A look at foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia

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The Ministry of Investment published for the first time a detailed report on foreign direct investment (FDI) statistics in the Kingdom by economic activities and administrative regions, in accordance with the new methodology for calculating FDI.

The updated methodology adopted the highest standards of accuracy and reliability described in the Balance of Payments (BOP) and the International Investment Position (IIP) statement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It is based on an analytical study of companies' financial statements in terms of equities, as well as debts and receivables between the company, its associates, sister companies, and parent companies abroad in terms of credit and debit balances, loans, and distributions.

The data showed that FDI net inflows to Saudi Arabia grew 21% year-on-year (YoY) to about SAR 105.2 billion in 2022.

According to the report, these flows upgraded the Kingdom rank to the tenth among G20 nations for 2022 in terms of FDI net flows, and the 16th in terms of the FDI’s balance in the same year.

The Kingdom's economy witnessed a 16% YoY rise in FDI flows in 2021, reaching SAR 762 billion.

The ministry indicated that gross inflows exceeded the National Investment Strategy’s (NIS) objectives by 101% to SAR 61 billion.

The FDI’s statistics indicated the success of investment policies aimed at attracting investment in various economic sectors and administrative zones across the Kingdom.

According to the new methodology, FDI’s statistics represent a fundamental step towards improving data quality and transparency in a way that supports investment system’s development to achieve economic diversification and NIS objectives.

Below are the details of FDI inflows in the Kingdom since 2016:

In 2022, transport and storage activity was the highest in terms of FDI net flows with a value of SAR 52.2 billion, bringing its balance to SAR 112.6 billion, or 15% of the total.

Manufacturing activities achieved the highest contribution to the total FDI balance by the end of 2022, at 31% of the total at SAR 239 billion.

The Eastern Province achieved the highest FDI balance in 2022, at SAR 300.6 billion, followed by Riyadh and Makkah with a balance of SAR 238.9 billion and SAR 111.8 billion, respectively, as the following table shows: