Economic Indicators | Foreign Trade in Figures | Sources of General Economic Information | Political Outline

Economic Indicators

The Saudi Arabian economy is entirely based on oil. The country has the largest oil reserves in the World and is also the World's biggest oil producer and exporter. Oil accounts for more than 90% of the country's exports and nearly 80% of government revenues. The recovery of the demand in 2010 helped to stabilize growth and offers hope for a favorable recovery in 2011.

The big construction works policy led by the government as well as direct foreign investments and the solidity of the banking and financial system have allowed this country to become the first economy in the region and one of the major ones in the world.

Inflation, which had reached a record 10% in 2008, mainly due to the increase in the prices of food products has decreased. In addition to this, the kingdom’s authorities wish to abolish all the existing subsidies, which will in fact lead to an increase in prices.

The government wants to reduce the kingdom's dependence on the oil sector by diversifying its economic activities and in developing mainly the agricultural, food, and industry sectors. The kingdom has a stable and high-quality banking and financial system.

Private investments are supported by generous government financing and incentive plans. The standard of living is one of the highest in the region with USD 15,352 GDP/inhabitant. The country is still marked by an unemployment rate of about 11%. Tourism generates highly significant revenues (nearly 4 million tourists per year), exclusively on account of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Main Indicators	2009	2010	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
GDP (billions USD)	377.20e	448.36	560.29	581.94	620.86
GDP (Constant Prices, Annual % Change)	0.1	4.1	6.5	3.6	4.4
GDP per Capita (USD)	14,148	16,267	19,890	20,214	21,101
General Government Gross Debt (in % of GDP)	15.9e	9.9e	7.1e	6.1	5.1
Inflation Rate (%)	5.1e	5.4e	5.4e	5.3	4.3
Unemployment Rate (% of the Labor Force)	10.5	10.0	-	-	-
Current Account (billions USD)	20.98	66.84	115.31e	82.59	73.12
Current Account (in % of GDP)	5.6e	14.9	20.6	11.8	-

Source: IMF - World Economic Outlook Database ; World Bank , Last Available Data

Note: (e) Estimated Data

Main Sectors of Industry

Agriculture accounts for 3% of the GDP and employs 15% of the active population. It is not a very productive sector despite the huge state investments. Saudi Arabia imports most of its agricultural and food product requirements because of the geographical and climatic contraints. Water scarcity is a serious regional problem that the country is likely to face in the coming years, as growing cultivation of wheat presents a strong threat of water depletion.

The industrial sector represents two thirds of the GDP. It is dominated by non-manufacturing activities (oil drilling). The industrial sector portion, other than oil, is growing due to Saudi state investments, to diversify the economy, the kingdom having tapped into its financial reserves accumulated by the soaring oil prices.

Lastly, services represent 22% of the GDP. This sector is mainly dominated by tourism, financial and insurance services and the banking sector.

Breakdown of Economic Activity By Sector	Agriculture	Industry	Services
Employment By Sector (in % of Total Employment)	4.8	18.0	77.2
Value Added (in % of GDP)	2.6	62.0	35.5
Value Added (Annual % Change)	1.1	3.1	4.6

Source: World Bank - Last Available Data.

Monetary Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Saudi Riyal (SAR) - Average Annual Exchange Rate For 1 USD	3.75	3.75	3.75	3.75	3.75

Source: World Bank - Last Available Data.

Learn more about Market Analysis about Saudi Arabia on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.

Indicator of Economic Freedom

Score:: 66.2/100
Position:: Moderately free
World Rank:: 50/179
Regional Rank:: 7/17

Distribution of Economic freedom in the world
Source: 2011 Index of Economic freedom, Heritage Foundation

Country Risk

See the Country Risk Analysis Provided By Ducroire.

Foreign Trade in Figures

The foreign trade share in Saudi Arabia is nearly 90% of the GDP. The country recorded a highly significant trade surplus in 2008. Despite the falling oil prices, the country should show a positive balance in the forthcoming years.
Saudi Arabia's main export partners are the United States, China and Japan, followed by Germany and U.A.E., as well as the Southeast Asian countries. The country exports mainly crude oil (the black gold represents 90% of its exports), plastics, organic products and chemicals.

