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Business-Friendly Climate Draws 123,000 New Commercial Registrations in Saudi Arabia

 Employees at the Saudi Business Center (SPA). 
 Employees at the Saudi Business Center (SPA). 
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Business-Friendly Climate Draws 123,000 New Commercial Registrations in Saudi Arabia

 Employees at the Saudi Business Center (SPA). 
 Employees at the Saudi Business Center (SPA). 

Saudi Arabia’s business environment attracted 123,000 new commercial registrations in the fourth quarter of 2025, pushing the total number of active registrations past 1.8 million by year-end. Foreign investment in the healthcare sector surged by nearly 560 percent over the past three years, highlighting strong international confidence in the Saudi market.

According to a recent report by the Ministry of Commerce, reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the number of active sole proprietorship registrations reached 1.26 million by the end of 2025, reflecting 20 percent growth over the past five years.

Active limited liability companies (LLCs) totaled 571,000, with a sharp 183 percent increase over five years. Meanwhile, the number of joint-stock companies grew 50 percent over the same period to 4,733 active registrations.

Regional and Sectoral Performance

Riyadh led the Kingdom in new commercial registrations during the final quarter of 2025 with 45,600 records, followed by the Eastern Province with more than 20,000, and Makkah Region with 19,200.

The construction sector topped all industries, with more than 66,000 registrations issued during the quarter. It was followed by wholesale and retail trade with 24,900, and manufacturing industries with 23,700, while the remainder was spread across other activities.

The report also highlighted a strong rise in e-commerce sales conducted via Mada cards in October, which hit a record SAR 30.7 billion ($8.1 billion) - a 68 percent year-on-year increase, up SAR 12.4 billion ($3.3 billion) from October 2024, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Healthcare Sector Momentum

The Ministry of Commerce said Saudi Arabia continues to roll out development projects aimed at improving healthcare quality and capacity by strengthening national talent, adopting innovative digital solutions, and upgrading medical facilities.

The Kingdom ranks first regionally in healthcare investment, with agreements signed at the recent Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh valued at about SAR 133 billion ($35.4 billion). Foreign investment in the sector has expanded by more than 560 percent in three years, with healthcare contributing 5 percent of GDP.

Healthcare-related activities saw strong growth in the fourth quarter, including medical laboratories (+33%), pharmaceutical manufacturing (+31%), physiotherapy centers (+31%), and telemedicine and remote care services (+30%).

E-Commerce and High-Growth Sectors

Active e-commerce registrations rose 9 percent year-on-year to 43,800 by the end of the fourth quarter, up from 40,000 in the same period of 2024. Strengthening the e-commerce ecosystem is a key objective of the National Transformation Program, with Saudi Arabia ranked among the world’s top 10 fastest-growing e-commerce markets.

Promising sectors highlighted by the report include artificial intelligence, gaming, cybersecurity, health software, and electric vehicle charging stations. AI-related registrations grew 34 percent to more than 19,000, while gaming rose 27 percent to 841 registrations. UI/UX design activities climbed 28 percent to 18,900.

Cybersecurity registrations increased 27 percent to 9,700, while health and medical software surged 85 percent to 4,300. Power generation and distribution activities grew 27 percent, and EV charging station operations expanded 26 percent to 4,300 registrations.

Investment Deals and Forums

The report cited the success of the Biban Forum, recently held in Riyadh, which generated agreements and launches exceeding SAR 38 billion ($10.1 billion). Investment deals worth SAR 22.2 million ($5.9 million) benefited 55 startups, with participation from 1,021 companies across 66 countries.

It also highlighted the Northern Borders Forum, which offered more than 240 investment opportunities valued at SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion) across sectors including livestock, food, mining and energy, tourism, environment, and logistics.

 

 

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Business

Saudi Arabia Records Slowest Inflation Since February 2025

A supermarket in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
A supermarket in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
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Saudi Arabia Records Slowest Inflation Since February 2025

A supermarket in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
A supermarket in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 

Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation eased noticeably in January, rising 1.8 percent year on year, the slowest pace since February last year, signaling positive momentum for the domestic economy.

According to official data, inflation in January 2026 was driven mainly by higher housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel prices, which rose 4.2 percent. Transport costs increased 1.5 percent, while restaurant and accommodation services rose 1 percent.

Housing rents remain the largest contributor to inflation, with actual rents climbing 5.2 percent annually.

Economists said January’s slowdown points to greater price stability and easing living costs, reflecting government measures to support growth.

Osama bin Ghanem Al-Obaidi, an advisor and professor of international commercial law, said the 1.8 percent annual rate is the lowest among G20 countries. While housing and utilities remain the largest contributors, he noted that rent increases are now less intense than in recent months.

Al-Obaidi added that inflation control in Saudi Arabia remains effective, with relative price stability supporting consumer purchasing power and easing pressure on low-income households. He said January’s data reflects growing market stability, with pressures in some categories contained by demand.

