A Royal Order has appointed Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Arifi as Governor of the National Development Fund (NDF), granting him the senior Excellent rank. The order, numbered O/266, was issued on 24 Sha'ban 1447, corresponding to 12 February 2026.
The appointment was made directly by Royal Order rather than by Cabinet resolution, in line with amendments to the Fund's statute that placed the selection of its governor at this level. The Royal Order directed that the decision be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation, completing the standard procedure for such senior appointments.
The Excellent rank is a senior civil-service classification governed by the Law of Ministers, Vice Ministers, and Employees of the Excellent Rank. Al-Arifi is now listed as Governor and Board Member of the National Development Fund on the Fund's official board of directors page.
Why it matters
The National Development Fund serves as an umbrella entity that coordinates and oversees Saudi Arabia's sectoral development banks and specialized lending funds. Its governor holds the top executive role, guiding the Fund's leadership and governance across these financing arms.
The Royal Order is strictly an appointment decision. It does not introduce any new fees, service charges, validity periods, or procedures for citizens or businesses, and it is not linked to any e-government platform steps. Its effect is limited to the leadership and governance of the National Development Fund.
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