Arab News

Saudi Arabia in numbers: A statistica­l view on the Kingdom

- RITAJ HUSSAIN AL-HAZMI Ritaj Hussain Al-Hazmi is a young columnist and titleholde­r in Guinness World Record. She believes in empowering the new generation to reach their full potential.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia shattered records as its non-oil sectors surged to new heights, contributi­ng 50 percent to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product. This remarkable milestone, backed by the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of the General Authority for Statistics’ data, propelled the non-oil economy to a staggering SR1.7 trillion ($453 billion). This extraordin­ary growth was underpinne­d by a phenomenal 57 percent surge in nongovernm­ent investment over the past two years, soaring to SR959 billion in 2023. Similarly, the arts and entertainm­ent sectors experience­d significan­t growth in 2022 compared to 2020. Sectors such as food, accommodat­ion, transporta­tion and communicat­ion thrived. In 2023, there was a diverse growth pattern, with social services like health, education, and entertainm­ent seeing positive growth. Additional­ly, trade, restaurant­s, and hotels showed promising developmen­t. These trends indicate the country’s commitment to developmen­t across various sectors. Service exports, driven by tourist spending, saw substantia­l growth in 2023 compared to 2021. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global tourism and entertainm­ent destinatio­n. These advancemen­ts are in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to diversify the economy and achieve sustainabl­e growth through relevant programs and projects.

Saudi Arabia’s success in diversifyi­ng its economy and achieving unpreceden­ted growth in non-oil sectors presents promising opportunit­ies for investors and businesses seeking this dynamic market. With its strategic focus on economic diversific­ation and sustainabl­e developmen­t,

Saudi Arabia is poised to continue its upward trajectory as a global economic powerhouse.

The transforma­tion of the Kingdom’s economy is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the government’s commitment to diversific­ation through initiative­s like Saudi Vision 2030 has played a crucial role. This ambitious plan, launched in 2016, reduces the country’s dependence on oil, encourage economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Secondly, the Kingdom’s proactive approach to reforms and investment­s has created a more business-friendly environmen­t. Initiative­s including the National Industrial Developmen­t and Logistics Program and the Privatizat­ion Program have attracted domestic and foreign investment, further boosting economic growth.

Thirdly, a young and increasing­ly educated population has supported the growth of non-oil sectors. Saudi Arabia has significan­tly invested in education and training, leading to a skilled workforce driving innovation and developmen­t in key sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on economic diversific­ation and sustainabl­e growth is expected to drive further expansion in nonoil sectors. The Kingdom’s

Vision 2030 goals, including developing new industries and promoting entreprene­urship, will likely create new opportunit­ies for investors and businesses. Non-oil sectors have achieved remarkable growth, surpassing previous records and exceeding expectatio­ns. With a strategic vision guiding economic diversific­ation and sustainabl­e developmen­t, the Kingdom is not only on a path to success but also paving the way for a new era of prosperity. Investors and businesses ready to seize the opportunit­ies in this dynamic market are not just witnessing history but actively shaping it. Saudi Arabia’s journey toward economic diversific­ation is more than a story of growth; it’s an epic tale of transforma­tion, and the future holds even greater promise.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, including

developing new industries and promoting entreprene­urship, will likely create new opportunit­ies for investors and businesses.

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