Prime Highlights:
- Investment now accounts for 32% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, showing strong economic growth and diversification.
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) is expected to grow fivefold by 2025, reflecting global confidence in the Kingdom’s business environment.
Key Facts:
- Saudi Arabia has attracted over 700 global companies through its regional headquarters program, surpassing its 2030 target of 500.
- Investment licenses have risen from 6,000 in 2019 to 62,000 in 2025, creating over one million jobs, including many for Saudi nationals.
Background:
Saudi Arabia is growing and diversifying its economy, with investment now making up 32% of GDP, says Minister Khalid Al-Falih. Speaking during a session at the Shoura Council, Al-Falih highlighted the nation’s growing attractiveness for investors and the positive impact of Vision 2030 reforms.
“Today, investment represents 32 percent of total GDP. In terms of non-oil GDP, fixed capital stands at 40 percent, placing Saudi Arabia just behind China, which is at 41 percent globally,” Al-Falih stated. These figures highlight Saudi Arabia as a top destination for both domestic and foreign investment.
The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) is expected to grow fivefold by 2025, showing strong global confidence in the Kingdom’s business environment. The success of Vision 2030 is reflected in Saudi Arabia becoming one of the leading countries in international investment.
Al-Falih brought attention to such programs as the Ministry of Investment and Shareek, which help in the development of the private sector. Investment is the central aspect of economic development in Saudi Arabia, which has been incorporated in the National Investment Strategy of 2022.
The ministry has identified over 2,000 investment opportunities worth SR1 trillion ($267 billion), with 346 deals already closed, valued at over SR231 billion through the “Invest Saudi” platform. Saudi Arabia has already drawn more than 700 international businesses, exceeding its target of 2030.
The number of investment licenses increased by 6,000 in 2019 to 62,000 in 2025, which would provide more than one million jobs. The Kingdom, as well, hosted 20 of the 30 best banks in the world. The latest changes in the laws and the new National Investment Strategy concentrate on the high-impact industries, quality investments, and SME support to enhance Saudi Arabia as a global investment destination.
