Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy is expected to grow by 4.4% in 2025 as the Kingdom continues its path toward economic diversification according to new analysis. In its latest report, professional services firm PwC Middle East said Saudi Arabia is aligning its economic diversification efforts with sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. In the first half of the year, the Kingdom’s non-oil economy expanded by 3.8%, with the non-energy private sector seeing a 4.9% growth in the second quarter.
In other news, the Public Investment Fund has raised SR3.86 billion ($1.03 billion) through the sale of a 2% stake in telecom firm STC. The offering, consisting of 100 million shares priced at SR38.6 each, was met with strong demand from both local and international institutional investors. The transaction represents the largest accelerated bookbuild offering ever conducted in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa region, underscoring robust investor appetite for exposure to the region’s telecom sector and strategic assets managed by PIF.
Economy, Budgets and Finance
Arab News: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy set to grow 4.4% in 2025. Read Here
Arab News: The PIF sells a 2% Stake in STC for over $1 Billion. Read Here
Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate hits 1.9% in October, the highest in 14 months. Read Here
Saudi Gazette: Emmanuel Macron hosts Saudi business leaders to strengthen investments. Read Here
Defence & Security
Arab News: Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Air show China. Read Here
Government & Royal Family
Arab News: Investment Minister discusses progress on $2.8bn business deals with Pakistan. Read Here
Commercial
Business Standard: Saudi Arabia scales back on NEOM plans to prioritise sports. Read Here
Alarabiya News: NEOM announces new acting CEO. Read Here
Arab News: Mizuho will launch the Saudi ETF with the sovereign fund PIF. Read Here
Arab News: Saudi insurers expect financial boost from new insurance mechanism. Read Here
Social
Middle East Economy: EFG Hermes launches $300 million Saudi Education Fund and acquires Britus Education portfolio of 7 schools. Read Here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia to host 6th UN World Data Forum in 2026. Read Here
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