Saudi Private Sector Grows to Highest Level in 6 Months

People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Private Sector Grows to Highest Level in 6 Months

People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector expanded for the third consecutive month in October, driven by a surge in new orders - their highest levels since March - and a substantial rise in sales, which significantly boosted business activity.

The Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased from 56.3 in September to 56.9 in October, reflecting improved operating conditions and economic momentum. This growth was attributed to robust sales in October, as companies reported strong customer demand and overall favorable economic conditions.

Consequently, businesses experienced an expansion in commercial activity and maintained a positive outlook for future growth. Additionally, purchasing of production inputs accelerated after reaching a three-year low in September, though it remained moderate compared to early-year levels, with companies noting sufficient inventory levels.

The report highlighted, however, that the strong sector-wide improvement was accompanied by increased cost pressures in materials and staffing, resulting in the first rise in average prices for goods and services in four months.

Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the robust economic performance was driven by a notable rise in sales, contributing to expansions in employment, procurement, and inventory.

The accelerated pace of input purchases in September, the fastest in three years, reflects a continued expansionary trend since September 2020, driven by rising demand, he stressed

The significant increase in new orders in October underscores the success of Vision 2030’s strategic emphasis on innovation and infrastructure development, he added.

More than 40% of surveyed companies reported increased demand, driven by strong local customer interest, creative marketing strategies, and sustained investments in infrastructure, demonstrating the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy and reinforcing its position as a leading non-oil economy in the region.

He noted that these gains align with the non-oil GDP growth rate of 4.2% in the third quarter, indicating a positive economic shift as the country seeks to diversify income sources away from oil, contributing to Vision 2030’s goals of building a sustainable economy capable of meeting future challenges.

Al-Ghaith projected that the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP would exceed 52%, with growth surpassing 4% this year.



Saudi Arabia to Host World Investment Conference on November 25-27

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

Saudi Arabia to Host World Investment Conference on November 25-27

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

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and Invest Saudi will hold the 28th annual World Investment Conference (WIC) in Riyadh from November 25 to 27.

The event will gather global leaders in investment, government, and international organizations to tackle the theme “Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities”.

On the occasion, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “Under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salaman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed, the Kingdom, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030, has become a premier world investment destination and is experiencing unprecedented growth in overall investment amounts and diversity.”

This year’s World Investment Conference in Riyadh “will be a platform for sharing our nation’s strategic vision with our partners, and an invaluable opportunity to highlight our status as a trusted partner for sustainable economic growth,” he added.

“We look forward to welcoming investment leaders from around the world to forge partnerships that will benefit both the Kingdom and global economies,” he stressed.

Vision 2030 has driven significant economic reforms in Saudi Arabia, attracting substantial foreign investment. Over 28,900 foreign investment licenses have been issued, reflecting the Kingdom's transformation into a major global investment hub.

Key factors contributing to this growth include 100% foreign ownership in specific sectors, streamlined commercial register procedures, simplified visa issuance, and other investor-friendly initiatives that have created a favorable and appealing environment for investors in various sectors, including renewable energy, logistics services, and AI.

The Kingdom's attractive investment landscape has also facilitated the development of a dynamic economy that leads in innovation and growth.

WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin said: “WAIPA is excited to bring the 28th WIC to Riyadh, a city that perfectly embodies the future of investment. The conference will provide a crucial platform for Investment Promotion Agencies and investors to discuss emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”

“We deeply appreciate Saudi Arabia’s vision and leadership, which will ensure that this edition of WIC is an impactful gathering for all participants,” he remarked.

Key highlights of this year’s WIC are a range of conference tracks, such as high-level dialogues with government ministers, insightful sessions on technology, sustainability, and economic cooperation, as well as practical masterclasses for investment professionals, a dedicated entrepreneurship track that will emphasize the transformative role of startups and innovators, and exclusive matchmaking sessions that will facilitate strategic partnerships between investors, SMEs, and potential collaborators.

Participants will also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Investment Promotion Agencies on the Awards Track, honoring innovation and excellence in investment facilitation.

This year’s WIC promises to be a pivotal forum as it aligns with global investment drivers: the disruptive influence of technology and AI, global supply chain resilience, energy transition toward sustainability, and the transformative role of entrepreneurs and startups in reshaping investment landscapes traditionally led by multinational corporations.

Leaders and stakeholders will discuss and explore how these factors are redefining economies and driving forward-looking investment models worldwide.

With its focus on scaling investment opportunities, WIC is designed to equip attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to drive meaningful economic impact.