Documents currently available in Arabic.

   The Ninth Development Plan is a continuation of the developmental approach adopted by the Kingdom throughout the past four decades. This approach combines the directive planning of government activity and indicative planning of private activity within a framework of developmental paths and the future vision defined by the long-term strategic planning.

   A National Youth Strategy represents a declaration and commitment of the priorities, directions and practical support that a country intends to give to the development of its young men and women. As a statement, it raises the profile and understanding of young people and acts as a national vision, framework, and consensus regarding their involvement in community and national life.

   Over the last two decades, several international summits and conferences were convened, with the aim of formulating a common development vision that would respond to existing needs and rise to new challenges; all within a framework of partnership at both national and international levels. A large number of topics were addressed, including: population, social development, women and gender equality, human settlements, children, the elderly, education, human rights, information technology, and sustainable developments; and substantial momentum has gathered.

   Intensive efforts to sustain development continued in 1428/29 (2008). These efforts aimed at raising living standards, improving quality of life, and promoting further structural changes, including horizontal and vertical diversification of the Kingdom’s economic base. They have resulted in an increased contribution of production sectors to the GDP, enhanced productivity, and higher competitiveness of Saudi products in both domestic and foreign markets. In addition, education, health and social services have not only expanded but also improved in quality. 2008 also saw completion of several infrastructure projects. These achievements have led to the creation of additional job opportunities for the national workforce as well as creation of several promising investment opportunities for the private sector.

   The Eighth Development Plan marks a fresh chapter in the development process of the Kingdom, whose experience profiles a vivid record of achievements since it was founded and unified by the late King Abdul Aziz, who laid the groundwork for the Kingdom's development, and later by his great sons who followed in his footsteps. As a result, the Kingdom has come to experience wide-ranging and impressive advances in economic, industrial and development fields, coupled with rising ambitions to achieve much more advancement and progress, along with continued improvement of the living standards and quality of life of Saudi citizens in all regions of the Kingdom.

   The Kingdom’s National Day anniversary comes this year at a time when the comprehensive development renaissance, the foundations of which were laid by the Founder King, is continuing apace. Building on the intellectual, institutional and management foundations laid by the Founder King, and guided by his ideas and practices in development planning and economic management, his sons and successors have continued the efforts that have resulted in remarkable achievements and successes

   Interest in Saudi Arabia’s economic development has been increasing at the local, regional and international levels. In response to this growing interest, and in order to increase general awareness of these developments, the Ministry of Economy and Planning continues to publish vital economic information and statistical data.


The aim of this publication (“Saudi Economy in Figures: 2009”) is not only to highlight the main features of Saudi economic development, but also to respond to users’ increasing need for the latest information and statistics. This booklet provides summary statistics on the population census; GDP estimates and growth rates; main indicators of public finance, banking, stock market, money supply; prices; foreign trade and balance of payments. It also provides basic information on crude oil production and reserves, water, electricity, roads, industry, and general information about developments in human resource development, health, education and training.This booklet complements Ministry publications, especially development plan documents which provide detailed information on the Kingdom’s economy and its development strategy.

   A major landmark on the socioeconomic development path of the Kingdom, the Eighth Development Plan is the first five-year plan prepared in the context of a long-term development strategy with definite targets and objectives; a strategy designed to provide a framework for four successive five-year plans until 2024, aimed at achieving a comprehensive

   Only available in Arabic