Saudi Arabia Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Saudi Arabia's government spending was 19.98% in 2025, ranked 86th globally. This represents a 17.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2010–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's government spending stood at 19.98% in 2025, a decline of +4.24% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.98% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 86th globally.
Saudi Arabia's government spending has exhibited a significant decline over the past decade. At its peak in 2020, the country's government spending reached 31.97% of its GDP, a level not seen before. However, the trend reversed, and the latest available data from 2025 shows that government spending has decreased to 19.98%, ranking #86 globally. This decline is more pronounced than in Armenia, where government spending stood at 20.27% in 2025, and Philippines, which had a similar level of 19.08%. The all-time low of 19.98% in 2025 marks a drastic reduction from the 24.43% recorded in 2010, indicating a substantial shift in the country's fiscal priorities. The current trajectory of government spending in Saudi Arabia suggests a sustained reduction, which could be influenced by changes in global oil prices or shifts in the country's economic diversification efforts. A significant increase in government revenue from non-oil sources would likely alter the current trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 18.49% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 19.98% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.98% | −4.24% | #86 |
| 2023 | 24.22% | +2.25% | #35 |
| 2022 | 21.97% | −3.04% | #32 |
| 2021 | 25.01% | −6.96% | #52 |
| 2020 | 31.97% | +5.26% | #75 |
| 2019 | 26.71% | −0.09% | #75 |
| 2018 | 26.80% | +0.81% | #78 |
| 2017 | 25.98% | −0.96% | #79 |
| 2016 | 26.94% | −3.48% | #82 |
| 2015 | 30.42% | +2.60% | #96 |
| 2014 | 27.82% | +2.46% | #84 |
| 2013 | 25.35% | +0.06% | #67 |
| 2012 | 25.30% | +2.42% | #69 |
| 2011 | 22.88% | −1.56% | #57 |
| 2010 | 24.43% | – | #58 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's government spending was 19.98% in 2025. Ranked 86th globally. This represents a 17.5% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's government spending peaked at 31.97% in 2020.
The lowest government spending in Saudi Arabia was 19.98% in 2025.
Saudi Arabia ranks 86th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's government spending is projected to reach 19.98% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 19.98%. This ranks 86th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_government-spending,
title = {Saudi Arabia Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}