Saudi Arabia: Military spending, percent of GDP

The latest value from 2024 is 7.3 percent, an increase from 7.28 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 2.20 percent, based on data from 144 countries. Historically, the average for Saudi Arabia from 1963 to 2024 is 10.74 percent. The minimum value, 5.9 percent, was reached in 1963 while the maximum of 19 percent was recorded in 1984. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

Definition: Military spending includes expenditure on peacekeeping, defense ministries, paramilitary forces, and military space activities. Also: military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions; operations and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid. Defense and current expenditure for past military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and weapon destruction, are not included.