Saudi Arabia Draws Global Investment as Non-Oil Sectors Grow

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a leading global destination for project investment, with the Kingdom's 2026 budget projecting real GDP growth of approximately 4.6%. That growth is driven mainly by expanding non-oil activities and a wider role for the private sector.

Non-oil activities were the main contributor to real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, adding 1.7 percentage points. Momentum was visible across several sectors in the second quarter, with manufacturing excluding petroleum refining up 0.9% year-on-year, construction up 0.7%, and transport, storage, and communications up 0.9%. Saudi non-oil exports also rose 15.1% year-on-year in February 2026.

How foreign investors register

The current route for foreign investors is investment registration with وزارة الاستثمار, replacing the former investment-licence system. Applications are submitted through the establishment's online account on the وزارة الاستثمار portal. the registration service has no fixed published fee; any registration or annual-update fee is determined by the ministry after approval, and it must be paid within 15 business days of notification. Missing that deadline makes the registration void.

After approval, company-registration fees commonly apply through the Ministry of Commerce. These include SAR 1,200 annually for an LLC, SAR 1,600 annually for a joint-stock or simplified joint-stock company, SAR 1,000 annually for a general or limited partnership, and SAR 500 for electronic publication, plus applicable VAT.

Exact requirements vary by activity and ownership structure, so investors should confirm capital thresholds, permits, validity periods, and sector restrictions with وزارة الاستثمار and the relevant licensing authority. Investor support is available at 8002449990 inside Saudi Arabia and +966 11 506 5777 from outside, or by email at InvestorCare@misa.gov.sa.

For residents and business owners, the figures point to steady, diversified growth across manufacturing, construction, logistics, and communications — a signal of expanding opportunity in the non-oil economy.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving