Investment licenses in Saudi Arabia jump 68% in Q1 2026

Logo of Ministry of Investment

The Ministry of Investment issued nearly 7,742 licenses in Q1 2026, an 68% year-on-year (YoY) increase, after excluding licenses issued under the National Anti-Commercial Concealment Program (Tasattur).

The ministry noted that the increase reflects the Kingdom’s position as an attractive investment destination, backed by strong competitive advantages, including a stable and business-friendly investment environment, according to its latest Economy and Investment Monitor report.

The ministry continues to support domestic investment and attract foreign capital, while organizing various events and participating in multiple forums to advance these efforts.

**Historical investment license figures are subject to updates based on data dynamics.

According to the report, most of the investment licenses were concentrated in construction, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing, which together accounted for approximately 65% of total licenses issued during Q1 2026.

The construction sector topped with nearly 2,506 licenses, up 34% YoY, followed by wholesale and retail trade, rising 242% YoY to 1,592 licenses. The manufacturing sector reached 969 licenses, up 50% YoY.

Meanwhile, some sectors recorded declines, most notably electricity and gas, which fell 67% annually, followed by water supply and mining, down 24% and 13% YoY, respectively.