The latest data issued by the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showed a remarkable development in the performance of the non-oil economy, as the results of international trade statistics in services revealed that the value of Saudi services exports reached about 58.2 billion riyals during the third quarter of 2025. This figure represents a significant growth of 27% compared to the same period in 2024, despite recording a slight decline of 6% compared to the second quarter of 2025.
Dominance of the travel and tourism sector
In detail, the travel sector continued to lead the way, recording the highest value among service exports at SAR 33.8 billion , thus capturing the lion's share at 58% of total service exports. Data indicates that personal travel services constituted the vast majority of this sector, at nearly 89%.
This remarkable growth in travel exports reflects the successive successes of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which focused fundamentally on revitalizing the tourism sector, developing global tourist destinations, and facilitating visa procedures, making the Kingdom an attractive destination for international visitors, whether for religious or recreational tourism.
Performance of the transport and import sector
Transportation services came in second in terms of export value, achieving 9.7 billion riyals , equivalent to 17% of the total, which reflects the development in the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure.
On the import side, the Kingdom's imports of services reached approximately SAR 120.8 billion during the third quarter of 2025, registering a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Transportation services topped the list of imports at SAR 32.3 billion (27% of the total), followed by travel services at SAR 30.8 billion, indicating the dynamism of trade and economic activity, which necessitates intensive international transportation services.
Economic and strategic importance
These figures are particularly significant in the context of the Kingdom's economic transformation, as the growth of service exports is a vital indicator of the diversification of the economic base and the reduction of overall dependence on oil exports. Increased service exports contribute to improving the balance of payments and reducing the services account deficit, a strategic objective for enhancing financial stability.
Through this comprehensive survey, which covers 12 national service activities including financial services, communications and others, the General Authority for Statistics is working to build an accurate database that supports decision-makers in formulating economic policies that ensure the sustainability of growth and the development of the national economy.
