Saudi Arabia approves $58bn of borrowing for 2026

5 January 2026

Saudi Arabia plans to borrow SR217bn ($58bn) in 2026. The debt will be used to cover an anticipated budget deficit of SR165bn in 2026, as stated in the Ministry of Finance’s official budget statement issued last year, and about SR52bn of principal repayments on debt maturing during the year.

The Minister of Finance and chairman of the National Debt Management Centre (NDMC), Mohammed Abdullah Aljadaan, approved the Annual Borrowing Plan, following endorsement by the NDMC board.

The plan sets out developments in public debt during 2025, initiatives related to local debt markets and the government’s funding strategy for 2026. It also includes an issuance calendar for the Local Saudi Sukuk Issuance Programme in riyals.

The government said its approach in 2026 will focus on maintaining debt sustainability while diversifying funding sources across domestic and international markets. The plan envisages using public and private channels, including the issuance of bonds and sukuk, as well as loans, with the stated aim of securing funding at a “fair cost”.

In addition, the kingdom intends to expand alternative forms of government funding over 2026 and the medium term. These include project and infrastructure financing, alongside support from export credit agencies, within what the plan describes as prudent risk management frameworks.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia approves 2026 state budget

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Colin Foreman
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