Saudi Arabia’s Restaurant Sector Growth Attracts Global Investment

Restaurants in the Riyadh City Boulevard. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Restaurants in the Riyadh City Boulevard. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Restaurant Sector Growth Attracts Global Investment

Restaurants in the Riyadh City Boulevard. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Restaurants in the Riyadh City Boulevard. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The strength of consumer demand in Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector makes it an appealing market for international brands. The development of regulations and legislation has created an investment framework that facilitates foreign companies’ expansion and achievement of their goals in the Kingdom.

Point-of-sale operations using “Mada” cards in Saudi Arabia have shown a 13.6 percent annual growth in the restaurant and café sector, increasing from SAR 78 billion ($20.8 billion) in 2022, to SAR 89 billion (%23.7 billion) over the past year. The growth indicates a promising future for the market, which is experiencing strong consumer demand.

Amro Bagedo, the founder and CEO of Kraiv, said: "The continuous and remarkable growth in the food, beverage, and hospitality sector in the Kingdom is driven by the younger generation. Their desire to experience renowned international brands without traveling abroad has created opportunities for stakeholders from the America, Europe, and Asia to invest in Saudi Arabia. This has led to gradual and exponential growth in local business opportunities."

“The Kingdom’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2034 has created an urgent need for its host cities -Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha, and NEOM - to expand their dining and hotel options to accommodate visitors attending the tournament,” Bagedo told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that tourism will be a major focus for the Kingdom in the coming years, and hospitality will play a crucial role in strengthening the sector.

The restaurant market in the Kingdom is expected to double annually, reaching approximately SAR 168 billion ($44.8 billion) by 2030.

This growth is driven by strong consumer demand and the increasing presence of renowned brands investing in the local market.

Recent rapid social and cultural changes in restaurant services, fueled by a booming economy, indicate that Saudi Arabia is on track to become a global hub for entertainment and tourism. This growth is supported by restaurants and outlets that cater to the high demand from both local and international visitors.



Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Boost Cooperation in Mining Sector

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Boost Cooperation in Mining Sector

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef signed in Jakarta a memorandum of understanding with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia Bahlil Lahadalia to boost strategic cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise between the two countries in the mining and minerals sector.

The MoU aims to transfer knowledge in the field of mining, mineral production and processing, mining exploration, geological surveys, and sustainable mining practices, SPA reported.
The signing of the MoU takes place during Alkhorayef's official visit to Indonesia, where he is leading a high-level delegation from the industry and mining sector to strengthen economic ties, attract quality investments to the Kingdom, and explore mutual investment opportunities across the mining, food, pharmaceuticals, and automotive sectors.