Saudi Arabia's operating revenues rise 2.7%, with entertainment leading the way
Sustainable growth in operating revenues for economic activities
In a move reflecting the success of economic diversification plans, the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia revealed promising data regarding the performance of the business sector. The operating revenue for short-term activities in Saudi Arabia recorded a notable increase of 2.7% during December 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This growth reflects the strength of the Saudi economy and its ability to adapt to changes, as the index rose to 108.6 points compared to 105.7 points in the previous year, using 2023 as the base year.
The entertainment sector: The fruits of Saudi Vision 2030
Perhaps the most striking aspect of these statistics is the remarkable prominence of the arts, entertainment, and leisure sector, which achieved the highest annual growth rate at 17.6%. This figure is not a coincidence, but rather a direct result of the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Kingdom within the framework of "Saudi Vision 2030." Since the establishment of the General Entertainment Authority, the Kingdom has witnessed a radical transformation through the launch of Saudi Seasons, such as "Riyadh Season," and the hosting of major international events. This transformation has not only improved the quality of life locally, but has also established Saudi Arabia as a regional and international tourist and entertainment destination, contributing to attracting foreign investment and creating thousands of job opportunities.
Performance of vital sectors and their economic impact
Alongside entertainment, other vital sectors demonstrated strong growth, supporting the economic transformation. Financial and insurance activities grew by 14.8%, followed by information and communication activities at 11.6%. This development in the technology and communications sector reflects the trend towards digitalization and building a modern knowledge-based economy. The statistical bulletin also indicated that wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities rose by 9.9%, while construction activity grew by 8.1%, in line with the construction boom and the mega national projects currently underway. The manufacturing sector recorded growth of 0.3%.
The decline in mining highlights the importance of diversifying income sources
Conversely, data showed a 9.9% year-on-year decline in mining and quarrying activity. Given that this sector accounts for a significant 21.8% of the overall index, this decline limited the overall growth rate. Historically, the mining sector is sensitive to global market volatility, and therefore, the ability of non-oil sectors to offset this decline and achieve positive overall growth is a strong testament to the success of the Kingdom's strategy to reduce reliance on traditional revenue streams.
Positive impacts on the labor market and employee compensation
In a related development, and with a positive impact on the labor market and the standard of living, the Compensation of Employees Index recorded a significant increase of 13.5% year-on-year. This rise was primarily driven by growth in compensation for workers in the manufacturing sector (18.8%), the wholesale and retail trade sector (10.3%), and the construction sector (6%). This increase reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals and the improved work environment in the Kingdom.
Summary
In conclusion, the General Authority for Statistics affirms that these publications aim to accurately measure the performance of various economic sectors. By monitoring these developments, it becomes clear that the Saudi economy is steadily progressing towards achieving comprehensive financial sustainability, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading economic power in the Middle East that provides a safe and prosperous investment environment.
