Saudi economy minister projects 5.1% real GDP growth for 2025

30/10/2025 02:54 AST

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim has projected the Kingdom's real gross domestic product to expand by 5.1 percent in 2025, supported by continued momentum in the non-oil sector as the country advances its diversification agenda, according to Asharq Bloomberg.

Speaking on a panel at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Alibrahim said: "We forecast to close the year in terms of total real GDP growth at around 5.1 percent, and for non-oil GDP around 3.8 percent."

He emphasized that the Kingdom's ongoing transformation is a long-term restructuring journey aimed at reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and creating a more resilient, productivity-driven economy.

"We are prioritizing diversifying our economy away from having to rely on oil, to become a more resilient economy that witnesses sustainable growth driven by productivity, not just by natural resources," the minister added.

He also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses as vital drivers of GDP growth and higher-quality economic expansion, emphasizing their role in generating high-value jobs and attracting global talent to strengthen the local workforce.

According to the Ministry of Finance, real GDP growth is expected to reach 4.4 percent in 2025 and 4.6 percent in 2026, both underpinned by the steady expansion of non-oil activities.

Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for Saudi Arabia's 2025 economic growth to 4 percent, citing higher oil output and improving global demand.

The Kingdom is currently undergoing a sweeping economic transformation under Vision 2030, the national strategy launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen non-oil industries, attract foreign investment, and enhance fiscal sustainability.

Government ministers have repeatedly described Vision 2030 as the country's "north star," guiding efforts to achieve balanced, long-term growth beyond the oil economy.

Arab News