World Bank says Saudi economy showed recovery signs from pandemic in H1 2021

Issam Abousleiman, World Bank Regional Director for the GCC

Saudi economy showed signs of recovery from the repercussions of the pandemic in the first half of this year 2021, Issam Abousleiman, World Bank Regional Director for the GCC, said.

Non-oil sectors recorded better signs of recovery than expected with the easing of precautionary measures, which led to supporting domestic demand, with a seasonal average growth rate of 4.9% and 0.5% in the first and second quarters, respectively, the top official added according to Al-Eqtisadiah Newspaper.

He pointed out that the recovery process will continue with a growth rate of 2.4% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022. The oil sector is expected to grow by 0.3% in 2021 following the agreed upon OPEC+ path of output levels until next December, while it’s expected to jump significantly in 2022 with the expiration of the OPEC+ output cut agreement.

The vaccination program is gaining additional momentum and restrictions related to the coronavirus are eased, Abousleiman added, indicating that the non-oil sectors will continue their growth path, which is estimated to reach 4% in 2021 and 3.3% in 2022. This reflects a strong increase in private consumption, the gradual resumption of religious tourism and higher local capital spending.