In April 2026, Saudi Arabia's short-term business operating revenues demonstrated a notable year-on-year increase of 10.6%, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This growth was particularly bolstered by robust performances in key sectors, including mining and quarrying, which saw a remarkable rise of 22.5%, and manufacturing, which increased by 10.3%. Other sectors contributing to this upward trend included wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, construction, and financial and insurance activities, which grew by 6.9%, 5.4%, and 14.2%, respectively. However, the Operating Revenue Index experienced a monthly decline of 3.8% compared to March 2026, primarily driven by a significant contraction of 19.1% in industrial, mining, and quarrying activities. This decline was compounded by reductions in various sectors, including wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair, which saw a 1.5% decrease, and financial and insurance activities, which fell by 2.5%. Additionally, information and communication activities, along with transportation and storage, recorded declines of 1.5% and 4.9%, respectively. The Compensation of Employees Index also reflected a year-on-year increase of 10.1%, supported by higher compensation in key sectors, while it edged up by 0.1% on a monthly basis. Notably, the construction sector exhibited a remarkable 28.2% increase in building permits issued, further highlighting the ongoing positive momentum in this segment of the economy.
Source: Saudi Gazette
