Taif Chamber

The Taif Chamber, or Taif Chamber of Commerce, is a non-profit service organization that aims to provide economic services in Taif Governorate. The chamber operates under the Ministry of Commerce. It is one of twenty-eight chambers of commerce and industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of three chambers of commerce and industry in Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. It is also a member of the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The Taif Chamber was established under Ministry of Commerce Resolution No. 947, issued on November 29, 1978. It is headquartered in Taif Governorate and has three additional branches in al-Hawiyah, Ranyah, and al-Khurmah. The chamber comprises a general assembly, a board of directors, and a general secretariat. It is considered the first foundation for the journey of growth and contribution of the private sector in Taif Governorate.

Over the years, the chamber has witnessed significant growth in its membership. The most notable increase occurred in 2016 when membership reached 19,992, an increase of 9,331 members compared to the previous year, representing a growth rate of approximately 98 percent within a year.

The Taif Chamber works on supporting the private sector and highlighting the resources and investment opportunities in the governorate to attract new investments, aiming to develop and enhance the province. It also supports small enterprises, facilitates projects and startups, and helps them overcome financial and administrative challenges.

The chamber organizes training centers aimed at developing the human resources required for the job market and launches festivals and events to promote local products.

Additionally, the chamber is involved in resolving commercial and industrial disputes, issuing permits for discounts and competitions, certifications, and re-export documentation.

The chamber also strengthens the role of committees and supports women's participation in the workforce through its Businesswomen's Center, which provides comprehensive services and facilities for businesswomen. It organizes various events and forums actively, such as the 'Safety and Security of Antiquities and Tourist Establishments Forum' and the Mihnati Forum for Employment. In addition, it offers a range of training courses and workshops.

The Taif Chamber operates under an organizational structure with a Board of Directors of twelve members, including the Chairman, two Vice Chairmen, and the chamber's representative in the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The board is responsible for planning and formulating the chamber's policies, managing its affairs, forming committees, delegating powers, as well as reviewing the annual reports and budget, which are then submitted to the General Assembly for approval.

The Taif Chamber also has an executive body headed by the Secretary-General, who serves as its chief executive and is responsible for overseeing its administrative and financial operations. The Secretary-General is assisted by a deputy, along with other department managers, division heads, and the chamber's staff.

The Taif Chamber includes several specialized committees formed by Saudi businessmen nominated by the chambers of commerce and industry. The chamber has sixteen committees, which include the Commercial Committee, the Health Committee, the Real Estate Committee, the Nutrition and Catering Committee, the Private Education and Training Committee, the Women’s Centers, Salons, and Workshops Committee, the Car Exhibitions and Maintenance Committee, the Recruitment Committee, the Agricultural Products Committee, the Industrial Committee, the Engineering Committee, the Endowments Committee, the Tourism Development Committee, the Contractors Committee, the Entrepreneurship Committee, and the Land Transport Committee.

The Taif Chamber works towards achieving its objectives through various means, including training, which contributes to making a real leap for the private sector, supporting its capabilities, and aligning with the state's orientations in addressing future challenges and development needs. To this end, the chamber established its training center, which focuses on developing human resources in the private sector and enhancing individuals' theoretical and practical skills, emphasizing the centrality and importance of human capital.

As part of its efforts to develop its services and align with e-government requirements, the Taif Chamber activated the electronic certification service for its members in 2020, accessible through the chamber's official website, to keep up with and support the business sector.

The chamber continued to improve its capabilities through partnerships. In 2022, it signed a partnership agreement with the King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies at ‏King Saud University‏. The collaboration aims to provide consulting services and study promising investment opportunities for the Taif Governorate, contributing to the economic development of Taif Governorate and achieving the targets of ‏Saudi Vision 2030‏.