Under Saudi Arabia’ s ambitious Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s investment environment is undergoing an extraordinary transformation that reflects the leadership’s commitment to building a diversified and prosperous economy.
One of the most prominent manifestations of this transformation is the guarantee of equal rights and opportunities for local and foreign investors, which has transformed Saudi Arabia into a market that attracts global capital while maintaining support for the national investor.

Legal framework: From discrimination to equality

Recent years have seen profound legislative reforms that have removed historic barriers to foreign investors.
The new investment law and its executive regulations guarantee equal treatment between investors, with foreign investors now enjoying the same rights and guarantees as Saudi investors. This includes:

• Full ownership of projects in most sectors without the need for a local partner.
• The ability to transfer profits and proceeds outside the Kingdom without hindrance.
• Equal legal protection and dispute resolution through international mechanisms.
• Equal access to land and real estate for investment projects.

A level playing field in critical sectors:

Equality is no longer just a legal principle, but has materialized into tangible opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s diverse investment sectors:

• Renewable Energy Sector

In solar and wind projects, global and local companies compete equally in major government tenders, with standardized evaluation criteria focusing on efficiency, technical capability, and economic feasibility.

• Logistics Sector

With Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a gateway connecting continents, opportunities to establish a company in Saudi Arabia in the logistics field have opened up for everyone, as a foreign investor can establish a full-featured logistics company with the same conditions as a local investor.

• Technology and Innovation Sector

Foreign investment in Saudi Arabia’s tech sector has seen unprecedented growth, with international companies and global startups receiving the same incentives, funding and support as local companies in cities such as NEOM and King Abdulaziz Energy City.

Investment incentives that do not discriminate between local and foreigners:

Investment incentives in Saudi Arabia are designed to be inclusive and fair:

• Tax breaks for up to 20 years for strategic projects.
• Subsidized financing through the Saudi Industrial Development Fund and other development funds.
• Subsidizing land fees and preferential rents in industrial cities.
• Visa facilities for investors, eligible employees and their families

Transparency and mechanization: Practical guarantees for equality:

Laws alone are not enough to ensure equality, so Saudi Arabia has relied on :

• “Invest in Saudi Arabia” unified platform that provides transparent information and services to all investors.
• A single window for completing procedures and licenses without discrimination.
• Clear and publicized criteria for all requirements and conditions.
• Equal complaint mechanisms for all in case of discrimination.

Tangible successes that reflect a policy of equality:

Saudi Arabia’s investment figures are seeing big jumps that reflect the confidence of foreign and local investors:

• Foreign direct investment (FDI) is growing at a high rate.
• Diversified sources of inbound investment from America, Europe and Asia.
• An increasing number of foreign companies in Saudi Arabia are choosing the Kingdom as their regional headquarters.
• The flow of local investments in joint ventures with international partners.

Ongoing Challenges and Solutions

Despite significant progress, the Saudi government continues to improve the investment environment by:

• Periodic review of regulations to ensure that the principle of equality is applied in practice.
• Ongoing dialog with the local and international business community to identify challenges.
• Developing legal and judicial infrastructure to support all investors.
• Awareness programs to promote a culture of fair competition and constructive partnership.

A common future: Local-International Partnerships

The relationship between local and foreign investors is no longer a purely competitive one, but rather a strategic partnership that capitalizes on each party’s strengths.
The local investor brings deep knowledge of the local market and culture, while the foreign investor brings advanced technologies, global expertise and export networks.

Conclusion:

Saudi Arabia today offers an inspiring model for ensuring equality between local and foreign investors, where the principle has gone from slogan to reality at all stages of investment: From licensing to implementation, from operation to expansion. This approach not only strengthens the confidence of international investors, but also stimulates healthy competition and innovation among local investors, ultimately serving national development goals and creating prosperity for all.

In this context, establishing a company in Saudi Arabia, whether for local or foreign investors, becomes a strategic decision in a promising economy, governed by a fair system, equal opportunities and an ambitious future vision that makes the Kingdom the ideal investment destination in the region.