RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s economy expanded by 3.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, propelled by robust growth in non-oil activities, according to official data.
The estimates released by the General Authority for Statistics showed that the seasonally adjusted real gross domestic product also saw a quarterly rise of 1.1 percent, signaling sustained economic momentum.
The non-oil sector emerged as the primary engine of growth, increasing by 4.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, oil activities contracted by 0.5 percent year on year, reflecting ongoing volatility in the energy sector.
Saudi Arabia’s GDP growth aligns with the broader Middle East trend, where countries are steadily advancing economic diversification.
Reforms under Vision 2030 are gradually reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on the hydrocarbon sector, fostering more sustainable and long-term growth. Shutterstock
