Saudi Arabia Sees Impressive 4.8% GDP Growth in Q3

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported a striking 4.8 percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2025, relative to the same time last year, as per the latest statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The growth was driven by both oil-based and non-oil-related activities, underscoring the nation’s robust economic momentum. Specifically, activities in the oil sector rose by 8.3 percent, while the non-hydrocarbon sectors recorded a 4.3 percent increase. Additionally, government services expanded by 1.4 percent during this timeframe.

According to GASTAT, non-oil sectors were pivotal for economic growth, contributing 2.4 percentage points to the GDP rise. Oil activities accounted for 2 points, with net taxes and government services each contributing 0.2 points. Within the individual sectors, petroleum refining exhibited the highest growth rate at 11.9 percent, followed closely by crude oil and natural gas activities with a 7.3 percent expansion. The electricity, gas, and water sectors also showed a positive trend with a 6.4 percent increase.

When adjusted seasonally, the GDP rose by 1.4 percent compared to the prior quarter. Oil activities were up 3.3 percent, while government and non-oil sectors grew by 1 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively. These trends illustrate a consistent effort towards economic diversification, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on lessening dependence on oil revenues and enhancing other economic avenues.

Saudi Arabia's trade balance has also displayed noteworthy improvements. Exports increased by 18.4 percent compared to the same period last year and by 7.5 percent from the last quarter. Although imports were up by 4.3 percent year on year, they dipped by 1.2 percent from the previous quarter. These statistics reflect the Kingdom's growing international trade capabilities amid evolving global market conditions.

International institutions have acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s strong economic standing. Recently, the World Bank revised its 2025 growth forecast for the Kingdom from 3.2 percent to 3.8 percent, citing advancements in both oil and non-oil sectors. Moreover, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has adjusted its forecast for 2025 and 2026 to 4 percent, indicating renewed trust in the country’s economic management and development trajectory.