Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Standard Chartered global research today published its latest economic analysis, forecasting stronger momentum in Saudi Arabia’s business activity during the third quarter of 2026, supported by resilient domestic demand, improving regional trade conditions and the Kingdom’s ongoing economic diversification.

Saudi Arabia entered the second half of the year with resilient underlying economic activity despite heightened regional uncertainty. This is evident in point-of-sale transactions, which increased 6% year on year in May, returning to January 2026 levels. Global Research analysis identifies resilient consumer demand as a key driver of business activity, with improving external demand expected to provide additional support as regional trade conditions continue to improve.

Mazen Bunyan, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage, Saudi Arabia, Standard Chartered, said: “Saudi Arabia’s economy has continued to demonstrate resilience through a period of heightened regional uncertainty, reflecting the strength of domestic demand and the progress of the Kingdom’s diversification agenda. As regional conditions continue to improve, we expect this resilience to translate into stronger business momentum, creating further opportunities for investment and private sector growth during the second half of the year.”

Standard Chartered expects the economy to gain momentum during the third quarter of the year, supported by three key drivers: continued investment as an engine of economic activity, easing inflationary pressures that should support household purchasing power and business confidence, and an improving labour market that is expected to reinforce domestic demand.

Regional trade dynamics are also improving. The partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has supported a near full recovery in Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. This is expected to provide additional support for Saudi Arabia’s trade and broader economic activity during the second half of the year.

The combination of resilient domestic demand, continued investment and improving regional conditions is expected to support stronger business momentum through the third quarter, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s progress in economic diversification and its position as a leading growth market.

For further information please contact:Khaled Abdulla, CFA®

Head of Communications

UAE, Middle East & Pakistan

Corporate and Investment Bank

Standard Chartered

M: +971 55  655 7553

T: +971 4 508 3155

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Send us your press releases to pressrelease.zawya@lseg.com

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.