Saudi Arabia's foreign direct investment (FDI) stock reached approximately 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 figure reflects the cumulative value of foreign direct investment held in the Kingdom, and it represented around 32% of total foreign investment in the country during the period.
Total foreign investment, which includes a broader range of asset classes beyond direct investment, reached roughly SAR 3,530.8 billion, up about 18% year-on-year.
Why it matters
Growing inflows of foreign capital point to steady international confidence in the Saudi market as the country continues to diversify its economy under Saudi Vision 2030. Higher levels of direct investment typically support new projects, business expansion, and job creation across sectors.
For residents and expatriates, a stronger investment environment can translate into wider employment opportunities, more companies setting up operations locally, and continued development of services and infrastructure in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. The sustained double-digit growth in both FDI and total foreign investment suggests that the Kingdom remains an attractive destination for international businesses looking for long-term opportunities.
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