The industrial sector's contribution to Saudi Arabia's GDP exceeds 500 billion riyals
A qualitative leap in the Saudi economy: Industry and mining at the heart of Vision 2030
His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar Al-Khorayef, announced that the industrial and mining sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have achieved historic milestones, emphasizing that 2025 represents a pivotal year in the advancement of these two vital sectors. These statements come within the context of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to diversify its national income sources and reduce its dependence on oil, the ultimate goal upon which Saudi Vision 2030 is based.
General context: From dependence on oil to economic diversification
Historically, oil has been the backbone of the Saudi economy for decades. But with the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, the Kingdom embarked on a comprehensive economic transformation aimed at building a sustainable and diversified economy. The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) is one of the Vision’s key initiatives, focusing on transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial power and a global logistics hub. Figures revealed by Minister Al-Khorayef demonstrate that this strategy is beginning to bear tangible fruit, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as an influential economic force both regionally and internationally.
Record figures reflect the scale of growth
These efforts translated into unprecedented figures, with the industrial sector's contribution to GDP reaching approximately SAR 502 billion. In terms of foreign trade, industrial exports reached a value of SAR 167.29 billion, reflecting the competitiveness of Saudi products in global markets. Last year also witnessed significant investment momentum, with the issuance of 1,660 new industrial licenses representing investments totaling SAR 76.1 billion. Furthermore, 1,201 new factories commenced actual production with investments exceeding SAR 31.2 billion, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs and enhancing local content.
Mining sector: A promising national asset
Growth was not limited to the manufacturing sector but extended to the mining sector, considered the third pillar of the Saudi economy. Al-Khorayef emphasized that the Kingdom has solidified its position on the global map as an attractive destination for mining investment, a fact reflected in its high ranking in the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index. The annual report revealed the issuance of 2,925 mining licenses and that the value of mining exports reached approximately 56 billion riyals, underscoring the immense potential of this sector.
Positive effects at both the local and international levels
This rapid growth has profound effects that extend far beyond the numbers. Domestically, it contributes to providing quality job opportunities for citizens, transferring and localizing technology, and enhancing industrial security. Regionally and internationally, these achievements strengthen the Kingdom's position as a reliable trade and industrial partner, attract more foreign direct investment, and support the stability of global supply chains. The Minister noted that these successes were achieved thanks to the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, and affirmed the Ministry's commitment to building upon these gains in 2026 to further enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness.
