In a significant move, Saudi Arabia granted 34 licenses for regional headquarters in the second quarter of 2025, as part of the Kingdom’s strategy to establish itself as the leading business hub in the Middle East, which supports Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals beyond oil dependence. The Ministry of Investment (MISA) revealed this information in its Economic and Investment Monitor report for the second quarter.
Vision 2030 Momentum Builds
Consequently, investor service centers delivered over 125,000 services while the ministry’s website provided 59,000 online solutions during Q2 2025. Furthermore, comprehensive service centers handled 34,000 in-person requests, demonstrating robust operational capacity. Since 2021, nearly 600 major firms like Northern Trust, IHG Hotels, and Deloitte established Saudi bases. Riyadh’s Regional Headquarters Program drives this surge by offering multinationals 30-year tax exemptions, withholding tax relief, and regulatory support.
MISA actively promotes local and foreign investment through diverse global engagements. Specifically, the ministry organized and participated in seven high-level events across multiple sectors during Q2 2025. These included forums with the US, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan plus major conferences in Paris and Russia. Such platforms effectively showcase Saudi investment opportunities and strengthen international economic partnerships significantly.
Global Investment Shifts Favor Kingdom
Despite a 4.3% year-on-year decline in global FDI inflows per the OECD, Saudi Arabia counters broader trends effectively. G20 nations saw FDI rise 33.5%, led by emerging economies including China and India. MISA simultaneously introduced key legal reforms to boost investor confidence substantially. New measures established the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority and updated civil aviation, food security, and real estate laws.
These initiatives cultivate a safer, more competitive investment environment within the Kingdom. Consequently, Saudi Arabia secured third place among emerging markets in the 2025 FDI Confidence Index. It also maintains top global rankings for investment climate, entrepreneurship, and digital infrastructure indicators consistently. MISA officials state these achievements directly advance critical Vision 2030 targets.
Therefore, Saudi Arabia aims to attract SR388 billion ($103.5 billion) in foreign direct investment by 2030 successfully. Additionally, the plan will elevate the private sector’s GDP contribution to 65% and reduce unemployment to 7%. Each new regional HQ license represents a concrete step toward these ambitious national goals. MISA’s proactive strategy ensures Saudi Arabia remains a magnet for global business expansion decisively.
