GDP in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s economy is growing at a healthy rate, with increased oil production and ongoing robust consumer demand expected to boost GDP. The Saudi government, which relies on 90% of revenue from oil sales, has benefited from improved output in 2012. In 2012, the economy expanded 6.8%, according to the IMF, due to King Abdullah’s efforts.

In 2012, Saudi Arabia has pumped 9.95 million barrels of oil on average each day and earned $330 billion in revenue (SR1.24 trillion) in that year, when the cost of Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel for a second year. As a result, the government has increased its 2013 expenditure goal by almost 18%.

Construction is one of the most important driving factors in Saudi Arabia’s economic success, and it is expected to rise by 20% over the next year. The construction market in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is worth $1.5 trillion today, with Saudi Arabia accounting for a total of $629 billion. In Saudi Arabia, there are presently around $442.

The construction sector in Saudi Arabia is highly flexible both financially and operationally, owing to government investment and stimulus for the national economy.

Billions have been set aside for diversification

To assure long-term economic growth and job creation, the country has invested resources in developing transportation and infrastructure, education, health care, and social services in order to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia has earmarked $500 billion for infrastructure projects over the next five years. Only $76 billion will be spent on development initiatives in 2013, with a focus on science and technology expenditures.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Saudi Arabia is expanding its transportation infrastructure, with metros in Jeddah and Riyadh under construction. It’s also developing the Landbridge, a 950-kilometer railway from Jeddah to Damman, and the Haramain High Speed Rail that will connect Meccan, Medinah, and Jeddah for the convenience of pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Saudis have started to upgrade holy sites, with a $27 billion restoration of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and new housing projects for pilgrims in both cities. At the same time, the kingdom is establishing a series of new economic cities to distribute people across the country and diversify its economy. King Abdullah Economic City.

The foundations for Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, which will be the world’s tallest building at 1 km in height when completed in 2017, are nearing completion.

Education

Education will get approximately $54.4 billion (SR204 billion) in 2013, accounting for around a quarter of the overall budget and 21% more than in 2012. Construction of 539 new schools, as well as upgrades to 2,000 existing schools, are among the initiatives planned. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia wants to establish 15 colleges.

Health and Social Affairs

For example, the Ministry of Health has allocated $55 million for a campaign to increase public awareness about childhood immunizations and raise donors’ contributions. The National Child Immunization Program aims to improve vaccination coverage rates among children in order to limit disease transmission, reduce health-care costs, enhance individual and population health outcomes, and promote sustainability.

Other Economic Resources: Water, Agriculture, Industry

For the coming year, $15.2 billion (up 11% on 2012) has been allocated for these sectors. The projects include desalination, dam construction, and water supply and treatment improvement.

Government funding programs and specialized credit development institutions

This project will be implemented with $18 billion (SR68.2 billion) in funding from the government. Various government funds that would promote employment and economic development are included in this category.

Electricity investment of $80 billion

Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy is to boost production capacity, develop transportation networks and stations, and expand the electric power industry by more than $80 billion by the end of 2020. With a current generation capacity of just 54 MW, Saudi Arabia must build roughly 5,000 megawatts each year in order to satisfy its demand for 1000 megawatts.

An initiative to create a $109 billion renewable energy plan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seeking investors to assist it in achieving its $109 billion plan to develop a solar industry capable of generating 30% of the country’s power by 2032. The goal or roadmap is for renewable energy capacity installation to reach 23.9 GW by 2020, and 54.1 GW by 2032.

Saudi Arabia is looking to construct the greatest proportion of its new renewable energy capacity from two solar power technologies, although it also wants to implement wind, geothermal, and waste-to-energy projects.