RIYADH: Saudi Arabia posted a budget deficit of SR34.3 billion ($9.14 billion) in the second quarter of 2026, bringing the Kingdom’s first-half shortfall to SR160 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The second quarter deficit narrowed sharply from SR125.7 billion in the first three months of the year, as government revenues strengthened while spending remained elevated.
Total revenue increased 12 percent to SR338.8 billion, while government spending rose 11 percent to SR373 billion in the second quarter compared to the same period of the previous year.
Oil revenues accounted for SR185.1 billion of total receipts, while non-oil revenues stood at SR153.7 billion during the quarter.
For the first half, the government financed the entire SR160 billion deficit through borrowing, with no financing drawn from government reserves. Borrowing amounted to SR125.7 billion in the first quarter and SR34.3 billion in the second quarter.
