The mining and quarrying sector, which accounts for 53 percent of GDP, was estimated at 74.42 billion riyal in the quarter, up 39.4 percent from the year-earlier period, and up 13.9 percent from the previous quarter.

"The increase in value is mainly explained by the higher volume of production of natural gas liquids, condensates and liquefied natural gas as well as the rise in the prices for crude oil and natural gas," the statistics authority said.

The manufacturing sector registered an increase of 36.6 percent over the corresponding quarter of 2009, with gross value added estimated at 9.65 billion riyal. However, compared to the previous quarter, the increase was 3.7 percent.