Saudi FDI Inflows Rise 2.4% to SR26.6bn in Q1 2026

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Saudi Arabia reached SR26.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a rise of 2.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. The figure reflects continued interest from international investors in the Saudi market.

Net FDI inflows stood at SR23.1 billion in the quarter, down 2.4% year-on-year and 51.9% lower than the fourth quarter of 2025. FDI outflows from the Kingdom rose to SR3.52 billion, an increase of around 50% compared with the same quarter of the previous year. Total inflows were down about 49–50% from roughly SR53.1 billion recorded in Q4 2025.

Steady economic growth

The Saudi economy grew 3.0% year-on-year in real terms during Q1 2026. Oil and non-oil activities each expanded 2.9%, while government activities grew 1.5%. Non-oil activities were the main driver of growth, contributing 1.7 percentage points to total real GDP growth.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP declined 1.2% compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

For residents and business owners across Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities, the numbers point to a diversifying economy where non-oil sectors continue to play a leading role. Sustained foreign investment supports job creation, new projects, and expanding services — trends aligned with the Kingdom's long-term economic goals.

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