Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is now the country’s top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), with FDI stock reaching SR366 billion ($97.6 billion) — accounting for 42% of the Kingdom’s total, according to Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.
Speaking at the Jubail Investment Forum 2025 (April 27–28), Al-Falih revealed:
- 5,456 active foreign investment licenses were issued by early 2025.
- These investments support over 53,000 jobs, with a 36% localization rate.
- More than 600 investment opportunities valued over SR330 billion are available, showcased through the Invest Saudi platform.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- Saudi Arabia targets $100 billion in FDI annually by 2030, in line with Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy.
- FDI inflows rose 29.39% in Q4 2024 compared to the previous quarter, reaching SR23.29 billion.
- 34 international companies have already secured licenses to establish regional headquarters in the Eastern Province, across sectors like petrochemicals, energy, mining, real estate, and manufacturing.
- The Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone, launched in 2023, aims to localize 50% of shipbuilding components within a decade, with SR26 billion targeted investment.
With its strategic location — connected to six neighboring countries — and rich energy resources, the Eastern Province is poised to be a major driver of Saudi Arabia’s investment and industrial future.