Saudi Arabia's business activity showed continued growth in June 2026, with the Operating Revenues Index rising 6.1% year-on-year,
The same release recorded a sharp increase in construction activity, as the number of issued building permits climbed 20.3% compared with the same month a year earlier.
Both figures form part of a preliminary statistical release covering short-term business indicators. As preliminary data, the numbers may be revised in later updates, but they offer an early snapshot of how key sectors of the economy are performing.
Why it matters
Rising operating revenues point to stronger commercial activity across businesses in the Kingdom, which can support hiring, investment and consumer services that residents and expats rely on every day.
The notable jump in building permits is a leading signal for the construction and real estate sectors. More permits typically translate into new housing, commercial spaces and infrastructure in the months ahead, with knock-on effects for jobs and local supply chains in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
Taken together, the two indicators suggest steady momentum in economic activity as the Kingdom continues to expand its non-oil sectors under Saudi Vision 2030.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Up Next

SAR 2.7bn Financing Advances Westfield Riyadh Mall
Committed Murabaha facilities of SAR 2.7 billion advance the Westfield Riyadh lifestyle mall, part of wider retail and lifestyle funding across the capital.
Aug 20,2026
First Striped Hyena Cub Born in NEOM Nature Reserve
NEOM Nature Reserve documents the first wild birth of a reintroduced striped hyena in Saudi Arabia, marking a milestone in national rewilding efforts.
Aug 20,2026
US Firm Picks Dammam for First Plant Outside America
Energy Recovery to build its first factory outside the US near Dammam Second Industrial City, producing desalination devices from Q1 2027.
Aug 20,2026
Saudi Arabia Launches Riyadh Action Agenda Platform
Saudi Arabia launches the Riyadh Action Agenda Community Platform to connect 200 global initiatives on land restoration, drought resilience, and agrifood.
Aug 20,2026Related Stories
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.














