Saudi Roundup: Hotel Expansion, Qatar-Saudi Rail & Mining Growth
This week's Saudi Roundup covers hospitality sector expansion, the Riyadh-Doha railway approval, and the digital economy's $140 billion milestone.
General Business & Economy
Polish-Saudi Trade Relations Approach $10 Billion Milestone
Poland's Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domanski revealed that bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Poland is approaching the $10 billion mark, with Saudi Arabia serving as Poland's biggest Middle Eastern trading partner. Trade volumes have risen from approximately $7 billion in 2022 to around $8.5 billion in 2023, positioning Saudi as a key expansion destination for Polish firms.
Ministry Of Municipalities Issues 574,000 Licenses In 2025
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued more than 574,000 municipal licenses during 2025, including more than 202,000 commercial licenses, 66,000 occupancy certificates, and 78,000 building permits. The licenses contribute to supporting economic activities, regulating construction work, and improving building quality in cities.
Aramco's Iktva Program Reaches 70% Local Content Target
Saudi Aramco announced that its supply chain transformation program, iktva (In-Kingdom Total Value Add), has reached its 70% local content target. The company declared its intention to further elevate local content within its procurement to 75% by 2030.
Since its establishment, the iktva program has added more than $280 billion to Saudi GDP, reinforcing its role as a primary driver of industrial development and economic diversification.
Healthcare
Deputy Emir Of Makkah Launches SR1 Billion Health Projects In Jeddah
Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal launched a package of health projects with a total cost of over SR1 billion in Jeddah. The projects include Makkah General Hospital with a capacity of 500 beds, providing advanced medical specialties including surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and day surgery.
The projects also include Al-Laith General Hospital with a capacity of 100 beds, aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of the governorate's residents.
Tourism & Hospitality
Saudi Hotel Sector Set For Massive Expansion With 94,500 New Rooms
The hotel sector is poised for significant expansion, with approximately 94,500 more rooms currently under construction or in the final planning stages, bringing the total to 171,650 keys. Approximately 358,000 hotel rooms are in the pipeline across the Kingdom.
Tourism Sector Targets SR600 Billion GDP Contribution By 2030
Saudi Arabia's tourism sector currently contributes approximately 5% of GDP, up from 3.5% in 2019, with targets to increase this to 10%, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb revealed. The sector's economic contribution is targeted to grow from SR300 billion to SR600 billion, while employment has already risen from around 750,000 to more than one million jobs.
Infrastructure
Cabinet Approves High-Speed Railway Linking Riyadh And Doha
The Cabinet approved an agreement on the electric high-speed railway linkage between the Kingdom and Qatar. The high-speed train will extend over 785 kilometers, connecting Riyadh and Doha and passing through major stations including Hofuf, Dammam, King Salman International Airport, and Hamad International Airport. The project is scheduled for completion within six years.
Saudi Ports Handle 738,111 TEUs In January, Transshipment Surges 22%
Ports overseen by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) handled 738,111 twenty-foot equivalent units in January, a 2.01% increase from a year earlier. The growth was driven by transshipment containers, which surged 22.44% year-on-year to 184,019 TEUs, offsetting weaker inbound and outbound trade flows.
Mining
Saudi Issues 61 New Mining Licenses, Up 220% Year-On-Year
Saudi Arabia recorded a 220% year-on-year increase in new mining exploitation licenses in 2025, issuing 61 permits compared to 19 licenses in the previous year. Total investments in the new licensed projects exceed SR44 billion for the extraction of gold and phosphate.
The number of valid mining exploitation licenses in the Kingdom reached 275 by the end of 2025, covering an area of 2,160 square kilometers.
Digital Economy & Technology
Saudi Digital Economy Reaches $140 Billion, Accounts For 50% Of MENA Growth
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha revealed that the value of Saudi Arabia's digital economy has grown to nearly $140 billion, accounting for more than 50% of digital economy growth in the Middle East and North Africa. Speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Riyadh, Alswaha noted that data center capacity has increased from less than 80 megawatts to more than 440 megawatts.
Business Expansions
Exail Opens Riyadh Office To Strengthen Middle East Presence
Exail, a leading high-tech industrial company specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime navigation, aerospace, and photonics technologies, announced the opening of a new office in Riyadh, marking a milestone in its expansion across the Middle East. The new office will support ongoing programs, future projects, and cooperation initiatives with key local actors in Saudi Arabia's growing technology and defense sectors.
Business Line Launches Saudi Office, Expands Regional Footprint
Business Line, a regional SAP consulting partner, has launched an office in Saudi Arabia, marking its fourth country of operation alongside Iraq, the UAE, and Pakistan. Headquartered in Dubai, Business Line employs more than 1,000 people and serves clients across financial services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, oil and gas, the public sector, automotive, transportation, telecommunications, and construction.
AirX Receives GACA Approval To Expand Private Aviation Operations
Malta-based private aviation operator AirX announced its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia following approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The company is entering the Kingdom with support from AstroLabs, positioning itself to enhance private jet charter operations and expand aircraft presence within Saudi Arabia. AirX operates a diverse fleet of 20 aircraft, including Heavy Jets, Lineage, and widebody VIP capability.