Saudi Arabia's net FDI up 26%: GASTAT

02/05/2025 02:15 AST

Net foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia reached SR22.1 billion ($5.89 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a rise of 26 percent compared to the previous three months, newly released official data showed.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, this figure was the highest level across the year, surpassing the SR15.5 billion seen in the first three months of 2024, the SR19 billion recorded in the second quarter, and the SR17.5 billion witnessed in the third.

Saudi Arabia is aiming to attract $100 billion in FDI a year by the end of this decade as it seeks to make significant strides in diversifying its economy and reducing its decades-long dependence on crude revenues.

When it came to inflows, GASTAT revealed SR23.8 billion was recieved in the final three months of 2024, marking a 17 percent rise from the third quarter.

The value of FDI outflows stood at SR1.8 billion during the fourth quarter, marking a decrease of 39 percent compared to the previous three months.

Comparison with 2023
The total net value of FDI in the fourth quarter was down 13 percent compared to the same period of 2023, where the figure stood at SR25.5 billion.

Compared to the final quarter of 2023, the value of inflows declined by 11 percent in the last three months of 2024.

GASTAT added that the value of outflows registered a growth rate of 20 percent compared to the same period of 2023.
Saudi Arabia's FDI ambitions gain momentum
The latest figures come after Saudi Arabia rose to 13th place in Kearney's 2025 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, published in April.

This is up one spot from last year and also means the Kingdom retained its position as the third-most attractive emerging market, signaling continued global confidence in its transformation strategy.

Kearney said that the advancement of Saudi Arabia in the ranking reflects the nation's bold, reform-driven approach to building an internationally competitive, future-ready economy.

In October, the Kingdom also approved an updated investment law to enhance FDI flows, with the Ministry of Investment stating that it would boost transparency and simplify the investment process.

The rule also promises enhanced protections for investors, including adherence to the rule of law, fair treatment, and property rights, alongside robust safeguards for intellectual property and seamless fund transfers.

Arab News