Saudi Cabinet Approves National SME Strategy

The Saudi Cabinet approved the National Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Strategy on 15 September 2026, a comprehensive plan designed to strengthen the role of small and medium enterprises in the national economy.

The strategy is built around 13 initiatives covering financing, market access, government procurement, exports, innovation, regulatory development, business costs, operational readiness, sector data, and international expansion. Together, these initiatives aim to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses.

Among the headline targets, the strategy seeks to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030 and to raise the contribution of SMEs to Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product to 35%. These goals align with wider national efforts to diversify the economy under رؤية السعودية 2030.

Who runs it and what it means for you

منشآت is responsible for implementing the strategy under the supervision of the Minister of Commerce. The plan also includes a review of business fees and requirements, though no revised fee schedule or effective date has been announced.

For now, existing Ministry of Commerce business-registration fees remain in place: SAR 200 for a main commercial registration and SAR 100 for a branch registration. No new dedicated fees, application steps, validity periods, or procedures tied specifically to the strategy have been published yet.

For residents, expats, and business owners across the Kingdom, the strategy signals continued focus on making it simpler and more affordable to build and expand a business. Saudi Living will share further details as official specifics on fees and procedures are announced.

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