Foreign direct investment inflows into Saudi Arabia rose 2.4% year-on-year to USD 7.09 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to investment indicators released by the Ministry of Investment, as the broader economy expanded 3% in real GDP terms with oil and non-oil activities contributing equally at 2.9% growth apiece.
Gross fixed capital formation increased 5.1% year-on-year, underpinned by a 54% surge in government investment alongside a 1.3% rise in non-government investment. The labour market continued to tighten, with the Saudi national unemployment rate falling to 6.4% and overall unemployment at 3.1%, while female labour force participation reached 33.9%.
Point-of-sale transaction values rose 6.1% year-on-year in May, reflecting sustained consumer spending momentum. Brent crude averaged USD 103.7 per barrel in May, up 62% year-on-year, providing a supportive fiscal backdrop as the Kingdom pursues its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer