New Saudi Developments

Abdullah Al Alami*

October 3, 2025

 

Saudi Arabia released the Pre-Budget Statement for Fiscal Year 2026, with total expenditure estimated at SR1,313 billion and revenues at SR1,147 billion, resulting in a deficit of 3.3 percent of GDP. In 2028, total expenditures are expected to reach about SR1,419 billion, and total revenues are expected to reach about SR1,294 billion.

Expenditure

The government continues its expansionary spending approach, focusing on national priorities with social and economic impact to diversify the economy. The Saudi Government is committed to maintaining development, including targeted spending. However, the private sector needs to be an effective partner in development to achieve a balance between development requirements and financial sustainability.

GDP

The ratio of public debt to GDP is still at relatively low levels compared to many other economies. Nevertheless, it is within safe limits compared to the size of the economy. The Kingdom continues to develop its fiscal policies to balance the requirements of growth and sustainability. This is supported by financial reserves, while maintaining flexibility to intervene in the event of emergency needs.

Saudi GDP is projected to grow 4.4%, with non-oil activities increasing by around 5% by the end of 2025.  This is due to the continued growth of domestic demand and the improvement of employment levels, which led to a reduction in the unemployment rate among Saudis to a record level of 6.8% in the second quarter of 2025.

Reforms

Riyadh is committed to ensuring that reforms are moving forward to enhance economic efficiency and sustainability. Accordingly, the Saudi economy has undergone structural reforms that improved the business environment, strengthened the role of the private sector, and supported progress toward the achievement of development goals.

Non-oil

The positive performance of non-oil activities and the continued implementation of supporting initiatives led to positive developments in revenues. For example, the Saudi Government accelerated the implementation of several programs to provide financial flexibility to achieve tangible gains. This had enabled the government to enhance its ability to respond to developments and adopt a good fiscal policy. The purpose is to continue non-oil activities through the issuance of bonds, sukuk, and loans, in addition to expanding alternative funding via infrastructure financing.

2026 Budget

The Saudi 2026 budget aims to consolidate the strength of the Kingdom's financial position and ensure the sustainability of public finances, in parallel with supporting economic growth. Preliminary estimates for the year 2026 project real Saudi GDP growth of about 4.6%, driven by the expected expansion of non-oil activities. Considering the continued global uncertainty during 2026 and the possibility of continued geopolitical tensions, Riyadh continues to monitor and analyze all possible risks while addressing potential global economic challenges to reduce their negative impacts.

The Pre-Budget Statement is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to be more transparent in public finance and enhance fiscal disclosure. It also reflects the government's efforts to continue the implementation of reforms to strengthen its fiscal position, considering the challenges in the global economy.​

 

*Saudi writer

Saudi Projects, a Success Story

Abdullah Al-Alami*

August 20, 2025

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh recently announced its plan to build projects with a total cost of more than one billion Saudi Riyals (266,475,000 US Dollars) to achieve the Kingdom's ambitious goals, including 314 facilities benefiting 188,000 students. These projects are part of the Kingdom's efforts to improve education, increase the number of schools, and ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society.

I should add that the Saudi economy plays an important role in facing challenges and enhancing the quality of life for all its citizens. One of the Kingdom's most prominent goals is to increase the private sector's contributions to the Gross Domestic Product from 40% to 65%. This is more than a numerical goal; it is a comprehensive project to build a balanced economy through state-society partnerships with the support of national talent.  

There is also strong support for cultural and artistic cooperation with countries around the world. The Saudi Music Commission is organizing a concert titled "Marvels of Saudi Orchestra" at the Palace of Versailles in Paris on September 5^th, where it will perform pieces showcasing the Kingdom's cultural heritage. A joint musical segment will also blend Saudi and French traditions that highlight the beauty of the cultural diversity of local music, such as "Al-Majrour", "Al-Rafhi", "Al-Khatwa", and "Al-Khubaiti".

