GASTAT: Industrial Production Index in Saudi Arabia Increased by 7.3% in December

GASTAT issues a number of Industry-related statistical products, including the industrial production index (IPI). Asharq Al-Awsat
GASTAT issues a number of Industry-related statistical products, including the industrial production index (IPI). Asharq Al-Awsat
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GASTAT: Industrial Production Index in Saudi Arabia Increased by 7.3% in December

GASTAT issues a number of Industry-related statistical products, including the industrial production index (IPI). Asharq Al-Awsat
GASTAT issues a number of Industry-related statistical products, including the industrial production index (IPI). Asharq Al-Awsat

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has issued the results of the industrial production index for December 2022, showing that IPI increased by 7.3% compared to the same month in the previous year, as a result of the increase in mining, quarrying, and manufacturing activity.

The results of the index's monthly publication revealed that the mining and quarrying activity index for December 2022 increased by 4.1% compared to the same month in the previous year.

Manufacturing activity also increased by 18.5% in December 2022, while electricity and gas supply activity decreased by 6.5%, compared to the same month in 2021.

According to the report's results, the industrial production index recorded positive growth rates during 2022 due to the increase in mining and quarrying activity as well as manufacturing activity.



Saudi Real Estate Transactions Surpass $533 Billion in 2024

Riyadh’s Expo 2030 logo adorns the capital’s sky (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Riyadh’s Expo 2030 logo adorns the capital’s sky (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Saudi Real Estate Transactions Surpass $533 Billion in 2024

Riyadh’s Expo 2030 logo adorns the capital’s sky (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Riyadh’s Expo 2030 logo adorns the capital’s sky (Asharq Al-Awsat).

Real estate transactions in Saudi Arabia exceeded $533 billion (SAR 2.5 trillion) in 2024, covering over 622,000 deals and spanning approximately 5.8 billion square meters. More than 520,000 properties were traded, according to data from the Real Estate Exchange managed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice.

These figures underscore the strength of Saudi Arabia’s real estate market as a primary driver of its economy. Experts credit this growth to the Kingdom’s broader economic boom and its success in hosting major global events. The market is expected to maintain its momentum in 2025 and beyond, attracting further investment and large-scale projects, with sustainability and innovation driving continued growth.

Standard & Poor’s predicts the sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP will rise to 10% by 2030, up from 5.9% today. This growth is bolstered by significant increases in real estate financing.

In November, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail noted that financing had grown 300% in five years, reaching SAR 800 billion in 2024, compared to SAR 200 billion in 2018.

Real estate expert Ahmed Al-Faqih described the 2024 surge in transaction values and volumes as expected, given various incentives for investors, developers, and individuals. He highlighted the increased attractiveness of the market, driven by Saudi Arabia’s success in hosting major international events across economic, cultural, and sports sectors. This has positioned the Kingdom as a premier destination for domestic, regional, and international investments.

For his part, real estate marketer Abdullah Al-Mousa noted that the record numbers reflect growing investor confidence in the Saudi market, bolstered by Vision 2030, supportive regulations, and urban expansion through mega-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya. These initiatives have strengthened economic growth and improved real estate infrastructure.

Al-Mousa also pointed to rising local and international demand for residential and commercial properties, the growing middle class, and the adoption of innovative technologies such as virtual tours and smart property evaluations. These advancements have enhanced transparency and accelerated decision-making in the real estate sector.

Additionally, regulatory reforms and the development of economic zones will further attract international investments, according to the expert. These factors are expected to stabilize property prices in certain areas, contributing to a sustainable market and increasing its appeal.

Al-Mousa concluded that Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector has established itself as a vital economic engine. With ongoing government investment and technological innovation, the market is poised to sustain its momentum, attracting more investment opportunities in 2025 and beyond, with sustainability and innovation remaining key drivers of growth.