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Foreign Investments in Saudi Arabia Triple, with Over 1,200 Benefiting from Premium Residency

The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Foreign Investments in Saudi Arabia Triple, with Over 1,200 Benefiting from Premium Residency

The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has tripled its foreign investment inflows and increased the number of investors tenfold since the launch of Vision 2030. More than 1,200 international investors have also obtained premium residency in the Kingdom.

These figures were revealed by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih during the 28th Global Investment Conference, held in Riyadh on Monday under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Al-Falih emphasized that premium residency is a key enabler for attracting foreign investment, as it simplifies procedures for investors and enhances their ability to seize the opportunities available in Saudi Arabia, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global investment hub. Residency holders, he noted, are treated as if they were in their home countries.

Since the introduction of Vision 2030, investment inflows have tripled, and the GDP has grown by 70%, reaching $1.1 trillion—half of which comes from non-oil sectors, he continued.

Al-Falih also stressed the immense opportunities in areas such as digital infrastructure and research-driven economic growth. He identified sustainability and circular carbon economy projects as key focus areas for future investment.

He acknowledged the geopolitical risks and labor shortages that pose challenges to investment. However, he projected that the Global South is poised to attract half of global financial flows by 2025.

The minister went on to say that hosting the Global Investment Conference in Riyadh provides Saudi Arabia with a platform to present its strategic vision to international partners and highlight its status as a trusted partner in sustainable economic growth.

Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India and President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), underscored the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable growth and digital transformation. She lauded Vision 2030 as a model for economic and social progress, underlining the role of technology, education, and tourism in driving development.

The world has consumed nearly 2.5 trillion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, leaving only 500–700 billion metric tons for sustainable use, she noted, while underscoring the need for countries like Saudi Arabia and India to lead innovation in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and green hydrogen.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation in energy and water was also commended, with Rai describing mega projects like NEOM as a “dream come true” and a leading example of integrating technology and sustainability to improve quality of life.

During a panel discussion, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim revealed that investment and fixed capital now constitute 25% of the GDP. He noted that Vision 2030 has unlocked vast opportunities in previously untapped sectors, including mining, tourism, culture, and entertainment, significantly contributing to the Kingdom’s non-oil growth.

Al-Ibrahim stressed the importance of adopting advanced technologies in renewable energy, green hydrogen, defense, education, and healthcare.

He stressed Saudi Arabia’s role as a central platform for accessing new markets and boosting global economic stability through continuous innovation.

Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan Al-Khatib highlighted the importance of Saudi-Egyptian cooperation and sound policy adoption to attract investments in promising sectors.

Saudi investments in Egypt would significantly contribute to fostering a favorable investment climate, he said.

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostas Fragogiannis discussed Greece’s focus on attracting investments in gas, including talks with Saudi Arabia and other nations, to access European markets.

The Invest in Saudi Arabia platform organized the three-day Global Investment Conference from November 25 to 27 in collaboration with WAIPA. This major event brings together global leaders, investors, and stakeholders to explore opportunities in sustainable growth and digital transformation, aiming to diversify and enhance global investment strategies.

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Business

Türkiye, Syria Step Up Banking Ties as Lenders Eye Expansion

Türkiye’s Ziraat Bank tower is seen in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
Türkiye’s Ziraat Bank tower is seen in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
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Türkiye, Syria Step Up Banking Ties as Lenders Eye Expansion

Türkiye’s Ziraat Bank tower is seen in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 16, 2018. (Reuters)
Türkiye’s Ziraat Bank tower is seen in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 16, 2018. (Reuters)

Türkiye and Syria are accelerating cooperation between their central banks, Trade Minister Omer Bolat said on Tuesday, adding that Syria’s central bank governor will meet Turkish banking ‌regulators.

Speaking at ‌a business ‌forum, ⁠Bolat said closer ⁠banking ties and the entry of Turkish lenders into Syria could help boost trade and industrial ⁠investment.

State lender Ziraat ‌Bank ‌and private lender Aktifbank ‌are both working to ‌establish a presence in Syria, company officials said separately, with applications submitted ‌and operations expected to begin in the near ⁠term.

Business ⁠leaders at the forum said restoring banking services and resolving customs and logistics issues would be key to increasing bilateral trade.

Business

Türkiye Not Facing Energy Security Problem Amid War but Situation ‘Volatile’

Travelers cross from Iran into Türkiye at the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Van province, Türkiye, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP)
Travelers cross from Iran into Türkiye at the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Van province, Türkiye, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP)
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Türkiye Not Facing Energy Security Problem Amid War but Situation ‘Volatile’

Travelers cross from Iran into Türkiye at the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Van province, Türkiye, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP)
Travelers cross from Iran into Türkiye at the Kapikoy border crossing in eastern Van province, Türkiye, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP)

Türkiye is not ‌facing any problems regarding energy supply security due to the Iran war, but the situation is "volatile", Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar was quoted as saying by Turkish media on Tuesday.

"We hope the war will not last any longer. But the process is currently under our control," Bayraktar told reporters on Monday evening after a cabinet meeting, broadcaster Haberturk reported.

"There is no problem or difficulty in energy ‌supply security."

Türkiye ‌is a big energy importer which ‌neighbors ⁠Iran and is among ⁠the most exposed emerging market economies to the global energy price jump.

Bayraktar said in late March that Türkiye’s dependence on Middle East oil was at a "manageable" 10% of total supplies and that the country had taken protective diversification steps.

At the ⁠time he said every $1 increase in ‌oil prices adds about $400 million ‌to Türkiye’s energy bill, while there had not been ‌any natural gas supply cuts so far from ‌Iran, Türkiye’s fourth largest supplier last year.

