Foreign Investments in Saudi Arabia Hits the Highest Level in 10 Years

The Saudi Government’s Communication Centre revealed that more than 40 international companies established their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of this year. 

Over the past few years, direct foreign investment in KSA has reached its highest level in 10 years. In addition, more than 100 companies have been enabled to obtain mining and professional licenses online, and to develop new types of mining licenses.

Continuous Rise

According to the Saudi Central Bank, “Sama”, net direct foreign investments in Saudi Arabia jumped by 257% in 2021, to reach 72.32 billion SR ($19.29 billion), compared to about 20.25 billion SR ($5.4 billion) in 2020.

As net direct foreign investment continues to rise for three consecutive years, it reached its highest level since 2010 last year.

One of the Priorities of KSA’s Vision of 2030

The Saudi Minister of Investment, Khalid al-Falih, had revealed a remarkable milestone in direct foreign investment in Saudi Arabia this year. Meanwhile, in 2020, net direct foreign investment in Saudi Arabia increased by $5.4 billion, up from about $4.6 billion in 2019, representing an increase of about 17.4%.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the National Investment Strategy that aims to increase net direct foreign investment flows to Saudi Arabia up to 388 billion SR ($103.5 billion) annually by 2030, as part of the targets set to increase net direct foreign investments flowing into the country by 1816% within 10 years, starting from 2021 until 2030, that is, multiplying the investments by more than 19 times.

Read more: The PIF’s 2026-2030 Strategy on KSA’s New Priorities