December 2025 marked a pivotal period for Saudi Arabia, highlighted by the approval of a strong 2026 budget, significant diplomatic achievements, and ambitious steps in innovation and future industries.
Fiscal Strength & Economic Growth
The Cabinet, led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, approved the 2026 state budget, allocating SAR 1.313 trillion in expenditures against expected revenues of SAR 1.147 trillion. Supported by solid economic fundamentals, the Kingdom’s GDP grew 4.8% in Q3 2025, driven by an 8.3% rise in oil activities and 4.3% growth in the non-oil sector.
Diplomatic Leadership & Regional Integration
Saudi Arabia strengthened regional and global partnerships. The Amir of Qatar’s visit highlighted 634% growth in bilateral trade since 2021 and the signing of a high-speed rail link agreement connecting Riyadh and Doha. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a mutual visa exemption deal, making Russia the first country with regular passport holders to secure such an agreement.
Innovation & Future Industries
Saudi Arabia is advancing its role in cutting-edge industries. KACST and Lucid Group inaugurated the first Middle Eastern Electric Vehicle Innovation Center in Riyadh to enhance future mobility capabilities. In healthcare, King Faisal Specialist Hospital performed a groundbreaking 3D-printed tumor resection, establishing the Kingdom as a hub for medical innovation.
By the Numbers:
- $90M: Financial support to the State of Palestine
- SAR 73.1B: Nonprofit sector revenue in 2024 (+22% YoY)
- 151,000: Saudis employed in industrial/mining sectors with HRDF support since 2020
- SAR 6B: Value of 45 agreements signed at MOMENTUM 2025
- 3M: Visitors to Hail Region in H1 2025
- 8.22%: Increase in transshipment containers at Saudi ports in Nov 2025
- 149%: Shrimp self-sufficiency rate in 2024
- 25M: Safe man-hours at Riyadh Airports Company
- $275M: Projected global market value of a blue pigment discovered by KAUST
- 14: Ambulances provided to Kurdistan Region of Iraq
- Aa3: Saudi Arabia’s reaffirmed credit rating by Moody’s, with a stable outlook
- +10,000: Migratory waterbirds in Farasan Islands Reserve
- 8: Saudi cities in UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
- $17.8M: Humanitarian aid pledged to Yemen & Bangladesh
- 197: Countries expected at Expo 2030 Riyadh, projected 42M visits
These achievements reflect a nation growing its economy, responsibly managing its fiscal future, and expanding its global influence through trade, diplomacy, and innovation.
