Continued economic recovery: Saudi Arabia's operating revenues grow
In a move reflecting the strength and resilience of the local economy, the General Authority for Statistics announced a significant increase in the Saudi operating revenue index, reaching 10.2% in March 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year, 2025. This positive performance was not limited to the annual level but also extended to the monthly level, with the index recording an 8.1% increase compared to February. This growth is supported by a strong recovery in several key economic activities that form the backbone of the national economy.
Economic context and the impact of Vision 2030
This positive development in Saudi Arabia’s operating revenues a direct result of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts and structural reforms within the framework of “Saudi Vision 2030.” This ambitious vision aims to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on oil as the sole source of revenue by stimulating the private sector, attracting foreign investment, and developing promising new sectors such as tourism, industry, mining, and logistics. This strategic transformation has made the Saudi market one of the most attractive and stable in the Middle East and North Africa region, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as an influential regional and international economic power.
Details of economic sector growth in March 2026
Returning to the details of the March 2026 Short-Term Business Indicators Statistics Report, the General Authority for Statistics explained that the annual increase in revenues was primarily driven by a significant surge in mining and quarrying activities, which recorded exceptional growth of 25.5%. The manufacturing sector also contributed to growth of 4.0%, along with a 4.6% increase in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities. Construction and financial and insurance activities followed suit, registering growth of 4.8% and 17.6%, respectively.
On a monthly basis, growth was boosted by an increase in mining activities by 38.6%, manufacturing by 4.4%, financial and insurance activities by 2.6%, in addition to a slight growth in information and communication activities by 0.6%.
Increased compensation for workers and its repercussions
In a strong indicator of an improved business environment and increased employment opportunities, data revealed a 10.0% year-on-year rise in the workers' compensation index. This increase reflects higher wages and benefits for employees, supported by growth in manufacturing (9.9%), construction (7.9%), and wholesale and retail trade (10.4%). The index also rose by 0.4% month-on-month, boosting the purchasing power of citizens and residents and thus supporting the domestic consumption cycle, a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
Construction activity and building permits
On the other hand, regarding the real estate and construction sector, data showed a slight decrease in the number of building permits issued during March 2026, down 0.7% year-on-year, from 5,201 permits in March 2025 to 5,162. It also recorded a monthly decrease of 11.3%. Despite this slight decline in new permits, the construction sector in the Kingdom remains robust thanks to ongoing major development projects.
In conclusion, the General Authority for Statistics invited interested parties and investors to review the methodology and detailed tables on its website, stressing that the short-term business statistics product aims to provide accurate and transparent readings of the performance of various economic sectors, which helps decision-makers and investors to formulate their future plans based on reliable data that reflects the flourishing economic reality.
