Saudi Gazette report
DAMMAM — Saudi Arabia unveiled on Tuesday the state’s general budget for the fiscal year 2026, with total revenues estimated at SR1.147 trillion and expenditures amounting to SR1.312 trillion.

The budget, approved by a special session of the Council of Ministers, held under the chairmanship of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Dammam, projected a deficit of SR165.4 billion, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The Crown Prince directed ministers and officials, each within their respective areas of responsibility, to actively commit to implementing the budget's development and social programs and projects that contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. He instructed them to place citizens and their well-being at the forefront of their priorities.

The Saudi economy is projected to grow 4.6 percent in 2026 with a budget deficit amounting to 3.3 percent of GDP, the Ministry of Finance said. Public debt is expected to reach SR1.622 trillion, or 32.7 percent of GDP, it said.

“The government remains focused on enhancing spending efficiency, bolstering the quality of essential services and advancing giga-projects and priority national strategies aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030,” the ministry added.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan stated that the 2026 budget confirms the continuation of strategic spending on development projects in accordance with sectoral strategies and the Vision 2030 programs.

He stated that the 2026 budget aims to maintain the strength of the Kingdom's financial position and enhance fiscal sustainability by maintaining sustainable levels of public debt and substantial financial reserves.