Saudi Arabia’s industrial output rose 10.4 per cent year-on-year in November 2025, propelled by 12.6 per cent growth in mining and quarrying, primarily oil production at 10.1 million barrels per day, raising questions over FIFA’s human rights, labour rights, transparency, and environmental standards for the 2034 World Cup host. This analysis examines compliance concerns, sportswashing risks, and implications for ethical mega-event hosting under Vision 2030.
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector recorded its strongest growth in months, with the Industrial Production Index (IPI) climbing 10.4 per cent year-on-year to 114.4 in November 2025, according to official data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The surge, driven by higher oil production and manufacturing activity, underscores economic momentum under Vision 2030 but prompts scrutiny of its alignment with FIFA’s governance standards as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The data, reported prominently by Arab News in an article titled
“Saudi Arabia’s industrial output rises 10.4% in November: GASTAT,”
reveals a 12.6 per cent increase in mining and quarrying activity, supported by oil output rising to 10.1 million barrels per day from 8.9 million the previous year.
Manufacturing grew by 8.1 per cent, with coke and refined petroleum products up 14.5 per cent and chemical products rising 10.9 per cent. However, monthly figures showed a 0.7 per cent dip from October, with electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply falling 4.3 per cent year-on-year and 28.6 per cent month-on-month.
GASTAT stated:
“Preliminary results indicate an increase of 10.4 percent in the IPI in November 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year, supported by the rise in mining and quarrying activity, manufacturing activity and water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities.”
Oil activities advanced 12.9 per cent year-on-year, while non-oil activities rose 4.4 per cent; month-on-month, oil edged up 0.4 per cent as non-oil declined 3.4 per cent. Water supply activities increased 10.2 per cent annually but fell 3.1 per cent monthly.
This development arrives as Saudi Arabia prepares for the 2034 World Cup, awarded in December 2024 following a FIFA Congress vote confirming it as the sole bidder under confederation rotation rules restricting bids to Asia and Oceania. FIFA’s selection process emphasises infrastructure, sustainability, human rights, labour protections, and transparency, yet critics question whether oil-dependent growth signals compliance risks.
Industrial Growth Breakdown
Arab News reporter in Riyadh detailed that the IPI rose from 103.6 a year earlier, though it slipped 0.7 per cent from October, highlighting “continued momentum in the Kingdom’s industrial sector as Saudi Arabia pursues economic diversification under its Vision 2030 agenda.” Mining’s 12.6 per cent gain stemmed directly from Saudi Arabia’s decision to raise oil production to 10.1 million barrels per day.
Manufacturing’s 8.1 per cent rise included a 14.5 per cent jump in coke and refined petroleum products, with chemical manufacturing up 10.9 per cent. In contrast, utilities faced declines: electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply dropped 4.3 per cent year-on-year. Water supply, sewerage, and waste management grew 10.2 per cent annually. GASTAT’s report covers mining, manufacturing, utilities, and waste management under the International Standard Industrial Classification framework.
These figures align with broader Vision 2030 goals, as noted in analyses linking economic data to mega-events. The World Cup Guide outlines FIFA’s bidding criteria, including infrastructure readiness, commercial viability, legal frameworks, and sustainability, with bids evaluated via on-site inspections and risk assessments before FIFA Council and Congress votes.
FIFA’s Governance Standards for Hosts
FIFA mandates comprehensive human rights due diligence for World Cup hosts, incorporating UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This includes labour rights protections, especially for migrant workers in stadium construction, alongside transparency in bidding and press freedom to ensure scrutiny-free reporting.
The 2034 process, accelerated by three years, saw FIFA lower stadium requirements from seven to four with 40,000 capacity, amid claims of rule-bending favouring Saudi Arabia, per Wikipedia citing The New York Times on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s role. BBC Sport reported the Extraordinary FIFA Congress confirmation on 11 December 2024, with all 211 members voting via video link.
ESPN highlighted human rights management for new stadiums, questioning winter scheduling and protections akin to Qatar 2022. CNN noted human rights groups warning of “unimaginable human cost,” despite Saudi Arabia’s unchallenged bid. FIFA’s Bid Evaluation Report process, per official documents, scrutinises these risks.
Human Rights and Labour Concerns
The industrial boom raises labour rights red flags for 2034 preparations. The New York Times Athletic, in a 14 May 2025 article, accused FIFA of “utter negligence” on migrant workers for 11 new stadiums, echoing Qatar’s abuses. Human Rights Watch warned on 8 November 2024 of “widespread labor abuse” risks, citing South Asian workers’ vulnerabilities.
Oil-driven growth, per Arab News, demands more migrant labour in mining and manufacturing, potentially mirroring construction sector exploitation. A global coalition, as reported by ALQST on 10 December 2025, urged FIFA action on mounting risks. The Guardian on 9 December 2024 flagged ongoing violations in Saudi’s bid.
These echo sportswashing critiques: Council on Foreign Relations (2023) linked Saudi investments to reputation laundering post-Khashoggi. Civicus Lens (19 December 2024) called 2034 “new depths” of sportswashing.
Transparency and Press Freedom Issues
FIFA requires transparent governance, yet Saudi’s media environment draws concern. Human Rights Watch (17 January 2024) accused Saudi of using football to sportswash repression. Press freedom is vital for fan and civil society oversight, but industrial data release via state body GASTAT prompts questions on independent verification.
FairSquare’s September 2025 letter to FIFA highlighted Aramco ties, demanding accountability. Play the Game (3 July 2025) criticised grandiose stadium plans mocking FIFA’s climate claims.
Environmental and Sustainability Risks
Oil’s 12.9 per cent IPI contribution clashes with FIFA’s Paris Agreement alignment. Climate Action Tracker (31 October 2025) projects Saudi emissions up 12-15 per cent by 2030. AGSI (4 August 2025) examined sports-sustainability nexus for 2034. Cool Down Climate (10 December 2024) deemed the award a “slap in the face.”
Saudi2034.com.sa promotes Vision legacy, but critics see greenwashing. AP (12 December 2024) noted human rights concerns despite confirmation.
Sportswashing and Accountability Debates
Vision 2030 frames industrial gains as reform proof, per Executive Centre SA (24 July 2025). Yet non-oil’s 4.4 per cent lag suggests oil props diversification narrative. JK Management (7 October 2024) tied Vision to 2034 impact.
BBC Sport (10 December 2024) posed key questions on FIFA’s decision. Stakeholders, including HRW and coalitions, demand binding guarantees. This fuels global debates on ethical hosting, with civil society urging FIFA reforms.
The IPI measures output changes across sectors, per GASTAT, but its oil reliance tests Saudi’s mega-event credentials. As preparations advance, international eyes remain on compliance.