Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Saudi Arabia climbed 30.1% in the first half of 2025, reaching 203 projects, according to a report by Emirates NBD. Capital inflows stood at $9.34 billion, a 1.7% increase from the same period last year.

Greenfield FDI, as defined by the UN, involves parent companies establishing new operations from the ground up, often creating long-term jobs.

Riyadh emerged as the top destination, attracting 100 projects worth $2.3 billion, followed by Dammam with 21 projects valued at $1.28 billion, and Jeddah with 13 projects totaling $1.22 billion. Emirates NBD noted this spread highlights the Kingdom’s multi-city appeal in line with Vision 2030, which targets $100 billion in annual FDI by the end of the decade.

By source country, the US led with 61 projects worth $2.1 billion, accounting for 30% of total projects and 29% of capital investment. Egypt followed with $1.81 billion from 11 largely real estate ventures, while China invested $858.3 million and France $771.7 million. From the GCC, the UAE contributed $205.3 million across 25 projects.

By sector, communications attracted the highest inflows at $1.92 billion from 11 projects, followed by real estate with $1.79 billion from nine projects, including over $1.7 billion from an Egypt-based consortium led by Paragon Developments and El-Attal Holding. 

Other key sectors included electronic components ($879.3 million), warehousing ($779 million), and chemicals ($765.4 million). Business services led in volume with 55 projects, or 27% of the total.

The report also noted that 25 foreign companies established regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia during the first half, supported by the government’s regional HQ program. The initiative offers a 30-year corporate tax exemption, withholding tax relief, and regulatory support to attract multinationals.

Official statistics separately showed net FDI into Saudi Arabia reached $5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 44% year-on-year, reflecting growing investor confidence as the Kingdom advances its economic diversification drive.