RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Operating Revenues Index rose by 11.4 percent year-on-year in May 2026, driven by strong growth across several key economic sectors, according to preliminary data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Compared with April 2026, the Operating Revenues Index increased by 2.9 percent. **media[2739624]** The annual growth was driven by a 38.7 percent increase in mining and quarrying activities, a 9.6 percent rise in manufacturing, a 3.6 percent increase in wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles, a 2.5 percent increase in construction, and a 12.9 percent increase in financial and insurance activities. Meanwhile, the Employees' Compensation Index recorded an annual increase of 9.8 percent, supported by an 11.4 percent rise in manufacturing activities, a 7.6 percent increase in construction, a 9.4 percent increase in wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles, a 5 percent increase in mining and quarrying activities, and a 12.8 percent increase in financial and insurance activities. On a monthly basis, the Employees' Compensation Index edged up by 0.1 percent compared with April 2026. **media[2739623]** As for the number of issued building permits, the rate fell by 33.3 percent year-on-year, declining from 7,584 permits in May 2025 to 5,056 permits in May 2026. Compared with April 2026, the number of issued building permits also decreased by 25.7 percent, falling from 6,803 permits to 5,056 permits.