Its main import partners are the United States, Japan, China and Korea, followed by other Asian countries (India, Taiwan, Singapore). Saudi Arabia mainly imports vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, iron, steel and food products.

In order to promote international trade, attract foreign investment and diversify the non-oil sectors, the government has announced plans to establish four "economic cities" in different regions of the country.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Imports of Goods (million USD)	69,800	90,214	115,134	95,552	102,000
Exports of Goods (million USD)	211,305	233,329	313,462	192,314	254,000
Imports of Services (million USD)	29,488	45,914	49,572	47,039	-
Exports of Services (million USD)	13,973	15,743	9,128	9,428	-
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	25.2	21.6	-	-	-
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	3.4	3.0	-	-	-
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	31.8	37.7	37.1	43.1	35.4
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	63.2	64.8	67.8	54.2	56.8
Trade Balance (million USD)	147,391	150,716	212,025	105,230	153,717
Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD)	112,012	104,026	146,161	39,988	87,628
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	95.1	102.5	104.9	97.3	92.2

Source: WTO - World Trade Organization ; World Bank , Last Available Data

Main Partner Countries

Main Customers (% of Exports)	2007
Japan	26.8%
United States	17.5%
United Arab Emirates	3.6%
Netherlands	1.6%
India	1.4%
Italy	1.4%
France	1.2%
Singapore	1.2%
Spain	1.2%
Egypt	1.2%
China	1.1%
South Korea	0.7%
Kuwait	0.6%
Qatar	0.6%
Bahrain	0.5%
Jordan	0.5%
United Kingdom	0.5%
Pakistan	0.4%
Germany	0.4%
Belgium	0.4%
See More Countries	49.1%

Main Suppliers (% of Imports)	2007
United States	13.6%
China	9.7%
Germany	8.9%
Japan	8.7%
Italy	4.5%
South Korea	4.5%
United Kingdom	3.9%
India	3.4%
France	3.4%
United Arab Emirates	2.5%
Australia	2.2%
Brazil	1.9%
Thailand	1.7%
Switzerland	1.6%
Finland	1.4%
Sweden	1.4%
Turkey	1.4%
Netherlands	1.3%
Spain	1.3%
Egypt	1.2%
See More Countries	54.6%

Source: Comtrade, Last Available Data

Main Products

Main Exports (% of Exports)	2007
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude	76.6%
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (excl. crude); preparations containing >= 70% by weight of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic constituents of the preparations, n.e.s.; waste oils containing mainly petroleum or bituminous minerals	7.5%
Petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbonsPetroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons	3.8%
Polymers of ethylene, in primary formsPolymers of ethylene, in primary forms	1.8%
Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated,...Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives	1.0%
Cyclic hydrocarbonsCyclic hydrocarbons	0.6%
Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilizers (excl....Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilizers (excl. those in pellet or similar forms, or in packages with a gross weight of <= 10 kg)	0.5%
Tugs and pusher craftTugs and pusher craft	0.5%
Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire,...Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire, cable "incl. coaxial cable" and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made-up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors	0.4%
Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in...Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms	0.3%
Ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols,...Ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, alcohol peroxides, ether peroxide, ketone peroxides, whether or not chemically defined, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives	0.3%
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally...Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, incl. station wagons and racing cars (excl. motor vehicles of heading 8702)	0.3%
Parts of aircraft and spacecraft of heading 8801...Parts of aircraft and spacecraft of heading 8801 or 8802, n.e.s.	0.3%
Acyclic hydrocarbonsAcyclic hydrocarbons	0.2%
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl....Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl. chassis with engine and cab	0.2%
Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns", of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406)	0.2%
Petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, micro- crystalline...Petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, micro- crystalline petroleum wax, slack wax, ozokerite, lignite wax, peat wax, other mineral waxes, and similar products obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured	0.1%
Air conditioning machines comprising a...Air conditioning machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, incl. those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated; parts thereof	0.1%
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in...Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form	0.1%
Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing...Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing containers, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.s.; box files, letter trays, and similar articles, of paperboard of a kind used in offices, shops or the like	0.1%
Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not...Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not coloured	0.1%
Sodium hydroxide "caustic soda", potassium...Sodium hydroxide "caustic soda", potassium hydroxide "caustic potash"; peroxides of sodium or potassium	0.1%
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding...Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width <= 36 cm, or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, serviettes, napkins for babies, tampons, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres	0.1%
See More Products	9.3%

