This week, Saudi Round-Up highlights a notable increase in patent applications and residential real estate transactions in the first half of 2025.
General Economy News
Patent Applications Rise 23% to 4,928 in H1 2025
In the first half of 2025, Saudi saw a 23% rise in patent applications, reaching 4,928 submissions, with 1,885 patents granted during this period.
Trademark activity also expanded by 15%, reflecting a thriving intellectual property ecosystem supported by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
The growth in patenting is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to foster innovation and transform into a regional hub for technology and knowledge-based industries.
Technology
Digital Government Push Drives Top-10 Ranking Ambition
Saudi has merged 267 platforms, aiming to consolidate over 800 platforms into one integrated system by 2030, under its Digital Government Strategy 2023–2030.
The Kingdom leverages advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and predictive analytics to enhance service delivery and user experience.
Saudi Brands to Push $30bn Franchise Sector at Moscow Expo
Saudi brands will showcase the Kingdom’s $30 billion franchising industry at Moscow’s BuyBrand International Franchise Expo from October 1 to 3, 2025.
The event is part of a broader effort to expand Saudi brands’ global presence and attract foreign investment. Saudi Arabia’s franchising sector, the largest in the Middle East with over 1,000 brands, is growing about 15% annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Saudi Arabia’s Generative AI Adoption Hits 58%, Outpacing European Markets
Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, have witnessed generative AI adoption rates reaching 58%, outpacing European markets. This rapid embrace of AI technologies indicates a strong regional focus on digital transformation and innovation.
The adoption is driven by both government and private sector initiatives aiming to leverage AI for business efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. The high adoption levels suggest robust digital ecosystems conducive to AI integration,
Mining
Saudi, the US Set to strengthen Cooperation in Mining
Saudi Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met US Energy Secretary Chris Wright to discuss ways to enhance collaboration, including exchanging technical knowledge and supporting global industrial transformation. Saudi and the US are set to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector, particularly focusing on critical minerals and supply chains.
This cooperation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to expand its mining sector, valued at $2.5 trillion, diversify its economy, and become a global hub for critical minerals.
Mining Exports Rise 80%
Mining exports have surged by about 80%, driven by increased production of phosphate, iron, aluminum, copper, and gold, as the Kingdom accelerates its transformation into a global mineral hub.
Investments worth SR180 billion ($48 billion) in the sector, focusing on expanding exports and attracting high-quality foreign capital for downstream processing.
Real Estate
Housing Deals Top $20bn in H1 as Madinah Leads Growth
The residential market saw robust growth in the first half of 2025, with nearly 93,700 housing deals marking a 7% year-on-year increase.
Madinah led the growth with a 49% rise in residential transactions, while Riyadh showed price increases despite a drop in volume. Jeddah experienced a 28% rise in transaction value, fueled by demand for large, master-planned communities.
Government-backed projects in Madinah and Makkah are transforming these cities, supporting tourism and economic goals.
White Land Tax Zones Announced in Riyadh
Saudi has introduced a new white land tax system in Riyadh aimed at promoting balanced urban development, curbing real estate speculation, and supporting affordable housing. The system designates four priority geographic zones with tiered annual tax rates on undeveloped land, ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the assessed land value.
Riyadh and Jeddah to Add 27,540 New Residential Units by Year-End
Riyadh and Jeddah are set to add 27,540 new residential units by the end of 2025, supporting the Kingdom’s growing housing demand and urban development.
According to real estate consultancy JLL, Riyadh will contribute around 18,900 units, while Jeddah will add approximately 8,640 units.
This growth aligns with Vision 2030 and focuses on master-planned communities catering to evolving lifestyles and affordable housing needs.
Gaming
Saudi Captures 20% of MENA Gaming Revenues
Saudi captured 20% of the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) gaming revenues in 2024, generating $1.2 billion. The Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector, a strategic priority under Vision 2030, aims to create 39,000 jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to GDP by 2030.
The global gaming market is projected to grow significantly, with Saudi’s market expected to reach $1.64 billion by 2028, driven by console, mobile, and PC gaming segments.