Saudi Arabia’s Economic Growth: A Non-Oil Driven Success

by News Editor

May 2, 2025

In the first quarter, Saudi Arabia’s economy experienced a notable upswing, propelled by strong activity in the non-oil sector. As the kingdom continues its strategic pivot away from hydrocarbons, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.7% year-on-year, according to flash estimates from the government’s statistical authority.

Increased Demand for Data-Driven Insights

The statistical authority responded to mounting local demand for detailed data by expanding its data collection efforts and updating the nominal and real GDP series. Fahad al Dossari, President of GASTAT, highlighted the hunger for comprehensive statistics among stakeholders.

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Non-Oil and Government Activities Drive Growth

With the weighting of the non-oil sector increased to align with international standards, non-oil activities surged by 4.2% in the first quarter, while government activities grew by 3.2%. Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, noted the contribution of government activity, spurred by a supported oil price, although cautioning about a potential pullback in government spending in the subsequent quarters.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite the promising start, oil-related activities fell by 1.4%, underlining the challenges of diversifying away from oil. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia requires substantial investment to bolster the private sector and expand its non-oil economy. A Reuters poll suggests that Brent crude will average $68.99 a barrel in 2025, a decrease from earlier forecasts, placing pressure on Saudi fiscal plans, which rely on higher oil prices to balance the budget.

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LinkedIn Introduces Advanced AI-Powered People Search

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 14, 2025

Over the past two years, LinkedIn has steadily integrated artificial intelligence into its platform, enhancing everything from ad copies and personalized content to hiring assistance and job-hunting strategies. The latest innovation focuses on improving one of its most critical features: search. Following the successful rollout of a job search tool for U.S. members earlier this year, LinkedIn is now extending natural language search capabilities to people search.

Streamlined Queries For Targeted Connections

Utilizing natural language queries, users can perform searches such as, “Find me investors in the healthcare sector with FDA experience,” or, “People who co-founded a productivity company and are based in NYC.” This new system simplifies the process that once required precise titles or cumbersome filtering, ensuring a more intuitive and effective way to locate key professional contacts.

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Enhancing Professional Networking

During early testing, LinkedIn observed that professionals leveraged the AI-powered tool not only to explore new job opportunities but also to foster business growth and career advancement. As Rohan Rajiv, Senior Director of Product Management at LinkedIn, explained, this upgrade transforms conventional search methodologies by delivering rapid, contextually relevant results that traditional keyword searches often missed.

Industry Trends And Competitive Dynamics

The move comes at a time when AI-enhanced search functionalities are becoming ubiquitous across the digital landscape. Platforms ranging from Google and Bing to startups like Happenstance AI and Clado are racing to deliver more intelligent and responsive search solutions. LinkedIn’s innovation not only reinforces its position as a leader in professional networking but also highlights the transformative impact of AI on everyday digital interactions.

Looking Ahead

Currently available to premium users in the U.S., the AI-powered people search tool will soon expand globally. Future updates are anticipated to refine the tool’s query understanding, ensuring even greater accuracy and relevance. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, LinkedIn’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities underlines its dedication to providing professionals with the tools they need to connect, collaborate, and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

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