Saudi Arabia Tops Investment Priorities for Majority of International Firms in the United Arab Emirates
Survey finds that nine in ten global companies in the UAE view the Saudi market as the most attractive destination for growth
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the primary investment destination for a substantial majority of international businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates, according to a new industry survey that highlights Riyadh’s growing appeal as an economic hub in the region.
The findings indicate that roughly ninety per cent of multinational companies with a presence in the UAE regard the Kingdom as their top market for future investment, underlining the depth of commercial ties between the two Gulf economies and the expanding opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s market reforms and economic diversification efforts.
Respondents pointed to several factors driving Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness, including the size of its consumer market, strategic initiatives under Vision 2030, and regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating foreign investment.
The Kingdom’s ongoing opening of key sectors — from tourism and entertainment to technology and energy — has been accompanied by incentives designed to improve ease of doing business, streamline ownership rules and strengthen legal protections for overseas capital.
Many companies cited Riyadh’s regulatory clarity and ambitions to integrate more fully with global supply chains as central to their decision to prioritise investment in Saudi Arabia.
Executives also highlighted the complementary nature of UAE and Saudi markets, noting that integrated commercial strategies across the Gulf Cooperation Council allow firms to leverage the strengths of both economies.
Saudi Arabia’s consumer base and rapid infrastructure expansion offer scale, while the UAE’s role as a financial and logistics hub provides access to international capital and distribution networks.
This dynamic, industry leaders say, enables firms to optimise regional operations and pursue cross-border opportunities that benefit both markets.
Business confidence in Saudi Arabia’s prospects is further underpinned by the Kingdom’s proactive approach to attracting foreign direct investment, including regulatory reforms, special economic zones and public-private partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, digital innovation and advanced manufacturing.
The survey results reflect how these strategic initiatives have resonated with international firms seeking stable, high-growth markets in an evolving geopolitical environment.
While some respondents noted challenges related to competition and workforce localisation policies, the prevailing view among multinational investors remains strongly positive.
With economic integration advancing and policy frameworks maturing, Saudi Arabia is positioned at the centre of regional investment flows, reinforcing its role as a leading destination for global business expansion in the Middle East.
The findings indicate that roughly ninety per cent of multinational companies with a presence in the UAE regard the Kingdom as their top market for future investment, underlining the depth of commercial ties between the two Gulf economies and the expanding opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s market reforms and economic diversification efforts.
Respondents pointed to several factors driving Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness, including the size of its consumer market, strategic initiatives under Vision 2030, and regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating foreign investment.
The Kingdom’s ongoing opening of key sectors — from tourism and entertainment to technology and energy — has been accompanied by incentives designed to improve ease of doing business, streamline ownership rules and strengthen legal protections for overseas capital.
Many companies cited Riyadh’s regulatory clarity and ambitions to integrate more fully with global supply chains as central to their decision to prioritise investment in Saudi Arabia.
Executives also highlighted the complementary nature of UAE and Saudi markets, noting that integrated commercial strategies across the Gulf Cooperation Council allow firms to leverage the strengths of both economies.
Saudi Arabia’s consumer base and rapid infrastructure expansion offer scale, while the UAE’s role as a financial and logistics hub provides access to international capital and distribution networks.
This dynamic, industry leaders say, enables firms to optimise regional operations and pursue cross-border opportunities that benefit both markets.
Business confidence in Saudi Arabia’s prospects is further underpinned by the Kingdom’s proactive approach to attracting foreign direct investment, including regulatory reforms, special economic zones and public-private partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, digital innovation and advanced manufacturing.
The survey results reflect how these strategic initiatives have resonated with international firms seeking stable, high-growth markets in an evolving geopolitical environment.
While some respondents noted challenges related to competition and workforce localisation policies, the prevailing view among multinational investors remains strongly positive.
With economic integration advancing and policy frameworks maturing, Saudi Arabia is positioned at the centre of regional investment flows, reinforcing its role as a leading destination for global business expansion in the Middle East.
