Story perspectives

Saudi Orders Freeze on Consultant Payments Until 2026

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia ordered ministries and the Public Investment Fund to freeze payments to strategy advisers, consultants and law firms until June 2026.
The freeze covers both existing contracts and the hiring of new consultancy work.
Some firms have been instructed to complete short-term assignments before any further projects are paused.
The finance ministry reported that 99.5% of consultant invoices were paid within contractual timeframes, contradicting reports of delays.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia ordered ministries and the Public Investment Fund to freeze payments to strategy advisers, consultants and law firms until June 2026.
The freeze covers both existing contracts and the hiring of new consultancy work.
Some firms have been instructed to complete short-term assignments before any further projects are paused.
The finance ministry reported that 99.5% of consultant invoices were paid within contractual timeframes, contradicting reports of delays.