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Oxford Economics Predicts Saudi Economy to Cross $1 Trln Mark in 2022

Oxford Economics has predicted that the Saudi economy will cross the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in 2022, Asharq Al-Awsat
Oxford Economics has predicted that the Saudi economy will cross the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in 2022, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Oxford Economics Predicts Saudi Economy to Cross $1 Trln Mark in 2022

Oxford Economics has predicted that the Saudi economy will cross the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in 2022, Asharq Al-Awsat
Oxford Economics has predicted that the Saudi economy will cross the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in 2022, Asharq Al-Awsat

Oxford Economics has predicted that the Saudi economy will cross the trillion-dollar mark for the first time this year.

The leader in global economic forecasting and econometric analysis pointed out that the growth rate of Saudi Arabia's national product will reach 7.5 % during 2022.

The International Monetary Fund has previously expected that Saudi Arabia's growth rate will remain in the range of 7.6% this year.

One of the main goals of Saudi Vision 2030 is for the Kingdom to become one of the fifteen largest economies in the world by 2030 and to achieve a target of $1.7 trillion in gross national product.

The Saudi Department of Statistics has projected that Saudi Arabia's real GDP growth rate will be 11.8% in the second quarter of 2022.

In other news, the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia reported the signing of a range of new investment deals in diverse sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction and real estate, ICT, tourism, entertainment and sports, highlighting the success of the National Investment Strategy in attracting investment inflows to Saudi Arabia.

Buoyed by the ambitious objectives of the National Investment Strategy, the quarter saw the signing of 49 major investment deals worth at least $925 million and set to create about 2,000 new jobs.

Some of the major deals include a $133.3 million agreement between the Saudi Ports Authority and DP World to build a logistics park at Jeddah Islamic Port and a $37 million funding round led by global finance giant Mastercard into Saudi e-commerce firm HyperPay to expand the Kingdom’s digital payment ecosystem.

Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih responded to the latest investment deals and figures by highlighting the impact of governmental plans.

“The National Investment Strategy is a catalyst to deliver on our Vision 2030 national objectives of seeing the private sector contribute 65% to GDP and growing foreign direct investment to 5.7% of GDP,” said Al-Falih.

“Despite global headwinds, we are seeing strong interest from global investors in diverse industries to partner with Saudi Arabia,” he added.

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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.