Among other important projects is the preparation for the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The number of entries has doubled to more than 10,000 projects submitted by 169 countries. The international jury, including experts in innovation and investment, will select the top 100 programs to be presented to major global investors in Riyadh.

In short, Saudi Arabia is committed to investing in building a prosperous future. There is no doubt that the private sector is a key partner in this process and a vital pillar for enhancing competitiveness, generating job opportunities, establishing new companies, and providing incentives to attract investments. The message is clear; Riyadh seeks to build more bridges with friendly countries, affirming the Kingdom's position as an effective driver for embracing innovators and adopting creative projects.

*Saudi writer

هكذا نجحت المشاريع السعودية

عبدالله العلمي* 

20 اغسطس 2025 

     المشاريع الحديثة التي تم الإعلان عنها في الرياض والتي بلغت تكلفتها الإجمالية أكثر من مليار ريال، جاءت لتحقيق الأهداف السعودية العملاقة والتي شملت 314 مشروعًا يستفيد منها 188 ألف طالب وطالبة. تأتي هذه الخدمات في إطار جهود المملكة لدعم البنية التحتية والبيئة السليمة والآمنة للمنشآت التعليمية، وتشمل تحسين التعليم بكل أركانه، وزيادة الطاقة الاستيعابية للمدارس، وضمان فرص متكافئة لجميع فئات المجتمع. 

     لعلي أضيف أن الإقتصاد السعودي يلعب دوراً هاماً وطموحاً لإستكمال بناء دولة قادرة على مواجهة التحديات وتعزيز جودة الحياة للمواطن، سيما وأن من أبرز أهداف المملكة رفع مساهمة القطاع الخاص في إجمالي الناتج المحلي من 40 % إلى 65 %. هذا ليس مجرد رقم نسعى لتحقيقه، بل يمثل مشروعاً شاملاً لخلق اقتصاد متوازن قائم على الشراكة بين الدولة والمجتمع بمساندة فاعلة من الكفاءات الوطنية. 

     كذلك هناك دعم قوي لأواصر التعاون الثقافي والفني مع جميع بلدان العالم، ومن ضمنها استعداد هيئة الموسيقى لتنظيم حفل (روائع الأوركسترا السعودية)، في الخامس من شهر سبتمبر المقبل، في قصر فرساي بالعاصمة الفرنسية باريس. يهدف المشروع للمشاركة الفاعلة بأعمال موسيقية تُبرز جمال التراث الثقافي والتنوّع الفني في تاريخ الموسيقى المحلية مثل والمجرور والرفيحي والخطوة والخبيتي. كذلك تقدم الأوركسترا السعودية مقطوعات موسيقية فرنسية تناغماً مع التراث التاريخي لقصر فرساي، إضافة لفقرة موسيقية مشتركة تدمج بين الإيقاعات الخليجية والفرنسية. 

     من ضمن المشاريع الهامة الأخرى، إنطلاق التصفيات الأولية لمسابقة كأس العالم لريادة الأعمال 2025 في السعودية وسط إقبال واسع، حيث تضاعف عدد المشاركات ليصل إلى أكثر من 10 آلاف مشروع ريادي قدمها رواد ورائدات أعمال من 169 دولة. لجنة التحكيم الدولية تضم خبراء في ريادة الأعمال والابتكار والاستثمار لإختيار أفضل 1000 مشروع، تمهيدًا لإختيار أفضل 100 برنامج سيتم عرضه أمام كبار المستثمرين العالميين في الرياض، للتنافس على جوائز مالية تبلغ قيمتها الإجمالية 1.5 مليون دولار. 

     بإختصار، الجهود التي تُبذل لتطوير ودعم المشاريع السعودية، دليل على الحرص على الاستثمار الجاد لبناء مستقبل مزدهر. لا شك ان القطاع الخاص شريك أساسي في درب التنمية، وركيزةً مهمة لتعزيز التنافسية وتوليد فرص العمل، وتأسيس الشركات، وتوفير الحوافز لجذب الاستثمارات. كما تسعى الرياض لإبراز جسور التبادل الحضاري للفنون مع جميع الدول الصديقة، تأكيداً لمكانة المملكة كمحرك فاعل لاحتضان المبتكرين وتبنيها للمشاريع التنموية الخلاقة. 