Main Imports (% of Imports)	2007
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally...Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, incl. station wagons and racing cars (excl. motor vehicles of heading 8702)	8.6%
BarleyBarley	2.4%
Transmission apparatus for radio-telephony,...Transmission apparatus for radio-telephony, radio-telegraphy, radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras; still image video cameras and other video camera recorders; digital cameras	2.2%
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl....Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl. chassis with engine and cab	2.0%
Parts of aircraft and spacecraft of heading 8801...Parts of aircraft and spacecraft of heading 8801 or 8802, n.e.s.	1.7%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron or steel (excl. products of cast iron)	1.7%
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for...Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, incl. pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves; parts thereof	1.6%
Machinery, plant or laboratory equipment whether...Machinery, plant or laboratory equipment whether or not electrically heated (excl. furnaces, ovens and other equipment of heading 8514), for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature such as heating, cooking, roasting, distilling, rectifying, sterilizing, pasteurizing, steaming, drying, evaporating, vapourizing, condensing or cooling (excl. those used for domestic purposes); instantaneous or storage water heaters, non-electric; parts thereof	1.4%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated	1.4%
Medicaments consisting of two or more constituents...Medicaments consisting of two or more constituents mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not in measured doses or put up for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	1.3%
Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles...Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, motor vehicles for the transport of goods and special purpose motor vehicles of heading 8701 to 8705, n.e.s.	1.3%
Automatic data processing machines and units...Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, n.e.s.	1.3%
Copper, refined, and copper alloys, unwrought ...Copper, refined, and copper alloys, unwrought (excl. copper alloys of heading 7405)	1.2%
Air or vacuum pumps (excl. gas compound elevators...Air or vacuum pumps (excl. gas compound elevators and pneumatic elevators and conveyors); air or other gas compressors and fans; ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan, whether or not fitted with filters; parts thereof	1.1%
Tugs and pusher craftTugs and pusher craft	1.1%
Turbo-jets, turbo-propellers and other gas...Turbo-jets, turbo-propellers and other gas turbines	1.1%
Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a...Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device (excl. ceramic pumps and secretion aspirating pumps for medical use and medical pumps carried on or implanted in the body); liquid elevators (excl. pumps); parts thereof	1.1%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machinery of heading 8425 to 8430, n.e.s.	1.0%
Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line...Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy, incl. line telephone sets with cordless handsets and telecommunication apparatus for carrier-current line systems or for digital line systems; videophones; parts thereof	1.0%
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed...Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses "incl. those in the form of transdermal administration" or in forms or packings for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	0.9%
Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire,...Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire, cable "incl. coaxial cable" and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made-up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors	0.9%
Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns", of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406)	0.9%
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders,...Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road rollers	0.9%
New pneumatic tyres, of rubberNew pneumatic tyres, of rubber	0.8%
Meat and edible offal of fowls of the species...Meat and edible offal of fowls of the species gallus domesticus, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowls, fresh, chilled or frozen	0.8%
Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g....Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g. rectifiers, and inductors; parts thereof	0.8%
Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added...Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.8%
Tube or pipe fittings "e.g. couplings, elbows,...Tube or pipe fittings "e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves", of iron or steel	0.7%
Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought...Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought or not further worked than semi-manufactured or in powder form	0.7%
Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating...Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, and other vessels the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function; floating docks, floating or submersible drilling or production platforms (excl. fishing vessels and warships)	0.7%
RiceRice	0.7%
Parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying...Parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8469 to 8472, n.e.s.	0.7%
Tubes and pipes, having circular cross-sections...Tubes and pipes, having circular cross-sections and an external diameter of > 406,4 mm, of flat-rolled products of iron or steel "e.g., welded, riveted or similarly closed"	0.7%
Semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steelSemi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel	0.6%
Iron ores and concentrates, incl. roasted iron...Iron ores and concentrates, incl. roasted iron pyrites	0.6%
Spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal...Spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engine	0.6%
Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl....Ships' derricks; cranes, incl. cable cranes (excl. wheel-mounted cranes and vehicle cranes for railways); mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane	0.6%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles "e.g., open seam...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles "e.g., open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed", of iron or steel (excl. of cast iron, seamless tubes and pipes and tubes and pipes having internal and external circular cross-sections and an external diameter of > 406,4 mm)	0.6%
Special purpose motor vehicles (other than those...Special purpose motor vehicles (other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods), e.g. breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops and mobile radiological units	0.6%
Live sheep and goatsLive sheep and goats	0.6%
Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those...Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those for isotope separation); filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof (excl. artificial kidneys)	0.5%
Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats...Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats and medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture)	0.5%
Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of...Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes	0.5%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with transmission and reception apparatus for radio-telephony, radio-telegraphy, radio-broadcasting, television, television cameras, still image video cameras and other video camera recorders, radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus or radio remote control apparatus, n.e.s.	0.5%
Women's or girls' suits, ensembles, jackets,...Women's or girls' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (excl. knitted or crocheted, wind-jackets and similar articles, slips, petticoats and panties, track suits, ski suits and swimwear)	0.5%
Cyclic hydrocarbonsCyclic hydrocarbons	0.5%
Maize or cornMaize or corn	0.5%
Air conditioning machines comprising a...Air conditioning machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, incl. those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated; parts thereof	0.5%
Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy...Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, n.e.s.	0.5%
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or...Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps; parts thereof (excl. air conditioning machines of heading 8415)	0.5%
Plates, sheets and strip, of aluminium, of a...Plates, sheets and strip, of aluminium, of a thickness of > 0,2 mm (excl. expanded plates, sheets and strip)	0.5%
Food preparations, n.e.s.Food preparations, n.e.s.	0.5%
Electric motors and generators (excl. generating...Electric motors and generators (excl. generating sets)	0.5%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled "cold-reduced", clad, plated or coated	0.5%
Motor vehicles for the transport of >= 10 persons,...Motor vehicles for the transport of >= 10 persons, incl. driver	0.5%
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in...Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form	0.4%
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting...Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, e.g., switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and junction boxes, for a voltage <= 1.000 v (excl. control desks, cabinets, panels etc. of heading 8537)	0.4%
Instruments and appliances used in medical,...Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, incl. scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments, n.e.s.	0.4%
Electric generating sets and rotary convertersElectric generating sets and rotary converters	0.4%
Cheese and curdCheese and curd	0.4%
Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and...Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, incl. those incorporating instruments or apparatus of chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excl. switching apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy)	0.4%
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting...Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, e.g., switches, fuses, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, surge suppressors, plugs and junction boxes, for a voltage > 1.000 v (excl. control desks, cabinets, panels etc. of heading 8537)	0.4%
Bars, rods and profiles, of copper, n.e.s.Bars, rods and profiles, of copper, n.e.s.	0.4%
Bars, rods and profiles, of aluminium, n.e.s.Bars, rods and profiles, of aluminium, n.e.s.	0.4%
Machinery for working rubber or plastics or for...Machinery for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products from these materials, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, parts thereof	0.4%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with internal combustion piston engine of heading 8407 or 8408	0.4%
Dish washing machines; machinery for cleaning or...Dish washing machines; machinery for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers; machinery for filling, closing, sealing or labelling bottles, cans, boxes, bags or other containers; machinery for capsuling bottles, jars, tubes and similar containers; other packing or wrapping machinery, incl. heat-shrink wrapping machinery; machinery for aerating beverages; parts thereof	0.4%
Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, incl....Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, incl. monofilament of >= 67 decitex and with a cross sectional dimension of <= 1 mm	0.4%
Polymers of ethylene, in primary formsPolymers of ethylene, in primary forms	0.3%
Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating,...Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for earth, minerals or ores; pile-drivers and pile-extractors; snow-ploughs and snow-blowers (excl. those mounted on railway wagons, motor vehicle chassis or lorries, self-propelled machinery of heading 8429, lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery of heading 8425 to 8428 and hand-operated tools)	0.3%
Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery,...Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery, e.g. lifts, escalators, conveyors, teleferics (excl. pulley tackle and hoists, winches and capstans, jacks, cranes of all kinds, mobile lifting frames and straddle carriers, works trucks fitted with a crane, fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment)	0.3%
Glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall...Glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles; glazed ceramic mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on a backing (excl. of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, refractory ceramic goods, tiles made into stands, ornamental articles and tiles specifically manufactured for stoves)	0.3%
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or barked,...Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or barked, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness of > 6 mm	0.3%
Machinery for sorting, screening, separating,...Machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid, incl. powder or paste, form; machinery for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials or other mineral products in powder or paste form; machines for forming foundry moulds of sand; parts thereof	0.3%
Machines and mechanical appliances having...Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof	0.3%
Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations...Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin, incl. sunscreen or sun tan preparations (excl. medicaments); manicure or pedicure preparations	0.3%
Transmission shafts, incl. camshafts and...Transmission shafts, incl. camshafts and crankshafts, and cranks; bearing housings and plain shaft bearings for machines; gears and gearing; ball or roller screws, gear boxes and other speed changers, incl. torque converters; flywheels and pulleys, incl. pulley blocks, clutches and shaft couplings, incl. universal joints; parts thereof	0.3%
Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats,...Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing < 40% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.; food preparations of milk, cream, butter milk, sour milk, sour cream, whey, yoghourt, kefir, and similar goods of heading 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing < 5% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.	0.3%
Unwrought zinc :Unwrought zinc :	0.3%
Television receivers, whether or not incorporating...Television receivers, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; video monitors and video projectors	0.3%
Printing machinery used for printing by means of...Printing machinery used for printing by means of the printing type, blocks, plates, cylinders and other printing components of heading 8442 and ink-jet printing machines (excl. hectograph or stencil duplicating machines, addressing machines and other office printing machines of heading 8469 to 8472); machines for uses ancillary to printing, for the feeding, carriage or further processing of sheets or webs of paper; parts thereof	0.3%
Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers,...Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (excl. knitted or crocheted, wind-jackets and similar articles, separate waistcoats, track suits, ski suits and swimwear)	0.3%
Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and...Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, n.e.s. (excl. rubber accelerators)	0.3%
Perfumes and toilet waters (excl. aftershave...Perfumes and toilet waters (excl. aftershave lotions, personal deodorants and hair lotions)	0.3%
Bombs, grenades, torpedos, mines, missiles,...Bombs, grenades, torpedos, mines, missiles, cartridges and other ammunition and projectiles and parts thereof, incl. buckshot, shot and cartridge wads, n.e.s.	0.3%
Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not...Bars and rods, of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, but incl. those twisted after rolling (excl. in irregularly wound coils)	0.3%
Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other...Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms (excl. remelting scrap ingots, products obtained by continuous casting and iron of heading 7203)	0.3%
Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not...Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil	0.2%
Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks,...Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, incl. spring washers, and similar articles, of iron or steel (excl. lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)	0.2%
Paper and paperboard, coated on one or both sides...Paper and paperboard, coated on one or both sides with kaolin "china clay" or other inorganic substances, whith or without a binder, and with no other coating, whether or not surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or in square or rectangular sheets, of any size (excl. all other coated papers and paperboards)	0.2%
Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined...Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified)	0.2%
Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers'...Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products	0.2%
Vessels, incl. warships and lifeboats (excl....Vessels, incl. warships and lifeboats (excl. rowing boats and other vessels of heading 8901 to 8905 and vessels for breaking up)	0.2%
Regulating or controlling instruments and...Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus (excl. taps, cocks and valves of heading 8481)	0.2%
Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores;...Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations for the chemical or allied industries, incl. mixtures of natural products, n.e.s.	0.2%
Trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases,...Trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar containers; travelling-bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, rucksacks, handbags, shopping-bags, wallets, purses, map-cases, cigarette-cases, tobacco-pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle-cases, jewellery boxes, powder-boxes, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper	0.2%
Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable...Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable juices, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.2%
Babies' garments and clothing accessories of...Babies' garments and clothing accessories of textile materials (excl. knitted or crocheted and hats)	0.2%
Chocolate and other food preparations containing...Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa	0.2%
Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins,...Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms	0.2%
Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical...Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis, e.g. polarimeters, refractometers, spectrometers, gas or smoke analysis apparatus; instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or the like; instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking quantities of heat, sound or light, incl. exposure meters; microtomes	0.2%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537, n.e.s.	0.2%
Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters...Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus, e.g. hair dryers, hair curlers and curling tong heaters, and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors (other than those of heading 8545); parts thereof	0.2%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, of cast ironTubes, pipes and hollow profiles, of cast iron	0.2%
Meat of bovine animals, frozenMeat of bovine animals, frozen	0.2%
Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)	0.2%
Machinery parts not specified or included...Machinery parts not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter (excl. parts containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features)	0.2%
Meat of sheep or goats, fresh, chilled or frozenMeat of sheep or goats, fresh, chilled or frozen	0.2%
Instruments and apparatus for measuring or...Instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases, e.g. flow meters, level gauges, manometers, heat meters (excl. instruments and apparatus of heading 9014, 9015, 9028 or 9032)	0.2%
Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast...Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast articles)	0.2%
Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of...Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of iron or steel, for any material "other than compressed or liquefied gas", of a capacity of > 300 l, not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (excl. containers specifically constructed or equipped for one or more types of transport)	0.2%
Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of...Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of non-cellular plastics, not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, without backing, unworked or merely surface-worked or merely cut into squares or rectangles (excl. self-adhesive products, and floor, wall and ceiling coverings of heading 3918)	0.2%
