Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s small and medium enterprises recorded their strongest employment growth in 10 months during December, fueled by long-term expansion plans and robust domestic demand, according to a new report. 

The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia SME Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 56.9 in December, slightly lower than November’s 57.1 but well above the neutral 50 mark, indicating sustained growth in the sector. 

Strengthening the SME segment is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030, aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues. 

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the sector’s rapid growth in October, noting that the number of SMEs in Saudi Arabia had doubled over the past seven years, with 45 percent now led by women entrepreneurs. 

“The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia SME PMI concluded the year on a high note, reflecting a robust performance of the SME sector. The fourth quarter of the year showcased a marked improvement over the third quarter, with the average PMI hitting 56.8, the highest quarterly reading since the end of 2023,” said Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank.  

He added: “This upturn in the SME sector is a testament to the thriving economic environment, characterized by increasing output levels and a surge in incoming new work.”  

The report attributed December’s employment surge to sharp increases in output and incoming new work, supported by stronger business and consumer spending. 

The analysis said that SMEs widely reported strong demand conditions, fueled by increased business and consumer spending, alongside a supportive economic environment. 

S&P Global said job creation rose in December, with staffing levels and growth rates accelerating at their fastest pace since February. 

“This surge in employment is fueled by long-term business expansion plans and upcoming new projects, reflecting a positive outlook among SMEs,” said Al-Ghaith.  

Despite higher input costs, including salary increases and rising raw material prices, inflation pressures eased slightly in December compared to the previous month. 

Business confidence among SMEs reached its highest level since March, marking three consecutive months of improved expectations. 

He added: “This optimistic trajectory aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”  “The strong performance of SMEs, as evidenced by the Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia SME PMI, underscores the ongoing efforts to bolster economic diversification and support the growth of this sector.”  

He said that SMEs’ resilience and expansion are pivotal for achieving Vision 2030’s goals of creating sustainable employment and promoting inclusive economic growth. 

The positive SME performance aligns with broader economic trends. A separate S&P Global report showed that Saudi Arabia’s overall PMI for December reached 58.4, signaling robust growth in the non-oil economy. 

“By fostering a vibrant SME sector, Saudi Arabia can enhance its economic resilience, create sustainable employment opportunities, and promote inclusive growth, all key components of a diversified and dynamic economy,” concluded Al-Ghaith.