Market Outlook

Why Global Manufacturers Are Racing to Set Up Operations in Saudi Arabia

From energy and F&B to mining, automotive & pharma, explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia's booming manufacturing industry.

Saudi Roundup: New Business Entries & Major Rail Projects

This week's Saudi Roundup highlights $26.6B in mining agreements, SR977B in foreign investment stock, railway expansions, the Jeddah Metro revival, and new business entries to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Business Setup 2026: Myths vs. Realities

Saudi Roundup: Maritime Fleet Expansion, Tourism Growth & AI Investment

This week's Saudi Roundup highlights groundbreaking energy partnerships, a 32% surge in maritime fleet expansion, and record-breaking commercial registrations in Q4 2025.

Saudi Capital Market Opens to All Foreign Investors: Easier Access & Deeper Liquidity

Saudi Arabia’s new capital market reforms aim to boost liquidity, deepen inclusion of its bonds, and attract more foreign investments.

Saudi Roundup: Record Growth Across Digital & Energy Sectors

This edition of the Saudi Roundup highlights record investment licensing, strong FDI growth, major infrastructure projects, and key advances in the digital economy and renewable energy. General Economy & Business Digital Economy Reaches 16% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP The digital economy’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP increased to 16% in 2024, up from 15.6% in 2023. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector generated operating revenues of SR249.8 billion ($66.6 billion), led by telecommunications with SR133.9 billion. ICT imports surged […]

2025 Wrapped: What It Takes to Build Long-Term in Saudi

2025 in Saudi Arabia carried a sense of progress you could feel, showing up in different corners of the market. You heard it when you spoke with a new General Manager whose company had just expanded, from business leaders already building on the ground, and from Saudis – the nation’s pride – who are relentlessly driving their country forward. This year also strengthened how Saudi connects to the world through new and deeper corridors. Reflecting on the year, this wrap-up […]

Al Balad's $3.6B Bet: Transforming Jeddah Historic District into Hospitality Hub

Preserving heritage while meeting contemporary tourism demands has become integral to Saudi Arabia’s urban planning strategies and economic sustainability objectives. A prime example is the ongoing revitalization of Jeddah’s Al Balad District. Central to these efforts is a $3.6 billion investment by PIF’s Al Balad Development Company to transform the district’s hospitality landscape.   The initiative creates a scalable model for heritage conservation and sustainable urban development, generating multiple avenues for value creation within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Jeddah’s Al […]

Saudi Round-Up: Tourism Growth & Cybersecurity Investment Deals

This week’s Saudi Round-Up shines a light on the $306B 2026 budget, the unveiling of $133M in cybersecurity investments, increased tourism spending, and non-oil GDP growth. General Economy & Business Saudi Approves 2026 Budget With $306Bn In Projected Revenues Saudi Arabia approved its 2026 budget with projected revenues of $306 billion (SR1.15 trillion), representing a 5.1% increase over the 2025 estimate, underscoring gains from the Kingdom’s ongoing economic diversification. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the budget during a Cabinet […]

Quiqup: Transforming Saudi Arabia’s E-Commerce Infrastructure

By 2030, e-commerce will account for 46% of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector. This surge in e-commerce activity is unlocking fresh opportunities across the logistics and fulfillment landscape. With a rising demand for convenience and faster service, e-commerce firms are speeding up their delivery times, and quick commerce is expanding beyond everyday essentials. Several regional and global players have chosen to set up a business in Saudi Arabia to support the market’s growth trajectory and meet its evolving demands.  One noteworthy […]

Saudi Round-Up: Mining Sites & Food Market Expansion

This week, Saudi Round-Up spotlights discoveries of 5,651 mining sites, $2.35bn Modon deals, and strategic expansions in aviation, MICE and AI sectors. General Economy News Saudi Arabia To Localize 12 Jobs In Private Sports Centers And Gyms After One Year Saudi Arabia will implement localization of 12 jobs in private sector sports centers and gyms at a 15% Saudization rate for establishments with four or more employees, effective November 18, 2026. The 12 localized positions include sports coach, professional football […]

Saudi Round-Up: Entertainment Growth & Deepening US Ties

This edition of Saudi round-up highlights $575B in US-Saudi deals and business expansions in the aviation, hospitality, and tech sectors amid ongoing Vision 2030 initiatives. General Economy News Eastern Province Signs $1.35bn Investment Deals At Cityscape Global 2025 The Eastern Province Municipality signed 14 investment and development deals worth over $1.35 billion during its participation in Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh. The Eastern Province signed agreements spanning vendor empowerment, digital infrastructure, and tourism development. Key deals include mobile vendor incubator […]