The Role of Imports on the Divergence of the Saudi Arabian Economy from an Oil Based Economy

This paper investigates the causal relationships between imports and both Real GDP per capita and Real GDP, focusing on how these variables influence Saudi Arabia's transition from an oil-dependent economy to a more competitive one. Using data from 1968 to 2022 sourced from the Macrotrends website, we conducted a time series analysis to explore the interconnections between Real GDP, Real GDP per capita, and key macroeconomic indicators. The analysis underscores the contribution of these variables to the Saudi economy's shift toward increased competitiveness. The results reveal that imports have a significant and positive effect on both Real GDP and Real GDP per capita, highlighting their crucial role in driving the economy towards greater competitiveness.