GDP growth (annual) · Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final
The Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final measures how much the economy of Saudi Arabia grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
- Importance
- Medium
- Released
- Quarterly
- Next release
- Currency
- SAR · Saudi riyal
- Central bank
- The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
Latest figures
The latest release for Q2, published on 8 September 2026, came in at -4.7%, above the consensus of -4.8%, down from 3% the time before.
A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the Saudi riyal and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.
Over the last 7 releases it ranged from -4.7% to 5.0%, averaging 2.8%; it has been falling for three releases in a row.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2026 | Q2 | -4.7% | -4.8% | 3% |
| 9 Jun 2026 | Q1 | 3.0% | 2.8% | 5.2% ® |
| 9 Mar 2026 | Q4 | 5% | 4.9% | 4.8% |
| 8 Dec 2025 | Q3 | 4.8% | 5.0% | 4.5% ® |
| 8 Sep 2025 | Q2 | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.4% |
| 9 Jun 2025 | Q1 | 3.4% | 2.7% | 4.5% |
| 9 Mar 2025 | Q4 | 4.5% | 4.4% | 2.8% |
Why it matters
The yearly rate is less noisy than the quarterly change and is the figure most people mean by "economic growth". It shapes the earnings outlook for local companies, tax revenue, and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)'s view of how much spare capacity the economy has.
How it is calculated
the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) compares real GDP (after inflation) with the same quarter or year before; full-year figures sum the four quarters.
Growth (yoy) = real GDP ÷ real GDP a year ago − 1What changes mean
- Growth above the country's trend (about 1–2% for advanced economies, more for emerging ones) tends to raise inflation pressure.
- Annual growth turns only slowly; the quarterly figure shows turning points earlier.
Higher than expected: A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the Saudi riyal and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.
Lower than expected: A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the Saudi riyal tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
A short history
Annual national accounts spread after the Second World War under the UN System of National Accounts (first edition 1953).
The riyal is pegged to the US dollar, so Saudi rates follow the Fed.
Questions
What is the Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final?
The Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final measures how much the economy of Saudi Arabia grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
What was the latest Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final?
-4.7% for Q2, published on 8 September 2026 (consensus -4.8%, previous 3%).
When is the next Saudi Arabia GDP Growth Rate YoY Final?
On Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 06:00 UTC.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.