Saudi Vision 2030 Achieved in 2025: Economy Undergoing Radical Transformation, Indicators Exceeding Targets

Nearly a decade after the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the results are no longer mere future targets but have transformed into actual figures reflecting a structural shift in the economy and society. The 2025 annual report provides an accurate picture of an economy being reshaped, where the dominance of oil is gradually receding, contrasted by the rapid rise of non-oil sectors and a clear improvement in labor market and quality of life indicators.

Non-oil economy leads growth for the first time in a tangible manner

In one of the most significant indicators of transformation, the report shows that non-oil activities recorded growth of 4.9% during 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting the continued expansion in alternative sectors.

This growth was not an isolated figure but came within a broader context, as real GDP growth reached 4.5%, driven primarily by these activities, which now represent more than half of the Saudi economy.

This transformation means the economy is no longer dependent solely on oil cycles but has begun to move according to a more diversified and stable model, capable of absorbing global shocks more effectively.

Unemployment declines to 7.2% compared to 12.3% at the start of the Vision

Among the most prominent results of the economic transformation, a direct impact on the labor market is evident. The unemployment rate among Saudis decreased to 7.2% by the end of 2025, compared to from 12.3% in 2016.

This decline was not the result of a single factor but came as a result of:

• Expansion of non-oil sectors
• Increased contribution of the private sector
• Targeted empowerment and employment programs

Consequently, the decrease in unemployment here reflects not only economic improvement but also a genuine redistribution of job opportunities within the economy.

Inflation under control at 2% despite global changes

At a time when major economies experienced high inflation rates, Saudi Arabia maintained relative stability, with the inflation rate reaching 2% during 2025.

This figure reflects:

• Balanced fiscal policies
• Flexible expenditure management
• Stability in prices of goods and services

This contributed to preserving purchasing power and supporting growth without significant inflationary pressures.

Leap in non-oil exports from 242 billion to 622 billion Riyals

One of the most prominent indicators of successful economic diversification appears in non-oil exports, which rose from 242.56 billion Riyals in 2016 to to 622.87 billion Riyals in 2025.

This leap reflects:

• Growth of the industrial sector
• Development of logistics services
• Expansion of external markets

This indicates the economy's transition from domestic reliance to a more influential role in global trade.

Improvement in the Kingdom's global competitiveness by 22 positions

The report also monitors the Kingdom's progress in the Global Competitiveness Index, moving from rank 39 in 2018 to rank 17 in 2025.

This progress was not superficial but resulted from:

• Improvement of the business environment
• Development of systems and legislation
• Enhancement of digital government efficiency

This was directly reflected in attracting investments.

Record numbers in Umrah, housing, and quality of life

At the societal level, the figures show a tangible transformation in quality of life:

• The number of external Umrah performers exceeded 18.03 million in 2025, compared to a target of 15 million
• The homeownership rate for Saudi families reached 66.24% exceeding the target of 65%
• The rate of physical activity among adults reached 59.1% compared to a target of 55%

These figures reflect that the transformation was not only economic but extended to encompass lifestyle itself.

Unprecedented growth in volunteer work and the non-profit sector

One of the most striking indicators in the report is the leap in the number of volunteers, rising from 22.9 thousand in 2015 to to 1.75 million volunteers in 2025.

The contribution of the non-profit sector to the GDP also rose from 0.21% to 1.41%reflecting the expanding role of society in development.

Implementation system exceeds 90% of its targets

At the implementation level, the report reveals that:

• 309 indicators achieved or exceeded their targets
• 52 indicators approached achievement at a rate of up to 99%
• The total number of initiatives reached 1,290 initiativesof which 935 were completed
• with a success rate exceeding 90%

This reflects that the vision was not merely a plan, but a system of actual implementation based on performance measurement and continuous correction.

A new phase begins: from achieving targets to maximizing impact

As the vision enters its third phase starting in 2026, the report indicates a shift in priorities from achieving targets to:

• maximizing economic and social impact
• improving quality of life
• enhancing public financial sustainability

meaning that the next phase will focus not only on growth, but on the quality and sustainability of that growth.

Conclusion Jawlah

The 2025 results reveal that Saudi Vision 2030 has moved beyond the “experimental transformation” stage to “actual transformation,” as the figures now reflect a new economy taking shape, led by non-oil sectors and supported by strong indicators in employment, investment, and quality of life.

The question now is no longer: Has the vision succeeded? Rather: How will this momentum be maintained… in the next phase?