Are you considering investing in Saudi Arabia? If so, you’re on the right track.
As global investors turn toward dynamic markets with solid growth, Saudi Arabia stands out.
The country is transforming fast, offering investors unmatched opportunities in real estate, tech, and beyond. Let’s dive into how Saudi Arabia can add real value to your investment portfolio…
Vision 2030: The Game-Changer for Investing in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2023 aims to transform the nation’s economy and society. Key goals include diversifying beyond oil and boosting sectors like healthcare, housing, and tourism.
For example:
- Healthcare: Accessibility to emergency healthcare increased. A 2024 study titled “2022 insights on hospital bed distribution in Saudi Arabia: evaluating needs to achieve global standards” highlights that the national average of hospital beds per 1,000 people reached 2.43, serving a population of approximately 32.2 million. This indicates a substantial improvement in healthcare capacity, aligning with international standards. (BMC)
- Housing: According to the Housing Program’s 2023 Annual Report, the percentage of Saudi households owning a home reached 63.74% at the end of 2023, an increase of 16.7 percentage points compared to 2016. (Momah Government)
Such progress supports Vision 2030’s target to expand the non-oil sector’s GDP contribution from 42% in 2023 to over 50% by 2030.
Growing Investment Opportunities in Key Sectors
Tourism and Public Projects
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism projects, like NEOM and The Red Sea Development, are reshaping the Kingdom as a global destination:
- Tourism Contribution: By 2030, tourism’s share in GDP is expected to triple, reaching a 10% contribution (Atalayar).
- Current Growth: In 2023, tourism contributed 4.5% to GDP, up from 3% in 2018.
This rapid expansion is set to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, far surpassing initial projections.
Did you know? Initial goals aimed for 100 million visitors by 2030, but recent figures have adjusted this to 150 million visitors (Al-Arabiya).
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Investor confidence is rising. FDI in Saudi Arabia reached 96 billion riyals in 2023, surpassing the target of 83 billion riyals by 16%.
This achievement reflects a 50% increase compared to 2022, excluding a significant Aramco deal. The National Investment Strategy aims for $100 billion in FDI by 2030, targeting 6% of GDP. (Reuters)
Strategic Benefits of Investing in Saudi Arabia
Investing in Saudi Arabia comes with its advantages:
- Geographic Location: Positioned as a bridge between East and West, Saudi Arabia offers access to major global markets, making it a strategic logistics hub.
- Regulatory Reforms: Ranked 30th in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms that streamline business processes, increase transparency, and reduce operational costs.
- Tax Incentives: Saudi Arabia’s 30-year tax incentives for key industries ease the burden on new businesses and support expansion.
- Visa Policies: New services like digital passports and visa-free travel for residents make international movement easier, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s investment appeal.
Thriving Sectors in Saudi Arabia’s Economy
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 promotes growth in various sectors, presenting vast opportunities for investors:
Real Estate
With a population set to reach 60 million by 2030, real estate demand is expected to soar:
- Housing Market: The Kingdom has committed to constructing over 500,000 housing units by 2030 (Asharq-Al-awsat). Nonetheless, according to a Bloomberg report, KSA plans to build 115,000 homes per year to address the expanding need for real estate in the country.
- Rising Rental Incomes: In cities like Riyadh, where demand is high, property values and rental incomes are likely to rise, making real estate an appealing long-term investment.
Digital Economy and AI
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is driving growth, contributing 6.6% to the GDP in 2023, with a goal of reaching 10% by 2030. Investments in AI and digital infrastructure are making the Kingdom a prime location for tech companies.
Fintech Sector Contributions:
- Economic Growth: In 2023, fintech added around SAR 3 billion (about USD 1 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, exceeding the target of SAR 2.2 billion (USD 586 million) for the year. (Fintechnews.ae)
- Rising Investments: Investments in fintech companies have been on the rise, reflecting growing interest and expansion in the sector. (Fintechnews.ae)
Proptech Sector Contributions:
- Economic Impact: The real estate sector, driven by proptech, contributes about 7% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. (FT.com)
- Job Creation: Proptech supports over 120 related industries and added roughly 40,000 jobs in 2021, emphasizing its role in the economy. (FT.com)
These advancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s focus on tech and innovation as core pillars for economic diversification and growth in both fintech and proptech.
So, Why Invest in Saudi Arabia Now?
Investing in Saudi Arabia in 2024 is more than just tapping into economic growth—it’s about being part of a transformative era.
Vision 2030 presents unparalleled opportunities across sectors like real estate, tourism, digital technology, and beyond.
For investors, this is a chance to diversify portfolios and participate in a high-growth market with remarkable potential.
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