On Monday, Bayraktar told reporters that he had spoken with the Hungarian foreign minister and discussed the issue of protecting the security ‌of the TurkStream pipeline, which carries Russian natural gas to southern Europe through ⁠the ⁠Black Sea and Türkiye.

Explosives were found near the TurkStream pipeline in Serbia at the weekend, prompting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to convene an emergency defense council.

Russia and Türkiye formally launched the TurkStream pipeline, which has a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters per year, in January 2020. The pipeline allows Moscow to bypass Ukraine as a transit route to Europe.

"The security of the pipeline in the Black Sea and on our side is important," Bayraktar said.

Business

SME Financing Moves to the Core of Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Economy

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SPA file)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SPA file)
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SME Financing Moves to the Core of Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Economy

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SPA file)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SPA file)

In a sign of a deep shift in the structure of financing within Saudi Arabia’s economy, and reflecting the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the production base, credit facilities extended to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises reached a record high at the end of 2025.

Banks and finance companies injected around SAR 467.7 billion ($124.5 billion) into the sector last year, marking a 33 percent annual increase. The surge highlights the transition of these enterprises from the margins of economic activity to the center, positioning them as a key driver of non-oil growth and job creation.

On a yearly basis, total facilities rose 33 percent from about SAR 351.7 billion ($93.6 billion) in 2024, according to monthly bulletin data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

The banking sector accounted for the largest share, with facilities provided by banks reaching approximately SAR 446.6 billion, up 34 percent year on year. Finance companies contributed around SAR 21.1 billion, an annual increase of 15.4 percent.

By enterprise size, growth rates varied. Lending to medium-sized firms rose 18 percent year on year to SAR 220.9 billion. Small enterprises recorded stronger growth of 34 percent, reaching SAR 163.5 billion. Micro-enterprises saw the sharpest increase, with facilities surging 97 percent to SAR 83.3 billion, underscoring a notable expansion in financing to this segment.

Structural shift

The strong growth has been driven by several factors, most notably the clear strategic direction under Vision 2030, which places SMEs at the heart of economic diversification, along with the expanding role of institutions supporting the sector.

Among these is Monsha’at, which has helped improve the business environment and connect enterprises with funding sources, according to economist Hussein Al-Attas.

“This level of facilities is not just a record figure. It reflects a structural shift in the philosophy of financing within the Saudi economy,” Al-Attas told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He identified four main drivers behind the growth: a clear economic vision, a stronger regulatory environment, the expansion of credit guarantee programs, and a shift in how banks view the SME sector.

The Kafalah program has been particularly important, helping reduce lending risks and enabling banks to increase exposure to SMEs. This has coincided with improvements in financial data quality and governance practices, which have strengthened lenders’ confidence in the sector.

Sustainable growth

Al-Attas said the current trend reflects not a temporary expansion in credit but a redefinition of the role of SMEs in the economy, with growth expected to continue over the medium term.

However, he pointed to several challenges that could affect the pace of expansion. These include limited managerial expertise in some firms, the risk of defaults if financing is poorly managed, concentration of lending in specific sectors, and the potential impact of future interest rate increases.

Authorities are aware of these risks. This is reflected in a growing focus on improving governance, strengthening management efficiency, and linking financing more closely to actual operating performance to ensure funds are directed toward sustainable and productive activities.

The importance of this expansion extends beyond the headline figures. It supports a higher contribution of SMEs to non-oil GDP and plays a central role in job creation, given the sector’s labor-intensive nature.

According to Al-Attas, the growth also strengthens economic diversification by supporting the entry of new firms into promising sectors such as technology, industry, and services. It also increases local value added and reduces reliance on imports and large corporations.

Looking ahead, he expects financing growth to continue at a healthy pace over the next three to five years. This outlook is supported by the expansion of digital financing solutions, continued integration between government and banking sectors, and improving market maturity and enterprise quality. Large-scale projects and non-oil expansion are also expected to create new financing opportunities, gradually shifting the focus from the volume of funding to the quality of its economic impact.

Digital transformation

Mohammed Al-Farraj, senior head of asset management at Arbah Capital, said the development reflects alignment between ambitious government policies aimed at raising SMEs’ contribution to GDP to 35 percent and a responsive banking sector that has led the growth and captured the largest share of financing.

He noted that guarantee and incentive programs, as well as the SME Bank, have played a key role in reducing credit risks and boosting banks’ willingness to lend.

Digital transformation and the rise of fintech companies have also marked a turning point by improving access to financing and lowering operating costs. This has created a more flexible and attractive environment for business growth beyond traditional constraints.

Despite these positive indicators, Al-Farraj cautioned that rapid expansion requires strategic vigilance, particularly regarding credit risks and potential defaults amid interest rate volatility and increased competition in sectors such as retail.

He continued that the next phase will require a shift from quantitative growth, focused on expanding financing volumes, to qualitative growth that emphasizes credit quality, project sustainability, and resilience to economic changes.

Alternative financing tools such as venture capital are expected to play a growing role. These tools can ease pressure on bank balance sheets while directing funding toward strategic sectors including technology, tourism, and industry to ensure meaningful value creation in the national economy.

Developments seen in 2026 suggest early returns from this expansion. These include the emergence of a new generation of high-growth firms, increased SME contribution to non-oil exports, and greater use of instruments such as sukuk tailored for SMEs as a cost-effective long-term financing option.

Al-Faraj said SMEs are no longer a peripheral segment but a central driver of innovation and growth in Saudi Arabia’s economy. Sustaining this momentum will require continued regulatory development and more flexible repayment mechanisms to ensure durable growth aligned with long-term economic development goals.