A delegation from the Omani Ministry of Finance recently visited the headquarters of the Government Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) in Riyadh to explore EXPRO’s experience in enhancing service efficiency. The visit covered the methodology employed in implementing the initiative, asset inventory practices, the regulation of usufruct rights, and strategies for improving overall expenditure efficiency.The Omani delegation was led by Eng. Hilal bin Abdul Rasool Al Zadjali, Government Assets Advisor at the Office of the Minister of Finance.The delegation was also introduced to the National Manual for Asset and Facilities Management, as well as key best practices in managing government facilities.

The Government Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) has released a research paper titled “The Concept of Expenditure Efficiency in Saudi Arabia: Key Concepts and Lessons.” The paper explores expenditure efficiency in depth, drawing on international analyses to assess measurement methodologies, identify efficiency gaps, and highlight EXPRO’s collaborative efforts with government entities to address them.The research paper supports EXPRO’s efforts, alongside success partners in government entities, to enhance public expenditure efficiency in the Kingdom, advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of fiscal sustainability and economic growth.The paper pointed out that the concept of expenditure efficiency means maximizing the impact in relation to expenditure. This is achieved through the optimal use of available resources and addressing various types of waste without affecting the quality of services provided.It addressed the two types of expenditure efficiency: “technical efficiency” and “allocative efficiency.” It also reviewed the methodological approaches currently used to measure expenditure efficiency in the public sector, as well as analyses by international organizations to study and evaluate such methodologies. It also explained the concept of the “efficiency frontier” to assess public expenditure outcomes and elaborated on identifying the causes of expenditure efficiency gaps.The paper highlighted the Expenditure Review tool developed by EXPRO in line with international best practices to support structured analysis of government expenditure outcomes and results. Expenditure reviews provide a methodology to identify areas and opportunities for achieving expenditure efficiency and enhancing the quality of government projects. They also improve the quality of expenditure and financial results. Moreover, when integrated into the budget planning process, expenditure reviews contribute to ensuring that budget decisions are based on expenditure performance and that expenditures align with the government's and population’s evolving priorities.  The research paper also explained how EXPRO supports government entities by adopting best practices in expenditure efficiency through Expenditure Efficiency Teams and the SKEP Program, which applies a common framework to assess expenditure practices across government entities based on seven main pillars: leadership and strategy, planning and preparation for expenditure, capacity building, procurement, projects, assets and facilities, and expenditure impact. This evaluation enables EXPRO to identify areas for improvement and develop tailored capacity-building programs for each entity to help improve their performance.To view the research paper

The awareness campaign " Evolution of Tradition," aimed at introducing the role of Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities in enhancing the efficiency of government expenditure planning, witnessed wide participation from public sector success partners. This reflects the growing interest in spreading the culture of expenditure efficiency across all sectors in the Kingdom. EXPRO values and thanks government entities for their efforts and active participation in the awareness campaign.The participation of government entities in the awareness campaign recently launched by EXPRO varied, including meetings and internal workshops with the entitiy personnel to introduce the role of Expenditure Efficiency Teams and highlight key achievements in this area, dissemination of campaign awareness materials through internal communication channels, organizing internal awareness activities to showcase the impact of the Expenditure Efficiency Teams’ initiatives, and measuring the level of awareness about the value of these teams. Additionally, the campaign included support for EXPRO's social media publications.Around 190 Expenditure Efficiency Teams within government entities contributed to documenting more than 4,000 initiatives from 2019 to 2024, with their financial allocations redirected to serve priority development projects for the nation and citizens.

Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities contributed to enhancing the efficiency of government expenditure planning through more than 4,000 initiatives from 2019 to 2024. These initiatives covered various fields, including education, health, finance, industry, sports, human resources, and more. National success stories emerged, with their positive impact directly reflected on both the nation and its citizens. In cooperation with EXPRO, the Madinah Region, represented by the Municipality and the Development Authority, activated a package of initiatives that contributed to achieving expenditure quality and improving the quality of services provided to residents and visitors. As a result, the resident satisfaction rate with quality of life reached 66%, and the project failure rate dropped to less than 1% compared to previous levels. Additionally, innovative contractual models were implemented, resulting in a 94% compliance rate in establishments by 2024. As part of the continued success in enhancing expenditure efficiency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced 40 indicators related to expenditure efficiency. The Ministry also documented 27 initiatives via EXPRO’s platform dedicated to Expenditure Efficiency Teams, with an estimated financial impact of SAR 1.7 billion. Moreover, the Ministry improved service quality for visitors to the Kingdom through the e-transformation initiative for Hajj and Umrah visas. Due to the success of this initiative, the Ministry launched a new e-transformation initiative for issuing visit, residence, and work visas, which was activated in 2024. Amid the rapid digital transformation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) focused on improving the efficiency and security of government services. After government entities previously relied on traditional data centers with high operational costs and limited scalability, more than 180 entities were enabled to transition to the “DEEM Cloud” operated by the National Information Center. This contributed to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs for government entities, achieving a financial impact exceeding SAR 5 billion through optimal utilization of technical resources and enhanced infrastructure service effectiveness. In pursuit of operational efficiency, the “Sharek” initiative by the King Saud University Medical City was launched to highlight programs and projects that enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste. Since its inception in 2020, over 400 projects have participated, with an estimated financial impact of SAR 500 million. A key initiative in the event was the “Automated Approval of Laboratory Results” initiative, which aimed to automate the approval and submission of medical test results. This initiative reduced the time required to submit laboratory results by 10% to 35%. The Expenditure Efficiency Team at the Public Health Authority "Weqaya," operating in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has established the National Newborn Screening Program to eliminate disabilities. Studies and research in the Kingdom have shown a higher rate of genetic disorders among newborns, with one affected infant per 1,000 births compared to one per 4,000 globally. The early detection of any disabilities or health problems aims to initiate appropriate treatment at an early stage. Data extracted from the screenings were analyzed, and 21 types of the most common genetic and metabolic diseases in the Kingdom were studied, such as metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases. A database was created to catalog all types of genetic disorders covered by the program. Therefore, “Weqaya” and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with EXPRO, worked to increase the coverage rate of early screening for newborns to reduce disabilities, in addition to monthly follow-up of the implementing entities. This led to the enhancement of children's health and the improvement of healthcare quality, as well as the improvement of the health monitoring and evaluation system, the promotion of prevention and healthcare, and the reduction of the psychological and social burden on the parents of affected children. It also improved efficiency and effectiveness in the use of health resources and financial planning. This improvement in efficiency and financial planning helped avoid the costs of treating cases detected late by 56%, which is estimated at approximately SAR 2 billion. Furthermore, King Faisal Specialist Hospital has enhanced operational efficiency by implementing 70 initiatives focused on optimizing expenditure, yielding a financial impact of SAR 13 billion. The hospital has demonstrated exceptional performance in organ transplantation, with distinguished outcomes in various specialties, including heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, bone marrow, and stem cell transplants. In pursuit of continuous efficiency improvements, the hospital established a Capacity Command Center, which has facilitated over 350,000 interventional procedures through real-time monitoring systems. This center has also improved demand forecasting, thereby mitigating risks and resulting in a 33% reduction in patient waiting times. Similarly, to improve the quality of government projects in the Eastern Province, the Regional Development Authority implemented an integrated budgeting model. This model prioritizes projects according to regional needs and development plans. Furthermore, specialized teams consolidated projects with similar scopes, resulting in a sustainable financial impact of SAR 7.6 billion. EXPRO recently launched the fourth edition of the awareness campaign “Evolution of Tradition” to introduce the pivotal role of Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities in improving the efficiency of government expenditure planning through a set of procedures and initiatives. In cooperation with government entities, EXPRO has advanced the adoption of expenditure efficiency practices and enhanced awareness. It developed six guiding manuals on the formation of Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities, the methodology for identifying opportunities to raise expenditure efficiency, supporting teams in spreading the culture of expenditure efficiency, and improving performance of the Sustainability Key Elements Program. Additionally, EXPRO organized specialized workshops for expenditure efficiency team leaders, with its Academy delivering tailored training on key methodologies, including opportunity identification, problem-solving, change management, expenditure review, execution management, capacity and demand analysis, and operational excellence.  EXPRO supports government entities in enhancing expenditure efficiency, optimizing public procurement, and improving the quality of projects, assets, and facilities. Additionally, it strengthens infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning, develops policies, regulations, and methodologies, and builds national talent capabilities. 

EXPRO recently launched the fourth edition of the awareness campaign “Evolution of Tradition” to introduce the pivotal role of Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities in improving the efficiency of government expenditure planning through a set of procedures and initiatives. From 2019 to 2024, this effort captured over 4,000 initiatives from more than 190 government teams, enabling the redirection of financial allocations to priority national development projects that benefit both the country and its citizens.Expenditure Efficiency Teams across government entities began their work nearly six years ago, following a high order to establish internal teams reporting to the leadership of each entity. These teams are responsible for driving expenditure efficiency efforts, developing and implementing relevant initiatives, contributing to budget preparation workshops, and regularly reporting on progress and achievements to both the entity’s leadership and EXPRO via the designated platform for expenditure efficiency teams.Eng. Turki bin Ahmed Bukhari, Executive Vice President for Government Enablement at EXPRO, said: "The achievements of the Expenditure Efficiency Teams across government entities in recent years demonstrate the growing understanding of expenditure efficiency principles within these organizations and the dedication of our national workforce to implementing proven methodologies and best practices. These initiatives help ensure that government resources support national strategies and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to effective governance focused on enhancing expenditure efficiency to secure financial sustainability, drive development, and improve service quality for citizens, residents, and visitors."He added that EXPRO remains committed to collaborating with government entities to enhance the efficiency of government expenditure planning and needs assessment by promoting a culture of expenditure efficiency, developing and qualifying national talent within these entities, and implementing best practices and methodologies in this field.In cooperation with the success partners from government entities, EXPRO has advanced the adoption of expenditure efficiency practices and enhanced awareness. It developed six guiding manuals on the formation of Expenditure Efficiency Teams in government entities, the methodology for identifying opportunities to raise expenditure efficiency, supporting teams in spreading the culture of expenditure efficiency, and improving performance of  the Sustainability Key Elements Program.Additionally, EXPRO organized specialized workshops for expenditure efficiency team leaders, with its Academy delivering tailored training on key methodologies, including opportunity identification, change management, expenditure review, execution management, capacity and demand analysis, and operational excellence.EXPRO supports government entities in enhancing expenditure efficiency, optimizing public procurement, and improving the quality of projects, assets, and facilities. Additionally, it strengthens infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning, develops policies, regulations, and methodologies, and builds national talent capabilities.

