RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Business Confidence Index rose 2.2 percent to 62 points in December, signaling sustained optimism across non-oil sectors, official data showed.
Figures released by the General Authority for Statistics showed the index remained well above the neutral 50-point threshold, indicating continued expansion in business sentiment.
The development underscores progress under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, as the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a regional business hub by the end of the decade.
In its latest report, GASTAT stated: “The index continues to reflect prevailing optimism in the business sector, driven by establishments’ confidence in economic stability and sustained growth across various sectors.”
It added: “During December 2025, the Business Confidence Index for the industry sector recorded an optimistic level of 62.2 points, representing an increase of 2.7 percent compared to the previous month, November, when it stood at 60.6 points.”
GASTAT said the reading was driven by expectations for overall performance, sales and purchase orders.
The services sector recorded a BCI reading of 62 points, representing a 2.3 percent monthly increase, driven by improved expectations for overall performance, sales and employment.
In the construction sector, the index rose to 61.8 points, marking a 1.8 percent increase from the previous month.
“This level (in the construction sector) was driven by increased confidence among establishments, particularly with respect to expectations for overall performance, sales, and fixed investment expenditure,” said GASTAT.
The Business Confidence Index measures establishments’ assessments of current business conditions and future expectations, based on a monthly survey of companies operating across non-oil economic activities.
The index is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with 50 representing the neutral level. Readings above 50 indicate optimism and stronger business confidence, while values below 50 reflect pessimism.
Earlier in January, Riyad Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, compiled by S&P Global, showed the Kingdom’s PMI stood at 57.4 in December, indicating continued expansion in non-oil business activity.
The PMI data pointed to strong operating conditions, supported by rising new orders, sustained growth in business activity and expanding employment.
A separate report by Standard Chartered released in January revealed that Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product is expected to expand by 4.5 percent in 2026, driven by sustained momentum in both the Kingdom’s hydrocarbon and non-oil sectors.
The bank added that the Kingdom’s non-oil economy is projected to expand steadily at the same rate, underpinned by investment and consumption.
