S&P Affirms Saudi Arabia at A+ with Stable Outlook

Saudi Arabia has retained its long-term sovereign credit rating at A+ with a stable outlook in both foreign and local currency, 2026. The short-term rating was maintained at A-1 in both currencies.

The affirmation follows an earlier upgrade in March 2025, when the Kingdom's rating moved from A to A+ with a stable outlook. The latest action confirms the existing ratings and keeps the outlook unchanged, marking the most recent publicly reported sovereign assessment of Saudi Arabia.

The stable outlook reflects expectations that the Kingdom's economic and fiscal performance will stay resilient. This is supported by its fiscal buffers, flexibility in exports, and the continued expansion of the non-oil economy. Current macroeconomic projections tied to the rating point to real GDP growth of about 4.4% in 2026 under the baseline scenario.

Why it matters

A sovereign credit rating is an external analytical assessment used mainly for government borrowing, investment decisions, and overall policy credibility. A higher rating and a stable outlook can help lower borrowing costs and strengthen investor confidence in the Kingdom's economy.

For residents and businesses, this is not a procedure that requires any action. No fees or government platform steps are attached to the rating. It is an independent evaluation that reflects the broader financial standing of the country. Official updates on the rating are communicated through the Ministry of Finance and the National Debt Management Center.

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