RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product is expected to expand by 4.5 percent in 2026, outperforming the global growth average of 3.4 percent, according to a Standard Chartered Global Research analysis.
In its latest report, the firm said the robust outlook will be driven by sustained momentum in both the Kingdom’s hydrocarbon and non-oil sectors.
The forecast places the Kingdom’s growth above that of many major economies and broadly aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s October outlook, which projects Saudi Arabia’s GDP to expand by about 4 percent in both 2025 and 2026.
Mazen Bunyan, CEO of Standard Chartered, Saudi Arabia, said: “While the 2026 growth outlook for Saudi Arabia is strong, it comes with elevated downside risks to oil prices, a sector set to make a comeback in the next year.”
He added: “In this context, continued non-oil sector growth will ensure sustained financial stability whilst diversifying growth sources across the Kingdom.”
