Saudi Arabia’s Economic Resilience Surpasses Forecasts Amid Robust Private Growth

Impressive First-Quarter Results

In a noteworthy performance, Saudi Arabia’s economy expanded by 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing earlier flash estimates of 2.7 percent issued by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. This stronger-than-expected growth reflects a combination of a less severe contraction in the oil sector and robust performance in the non-oil segment, underscoring the momentum built through economic reforms.

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Sectoral Insights and Shifting Dynamics

Notably, oil-related GDP contracted by a marginal 0.5 percent, a significant improvement from the previously forecasted decline of 1.4 percent. Meanwhile, non-oil growth surged by 4.9 percent, outpacing initial estimates of 4.2 percent. Analysts, including Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, attribute these gains to sustained private sector dynamism and an adaptive response to lower oil prices through increased production.

Balancing Fiscal Pressures and Growth Initiatives

Despite these favorable figures, the kingdom faces fiscal challenges. With a widening budget deficit, driven in part by falling oil revenues, the International Monetary Fund has warned that maintaining a balance would require oil prices exceeding $90 per barrel, even as current prices hover around $60. In response, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan has signaled a forthcoming review of spending priorities to mitigate fiscal strain. Nonetheless, persistent project investments, fueled by large-scale events and ongoing development under Vision 2030, are expected to sustain economic momentum.

Vision 2030 and Future Prospects

Central to the kingdom’s long-term strategy is Vision 2030, a transformative initiative aimed at reducing oil dependency and boosting the private sector. With upcoming international events such as the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the 2034 World Cup, substantial investments in infrastructure and construction are set to bolster growth despite current fiscal challenges. Senior economist Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD remains optimistic, highlighting that the breadth of ongoing project spending will support growth in the near term.

Conclusion

The resilient performance of Saudi Arabia’s economy in the first quarter of 2025, coupled with strategic reforms under Vision 2030, demonstrates its ability to adapt and thrive amid global fluctuations. As the kingdom navigates fiscal pressures and leverages private sector strength, its economic trajectory continues to offer compelling insights for global market observers.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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