From record-setting GDP contributions to the rise of digital-first retail and logistics ecosystems, this week’s Saudi Round-Up highlights soaring retail growth, powered by robust private-sector expansion.
General Economy
Private Sector Doubles GDP Share to $613B in 10 Years
The private sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP has risen from SAR 1.1 trillion ($293 billion) in 2016 to about SAR 2.3 trillion ($613 billion) today, according to Khalid Al‑Falih. He noted domestic investment surged 76% in 2024 and foreign investment inflows have quadrupled since the launch of Vision 2030.
Non-Oil Sector Drives 56% of Real GDP
Saudi Arabia’s dependency on oil has fallen significantly, with non-oil activities now contributing 56% of the Kingdom’s real GDP, according to Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim. He also noted that direct and indirect reliance on oil has dropped from over 90% to 68%, signaling continued progress in economic diversification.
Saudi Economy Up 80% Since Vision 2030 Launch
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih announced that Saudi Arabia’s economy has grown by 80% since the launch of Vision 2030, underscoring the Kingdom’s success in diversifying beyond oil. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2025, Al-Falih highlighted that the private sector now contributes over 50% to GDP, with major strides in tourism, manufacturing, and technology shaping Saudi Arabia’s next phase of growth.
Construction & Infrastructure
Alstom Deepens Saudi Footprint with 12 Railway Projects
French engineering giant Alstom is executing 12 active railway projects across Saudi Arabia, spanning design, operations, and maintenance. The firm also contributes to Riyadh’s metro network, supplying rolling stock for four of the six lines. The move signals growing confidence in Saudi’s rail infrastructure expansion and public transit modernization
Qassim Region Accelerates With $221 M Road Network Expansion
Six major road projects worth approximately SAR 831 million ($221.6 million) have been launched in the Qassim Region, including a 161 km link road between the Qassim–Madinah and Ar Rass–Afif highways. Among the developments is a 900-meter Wadi ar Rimah bridge.
Retail & E-Commerce
Q-Commerce in Saudi Arabia Set to Reach $1.34B by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s quick-commerce market, valued at approximately $0.45 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $1.34 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20%. Growth is being driven by rising consumer expectations for ultra-fast delivery, expanding last-mile infrastructure, and the shift of rapid-delivery models beyond food to items such as groceries, pharmacy goods, and electronics.
Retail Market to Reach $398.45M by 2030
The Saudi retail market, valued at $268.56 million in 2024, is projected to grow to $398.45 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8%. This growth is underpinned by rising incomes, a tech-savvy young population, and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push for economic diversification and digital payments.
Technology
Egyptian-Saudi Platform Launched to Boost PropTech Entrepreneurship
A new PropTech platform has been established in Cairo via a partnership between Saudi-based Edafa Venture, Egypt’s Modern Solutions, and Coldwell Banker Commercial Advantage. The initiative will support early-stage PropTech startups with investment and regional expansion opportunities into Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Saudi to Host 100 Startups in Entrepreneurship World Cup Finals
Saudi Arabia will host the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, featuring 100 startups from 46 countries. The event, held Nov 5–8 at Riyadh Front, will include a prize pool exceeding $1.5 million, showcasing the Kingdom’s expanding leadership in innovation, global entrepreneurship, and startup investment.
Business Expansions
COLABS Expands into Riyadh with Flagship Saudi Hub
Pakistan-based co-working platform COLABS is launching its flagship Saudi site in Riyadh, backed by a partnership with Waseel Investment and VC support from Shorooq Partners. The expansion aims to harness Saudi Arabia’s booming startup ecosystem—which attracted over $2 billion in venture funding in 2024 — and bridge the innovation flows between Saudi and Pakistan
Nextracker Forms JV in Saudi, Ups Global Guidance
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker partnered with Saudi’s Abunayyan Holding to launch Nextracker Arabia, which will locally manufacture and supply PV trackers across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. The move comes amid surging solar demand across the country.
Tourism
PIF & FII Partner to Fast-Track Sustainable Tourism in Soudah
The Public Investment Fund–owned Soudah Development has inked a strategic partnership with the FII Institute to advance sustainable tourism, innovation, and thought leadership in the Aseer region. Saudi has also already hit its Vision 2030 goal of 150 million tourists by the decade’s end.