Gulf States Strategy Advisors

The "powerhouse" of the region: Saudi-Arabia is the biggest economy in the Arab World, one of the the world’s biggest oil producers and the world’s biggest oil exporter. The daily production of crude oil amounted to 9,5 and 11 million barrel between 2011 and 2013. Saudi Arabia represents 25% of the total Arab world GDP and possesses 25% of the world's oil reserves.

Saudi Arabia's  economy remains in strong shape despite drop in global oil prices. With growth expected to hold at 3.5% there are definate opportunities for both exporters and investors. Ideas are being currently floated of privatizing one of the world’s biggest companies: Saudi Aramco. These are further boosted by a continued program of industrial diversification away from dependence on oil and gas, economic reform, market liberalisation and a growing private sector. Saudi Arabia represents the largest construction market in the Middle East, and one of the fastest growing construction markets in the world.

When King Abdalla died at the age of 90 in 2015, his half-brother Salman became the new king. A transfer to the next generation of princess is foreshadowed and likely with the appointment of Muhammed bin Salman as Crown Prince in 2017. Over the last years Saudi Arabia has moved from a reactive to more active foreign policy. Although parts of the region have recently seen political turmoil since the start of 2011, Saudi Arabia has remained stable. European investors still view it as an attractive place to do business.

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Sources: World Bank, UNDP, IMF, German Foreign Office (AA). This text constitutes a basic information and is regularly updated. Correctness and completeness of the data cannot be guaranteed. Read the full disclaimer.