Saudi Arabia has taken a pivotal step toward strengthening its standing as a global investment destination after the Cabinet approved the regulatory frameworks for four Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Jazan, Ras Al-Khair, King Abdullah Economic City, and the Cloud Computing Special Economic Zone.
The move marks the effective start of the operational and legal phase for the zones, offering investors a clear roadmap on how to benefit from the incentives and competitive advantages the Kingdom is rolling out.
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih said the regulations will come into force in early April 2026, calling the decision a major leap in developing the regulatory ecosystem for SEZs.
He said it underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting investment competitiveness regionally and globally, while building an enabling environment that attracts high-quality investments and supports sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030.
The four zones are designed to serve strategic sectors that place the Kingdom at the heart of global supply chains. The Jazan zone is set to become a hub for food processing, mining, and manufacturing, leveraging its port and proximity to African markets.
Ras al-Khair is being developed into a global center for maritime and mining industries, providing an integrated platform for shipbuilding, offshore drilling rigs, and marine support services.
King Abdullah Economic City is positioned as an advanced hub for logistics, high-value manufacturing, and the automotive sector, while the Cloud Computing and Informatics Zone in Riyadh represents a major leap in the data economy, hosting global technology firms offering local data storage and processing services.
The new regulations introduce flexible licensing regimes, attractive tax and customs standards, and streamlined operating procedures, including flexible ownership structures.
Investors will be allowed to use multiple languages for trade names, and investments within the zones will be exempt from certain provisions of the traditional Companies Law, giving global firms greater operational freedom.
On workforce policy, Al-Falih said the regulations include tailored Saudization frameworks aligned with each zone’s economic activities, balancing national talent development with the rapid growth needs of major investors.
The frameworks are part of an integrated governance model that clarifies mandates and aligns government entities, accelerating licensing processes and creating a fast, flexible business environment aligned with Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions.