 *كاتب سعودي

Saudi Media Strategy

Abdullah Al Alami*

August 16, 2025

 

Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari has been active recently, mainly focusing on Saudi programs as a reliable source of information. Successful media in Saudi Arabia is undergoing unprecedented strategic transformations. I mean beyond simply reporting news, but rather responsibly reflecting and keeping pace with social, economic, and technological changes in the Kingdom with credibility and transparency.

Let me present some facts. The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 83 new licenses during June 2025, with investments totaling more than $253.3 million, contributing to the creation of more than 1,188 job opportunities across the Kingdom. This is how Riyadh implements its goals and programs, reflecting its values, enhancing its image, and elevating its institutions to the level of international competition.

Another significant example is the announcement of "Global City"; one of the major and unique investment projects that Saudi Arabia intends to establish in the Eastern Province. The project features an innovative design that integrates entertainment, tourism, culture, and trade into a modern, structured program. It includes pavilions dedicated to 16 countries, highlighting their cultures and traditions, in addition to an open-air theater with a capacity of 7,000 seats, which can be expanded in the future.

Funds are available; the state budget performance in the second quarter of 2025 revealed an increase of $39.9 billion in non-oil revenues. Taxes on income, profits, and capital gains also grew by 7 percent, while taxes on goods and services increased by 6.9 percent. Despite declining oil revenues and other external challenges, Saudi Arabia's budget for the first half of 2025 achieved approximately $150.7 billion.

Final words. Saudi Arabia enjoys a high level of media credibility, including designs and integrated technology systems in advanced facilities. This is a responsible and convincing expression of facts, especially with the recent amendments to ease media censorship. That's not all; Riyadh is preparing to launch the ‘National Media Strategy’, with a clear and ambitious message, that the Saudi Ministry of Media is vigorously keeping pace with the momentum witnessed by developed countries around the world.

*Saudi writer

--

http://abdullahalami.blogspot.com
@AbdullaAlami1

https://www.instagram.com/abdulla.alami/

استراتيجية الإعلام السعودي

عبدالله العلمي

حاز العرض الذي قدمه وزير الإعلام السعودي سلمان الدوسري الأسبوع الماضي إقبالاً جيداً من جميع أنحاء العالم. المشهد ركز على برامج الدولة كمصدر للمعلومات الموثوقة، ونظرة مستقبلية عن طموحاتها التنموية. هكذا يعيش الإعلام الناجح تحولات استراتيجية، بحيث لا يقتصر على نقل الخبر، بل يصنع التأثير بمسؤولية، ويواكب المتغيرات الاجتماعية والاقتصادية والتقنية التي تشهدها المملكة بمصداقية وشفافية.

لعلي أطرح بعض الحقائق على أرض الواقع مما يؤكد إنطلاق المملكة من كونها مجرد مستهلك إلى مساهم فاعل في الصناعات الحديثة. وزارة الصناعة السعودية طرحت 83 ترخيصاً صناعياً جديداً، خلال شهر يونيو (حزيران) الماضي، باستثمارات تبلغ أكثر من 253.3 مليون دولار، مما يُسهم في توفير أكثر من 1188 فرصة وظيفية في مختلف مناطق المملكة. هكذا تعمل الرياض على تفعيل أهدافها وبرامجها، مما يعكس قيمها ويعزز صورتها الذهنية، ويرتقي بكوادرها ومؤسساتها لمستوى المنافسة الدولية.

من ضمن الأمثلة الهامة الأخرى عن الصدق بالقول والعمل، الإعلان عن مشروع "المدينة العالمية"، أحد المشاريع الاستثمارية الكبرى والنوعية التي تنوي السعودية إنشاءها في المنطقة الشرقية. المشروع يتميز بتصميمه العصري المبتكر ويدمج بين الترفيه والسياحة والثقافة والتجارة في قالبٍ واحد، كما يضم أجنحة مخصصة لـ 16 دولة، تُبرز ثقافاتها وتقاليدها، إضافة إلى مسرح مفتوح بمساحة 7,000 مقعدٍ، قابلة للتوسع.

