Riyadh GDP Set to Grow 8.4% in 2026 Under Vision 2030

Riyadh is on track to record some of the strongest economic growth in the Kingdom in 2026, with one estimate putting the capital's GDP growth at 8.4% for the year — well above the national forecast. Saudi Arabia's 2026 budget projects real GDP growth of 4.6% for the Kingdom in the coming fiscal year.

The figures come as Vision 2030 enters its third and final phase in 2026. Non-oil sectors already account for 55% of GDP, reflecting the broad diversification effort that has reshaped the national economy over the past decade.

That shift is reflected in the size of the economy overall. Saudi Arabia's economy reached about SAR 4.7 trillion by 2024, nearly doubling from SAR 2.6 trillion in 2016 — an expansion that has positioned Riyadh as a central engine of national growth.

A larger, more connected capital

The transformation narrative for 2026 centers on turning Riyadh into a larger, more polycentric capital. Planning targets aim to raise the city's population from 7 million to 15 million, supported by new districts, infrastructure, and economic zones spread across the metropolitan area.

For residents and expats, the outlook points to continued expansion in jobs, housing, transport, and services as the capital grows. Stronger local growth typically brings more investment and business activity, though it also underscores the pace of change many in Riyadh are already experiencing day to day.

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