The World Bank has upgraded Saudi Arabia's 2025 economic growth forecast to 3.2 percent, citing increased oil production and strong non-oil sector performance, particularly in services. The Kingdom's economy expanded by 3.9 percent in the first half of 2025, with growth expected to accelerate further in the coming years, reaching 4.3 percent in 2026 and 4.4 percent in 2027. This positive outlook aligns with recent projections from other major institutions, reflecting a broader regional trend of economic improvement across the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has seen significant growth, with over 32 million visitors during the Saudi Summer program and a notable increase in tourist spending. The report also highlights steady inflation rates and forecasts continued economic expansion for neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. Additionally, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of labor market reforms, noting Saudi Arabia's rapid progress in increasing female workforce participation, which has surpassed national targets and contributed to broader economic diversification.