أما أساليب دعم تلك المشاريع فهي ولله الحمد متوفرة. فقد كشفت النتائج الفعلية لأداء ميزانية الدولة في الربع الثاني من 2025، عن زيادة الإيرادات غير النفطية بقيمة 39.9 مليار دولار. كذلك شهدت كل من الضرائب على الدخل والأرباح والمكاسب الرأسمالية نمواً 7 في المائة، والضرائب على السلع والخدمات ارتفاع 6.9 في المائة، رغم تراجع الإيرادات النفطية والتحديات الأخرى الخارجية. بإختصار، الميزانية العامة للسعودية في النصف الأول من العام الحالي حققت نحو 150.7 مليار دولار، كما ارتفع رصيدها الاحتياطي العام حتى نهاية النصف الأول من 2025، إلى 396.954 مليار ريال.

آخر الكلام. تحية وتقدير للجهات الرسمية والخاصة العربية والأجنبية التي أكدت أن السعودية تتمتع بمستوى مصداقية إعلامية مرتفعة. أقصد التعبير بلغة مسؤولة ومُقْنِعة، وليست هوجاء أو صدامية، وتحديداً مع التعديلات الأخيرة لتخفيف الرقابة. هذا ليس كل شئ، الرياض تستعد قريباً لإطلاق الاستراتيجية الوطنية للإعلام بعد اكتمال مشاورات موسعة مع مختلف القطاعات المهنية المختصة. تلك هي رسالة وزارة الإعلام السعودية الواضحة والطموحة، لمواكبة الحراك التنموي الذي تشهده الدول المتقدمة.

Saudi Relations with Friendly Countries

Abdullah Al Alami

July 8 2025

Today, I write about the development of Saudi relations with friendly countries, specifically Kuwait, Korea, and Russia.

The Kuwaiti government's announcement on the entry into a double taxation avoidance agreement with Saudi Arabia is encouraging, particularly in developing their economic relationship. The deal is not limited to current taxes, but extends to any tax imposed by both countries after signing the agreement. It also covers income from real estate, business profits, maritime, air, and land transportation, joint ventures, dividends, income from technical services, capital gains, and independent and non-independent personal services. It also covers board members' fees, artists' and athletes' fees, pensions, and government services, but excludes teachers, students, and researchers.

Saudi Arabia has also launched several projects with Korea to expand economic cooperation, including technology companies, and support Korean startups and small companies in the Saudi market in four key areas, most notably artificial intelligence. There are also serious efforts in information technology, digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, defense, and renewable energy. South Korea and Saudi Arabia jointly hosted a business forum in Seoul to work together in advanced industries. Twenty major Saudi companies participated, including STC Group, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company, and Seer, the first Saudi electric vehicle manufacturer. From Seoul, 100 companies participated in cooperation with Saudi companies.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia include strengthening bilateral ties and exploring mutual opportunities in the mining, petrochemical, automotive, aviation, energy, defense, and technology sectors. It should be added that the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries increased from SR1.84 billion in 2016 to SR12.3 billion in 2024. Riyadh also seeks to attract Russian investments to the Kingdom to establish petrochemical and geological survey companies and to benefit from technical expertise. Perhaps the recent visit of Saudi officials to Russia is an important step toward strengthening the strategic economic partnership between the two countries, expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation in the promising cultural and tourism sectors, and reaching consensus on political issues, especially since the Soviet Union was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The final word: Best wishes to Saudi Arabia, which is leading the list of countries to host the 2029 Club World Cup, amid fierce competition for the tournament with five major countries, all of which deserve encouragement and victory.

