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With plans in the pipeline to inject significant investment into expanding its output of metals, petrochemicals and plastics over the next several years, Saudi Arabia continues to dominate the region’s industrial activity. This should keep the Kingdom at the forefront of the world’s industrial exporters, at a time when global economic uncertainties are subduing demand for many commodities. As for...

The utilities sector is enjoying huge investments into expansions and capacity upgrades, with around SR500bn ($133.25bn) to flow into the electricity and water segments in the coming decade. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to build up renewable electricity generation capacity, in particular solar power, to address rapidly rising energy consumption. The Kingdom is investing in water desalination...

Accounting for just under 30% of real GDP and providing roughly 80-90% of state revenue in any given year, the oil and gas sector has been the dominant force behind Saudi Arabia’s economy for decades. Seeking to cement its position as a front-runner in the global market, the government has continued to invest heavily in the sector over the last decade to boost capacity and develop new resources....

The A’sharqia, or Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, continues to be at the forefront of economic and industrial advancement. The province is a microcosm of the government’s diversification efforts and is home to a number of rapidly growing industries. The construction of new industrial sites is being accompanied by support infrastructure, including mixed-use projects that combine residential,...

While Jeddah bears evidence of several decades of rapid, poorly-managed expansion, the city is now gearing itself to attract further private investment in a range of economic activities, with tourism and retail in particular well positioned for growth. The first phase of upgrades to Jeddah’s cornice, for example, was completed in December 2012 and includes new parks and outdoor leisure facilities...

As Islam’s holiest city, Makkah has an economy that enjoys extraordinarily high demand from the many millions of Muslim pilgrims who visit it each year. With pilgrim numbers expected to nearly double between 2008 and 2019, the real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and retail sectors are among those most likely to benefit. Hotel capacity is set to rise from 50,000 rooms to around 75,000 as...