Economist Ahmed Al-Shahri, for his part, noted that the moderation in inflation boosts confidence and encourages investment and broader economic activity. He attributed the improvement to government efforts to ensure economic stability and advance sustainable development, underscoring the effectiveness of fiscal and economic policies.

Al-Shahri highlighted housing and rental measures introduced under the direction of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, noting their significant impact. Despite the 1.8 percent annual rise, he said inflation remains low by historical standards, indicating that price pressures are gradually easing after post-pandemic global shocks and supply-chain disruptions.

Category Breakdown

Transport prices rose 1.5 percent year on year, driven by a 6 percent increase in passenger transport services. Restaurant and accommodation prices increased 1 percent, reflecting higher food and beverage services. Personal care and other goods and services surged 7.9 percent, led by higher jewelry and watch prices. Insurance and financial services rose 3.3 percent, while food and beverages edged up 0.2 percent.

Furniture and household equipment prices fell 0.3 percent, and health prices dipped 0.1 percent.

On a monthly basis, the consumer price index rose 0.2 percent in January compared with December 2025, supported by higher housing, transport and restaurant prices, while food and beverages declined 0.6 percent.

 

 

 

Business

Gold Drops over 1% as Thin Trading, Profit‑taking Weigh

An Indian woman tries on gold jewelry at a jewelry store in Bangalore (EPA)
An Indian woman tries on gold jewelry at a jewelry store in Bangalore (EPA)
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Gold Drops over 1% as Thin Trading, Profit‑taking Weigh

An Indian woman tries on gold jewelry at a jewelry store in Bangalore (EPA)
An Indian woman tries on gold jewelry at a jewelry store in Bangalore (EPA)

Gold prices dropped on Monday, pressured by thin trading volumes as US and China markets remained shut due to local public holidays, while some traders booked profits after last session's 2.5% jump.

Spot gold fell 1.1% to $4,986.32 per ounce by 0550 GMT. US gold futures for April delivery lost 0.8% to $5,005.60 per ounce.

"Gold has given back some of Friday's post-CPI ‌gains today due to ‌thinner trading conditions and a lack ‌of ⁠fresh upside catalysts," said ⁠Tim Waterer, KCM chief analyst, referring to the US consumer price inflation data. He also pointed to profit-taking on the day.

US markets are closed for the Presidents' Day holiday, while markets in China are closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. The US CPI rose 0.2% in January after an unrevised 0.3% gain in December, ⁠the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said ‌on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters ‌had forecast the CPI to increase by 0.3%. Federal Reserve Bank of ‌Chicago President Austan Goolsbee said on Friday that interest rates could ‌go down, but noted that services inflation remained high.

Market participants anticipate the central bank to hold interest rates at its next meeting on March 18. Still, they are pricing in 75 basis points in rate ‌cuts this year, with the first expected in July, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Non-yielding ⁠bullion tends ⁠to do well in low-interest-rate environments. "It will likely require the dollar to resume its downtrend for gold to make a push in the direction of $6,000 before year-end," Waterer said.

On the geopolitical front, the US military is preparing for the possibility of a weeks-long operation against Iran should President Donald Trump authorize an attack, two US officials told Reuters, in what could become a far more serious conflict than previously seen between the countries.

Spot silver lost 2.4% to $75.64 per ounce, after a 3% fall earlier in the session. The white metal rose 3.4% on Friday. Spot platinum slipped 0.8% to $2,045.11 per ounce, while palladium shed 0.7% to $1,673.52.

Business

Saudi Arabia Elected President of Arab Housing and Reconstruction Council Executive Office

Saudi flags seen in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi flags seen in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Elected President of Arab Housing and Reconstruction Council Executive Office

Saudi flags seen in Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi flags seen in Riyadh (SPA)

The Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction announced Saudi Arabia’s election as President of the Executive Office of the council for the 2026-2027 term during its 42nd session held in Doha.

During the meeting, the council also approved the theme for Arab Housing Day 2026, proposed by the Kingdom, which focuses on community resilience, building adaptive communities, promoting urban sustainability, and enhancing the readiness of Arab cities to address future challenges.

The council seeks to strengthen Arab coordination in housing and construction and to leverage the diverse expertise of member states in developing housing policies and urban planning, supporting balanced urban development across the Arab region.

Through its presidency of the Executive Office, the Kingdom will support joint Arab cooperation initiatives and promote the exchange of technical and regulatory expertise in urban planning and the development of real estate systems and legislation, helping Arab countries create more efficient and sustainable housing environments.

The adoption of the 2026 Arab Housing Day slogan reflects a shared Arab stance on building communities capable of adapting to economic, environmental, and social changes, and providing adequate housing that improves the quality of life in Arab cities.