Saudi Competition Authority Issues 2024 Activities Report

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) has released its 2024 Annual Activity Report. The report underscores a year of intensified enforcement, legislative initiatives, and accelerated digital transformation, reflecting the GAC's evolving role in fostering a competitive and transparent market in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The GAC opened 459 investigations in 2024 and referred 35 matters to the Sanctions Committee. Most investigations were initiated in the wholesale and retail sectors. Settlement continues to feature prominently. Out of the 35 cases progressed to the Sanctions Committee settlement requests were submitted in 34 cases. 22 cases were settled, showing that cooperative engagement of the GAC in enforcement cases may be beneficial. Still, given the high number of investigations initiated, businesses with strong market positions and significant exposure in Saudi Arabia should take procurations. An analysis of the GAC's enforcement