Saudi Arabia's Inflation Relatively Stable in August

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia's Inflation Relatively Stable in August

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 2.0% in August 2023, down from July, remaining relatively stable on a yearly basis.

This stability is due to the robustness of the Saudi economy and the economic measures taken by Saudi Arabia to counter global inflation rates.

Inflation rates in Saudi Arabia remain stable compared to G20 countries and most countries worldwide.

In August 2023, the inflation rate showed relative stability at 2.0% compared to August 2022.

The CPI measures consumers' prices for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items. The respective prices are collected through field visits to points of sale.



Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.