FDIs rise 13% to SAR 1.09T in 2025

FDI makes up 33% of Saudi Arabia’s total foreign investment

Foreign direct investments (FDIs) inflows to Saudi Arabia grew 13% year-on-year (YoY) to about SAR 1.099 trillion at the end of 2025.

FDIs accounted for about 33% of total foreign investment in the Kingdom, according to the latest data issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Foreign direct investment is defined as investment that reflects a long-term relationship and lasting interest by economic entities resident in an economy other than the economy in which the investment is made. This means the foreign investor owns 10% or more of shareholders’ equity, enabling it to exercise a degree of control or influence over decision-making in a way that serves its interests. Accordingly, this process is described as foreign direct investment.

Foreign investment in the Saudi economy expanded 19% YoY to SAR 3.32 trillion at the end of 2025, data showed.

Foreign investments include foreign direct investment, in addition to portfolio investments, which cover equity and investment fund shares and debt securities, amounting to SAR 1.315 trillion, as well as other investments worth SAR 907.8 billion.