Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco, has reported lower half-year profits due to economic concerns that have dampened energy prices [0bd678f9]. The decline in profits is attributed to the decrease in energy prices, which have been affected by ongoing economic challenges. Aramco's report, released on August 6, 2024, highlights the impact of these economic worries on the company's financial performance. As a result, the economic transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia face additional hurdles as the country grapples with lower oil revenues and the need to diversify its economy. The drop in energy prices further underscores the challenges faced by the kingdom in reducing its dependence on oil [036472b9]. Despite these setbacks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains committed to his goals of economic diversification and has continued to invest in large-scale projects. However, the decline in Aramco's profits serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving this transformation. The country's budget deficit and increased international debt issuance also highlight the strain on Saudi Arabia's overall economic stability. Additionally, the country's external financial position is under pressure as imports increase, leading to a projected current-account deficit. Foreign direct investment has been slow to materialize, hindering diversification efforts [036472b9].