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing,...Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, and certified reference materials (excl. compound diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient, blood-grouping reagents, animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses and vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms and similar products)	0.2%
Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights...Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights and spotlights, and parts thereof, n.e.s; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.2%
Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with...Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment (excl. straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane)	0.2%
Citrus fruit, fresh or driedCitrus fruit, fresh or dried	0.2%
Gaskets and similar joints of metal sheeting...Gaskets and similar joints of metal sheeting combined with other material or of two or more layers of metal; sets or assortments of gaskets and similar joints, dissimilar in composition, put up in pouches, envelopes or similar packings; mechanical seals	0.2%
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles,...Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles, n.e.s.	0.2%
Tea, whether or not flavouredTea, whether or not flavoured	0.2%
Plywood, veneered panel and similar laminated wood...Plywood, veneered panel and similar laminated wood (excl. sheets of compressed wood, hollow-core composite panels, parquet panels or sheets, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components)	0.2%
Garments made-up of felt or nonwovens, whether or...Garments made-up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; garments of textile fabrics, rubberised or impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics or other substances (excl. knitted or crocheted, and babies' garments and clothing accessories)	0.2%
Wrist-watches, pocket-watches and other watches,...Wrist-watches, pocket-watches and other watches, incl. stop-watches (excl. of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal)	0.2%
Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls of a...Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls of a width > 36 cm or in square or rectangular sheets with one side > 36 cm and the other side > 15 cm in the unfolded state (excl. goods of heading 4802 or 4803)	0.2%
Electronic integrated circuits and microassembliesElectronic integrated circuits and microassemblies	0.2%
Preparations for use on the hairPreparations for use on the hair	0.2%
Copper tubes and pipesCopper tubes and pipes	0.2%
Producer gas or water gas generators, with or...Producer gas or water gas generators, with or without their purifiers; acetylene gas generators and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers; parts thereof (excl. coke ovens, electrolytic process gas generators and carbide lamps)	0.2%
Seats, whether or not convertible into beds, and...Seats, whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. medical, surgical, dental or veterinary of heading 9402)	0.2%
Engines and motors (excl. steam turbines, internal...Engines and motors (excl. steam turbines, internal combustion piston engine, hydraulic turbines, water wheels, gas turbines and electric motors); parts thereof	0.2%
Fixed vegetable fats and oils, incl. jojoba oil,...Fixed vegetable fats and oils, incl. jojoba oil, and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified (excl. soya-bean, ground-nut, olive, palm, sunflower-seed, safflower, cotton-seed, coconut, palm kernel, babassu, rape, colza and mustard oil)	0.1%
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (excl. crude); preparations containing >= 70% by weight of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic constituents of the preparations, n.e.s.; waste oils containing mainly petroleum or bituminous minerals	0.1%
Industrial or laboratory furnaces and ovens,...Industrial or laboratory furnaces and ovens, non-electric, incl. incinerators (excl. drying ovens and ovens for cracking operations)	0.1%
Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a...Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width of >= 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled "cold-reduced"	0.1%
Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not...Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled (excl. railway and tramway vehicles); parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.1%
Tools, interchangeable, for hand tools, whether or...Tools, interchangeable, for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine-tools "e.g. for pressing, stamping, punching, tapping, threading, drilling, boring, broaching, milling, turning or screw driving", incl. dies for drawing or extruding metal, and rock drilling or earth boring tools	0.1%
Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics,...Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather (excl. orthopaedic footwear, skating boots with ice or roller skates attached, and toy footwear)	0.1%
Bananas, incl. plantains, fresh or driedBananas, incl. plantains, fresh or dried	0.1%
Base metal mountings, fittings and similar...Base metal mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for furniture, doors, staircases, windows, blinds, coachwork, saddlery, trunks, chests, caskets or the like; base metal hat-racks, hat-pegs, brackets and similar fixtures; castors with mountings of base metal; automatic door closers of base metal	0.1%
Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for...Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, and non-perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or in square or rectangular sheets, of any size, and hand-made paper and paperboard (excl. newsprint of heading 4801 and paper and paperboard of heading 4803)	0.1%
Safety fuses; detonating fuses; percussion or...Safety fuses; detonating fuses; percussion or detonating caps; ignitors; electric detonators (excl. grenade detonators and cartridge cases, whether or not with percussion caps)	0.1%
Apples, pears and quinces, freshApples, pears and quinces, fresh	0.1%
Anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum...Anti-knock preparations, oxidation inhibitors, gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations and other prepared additives, for mineral oils, incl. gasoline, or for other liquids used for the same purposes as mineral oils	0.1%
Electrical ignition or starting equipment of a...Electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines, e.g. ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos, ignition coils, sparking plugs, glow plugs and starter motors; generators, e.g. dynamos and alternators, and cut-outs of a kind used in conjunction with such engines; parts thereof	0.1%
Setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone...Setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone (excl. slate)	0.1%
Ferro-alloysFerro-alloys	0.1%
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston...Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine "diesel or semi-diesel engines"	0.1%
