Saudi Arabia ramps up expectations

Saudi Arabia’s new economy minister, the former central bank governor Mohammed Al Jasser, says rapid change is under way in his country. But is the reformist energy sparked by the Arab Spring already flagging?

It has barely passed 4pm, and except for an immigrant security guard there is no sign of life in the labyrinthine corridors of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning. It is an unpropitious environment for Euromoney’s first interview since the Arab Spring with a senior government minister in the Arab world’s biggest economy.

When Mohammed Al Jasser’s office is eventually reached – in a top-floor corner of the ministry – it is a mini-cluster of activity in an otherwise deserted building.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access