Saudi Roundup: Commercial Registrations Top 1.9 Million

This week's Saudi roundup covers Saudi Arabia's rise to 13th globally for FDI, ACWA Power's exclusive green hydrogen export mandate, and new infrastructure tenders for King Salman International Airport.

General Business & Economy

Saudi Arabia Issues More Than 71k Commercial Registrations in Q2

Saudi issued more than 71,000 new commercial registrations during the second quarter of 2026, according to the Ministry of Commerce, bringing the total number of active commercial records in the Kingdom to over 1.91 million. The latest business sector bulletin also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strong performance in the World Competitiveness Yearbook, where it ranked third globally for legislative support for company formation, fourth for equality of economic opportunity, and seventh for the efficiency of large corporations under international standards.

IMF Raises Saudi Arabia’s 2027 Growth Forecast to 5.5% on Resilience Outlook

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised Saudi Arabia’s economic growth forecast for 2027 to 5.5%, up from its previous estimate of 4.5%, citing the Kingdom’s diversified export routes and resilience to regional disruptions. The updated outlook expects a temporary slowdown in 2026 before stronger economic momentum returns in 2027. The revised forecast follows the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s projection last month that Saudi Arabia’s economy will expand by 4.3% in 2027.

Trade & Investment Corridors

Saudi, Canada Trade Nears $18bn Over Five Years

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Canada reached SAR11 billion ($2.93 billion) in 2025, bringing total bilateral trade over the past five years (2021–2025) to around SAR66.3 billion ($17.7 billion). According to data from the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi exports to Canada totaled SAR 6.3 billion ($1.68 billion) last year, while imports reached SAR 4.5 billion ($1.20 billion), reflecting steady growth in commercial exchange between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia Climbs to 13th Globally for FDI Inflows in 2025

Saudi Arabia rose to 13th place globally for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2025, up from 17th the previous year, according to the latest UNCTAD report. The Kingdom attracted $33 billion in FDI during the year, marking a 51.1% increase compared to 2024 and reflecting continued momentum in its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and attract $100 billion in annual FDI by 2030.

ACWA Power Granted Exclusive Green Hydrogen Export Mandate

Saudi has granted ACWA Power an exclusive mandate to export green hydrogen and its derivatives—including green ammonia, green methanol, and green fuels—produced in the Kingdom to international markets. ACWA Power currently manages 111 assets across 16 countries, with assets under management valued at SAR468.9 billion ($125 billion). The company has also been tasked with developing renewable electricity export projects serving Europe and the Arab region, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global clean energy exporter.

Construction & Infrastructure

Saudi Contractors Authority Says Projects Awarded in June 2026 Exceed $8bn

Saudi Arabia awarded 25 projects worth more than SAR29.5 billion (approximately $7.9 billion) in June 2026, marking the highest monthly number of project awards so far this year, according to the Saudi Contractors Authority. Published through the SCAVO platform, the latest contracting sector report shows that the building and construction sector accounted for the largest share, with 14 projects valued at more than SAR20.6 billion, representing 56% of the total. Infrastructure, water and energy projects each made up 20% of awards, while oil and gas accounted for the remaining 4%.

King Salman International Airport to Tender Two Major Infrastructure Contracts

The King Salman International Airport Development Company is set to tender two major infrastructure contracts. These include the construction of the East-West corridor and landside access roads serving the North and South terminals. The tenders form part of the next phase of developing what is planned to become the world's largest airport, with six runways, nine terminals, and capacity to handle up to 185 million passengers annually by 2050.

Al-Hogail Launches SAR1.67bn Municipal and Housing Projects in Al-Baha

Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail has launched and inaugurated municipal and housing projects worth more than SAR1.67 billion in Al-Baha as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure, expand housing supply, and improve public services across the region. During the visit, the minister also launched 16 municipal investment projects expected to generate SAR284 million in revenue and handed over 19 housing units to beneficiaries of developmental housing programs.

Saudi Expands Municipal Investment and Housing Finance

Saudi Arabia is widening private sector participation through new municipal investment and housing finance initiatives. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing offered more than 13,000 investment opportunities via the Fursah platform in H1 2026, with signed contracts exceeding SAR 4.6 billion ($1.22 billion). The opportunities support the development and operation of municipal assets while improving transparency and investor access.