Saudi Arabia Economy

A range of developments contributed to making 2019 an overall positive year for Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has rapidly been increasing its business footprint overseas, last year tripling its foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows.

International access to Saudi equities continues to grow on the back of reforms to capital markets and the recent inclusion of dozens of stocks in an influential emerging markets index.

Stronger energy revenue for much of the year and liberalisation reforms have helped Saudi Arabia’s economy rebound in 2018, though falling oil prices late in the year and the potential fallout over security issues could affect growth moving forward.

Saudi Arabia is preparing to start the privatisation process of its flour milling industry, tying into broader plans to enhance the role of the private sector.