Glass fibres, incl. glass wool, and articles...Glass fibres, incl. glass wool, and articles thereof (excl. mineral wools and articles thereof, optical fibres, fibre bundles or cable, electrical insulators or parts thereof, brushes of glass fibres, dolls' wigs)	0.1%
Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor,...Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor, whether or not rectangular or square; parts thereof (excl. spent and those of unhardened rubber or textiles)	0.1%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with electric motors and generators, electric generating sets and rotary converters, n.e.s.	0.1%
Blankets and travelling rugs of all types of...Blankets and travelling rugs of all types of textile materials (excl. table covers, bedspreads and articles of bedding and similar furnishing of heading 9404)	0.1%
Articles of jewellery and parts thereof, of...Articles of jewellery and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal (excl. articles > 100 years old)	0.1%
Steam or other vapour generating boilers (excl....Steam or other vapour generating boilers (excl. central heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low pressure steam); super-heated water boilers; parts thereof	0.1%
Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excl. waterproof footwear of heading 6401, orthopaedic footwear, skating boots with ice or roller skates attached, and toy footwear)	0.1%
Electric sound or visual signalling apparatus, e.g...Electric sound or visual signalling apparatus, e.g. bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms (excl. those for cycles, motor vehicles and traffic signalling); parts thereof	0.1%
Ball or roller bearings (excl. steel balls of...Ball or roller bearings (excl. steel balls of heading 7326); parts thereof	0.1%
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding...Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width <= 36 cm, or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, serviettes, napkins for babies, tampons, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres	0.1%
Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters,...Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured, and other non-alcoholic beverages (excl. fruit or vegetable juices and milk)	0.1%
Articles of plastics and articles of other...Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading 3901 to 3914, n.e.s.	0.1%
Copper wire (excl. surgical sutures, stranded wire...Copper wire (excl. surgical sutures, stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like and other articles of heading 7413, electrically insulated wires and strings for musical instruments)	0.1%
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides...Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants and similar products, put up for retail sale or as preparations or articles, e.g. sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers	0.1%
Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic...Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera and other blood fractions and modified immunological products, whether or not obtained by means of biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excl. yeasts) and similar products	0.1%
Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g...Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g. joints, elbows, flanges, of plastics	0.1%
Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in...Machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink (other than machinery for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable fats or oils); parts thereof	0.1%
Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of...Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or in square or rectangular sheets, of any size (excl. goods of heading 4803, 4809 and 4810)	0.1%
Aluminium foil, "whether or not printed or backed...Aluminium foil, "whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials", of a thickness "excl. any backing" of <= 0,2 mm (excl. stamping foils of heading 3212, christmas tree decorating material)	0.1%
Steam turbines and other vapour turbines; parts...Steam turbines and other vapour turbines; parts thereof	0.1%
Flat-rolled products of alloy steel other than...Flat-rolled products of alloy steel other than stainless, of a width of < 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled "cold-reduced"	0.1%
Butter, incl. dehydrated butter and ghee, and...Butter, incl. dehydrated butter and ghee, and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads	0.1%
Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods,...Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics	0.1%
Vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by...Vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, frozen (excl. preserved by sugar, and tomatoes, mushrooms and truffles)	0.1%
Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha,...Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha, beta or gamma radiations, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, x-ray tubes and other x-ray generators, high tension generators, control panels and desks, screens, examination or treatment tables, chairs and the like	0.1%
Prepared unrecorded media for sound recording or...Prepared unrecorded media for sound recording or similar recording of other phenomena (excl. products of chapter 37)	0.1%
Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar...Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods (excl. those of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths)	0.1%
Carpets and other textile floor coverings, woven,...Carpets and other textile floor coverings, woven, not tufted or flocked, whether or not made-up, incl. kelem, schumacks, karamanie and similar handwoven rugs	0.1%
Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated;...Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; coffee husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion	0.1%
Surveying, incl. photogrammetrical surveying,...Surveying, incl. photogrammetrical surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances (excl. compasses); rangefinders	0.1%
Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar...Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs	0.1%
Acrylic polymers, in primary formsAcrylic polymers, in primary forms	0.1%
T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or...T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted	0.1%
Stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like,...Stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, of aluminium (excl. such products electrically insulated)	0.1%
Other paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls of...Other paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm or in square or rectangular sheets with one side > 36 cm and the other side > 15 cm in the unfolded state, not worked other than as specified in note 3 to this chapter, n.e.s.	0.1%
Tools for working in the hand, pneumatic,...Tools for working in the hand, pneumatic, hydraulic or with self-contained electric or non-electric motor; parts thereof	0.1%
See More Products	83.2%

