Saudi Arabia reports SR125.7 billion budget deficit in Q1 2026

Here's what it means for you.
The financial landscape in Saudi Arabia indicates a shift in economic strategy amid declining oil revenues.
What happened
Saudi Arabia recorded a budget deficit of SR125.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
The Context
- Oil revenues decreased by 3% year-on-year to SR144.72 billion.
- Total government expenditures rose by 20% to SR386.69 billion.
- Non-oil revenues increased by 2% to SR116.25 billion.
Takeaway
The Saudi government is likely to continue its strategic spending to bolster economic resilience despite the current deficit.
This article was generated by AI from 4 verified sources and reviewed by A47 editorial systems.
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