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The International Day of Cooperatives highlights the importance of cooperative work as a development model that combines economic and social impact and enables individuals to pool their resources and expertise in a manner that generates sustainable benefits for local communities.
In the Kingdom, the cooperative sector continues to experience steady growth. The number of cooperative societies has reached 581, with a combined membership of more than 75,000 individuals. These societies operate across various fields, including agriculture, tourism, culture, housing, and other activities with economic and social impact. This growth has been reflected in the sector’s economic contribution, which has reached approximately SAR 2.673 billion in non-oil GDP, reaffirming its role as an economic and social enabler that supports sustainable development and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The cooperative sector receives significant attention from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, represented by the General Department of Cooperative Societies. The Department works to develop a supportive regulatory environment for cooperative societies and empower them to fulfil their developmental and economic roles, thereby enhancing their contribution to local development and improving the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
In recent years, the Ministry has implemented several development initiatives that have contributed to the sector’s growth. These include developing electronic services for cooperative societies, streamlining establishment procedures, and improving governance and administrative efficiency. These efforts have reduced the time required to establish a cooperative society from 60 days to only 3 days.
The Ministry also works to support the sustainability of cooperative societies by developing regulatory guidelines, strengthening institutional capabilities, and encouraging best practices. These efforts enhance their ability to expand and achieve sustainable economic and social impact across the Kingdom.
The cooperative sector represents one of the pathways supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of local development, enhanced community participation, and third-sector development. Cooperative societies have contributed to the implementation of development initiatives and projects that have had a positive impact on beneficiaries and local communities. They also play an increasingly important role in economic empowerment and the creation of sustainable development opportunities. In 2025, more than 8,000 individuals were empowered through cooperatives.
The impact of cooperatives is not limited to providing services or creating economic opportunities. It also extends to promoting a culture of collaboration and social responsibility and transforming local initiatives and ideas into projects capable of growth and sustainability.
As development and empowerment efforts continue, cooperatives are further consolidating their role as an effective development model that combines economic value with social impact and contributes to building more vibrant, productive, and sustainable communities.