The Israeli Iranian War, No Winner or Loser

Abdullah Al Alami

June 24, 2025

 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently discussed with Gulf states leaders the repercussions of the Israeli attack on Iran. This is the true meaning of GCC solidarity, especially under current circumstances in the region. Riyadh's efforts to achieve peace did not stop there; MBS also discussed regional developments, including Israeli military operations against Iran, with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The positions of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are clear; Saudi Arabia expressed its strong condemnation of the blatant Israeli attacks against Tehran, which undermine its sovereignty and security, describing these attacks as "a clear violation of international laws." Saudi Arabia also firmly emphasized that the international community and the Security Council bear a major responsibility to halt the Israeli aggression. Saudi Arabia's renewed call to mobilize the world’s efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to this dangerous development is not merely a media stunt, but rather aims to protect the region and its people from these successive conflicts.

Furthermore, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the US strikes on Iran could have broader repercussions beyond the energy sector. Also, Asia has begun accelerating its imports of Middle East oil after spot premiums jumped amid rising tensions in the region, and there’s a possibility that Tehran may disrupt the Strait of Hormuz.

Final words: Despite the peace agreements Tel Aviv has concluded with Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, it is clear that Prime Minister Netanyahu does not seem to be truly serious about working to achieve security, peace, and stability in the Middle East.

The State of the Saudi economy

This is the latest edition of the monthly Chartbook from Jadwa Investment, which we hope provides you with a useful update on the state of the Saudi economy.

Key observations from the report are as follows:

• Global Economy: May PMI data for China indicates manufacturing sector weakness. The services sector may be faring better, but construction remains under pressure. Meanwhile in the US, bond yields have drifted up amid fiscal concerns as the Trump administration pursues an expansionary budget. The US dollar drifted lower amid negative sentiment.
• Saudi Real Economy: The May non-oil PMI edged up from April, due to increased new orders reflecting solid demand, while the survey indicated further growth in employment. Domestic cement sales rose by 43 percent year-on-year in April, and by 21 percent month-on-month, likely driven by seasonal trends. Meanwhile, latest available data show non-oil exports increased by 10.7 percent year-on-year in March.
• Consumer Spending: Total consumer spending saw a marginal rise in April, up by 0.7 percent year-on-year, but declined by 23 percent month-on-month, primarily due to seasonal trends. The annual growth was largely driven by a 57 percent increase in e-commerce transactions, while both POS transactions and cash withdrawals declined.
• SAMA Foreign Reserve Assets: SAMA’s FX reserves declined in April, down by almost $15 billion, to reach $439.3 billion. The monthly decrease primarily resulted from a decline in bank deposits, down by $18 billion, while foreign securities increased by $2.7 billion.
• Money Supply and Bank Deposits: The broad measure of money supply (M3) increased by 9.3 percent year-on-year, with a marginal decline by 0.1 percent month-on-month in April. Total deposits grew by 9.5 percent year-on-year, with both government and private deposits rising by 9 and 10 percent year-on-year, respectively.
• Bank Credit: Credit growth accelerated to 16.5 percent year-on-year in April, continuing to outpace deposit growth. Credit to the private sector maintained its upward trajectory, rising by 15 percent year-on-year, the highest annual rise since August 2022.
• Inflation: Consumer prices in April rose by 2.3 percent year-on-year and 0.3 percent month-on-month. ‘Food and beverages’ recorded a 2.2 percent increase, led by higher prices in ‘vegetables’ at 9.4 percent. Inflation in ‘Housing and utilities’ inched down, with prices up by 6.8 percent.
• Oil-Global: Brent crude traded close to $65pb in May, with some volatility related to OPEC+ production plans for July. Demand has been supported by pauses to some of the Liberation Day tariffs. Demand for transportation fuels, notably for aviation, has been robust. However, the weak May China PMI data and continued tariff risks remain a concern, especially as supply increases more in H2-25.
• Oil-Saudi Arabia: In Q1-25 crude and refined product export revenue fell by 8.5 percent year-on-year, broadly in line with lower prices. Oil export revenue will be lower in Q2 as lower prices outweigh higher export volumes.
• Stock Market: TASI dropped under 11,000 in the last week of May, down 6 percent from 11,672 at end-April. The main macro factor driving investor caution seems to be the subdued oil price and the potential for that to drag on economic activity.

