This week’s Saudi Round-Up sheds light on recent autonomous vehicle advancements and transportation infrastructure expansion.
General Business and Economy
Saudi Attracts 616 Regional Headquarters by Q1 2025
Saudi has attracted 616 regional HQs by Q1 2025, up from 571 companies in the previous quarter, stated Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari in press remarks last week.
Notably, commercial registrations have also reached 1.7 million by mid-2025, up 13% year-on-year.
Blue Economy Set to Contribute SR22 Billion by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s blue economy is projected to contribute SR22 billion ($5.86 billion) to GDP and create 100,000 jobs by 2030, as the Kingdom continues its efforts to protect marine ecosystems and develop sustainable maritime sectors.
Researchers conducted surveys at 34 sites along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, collecting over 10,000 marine samples to support environmental protection and economic sustainability.
Entertainment
Video Game Market Witnesses Robust Growth with 2.4 Million Console Imports
Saudi Arabia’s video game sector has seen remarkable growth in the past two years, with imports of video game consoles reaching over 2.4 million units in 2024 and 2025.
In 2024, over 1.7 million units were imported, while 684,489 units have been imported so far in 2025. China, Japan, and the United States were the top suppliers. The growth coincides with the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, featuring over 2,000 players competing for prizes exceeding $70 million.
Transportation & Logistics
Transportation Sector Opens $64 Billion in Private Investment Opportunities
Private entities are expected to contribute around 80% of the targeted investments in the country’s transport and logistics sector. The total value of projects offered to the private sector—through privatization and other models—could reach SR240 billion ($63.95 billion).
Public-private partnerships are driving infrastructure development across ports, airports, and rail networks.
Autonomous Delivery Robots Begin Operations in Riyadh
Jahez and ROSHN Group have launched the first fully autonomous Level 4 delivery robot in Riyadh’s ROSHN Front Business Area.
Five robots, equipped with over 20 sensors, six cameras, GPS, and climate-specific cooling, now operate there during working hours.
Industrial
Ministry Announces New Regulatory Requirements for Urban Factories
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has formulated new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas, covering all types of factories whether located within urban areas or within approved plans for industrial use.
The requirements include specific spatial controls with sites requiring a minimum of 300 square meters and a maximum of 600 square meters, designated parking lots for trucks, approved engineering designs, and compliance with the Saudi Building Code.
Mining
Saudi’s Ranking on Mining Investment Attractiveness Index Jumps to 23rd from 104th Globally
Saudi Arabia has made a remarkable leap in the Fraser Institute’s Mining Investment Attractiveness Index, climbing from 104th place to 23rd globally.
This improvement is attributed to enhanced regulatory clarity, government reforms, comprehensive geological surveys, and supportive policies.
The Kingdom’s mining sector is gaining international investor confidence, evidenced by a surge in exploration licenses issued during the first half of 2025, signaling strong growth potential in minerals and natural resources.
Retail
Majid Al-Futtaim Expands Lifestyle Retail Footprint
Majid Al-Futtaim has announced the expansion of its lifestyle retail footprint in Saudi Arabia.
The group’s lifestyle business plans to open 13 new stores in 2025 — five already launched. The expansion reflects growing consumer demand and retail market confidence in the Kingdom.