Saudi Roundup: Sports Investments Gain Momentum

This week's Saudi Roundup covers Vision 2030’s 2025 milestones, a new Saudi-Swiss agreement to strengthen cross-border investments, and expanding private investment opportunities in the sports sector.

General Business & Economy

Vision 2030 Annual Report: Non-Oil Activities Now Exceed Half of Real GDP

The 2025 Vision 2030 annual report shows that 93% of the program's key performance indicators have met their interim targets, with 225 out of 1,290 initiatives fully implemented and 935 more on track. The Kingdom's real GDP reached SR1.3 trillion ($348.4 billion) in 2025, exceeding the annual target, growing 4.5% and supported by continued non-oil sector expansion. Non-oil activities now account for 55% of real GDP, while the private sector contributes 51%.

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland Sign Investment Protection Agreement

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland have signed an agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Swiss President’s official visit to the Kingdom, as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties that have long supported cooperation and a partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. The pact provides mutual safeguards for cross-border investments, protects investors, and guarantees free transfer of investment payments.

Non-Oil Exports Rise 15.1% to $8.3 Billion in February

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, reached SR31.03 billion ($8.3 billion) in February 2026, a 15.1% increase year-on-year, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The UAE remained the top destination for non-oil exports at SR9.81 billion, followed by India (SR2.25 billion), China (SR2.17 billion), and Türkiye (SR1.13 billion). China remained the Kingdom’s top source of merchandise, accounting for 29.8% of imports in February, followed by the UAE (8%) and the US (7.4%).

Sports Sector Set to Reach $22.7 Billion by 2030 as World Cup Preparations Advance

Current investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's sports sector amount to SR18 billion ($5 billion), with the market projected to reach SR85 billion by 2030. Preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup include the development of at least 135 training camp sites across the Kingdom, with investment per site ranging from SR20 million to SR40 million — bringing the total expected investment for these facilities to approximately SR5.4 billion.

SMEs with Intellectual Property Rights Contribute 65% More Economic Value

Small and medium enterprises that own intellectual property rights contribute up to 65% more economic value than those without. Investment appeal increases fivefold when an SME holds a patent, sixfold when it holds a trademark, and up to tenfold when it holds both. Public awareness of intellectual property in the Kingdom has risen from 52% in 2018 to over 70%, while compliance has increased from 54% to 71%.

Diriyah Awards $490 Million Contract for National Contemporary Art Museum

Diriyah Co., owned by PIF, has awarded a SR1.84 billion ($490 million) construction contract for the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in the historic Diriyah district. The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi Arabia and Al-Bawani Co. The museum will be built on Diriyah's Grand Avenue, spanning more than 77,000 square meters with 45,252 square meters of built-up area, and is designed to serve as a national platform for modern and contemporary Saudi art.

Industry & Manufacturing

Lenovo's Riyadh Factory Prepares for First Commercial Production

Lenovo is preparing to launch full commercial production at its Riyadh factory in 2026, following the completion of trial production phases. The first phase of investment exceeded SR2 billion ($533.2 million), with a production plan targeting 2 million units annually within one and a half to two years, and a second phase aimed at reaching 8 million units annually, which would make the facility one of Lenovo's largest globally and potentially the largest outside China.

Infrastructure & Logistics

Expo 2030 Riyadh Awards New Infrastructure Packages to Al Yamama

Expo 2030 Riyadh has awarded two new Main Utilities and Infrastructure Works packages to Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co., following the start of construction under the first package awarded to Nesma & Partners in December 2025. The new phase will cover internal road networks and smart mobility solutions, as well as the installation of water, sewage, electricity, telecommunications, and EV charging infrastructure across the six million square meter site.

SAR Extends Free Storage at Riyadh Dry Port from 7 to 30 Days

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has extended the free storage period for goods and transit containers at the Riyadh dry port from 7 to 30 days. The move builds on SAR's recent launch of five new logistics routes linking ports in the Eastern and Western regions with border crossings and regional markets through an integrated multimodal network combining rail, land, and sea. The extension is designed to improve supply chain flexibility, reduce operational pressure on importers and freight operators, and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional transit hub.

Delivery Sector Processes 118 Million Orders in Q1 2026

Saudi Arabia's delivery sector processed more than 118 million orders in the first quarter of 2026, a 49 % increase year-on-year, according to the Transport General Authority. Riyadh accounted for 44% of total orders in Q1 2026, followed by the Makkah region at 22.21% and the Eastern Province at 16.23%. This growth is fueled by the expanding delivery sector, rising tech adoption, e-commerce growth, and more efficient operations, all improving service quality and customer experience.

Digital Economy

Government Emerging Tech Readiness Reaches 76.04%

Saudi Arabia's Digital Government Authority has announced that 76.04% of government entities—covering 54 agencies—are prepared to adopt and activate emerging technologies. According to the Authority’s “Emerging Technologies Adoption Readiness Index,” government readiness to adopt and activate emerging technologies reached 76.04%, up from 74.69% in 2025, with 54 entities participating compared to 49 in the previous edition.