The King Salman Award for Local Governance was formally established in 2010 in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organization. This biennial award for performance excellence is bestowed upon local government entities and researchers in different categories in acknowledgment of their achievements. Application is open to the following entities:
- Regional Entities: Provinces, Governorates, and Centers
- Municipal Entities: Regional Municipalities and Municipalities
- Municipal Councils
- Other local government related entities
- Researchers interested in local governance
The award aims to encourage the organizational and administrative efficiency of local government entities in addition to promoting the consolidation and dissemination of innovative best practices of local governance throughout the Kingdom. The award more over intends to inspire local government entities to increase horizontal integration as well as enhanced cooperation with the private and non-profit sectors, and to foster the spirit of excellence, innovation, and healthy competition.