Source: Comtrade, Last Available Data

See More Products: More imports (Intracen Data)
More exports (Intracen Data)

Sources of General Economic Information

Ministries: Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Economy and Planning
Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Ministry of Agriculture and Water
Statistical Office: Central Department of Statistics and Information
Central Bank: The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
Stock Exchange: Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)
Search Engines: Saudi info
Saudisearch
Saudi on line
Economic Portals: Economy watch

Political Outline

Executive Power: King is both the chief of the state and head of the government. The monarch is hereditary. Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the monarch and includes many royal family members. The Council of Ministers has both legislative and executive powers, subject to the King's approval.
Legislative Power: There is no elected legislature in Saudi Arabia. A Consultative Council was appointed in August 1993 which has 120 members and a chairman appointed by the King for four-year terms. This Council has limited powers and does not affect decision making or power structures in a meaningful way. The population of Saudia Arabia has limited political rights.
Main Political Parties: No political parties are allowed in Saudi Arabia. However, a party called Green Party of Saudi Arabia, which promotes the values of the worldwide Green movement, exists as an illegal organization. The first Saudi Arabian municipal elections were held in the year 2005.
Current Political Leaders: King and Prime Minister: Abd Allah ibn `Abd al-`Aziz Al Faysal Al Sa`ud (since August 2005) - hereditary.
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud - half brother of the King.
Next Election Dates: Municipal elections, scheduled for 2009, has been postponed indefinitely.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:: 157/178
Evolution:: 6 places up compared to 2009

Source: Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2010, Reporters Without Borders

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:: Not Free
Political Freedom:: 7/7
Civil Liberties:: 6/7

Map of freedom 2010
Source: Freedom House

Any Comments About This Content? Report It to Us.

Saudi Arabia: Economic and Political Outline