Kind regards,

Jadwa Investment
Research Department

Work:   +966 11 279 1111 Ext. 4475
Email:   insights@jadwa.com

Saudi Vision Annual Report 2024

According to the Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in its Vision 2030 initiative, achieving and surpassing numerous targets ahead of schedule. Gulf Business

April 27, 2025

·       Vision 2030 aims to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors.

·       The initiative is structured into three five-year phases, each building upon the previous successes.​

·       As of the end of 2024, 85 per cent of the 1,502 active initiatives under Vision 2030 are either completed or on track, with 674 completed and 596 progressing as planned.

·       Additionally, 93 per cent of national programmes and strategy indicators have met, exceeded, or are close to meeting their 2024 interim targets.

·       Eight Vision 2030 targets have been achieved six years ahead of schedule, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

·       In the tourism sector, the kingdom welcomed over 100 million tourists, surpassing its 2030 target seven years early.

·       The introduction of e-visa programmes, now available to 66 countries, has enhanced accessibility for international visitors. ​

·       Cultural advancements include the registration of eight Saudi sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the inscription of 16 cultural elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

·       The kingdom also launched its first specialized college of arts at King Saud University.​

·       Economic diversification efforts have led to the Public Investment Fund’s assets under management exceeding SAR3.53tn, more than triple since Vision 2030’s launch.

·       The private sector’s contribution to GDP reached 47 per cent, surpassing the 2024 target. Employment in small and medium-sized enterprises reached 7.86 million, exceeding expectations.​

·       Social reforms have seen women’s labor force participation rise to 36 per cent by the end of 2024, a significant increase from 17 per cent in 2017.

·       The percentage of Saudi women in middle and senior management positions reached 43.8 per cent.

·       The kingdom also achieved its 7 per cent unemployment target.​

·       Healthcare coverage expanded to 96.4 per cent of population centers, moving closer to the 2030 goal of 99.5 per cent. The average life expectancy increased to 78.8 years, nearing the 2030 target of 80 years. Homeownership among Saudi households reached 65.4 per cent, surpassing the 2025 target.​

·       Environmental initiatives under the “sustainable vision” axis include the planting of over 115 million trees and the rehabilitation of more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land.

·       The kingdom also launched its first hydrogen-powered bus and taxi, and established the world’s first solar-powered desalination plant.​

·       In the realm of digital transformation, Saudi Arabia ranks first in the internet users index and second globally in both the digital transformation index for companies and the technology development and application index.

·       The digital transformation of the judicial system saw 98 per cent of litigation sessions conducted electronically, totaling over 2.3 million sessions.​

·       Major projects contributing to these achievements include the Red Sea Project, which has opened several luxury resorts and aims to attract one million visitors annually by 2030.

·       The Sindalah luxury island destination in NEOM was inaugurated in October 2024, and the Soudah Peaks project aims to develop a mountain tourism destination in ‘Asir Province.

Saudi Arabia confirms $500 million commitment to polio eradication effort, WHO says

Reuters
February 24, 2025

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its $500 million pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the World Health Organization said on Monday.

The funds, initially pledged in April 2024, will be disbursed to help end the wild form of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan and stop outbreaks of variant polio.

Wild polio — a naturally occurring form of the viral disease — is endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which together reported 99 cases last year, according to the WHO. Variant polio is caused by the weakening of the oral polio vaccine.

The GPEI hopes to declare an end to the wild virus and the vaccine-derived variant by 2027 and 2029, respectively, compared with a previous deadline of 2026 for both forms.

The U.S., which has announced its intention to withdraw from the WHO, was previously a major donor to a program to eliminate polio and contributed 17% of its budget during 2024-2025, the WHO data showed.