Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Exports to UAE Surge 10% in January, Reaching SAR 7.10 Billion
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports to the UAE rose by a significant 10% in January 2025 to reach SAR 7.10 billion ($1.89 billion). This growth, in line with its Vision 2030 strategy, highlights the kingdom’s continued efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil revenues.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil trade boom is driven by a variety of industries, with machinery and mechanical equipment accounting for the majority of exports at SAR 3.46 billion, followed by transport components at SAR 1.74 billion. Reflecting growing manufacturing capacity and global demand, these sectors are key to the kingdom’s economic diversification. Non-oil exports to the UAE totaled SR6.46 billion in December 2024, continuing previous monthly swings. Despite the short fall, the consistent year-on-year and monthly rise demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s expanding commercial connections with the UAE.
The rise in non-oil exports is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider economic transformation, shifting away from a decades-long dependence on crude oil. According to Saudi Arabia’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the country’s non-oil private sector remained robust in February, with the PMI reaching 58.4, following January’s 10-year high of 60.5. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan stressed the government’s commitment to increasing non-oil GDP, so ensuring economic sustainability beyond oil income.
Beyond the UAE, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports touched a number of global markets. China imported goods worth 2.22 billion riyals, while plastics accounted for 990.9 million riyals. India recorded 2.00 billion riyals in non-oil imports, up 7.52% from the previous month. Other notable destinations were Turkey (1.10 billion riyals), the United States (1.02 billion riyals), Qatar (763.6 million riyals), Egypt (751.7 million riyals), Kuwait (646.9 million riyals) and Belgium (632.2 million riyals).
Saudi Arabia’s total non-oil exports in January totaled 26.48 billion riyals, up 10.7% year-on-year, marking a sustained period of growth. Excluding re-exports, the country’s non-oil exports rose 13.1% over the same period, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported. Mastercard Economic Analysis reinforced Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience, forecasting 3.7% GDP growth by 2025, driven primarily by non-oil industry developments.
Beyond the UAE, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports touched a number of global markets. China imported goods worth 2.22 billion riyals, while plastics accounted for 990.9 million riyals. India recorded 2.00 billion riyals in non-oil imports, up 7.52% from the previous month. Other notable destinations were Turkey (1.10 billion riyals), the United States (1.02 billion riyals), Qatar (763.6 million riyals), Egypt (751.7 million riyals), Kuwait (646.9 million riyals) and Belgium (632.2 million riyals).
Saudi Arabia’s total non-oil exports in January totaled 26.48 billion riyals, up 10.7% year-on-year, marking a sustained period of growth. Excluding re-exports, the country’s non-oil exports rose 13.1% over the same period, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported. Mastercard Economic Analysis reinforced Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience, forecasting 3.7% GDP growth by 2025, driven primarily by non-oil industry developments.
Saudi Arabia’s primary export hubs supported trade movements worth billions. Jeddah Islamic Sea Port handled SR3.12 billion, King Fahad Industrial Sea Port in Jubail managed SR3.23 billion, and King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam handled SR2.50 billion. Ras Tanura and Ras Al Khair ports handled SR1.65 billion and SR1.41 billion, respectively. Al Batha Land Port handled SR1.89 billion in exports, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh handled SR2.67 billion in outgoing shipments.
Saudi Arabia’s overall exports, including oil and non-oil sectors, were SR97.18 billion in January 2025, up 2.4% from the previous year. Non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose to 36.5% of total imports, up from 35.7% in 2024. However, oil shipments declined 0.4% year on year, lowering their share of total exports from 74.8% in 2024 to 72.7% in 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s imports increased 8.3% year on year to SR72.62 billion in January 2025. China continues to be the Kingdom’s largest import supplier, shipping goods worth SAR 19.16 billion, most of which was machinery and electrical equipment worth SAR 7.95 billion. Other major import sources are the United States (SAR 6.04 billion), the United Arab Emirates (SAR 3.96 billion), India (SAR 3.80 billion), Germany (SAR 3.00 billion), Japan (SAR 3.44 billion) and Egypt (SAR 2.48 billion).
The increase in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, particularly to the UAE, demonstrates the Kingdom’s strong economic growth and diversification efforts. As trade links strengthen, Saudi Arabia is establishing itself as a regional leader in non-oil exports, demonstrating its commitment to the long-term economic strategy of Vision 2030.