Saudi construction sector lures most foreign firms, says SAGIA

Saudi Arabia is home to a total of 7,707 foreign firms which operate with a consolidated capital of SAR 651.63 billion, data from The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) showed.

Construction was the most attractive sector for foreign investors, accounting for 36 percent, or 2,779 of total firms.

The Saudi manufacturing industries sector came second, attracting 27 percent of total firms.

Meanwhile, as many as 562 firms, or 7.3 percent of total firms are operating in the information and communication technology (ICT).

Wholesale, retail and vehicle repair attracted 2.2 percent of total foreign investors.

In terms of capital concentration, manufacturing industries had the lion’s share of 72 percent of aggregate capital.

Finance and insurance ranked second with 6.1 percent.

Construction and ICT held 4.6 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively of aggregate capital.

In terms of geographical distribution, Riyadh attracted 3,522 foreign firms. Jeddah and Khobar followed, having 1,494 and 923 firms, respectively.