Saudi Arabia working on updated investment strategy: Al-Falih

Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said that the ministry is working on an updated investment strategy, which will represent the second phase of the National Investment Strategy that successfully achieved its targets over the past five years.

In remarks on the sidelines of today’s Shura Council session, Al-Falih affirmed that the observations and proposals of Shura Council members will be taken into account for discussion and approval. He noted that the ministry aspires to exceed the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 and to be prepared for the period beyond it.

The minister also stated that the quantitative performance of investment in the Kingdom has exceeded all expectations, with investment now accounting for 32% of GDP, while gross fixed capital formation represents 40% of non-oil GDP.

Saudi Arabia is an attractive investment environment, said the minister, noting that foreign direct investment performance was outstanding by the end of 2025.

In his speech during the session, Al-Falih said that the ministry has identified more than 2,000 investment opportunities with a total value exceeding SAR 1 trillion. He also noted that opportunities published on the “Invest Saudi” platform have been converted into 346 closed deals, with a total value exceeding SAR 231 billion, state-run news agency SPA reported.

Al-Falih highlighted the role of the Regional Headquarters Attraction Program, under which more than 700 global companies had been licensed by the end of 2025, surpassing the 2030 target of 500 companies. He explained that these companies span diverse sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional business hub.

He further stated that the number of active investment licenses has grown tenfold, rising from 6,000 licenses in 2019 to 62,000 licenses by the end of 2025, emphasizing the role of companies in creating more than one million job opportunities, many of which were filled by national talent.

Moreover, the minister highlighted the Kingdom’s success in attracting 20 of the world’s top 30 banks, as part of efforts to strengthen the presence and activity of leading international asset managers and banks in support of the Saudi banking sector.

He also noted that legislative improvements have contributed to the Kingdom advancing 15 places on the Global Competitiveness Index.

According to Al-Falih, the update of the National Investment Strategy in 2025 focused on “quality and productivity,” directing investments toward sectors with the highest economic impact and developing financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Regarding the fair competition for local investors alongside attracting foreign investment, the minister stressed that local investors are a top priority for the ministry, affirming that work continues to enhance investment efficiency and competitiveness for all investors.
 He also highlighted the importance of investment events held across different regions of the Kingdom in showcasing and marketing the unique opportunities in each region. He noted that the ministry is a partner in organizing and promoting these events, in cooperation with chambers of commerce, regional development authorities, and relevant government entities, aiming to leverage each region’s competitive advantages appropriately.
 Al-Falih also emphasized the importance of the Ministry of Investment’s role in localizing foreign private-sector activity, citing the experience of Saudi Aramco and the Kingdom’s long-standing orientation toward localization since the era of the founding King, which accelerated development and contributed to the rise of major national companies competing at the international level.

In response to a question about attracting and empowering investors in the education sector, the minister stated that education is among the key targeted sectors due to its critical role in developing capable and knowledgeable generations. This, he said, contributes to achieving Vision 2030, supports economic diversification, and ensures sustainable development driven by the creativity and skills of the nation’s youth.

Regarding the evaluation of investment legislation, Al-Falih noted that the ministry moved to update the National Investment Strategy in 2025 to enhance competitiveness in attracting investments amid global changes and intensifying international competition, with a focus on sectors with the highest economic impact.
 Al-Falih further lauded the integration between the ministry and all national entities in supporting the investment environment, particularly through the Investment Law, which emphasizes the principles of competitive neutrality and reciprocity. He highlighted that the enactment of the law supported the Kingdom’s advancement in key international indicators.