Saudi Arabia Attracts $9.3B in Foreign Investment From 203 Projects in Early 2025
Saudi Arabia attracted 203 new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the first half of 2025. This is 30% more than last year and brought in $9.34 billion, as the country continues its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy.
Top investment destinations
Riyadh led with 100 projects worth $2.3 billion. Dammam followed with 21 projects worth $1.28 billion, and Jeddah had 13 projects totaling $1.22 billion, according to Emirates NBD.
Where the money came from
The United States was the biggest investor with 61 projects worth $2.7 billion, making up about 30% of all deals. Egypt came second with $1.81 billion across 11 projects, mostly in real estate. China invested $858 million, France $771 million, and the UAE launched 25 projects worth $205 million.
Which sectors got the most projects
-
Business services led with 55 projects (27%), including consulting, environmental services, and water development.
-
Software and IT followed with 35 projects (17%), showing Saudi Arabia’s digital push.
-
Transport, warehousing, and industrial equipment each attracted 14 projects.
-
Financial services had 11 projects.
Which sectors got the most money
-
Communications topped with $1.92 billion from 11 projects.
-
Real estate followed with $1.79 billion from nine projects.
-
Other high-investment areas: electronic parts ($879M), transport & warehousing ($779M), and chemicals ($765M).
By activity type, manufacturing led with $3.5B across 26 projects (38% of FDI). Construction brought in $1.95B, and ICT/internet infrastructure $1.85B.
Regional HQ boost
Saudi Arabia also attracted 25 new regional headquarters in the first half of 2025, helping Riyadh grow as a business hub for the Middle East.
Major projects announced
-
Equinix (USA): $1B for a large data center.
-
Paragon & El Attal (Egypt): $1.7B in real estate projects in Riyadh and Jeddah.
-
Lantania (Spain) & L&T (India): $500M desalination plant for 1M residents.
-
Pico Play (Hong Kong): $456M entertainment equipment factory in Riyadh.
-
Kirby (Kuwait) & Welspun (India): $315M each in steel manufacturing plants.
Looking ahead
At the LEAP 2025 tech conference, companies pledged an additional $14.9B in future investments, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global hub for technology and innovation.
Published: 21st August 2025
For more article like this please follow our social media Facebook, Linkedin & Instagram
Also Read:
Iraq Signs Early Oil Deal With Chevron
Business Bay, JVC, Downtown Lead Dubai Property Market 2025
Dubai Intl Chamber Adds 143 New Companies in H1 2025
