GASTAT: Saudi Short-Term Business Revenues Rise 11.4% in May 2026

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported an 11.4% year-on-year increase in the operating revenues index for short-term businesses in May 2026, driven by growth across multiple economic sectors. This significant rise underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued economic resilience and diversification efforts as part of its Vision 2030 agenda.

Context and Background

The operating revenues index is a key economic indicator that measures the performance of various sectors in the short term. GASTAT’s latest bulletin highlights the Kingdom’s progress in diversifying its economy, reducing reliance on oil, and fostering growth in non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and financial services.

Key Details

The mining and quarrying sector led the growth with a 38.7% annual increase, followed by manufacturing at 9.6%. Wholesale and retail trade, along with vehicle repair activities, saw a 3.6% rise, while construction and financial and insurance activities grew by 2.5% and 12.9%, respectively. On a monthly basis, the index increased by 2.9%, supported by gains in mining, manufacturing, and information and communication activities.

Implications and Impact

The robust performance of short-term businesses reflects Saudi Arabia’s successful economic reforms and investment in key sectors. This growth contributes to the Kingdom’s global economic standing and demonstrates its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. The decline in building permits, however, suggests a shift in focus toward higher-value economic activities.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This upward trend in operating revenues aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of building a diversified and sustainable economy. By fostering growth in non-oil sectors, the Kingdom is strengthening its economic foundations and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors worldwide.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the operating revenues index?

A1. The operating revenues index is an economic statistical tool that measures the performance of various sectors in the short term through monthly indicators tracking changes and growth rates across economic activities.

Q2. What was the year-on-year increase in the operating revenues index in May 2026?

A2. The operating revenues index increased by 11.4% in May 2026 compared to May 2025.

Q3. Which sector recorded the highest annual growth in May 2026?

A3. Mining and quarrying recorded the highest annual growth at 38.7%.

Q4. What was the growth rate in the manufacturing sector?

A4. The manufacturing sector grew by 9.6% annually.

Q5. How much did wholesale and retail trade activities increase?

A5. Wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities rose by 3.6%.

Q6. What was the growth rate in financial and insurance activities?

A6. Financial and insurance activities grew by 12.9%.

Q7. What was the monthly increase in the operating revenues index?

A7. The index increased by 2.9% compared to April 2026.

Q8. Which sectors contributed to the monthly growth?

A8. Mining, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance activities, and information and communication activities contributed to the monthly growth.

Q9. What was the annual decline in building permits issued in May 2026?

A9. Building permits issued in May 2026 declined by 33.3% compared to May 2025.

Q10. How many building permits were issued in May 2026?

A10. A total of 5,056 building permits were issued in May 2026.

Q11. What was the monthly decline in building permits?

A11. Building permits decreased by 25.7% compared to April 2026.

Q12. What does the short-term business statistics product measure?

A12. It measures the performance of various sectors in the short term through monthly indicators tracking changes and growth rates across economic activities.

Q13. Why is the operating revenues index important?

A13. It provides insights into the economic performance of sectors, helping policymakers and businesses make informed decisions.

Q14. How does this growth align with Saudi Arabia’s economic goals?

A14. The growth aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives of diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil.

Q15. What role does GASTAT play in Saudi Arabia’s economy?

A15. GASTAT provides accurate and timely statistical data to support economic planning and decision-making.

Q16. What does the decline in building permits indicate?

A16. It suggests a possible shift toward higher-value economic activities and strategic reallocation of resources.

Q17. How does this growth impact Saudi Arabia’s global economic standing?

A17. It enhances the Kingdom’s reputation as a stable and diversified economy, attracting foreign investment.

Q18. What is the significance of Vision 2030 in this context?

A18. Vision 2030 provides a roadmap for economic transformation, emphasizing diversification, innovation, and sustainability.

Q19. How does this report benefit businesses?

A19. It offers insights into sectoral performance, helping businesses identify growth opportunities and make strategic decisions.

Q20. What does this data indicate about Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience?

A20. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to adapt to global economic changes and maintain steady growth across key sectors.

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