McDonald’s Saudi Arabia Boosts GDP by SAR 3.6 Billion and Supports Over 22,500 Jobs in One Year
Riyadh: A recent report from Oxford Economics has highlighted the substantial economic and social contributions of McDonald’s in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the period spanning April 2024 to March 2025. The findings indicate that the fast-food giant contributed approximately SAR 3.6 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supported over 22,500 jobs across various sectors, reinforcing its role in bolstering the national economy and promoting sustainable development.
Economic Impact: A Multiplier Effect Beyond Operations
The report delineates McDonald’s economic impact across three interconnected levels. The direct contribution from the company’s operations amounted to SAR 1.1 billion. An additional SAR 1.7 billion was generated indirectly through expenditures with local suppliers, while an induced impact of SAR 800 million was attributed to the spending of employees and workers throughout the supply chain. Notably, for every SAR 1 million contributed directly by McDonald’s, an additional SAR 2.2 million was generated in GDP across various sectors, underscoring the company’s significant multiplier effect on the economy.
Physical Footprint and Service Scale
McDonald’s operates over 438 restaurants throughout the Kingdom. During the reporting period, the company served more than 121 million meals, with over 89 million meals provided in restaurants and more than 32 million through home delivery services and other locations.
Employment and Empowering National Talent
The report also revealed that McDonald’s operations in Saudi Arabia supported more than 22,500 jobs, which included 13,078 direct positions within restaurants and management, as well as 9,450 indirect jobs across supply chains and related sectors. The company’s commitment to talent development is evident, with an investment exceeding SAR 4.6 million in training programs. Over this period, McDonald’s Saudi Arabia delivered more than 2,500 training hours and awarded over 6,000 certifications in restaurant operations, customer service, and team leadership, reflecting its dedication to empowering local talent and creating opportunities for Saudi youth.
Community Social Responsibility: A Genuine Partnership with Society
The report further emphasizes McDonald’s active engagement in social initiatives, with the company team contributing over 53,000 volunteer hours to various causes, including collaborations with local associations, school visits, and environmental sustainability efforts. Additionally, McDonald’s provided more than SAR 4 million in donations to organizations supporting individuals with Down syndrome, young Saudi innovators, and people with disabilities, along with donating over 28,000 meals to schools, underprivileged families, orphans, and during cultural and religious occasions. These initiatives are part of McDonald’s Saudi Arabia’s corporate social responsibility platform, “Minkom Wa Feekom,” which reflects the company’s commitment to being an integral part of Saudi society.
Commitment to the Future: Continued Investment in the Saudi Market
McDonald’s has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Saudi market by investing over SAR 312 million in the establishment of new restaurants and the upgrading of existing ones, which constitutes approximately 11% of its total supplier spending. This investment demonstrates the company’s confidence in the Kingdom’s future and its alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
His Highness Prince Mishaal Bin Khalid Al Saud, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Riyadh International Catering Company, the franchise owner of McDonald’s restaurants in the Central, Eastern, and Northern regions of Saudi Arabia, remarked that the report reflects a year of diligent effort and a steadfast commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s national development. He emphasized that the private sector’s responsibility extends beyond operational growth to creating sustainable economic and social value, empowering young national talent, and fostering community partnerships.
McDonald’s operates in Saudi Arabia through Riyadh International Catering Corporation and Ali Reza Food Services Co. Ltd., which serve as the exclusive franchisees for different regions. The company remains dedicated to aligning its global brand with local culture, offering halal-certified products, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to the Kingdom’s national development objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
To view the full report, please visit: Source.
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Published on 2026-04-26 17:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
