global best practices.