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Saudi Arabia Approves New Center for Special Economic Zones in Riyadh

Higher authorities have approved the organizational arrangements for a new center for economic zones in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Higher authorities have approved the organizational arrangements for a new center for economic zones in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Approves New Center for Special Economic Zones in Riyadh

Higher authorities have approved the organizational arrangements for a new center for economic zones in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Higher authorities have approved the organizational arrangements for a new center for economic zones in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Official information revealed that higher authorities have approved the organizational arrangements for a new center for economic zones in Riyadh. The Royal Commission for the Saudi capital would be the competent authority to supervise these zones.

Last year, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman revealed a new strategy for the development of Riyadh as part of the Kingdom’s plans to diversify sources of income and grow the economy. The strategy aims to make Riyadh one of the 10 largest city economies in the world.

Any proposal to establish a special economic zone in Riyadh will be submitted to the Council of Economic and Development Affairs for study by the National Incentives Committee (NIC) and the Supreme National Investment Committee (SNIC).

Furthermore, a team will be formed under the umbrella of SNIC, headed by the Special Economic Cities and Zones Authority. The team will also include officials from several relevant ministries.

The team will aid the committees when examining the request to establish a special economic zone in Riyadh.

The Saudi government confirmed that the establishment of the special economic zone in Riyadh would be in line with the draft national strategy for special economic zones and the draft national incentive framework.

Arrangements of the Center for Special Economic Zones in Riyadh include doing everything necessary to achieve objectives. This involves drawing up strategies, policies, plans, general and detailed programs for the development of economic zones and preparing proposals for the establishment of new zones and submitting them to authorities.

The new center aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s economic position and improve its competitiveness by contributing to the establishment of special zones that compete with their counterparts in the world.

The center will promote adopting policies, rules, instructions, and procedures that regulate activities and services within the zones according to best practices.

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Saudi Trade Surplus Hits 10-Month High as Imports Decline

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Trade Surplus Hits 10-Month High as Imports Decline

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia posted its highest trade surplus in 10 months in February, buoyed by a sharp drop in merchandise imports, a trend that supports state revenues, bolsters currency stability, and reflects strong global demand for locally produced goods.

The Kingdom recorded a trade surplus of 31 billion riyals ($8.26 billion) in February, up 44.6% from 21 billion riyals in January and higher than the 29 billion riyals recorded in the same month last year, data from the General Authority for Statistics showed.

The surge came despite a slight dip in exports, as merchandise imports fell by 5.6% month-on-month to 63 billion riyals ($16.7 billion) — the lowest level since late 2023. Meanwhile, merchandise exports stood at 94 billion riyals ($18.3 billion), down from 97 billion riyals in January.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose 14.3% year-on-year in February to 26 billion riyals ($6.9 billion), up from 23 billion riyals in the same month last year, driven by ongoing efforts to boost domestic industry and global market access.

The growth comes as the Kingdom steps up its “Made in Saudi” initiative, aimed at helping local companies expand operations, tap new customer bases, and market their products to a wider audience. The program is part of Riyadh’s broader push to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.

Trade experts say the rise in exports relative to imports is supported by a mix of financial incentives, export facilitation, and expanded logistics infrastructure across air, land and sea.

China remained Saudi Arabia’s largest export destination in February, accounting for 16.2% of total exports. South Korea followed with 10.1%, and the United Arab Emirates came third with 9%.

Dr. Fawaz Alamy, an international trade expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the trade surplus reflects the Kingdom’s successful policies to stimulate the private sector and boost the competitiveness of national products abroad. He said recent regulatory reforms have eliminated key obstacles for exporters and helped create entities that support global expansion.

He added that government agencies are working closely with the private sector by providing consulting services, financing, and market targeting strategies to facilitate international trade.

“Saudi Arabia’s non-oil activities are now growing steadily and contributing more than 50% to GDP,” Alamy said, noting this aligns with Vision 2030 goals to build a diversified and thriving economy.

Economic analyst Ahmed Al-Shehri echoed the sentiment, saying February’s trade surplus highlights the success of government collaboration in enhancing the export environment, overcoming exporter challenges, and improving export-related knowledge and talent.

He added that authorities continue to support the private sector and create an attractive environment for local and foreign investment. “In recent years, the government has worked to understand and remove the challenges facing domestic companies to ensure they can drive economic growth,” Al-Shehri said.

He noted that the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP is now around 50%, adding: “Government agencies are actively helping manufacturers and exporters identify global market opportunities and deliver tailored support.”