Combating corruption and promoting economic resilience: legal and institutional reform in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study examines the relationship between corruption and economic resilience in Saudi Arabia, focusing on how the country maintains economic resilience despite persistent issues such as bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power. Employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis, and drawing from official government data covering the period 2016–2022, the study identifies critical drivers of resilience—including oil wealth, targeted public investment, economic diversification strategies, and proactive anti-corruption initiatives. While corruption predictably undermines economic performance by distorting markets, weakening institutions, and increasing inefficiencies, Saudi Arabia’s case demonstrates that strategic legal reforms and empowered oversight bodies can mitigate these effects. The findings underscore the importance of continuous institutional development, transparent regulatory frameworks, and effective law enforcement in safeguarding growth. The study contributes to ongoing scholarly debates on corruption and the resource curse by offering a case-based analysis of how strong governance mechanisms can protect resource-rich economies. It also calls for further research on sectoral vulnerabilities and improved corruption measurement methodologies to inform anti-corruption strategies.