1430 H. and the main features of the new budget. The main highlights: According to the Central Department of Statistics and Information, GDP is estimated in 2009 to be SR 1,384.4 ($369.2) billion in current prices, reflecting a contraction of about 22.0 per cent compared to 2008. Non-oil GDP is estimated to grow by 5.5 percent. This growth is mainly attributed to the government stimulus program. The private sector is estimated to have grown by 2.85 percent in current prices in 2009. In real terms, overall GDP is estimated to grow by 0.15 percent. However, non-oil GDP is estimated to grow by 3.0 percent, with government sector growing by 4.00 per cent and private sector by 2.54 per cent in 2009. All components of the GDP recorded positive growth in 2009, except the oil sector. In particular, the industrial sector is estimated to grow by 2.20 percent; construction sector by 3.90 per cent; electricity, gas and water sector by 3.35 per cent; transport and communication sector by 6.00 percent; wholesale, retail, restaurants and hotels by 2.00 percent; and finance, insurance and real estate by 1.80 percent in constant prices. --More