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, EXPRO held a ceremony to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of the “Wa’ed” Leadership Development Program, which included 19 employees from various specializations.The program enhances leadership capabilities of EXPRO's promising talents, supporting the strategy to develop national expertise and retain top performers. It equips participants to become exceptional leaders, fostering strategic vision, innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and team leadership abilities to drive EXPRO's objectives forward.Reem bint Abdulrahman Al-Ruhaily, Executive Vice President of Human Capital and the Academy, stated: "The Wa’ed program comes as part of the EXPRO's strategy to build a high-performance organization that prioritizes qualifying national talents, maximizing the value of human capital, and creating an ideal and attractive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation".Al-Ruhaily emphasized the graduates' crucial role in sharing knowledge with colleagues, supporting EXPRO Academy's objectives aligned with the Human Capability Development Program under Vision 2030. These efforts support and promote a culture of learning and development and enhance employee engagement and integration. The program yielded an 80% leadership skills improvement rate, 30% professional development growth, and 98% enhancement in interdepartmental networking and employee integration.EXPRO, in cooperation with global leadership experts, developed an educational and training program for the Wa’ed participants, consisting of three intensive learning and training modules.The first phase of Wa’ed included conducting tests to evaluate candidates based on leadership and analytical abilities, followed by presentation to the Program Committee comprising executive leaders of EXPRO and the academic partner to select qualified participants.The second phase of the program involved enrolling promising leaders in an educational path that included three modules introducing authentic leadership based on values and principles, inspirational and influential leadership, and transformational leadership. The curriculum covered effective team management, leadership styles and influence, the leader’s role in fostering an environment conducive to team performance development, strategic planning, creativity, and innovation. This phase also included intensive mentoring sessions, individual coaching, and knowledge transfer workshops.The third phase of the Wa’ed program focused on measuring the impact of the acquired knowledge and the value of the training process, presenting what trainees learned, covering the key stages of leadership methods and change management, explaining high-performance team leadership techniques, and joining the Wa’ed Community to enhance learning and experience exchange.EXPRO supports government entities in enhancing expenditure efficiency, optimizing public procurement, and improving the quality of projects, assets, and facilities. Additionally, it strengthens infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning and develops policies.

EXPRO has been awarded the King Abdulaziz Quality Award in its seventh edition, achieving the Bronze level in the Government Sector category. EXPRO's recognition affirms its excellence in applying international best practices in quality and institutional excellence, further demonstrated by its recent attainment of four ISO certifications in Quality Management, Risk Management, Knowledge Management, and Collaborative Relationship Management, after meeting global standards. Eng. Riyadh bin Nasser Al-Muhawas, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Institutional Excellence at EXPRO, stated: "The King Abdulaziz Quality Award highlights EXPRO's advanced level in achieving quality and institutional excellence standards and supporting related practices, which enhance a culture of quality, efficiency, and sustainable development." Al-Muhawas added that EXPRO is dedicated to implementing its strategy focused on building a high-performance organization supported by an ideal quality system that enhances government performance and fulfills stakeholder aspirations. EXPRO bases its governance on performance indicators that ensure operations are conducted with quality and accuracy, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The King Abdulaziz Quality Award aims to motivate all sectors to adopt excellence principles to elevate performance quality, recognize outstanding entities, drive continuous improvement of internal processes, and achieve higher levels of beneficiary satisfaction. The award offers a comprehensive framework for business excellence, aligning performance improvement and management activities. It enables organizations to assess their current performance levels, compare them with globally outstanding institutions, and work to bridge existing performance gaps. EXPRO supports government entities in enhancing expenditure efficiency, optimizing public procurement, and improving the quality of projects, assets, and facilities. Additionally, it strengthens infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning, develops policies, regulations, and methodologies, and builds national talent capabilities.