Sharqia Development Authority

The Sharqia Development Authority is the entity in charge of setting general policies for the development of the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its responsibilities encompass preparing comprehensive strategic plans, studies, and schemes, and their implementation programs for the province. It is also responsible for monitoring and carrying out projects in collaboration with the province's council and municipality.

The Sharqia Development Authority was founded in 2014 to contribute to the Eastern Province's comprehensive urban and economic development. The regions and cities development authorities, including any authority that may be established in the future, were regulated by a decision of the Council of Ministers in the same year. The Sharqia Development Authority's institutional structuring began in 2019.

The authority runs its work from its headquarters in Dammam. It has a Board of Directors in charge of running the authority's affairs, and it enjoys several mandates, including approving the investment of the authority's funds in pursuit of its objectives, founding companies, taking part in their establishment, or participating in the execution of the projects determined by the authority.

Sharqia Development Authority has several roles and functions, most notably: prioritizing the implementation of programs and projects within the province in line with development plans; reviewing development plans, programs, and projects related to the authority's work; proposing the dispossession of certain real estate properties for the development of the region in coordination with the province's municipality; reviewing and approving land division schemes; developing the programs needed for the private sector's participation in the implementation of projects; and developing an urban database and information systems.

The authority uses an operating model relying upon studies, policies, comprehensive coordination, harmonization, planning, support, implementation, performance management, and follow-up to consolidate the development decision for ensuring balanced development and achieving comprehensive development goals.

Sharqia Development Authority based its logo on the symbolism of the area, which highlights its role in accomplishing comprehensive development goals. The logo features sixteen replications of the administrative division of the province around the national emblem of the Kingdom: a palm tree on top of two swords.

According to the regulatory arrangements of the regions and cities development authorities, the Board of Directors is chaired by the governor of the region. The chairman of the executive committee of the Board of Directors is appointed under the order issued by the Prime Minister. The authority has a legal personality and enjoys administrative autonomy. It has an independent annual budget issued in accordance with the arrangements for the state's general budget. It reports to the Prime Minister.