This week’s Saudi Round-Up showcases rising investor confidence, surging VC flows, and rapid progress in clean energy, real estate, and innovation.
General Business and Economy
Non-Oil Exports Surge 6% Since Vision 2030 Launch
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reached $8.26 billion (SAR 30.99 billion) in May 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, driven by a sharp 99.8% rise in machinery and electrical equipment exports. Re-exports also grew by more than 20%, indicating a rising trade momentum outside the oil sector.
Imports climbed to $21.6 billion, narrowing the trade surplus. China remained the top trading partner, both for exports and imports, followed by the UAE, India, and the U.S.
Saudi leads GCC IPO Market in Q2 2025
Saudi Arabia led the GCC IPO market in Q2 2025, capturing 76% of total IPO proceeds with $2.4 billion raised across four main market IPOs and eight listings on the Nomu Parallel Market.
Prominent IPOs included Flynas, the region’s first airline listing in over 15 years, and Specialized Medical Co., which raised $500 million. Three IPOs exceeded $500 million, showing strong investor appetite for larger deals.
Fitch Affirms Saudi Arabia’s “A+” Credit Rating with Stable Outlook
Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-term foreign-currency rating at “A+” with a stable outlook, highlighting the Kingdom’s strong fiscal buffers, healthy reserves, and solid banking fundamentals.
The Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030 continues to drive long-term strength. Fitch pointed to a 14% GDP uplift following rebasing, largely due to a 28% increase in the non-oil private sector, now accounting for 56% of GDP.
Automotive
Riyadh Launches Autonomous Vehicles in Key Locations
Saudi Arabia began the operational rollout of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh, covering King Khalid International Airport and key city routes. The vehicles are operating with safety officers onboard under live conditions to assess performance and ensure safety.
Backed by both government agencies and global tech firms, the initiative lays the groundwork for a sustainable, innovation-driven mobility system aligned with Vision 2030’s goals for smarter cities and reduced emissions.
Energy & Sustainability
Taqatech Accelerator Launches to Boost Energy Innovation
Saudi Arabia launched the Taqatech Accelerator to support startups focused on energy innovation, sustainability, and local content. The program connects entrepreneurs with investors and mentors, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions through localized tech solutions.
Over three years, the initiative will support 60 startups, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in clean energy technologies and industrial diversification.
ACWA Power Signs Clean Energy Export Deals with Europe
ACWA Power signed multiple deals to export renewable electricity and green hydrogen to Europe, advancing Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a global clean energy hub. The agreements include partnerships with major European utilities and interconnection firms to develop high-voltage transmission systems.
These deals support the Kingdom’s target to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and produce 1.2 million tons of green hydrogen annually.
Mining
New Mining Licenses Surge 144% in H1 2025
Saudi Arabia issued 22 new mining exploitation licenses in the first half of 2025, a 144% increase over the same period last year. These licenses represent over $35.7 million (SAR 134 million) in investments and aim to unlock 7.86 million tons of annual mineral output, including salt, gypsum, and silica.
Sixteen companies received licenses for the first time, reflecting investor confidence and regulatory improvements. With over $2.5 trillion (SAR 9.4 trillion) in estimated mineral wealth, the sector is now a core pillar of economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Real Estate
Saudi Real Estate Transactions Reach $320 Billion
Saudi Arabia’s real estate market saw $319.8 billion (SAR 1.2 trillion) in transactions between July 2023 and July 2025, fueled by reforms under Vision 2030 and the Real Estate Brokerage Law. The new system led to over 8 million transactions and licensed 86,000 brokers.
More than 75 digital platforms now host nearly 700,000 verified listings. With homeownership targets set at 70% by 2030, the sector is undergoing its most comprehensive regulatory transformation, aimed at boosting transparency and long-term growth.
Technology
Foreign Startup Registrations Jump 118% in Mid-2025
Saudi Arabia granted 550 foreign startups Riyadi licenses by mid-2025, up 118% year-on-year. This surge reflects the Kingdom’s push to become a regional entrepreneurship hub through streamlined regulations, improved infrastructure, and targeted support.
These efforts coincide with a record-breaking $860 million (SAR 3.23 billion) in VC funding in H1 2025. Events like LEAP and Biban, along with expanded license options for multiple sectors, are attracting global founders and investors to launch and scale within Saudi Arabia’s evolving innovation ecosystem.
VC Funding in Saudi Arabia Surpasses 2024 Total in Just Six Months
Venture capital activity in Saudi Arabia hit $860 million (SAR 3.23 billion) in the first half of 2025, already exceeding 2024’s full-year total. The Kingdom led MENA in VC funding, securing 56% of the region’s capital through 114 deals, a 31% rise from the previous year.
E-commerce attracted the most funding at $306 million, while fintech led in deal count. This strong growth reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding startup ecosystem and its strategic push to fuel entrepreneurship and private sector growth under Vision 2030.