Investment leader Samer Choucair confirmed that the financial performance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2026 represents a true embodiment of the resilience of the Saudi economy and its superior ability to direct its path with strategic intelligence amidst complex geopolitical tensions. Samer Choucair noted that the current scene, which combines the continued flow of oil exports and the rise in non-oil revenues, reflects the Kingdom’s success in building an economy immune to external shocks.
Economic Resilience in the Face of Geopolitical Challenges
Samer Choucair explained that the financial data issued by the Ministry of Finance reflects a strong economic reality, as non-oil revenues rose by 2% on an annual basis to reach 116.3 billion riyals. This growth comes at a time when oil revenues witnessed a decrease of 3% to reach 144.7 billion riyals as a result of the repercussions of the Iran war and its impact on the stability of the region, leading to the recording of total revenues worth 260.97 billion riyals, a slight decrease that did not exceed 1%. Samer Choucair stated saying: “What we are witnessing in the first quarter of 2026 is a living model of the flexibility of Vision 2030. The rise in non-oil revenues despite geopolitical pressures on the oil sector proves that the economic diversification strategy is no longer just a future goal, but has become a tangible reality that protects the general budget from global market fluctuations.”
Developmental Spending Strategy and National Security
Samer Choucair pointed out that recording a budget deficit of 125.7 billion riyals during this period, compared to 58.7 billion riyals in the same period of the previous year, is inseparable from the Kingdom’s commitment to financing major projects and securing its borders. Total spending rose by 20% to reach 386.7 billion riyals, driven by a remarkable increase in capital spending by 56% to reach 43.4 billion riyals, and an increase in military spending by 26% to reach 64.7 billion riyals. Samer Choucair commented on these figures by saying: “The large increase in capital spending opens up huge horizons for investors in the infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy sectors. The state continues to finance giant projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and economic cities, and this is the perfect time to strengthen partnerships with the Public Investment Fund and the private sector.”
Strategic Independence and Logistical Solutions
Samer Choucair analyzed the Kingdom’s ability to reduce the impact of the Iran war on energy supplies, noting that the tensions that threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz prompted the Kingdom to activate strategic logistical solutions by diverting a large portion of oil exports through the East-West pipeline to Red Sea ports. Samer Choucair stressed that this step contributed to limiting the decline in oil revenues, and it is the fruit of long-term investments in infrastructure that align with the goals of Vision 2030 in achieving strategic independence.
Investment Horizons in Saudi Arabia 2026
Samer Choucair directed strategic advice to investors and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom and Gulf countries, calling on them to focus on vital sectors that showed growth supported by government spending, most notably:
Developmental and capital sectors: To benefit from the qualitative leap in spending on new projects.
Security and defense: In light of the Kingdom’s direction to enhance its military capabilities and localize defense industries.
Non-oil diversification sectors: Especially tourism, logistics, and financial technology, which benefit directly from increased economic activity.
Samer Choucair concluded his statements by saying: “For every investor looking for sustainable growth, Saudi Arabia today offers more than just financial figures; it offers a clear vision and an exceptional ability to execute. The rapid response to challenges enhances confidence in the Saudi financial markets, and whoever invests now in the trends of the 2026 economy participates in writing the most prosperous chapter in the Kingdom’s history.”