Market Outlook
188 posts
Saudi Capital Market Opens to All Foreign Investors: Easier Access & Deeper Liquidity
Saudi Arabia’s new capital market reforms aim to boost liquidity, deepen inclusion of its bonds, and attract more foreign investments.
Saudi Roundup: Record Growth Across Digital & Energy Sectors
This edition of the Saudi Roundup highlights record investment licensing, strong FDI growth, major infrastructure projects, and key advances in the digital economy and renewable energy. General Economy & Business Digital Economy Reaches 16% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP The digital economy’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP increased to 16% in 2024, up from 15.6% in 2023. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector generated operating revenues of SR249.8 billion ($66.6 billion), led by telecommunications with SR133.9 billion. ICT imports surged […]
2025 Wrapped: What It Takes to Build Long-Term in Saudi
2025 in Saudi Arabia carried a sense of progress you could feel, showing up in different corners of the market. You heard it when you spoke with a new General Manager whose company had just expanded, from business leaders already building on the ground, and from Saudis – the nation’s pride – who are relentlessly driving their country forward. This year also strengthened how Saudi connects to the world through new and deeper corridors. Reflecting on the year, this wrap-up […]
Al Balad's $3.6B Bet: Transforming Jeddah Historic District into Hospitality Hub
Preserving heritage while meeting contemporary tourism demands has become integral to Saudi Arabia’s urban planning strategies and economic sustainability objectives. A prime example is the ongoing revitalization of Jeddah’s Al Balad District. Central to these efforts is a $3.6 billion investment by PIF’s Al Balad Development Company to transform the district’s hospitality landscape. The initiative creates a scalable model for heritage conservation and sustainable urban development, generating multiple avenues for value creation within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Jeddah’s Al […]
Saudi Round-Up: Tourism Growth & Cybersecurity Investment Deals
This week’s Saudi Round-Up shines a light on the $306B 2026 budget, the unveiling of $133M in cybersecurity investments, increased tourism spending, and non-oil GDP growth. General Economy & Business Saudi Approves 2026 Budget With $306Bn In Projected Revenues Saudi Arabia approved its 2026 budget with projected revenues of $306 billion (SR1.15 trillion), representing a 5.1% increase over the 2025 estimate, underscoring gains from the Kingdom’s ongoing economic diversification. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the budget during a Cabinet […]
Quiqup: Transforming Saudi Arabia’s E-Commerce Infrastructure
By 2030, e-commerce will account for 46% of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector. This surge in e-commerce activity is unlocking fresh opportunities across the logistics and fulfillment landscape. With a rising demand for convenience and faster service, e-commerce firms are speeding up their delivery times, and quick commerce is expanding beyond everyday essentials. Several regional and global players have chosen to set up a business in Saudi Arabia to support the market’s growth trajectory and meet its evolving demands. One noteworthy […]
Saudi Round-Up: Mining Sites & Food Market Expansion
This week, Saudi Round-Up spotlights discoveries of 5,651 mining sites, $2.35bn Modon deals, and strategic expansions in aviation, MICE and AI sectors. General Economy News Saudi Arabia To Localize 12 Jobs In Private Sports Centers And Gyms After One Year Saudi Arabia will implement localization of 12 jobs in private sector sports centers and gyms at a 15% Saudization rate for establishments with four or more employees, effective November 18, 2026. The 12 localized positions include sports coach, professional football […]
Saudi Round-Up: Entertainment Growth & Deepening US Ties
This edition of Saudi round-up highlights $575B in US-Saudi deals and business expansions in the aviation, hospitality, and tech sectors amid ongoing Vision 2030 initiatives. General Economy News Eastern Province Signs $1.35bn Investment Deals At Cityscape Global 2025 The Eastern Province Municipality signed 14 investment and development deals worth over $1.35 billion during its participation in Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh. The Eastern Province signed agreements spanning vendor empowerment, digital infrastructure, and tourism development. Key deals include mobile vendor incubator […]
Navigating the Cultural Nuances of Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
This guide outlines cultural etiquette & essential practices for navigating the business setup in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Round-Up: Aviation Growth & AlUla’s Big Tourism Push
This week, Saudi Round-Up unveils $113B in tourism investments, electric air taxis, and infrastructure projects in Riyadh. General Economy News Riyadh Unveils 181 New Development Projects The Emir of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar, officially inaugurated 82 development projects and laid the foundation for 99 more, with a combined investment of SR 38.1 billion. The launched projects focus on environment, water, and agriculture, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for environmental sustainability and resource management. Among the initiatives are improvements in drinking‑water distribution, wastewater […]
Guide to Business License Renewal in Saudi Arabia
If you are running a business in Saudi Arabia, renewing your business license, also known as the MISA license, on time is a non-negotiable, ongoing compliance requirement. Businesses operating without a valid license in the Kingdom can face significant interruptions until the license is reactivated. Renewing a MISA license is as crucial as obtaining your license. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you confidently navigate Saudi Arabia’s MISA license compliance matters throughout the renewal process. Key Takeaways Avoid the […]
Saudi Round-Up: Rising FDI in IT, Mining & Infrastructure
This week, Saudi Round-Up highlights major projects like Dammam Global City, Red Sea tourism targets, and new regional HQs for gaming and digital firms. General Economy New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Business Council Established Following $100M Trade Boost Saudi Arabia and New Zealand have signed a joint statement to create the New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Business Council, designed to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. This initiative follows the signing of five new commercial partnerships between companies from both countries, collectively valued at more than […]