RIYADH — Active commercial registrations in Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector grew by 18 percent, while mining and quarrying registrations increased by 13 percent by the end of the third quarter of 2026, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The ministry reported that active commercial registrations in manufacturing reached 255,188, compared with 215,697 during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, the mining and quarrying sector recorded 12,831 active commercial registrations, up from 11,263 during the corresponding period last year. Commercial registrations for the manufacture of solar panels and their components rose by 33 percent, reaching 1,700 by the end of the third quarter of 2026, compared with 1,270 during the same period in 2025. Registrations for the manufacture and assembly of automobile engines and their components increased by 45 percent, reaching 1,207, compared with 832 during the corresponding period last year. The ministry said the growth was driven by efforts to strengthen the industrial sector and optimize the use of natural resources, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. It added that the increase reflects expanding business and investment opportunities, economic diversification, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the private sector’s growing role in developing national industries, contributing to economic competitiveness and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.