FedEx Express Moves to Direct-serve Presence in Saudi Arabia

FedEx announces moving to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
FedEx announces moving to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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FedEx Express Moves to Direct-serve Presence in Saudi Arabia

FedEx announces moving to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
FedEx announces moving to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The world’s largest express transportation company FedEx Express is moving to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia.

FedEx Express will invest more than 1.5 billion Saudi riyals ($400 million) into the Saudi economy over the next 10 years to meet the country's growing international shipping demands.

The investment will go into talent management, local operations and infrastructure, the company said in a statement.

The company's investment, in line with Saudi's Vision 2030 goals and the ‘National Industrial Development and Logistics Program’, seeks to increase non-oil exports to more than 1 trillion riyals ($266 billion).

FedEx Express has been facilitating trade in Saudi Arabia since 1994, offering international solutions and connectivity through local service providers, most recently through SAB Express.

Its direct presence will further help local businesses trade with ease and expand their reach into the more than 220 countries and territories that it serves, the statement added.

“This strategic expansion in the kingdom will help Saudi-based businesses connect to new markets and customers around the world, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the national economy,” said Jack Muhs, regional president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa.

“In addition to our commitment to the Saudi economy, we see FedEx Express playing an important role in developing the small- and medium-enterprise environment in Saudi Arabia, which forms the backbone of the economy, and represents 99 percent of Saudi Arabia’s private sector.”

FedEx Express will continue to work closely with SAB Express to provide pickup, delivery, and customs clearance services across the country, the statement read.

“We’re happy to continue supporting FedEx Express in Saudi Arabia with their growth journey and join them in playing a critical role in developing Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure, in line with the country’s coordinated efforts and strategy in diversifying the economy,” Sheikh Salah Al Bluewi, chairman of SAB Express, said.

“The logistics sector is a key contributor towards employment, investment, and overall economic growth in our nation.”



Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
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Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups

The number of foreign start‑ups holding Saudi Arabia’s “Riyadi” entrepreneurship license has more than doubled to 550 by mid‑2025, up 118 % from the same period a year earlier, the Investment Ministry said.

The Riyadi permit lets overseas founders launch and scale technology and innovation‑focused companies in the kingdom. Officials say the surge reflects a government push to position Saudi Arabia as the Gulf’s start‑up hub by easing market entry and offering flexible regulation.

The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has meanwhile issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators, helping international entrepreneurs develop prototypes, find mentors and connect with investors.

Flagship tech gatherings such as Biban and LEAP in Riyadh – along with Saudi delegations to global events including Web Summit, VivaTech and Slush – have burnished the kingdom’s credentials as a magnet for venture capital and talent, the ministry said.

The momentum comes as Riyadh chases the economic‑diversification goals of its Vision 2030 plan. The government is targeting $100 billion a year in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2030.

Overall investment licensing jumped 67.7 % last year. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia issued 4,615 licenses, up 59.9 % year on year.

Net FDI inflows moderated to 16.0 billion riyals ($4.27 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, 24 % lower than a year earlier but 37 % higher than the previous quarter’s 11.7 billion riyals ($3.12 billion), according to General Authority for Statistics data.

Saudi officials say the Riyadi license is integral to diversifying the economy, fostering innovation and embedding an entrepreneurial culture.