Saudi Arabia's stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) rose to SAR 1,122.8 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2026, marking a 12% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
The growth underscores the Kingdom's continued appeal to international investors as it pushes ahead with efforts to diversify its economy and expand opportunities for foreign capital across a range of sectors.
FDI accounted for roughly 32% of the country's total foreign investment stock. That overall figure reached SAR 3,530.8 billion by the end of the quarter, an 18% rise year-on-year, pointing to broad gains across different categories of foreign capital entering the Kingdom.
Why it matters
Rising foreign investment is closely tied to the Kingdom's long-term economic plans under رؤية السعودية 2030, which aim to attract global companies, create jobs and build new industries beyond oil. For residents and expats, stronger inflows can translate into more business activity, additional employment opportunities and a wider range of services across major cities such as الرياض, جدة and الدمام.
The latest numbers also signal steady investor confidence in the Saudi market, with both direct and total foreign investment recording solid annual growth. As the Kingdom continues to open up its economy, further increases in foreign capital are expected to support ongoing development across the private sector.
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