SAUDI — IMF Forecasts Strong Saudi Growth of 5.5% in 2027, Cites Economic Resilience

The International Monetary Fund has praised the strength and resilience of the Saudi Arabian economy, forecasting GDP growth to accelerate to 5.5% in 2027. In its Article IV consultation report, the IMF noted the economy began 2026 with strong momentum after 4.6% growth in 2025, driven by a 4.2% expansion in the non-oil sector. The fund highlighted rising female labor force participation, which reached 35%, and the banking sector's health, with non-performing loans falling to a decade-low of 1%.