FDI Inflows to Saudi Arabia Rise 2.4% in Q1 2026

Gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Saudi Arabia climbed 2.4% year-on-year to SR26.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up from SR26 billion in the same period a year earlier,

Net FDI inflows, which subtract outward investment, came in at SR23.1 billion, a 2.4% decline compared with SR23.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The dip was driven by rising outward flows, which reached about SR3.5 billion — roughly 50% higher year-on-year than the SR2.3 billion recorded a year ago.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, gross inflows fell 49.9% from about SR53.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, while net inflows dropped 51.9% from around SR48 billion. Such swings between quarters are common as large deals are booked in specific periods.

Why it matters

The figures land alongside broader signs of economic momentum. Real GDP grew 3.0% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, with oil and non-oil activities each rising 2.9% and government activities up 1.5%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP eased 1.2% compared with the previous quarter.

For residents and businesses, sustained foreign investment supports job creation, new projects, and the diversification goals at the heart of the Kingdom's economic transformation. Investment indicators are published quarterly through official government portals, while detailed FDI data — covering gross inflows, net inflows, and outflows — is issued in dedicated statistical bulletins. These releases focus on macro-level figures and do not carry any fees or permit requirements for the public.

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