AstroLabs has released its 2025 wrap-up report, characterizing the year in Saudi Arabia as one of tangible progress marked by rapid scaling and deepening global connections. The ecosystem enabler noted a significant shift in market sentiment, with global businesses moving with greater speed and conviction to establish a long-term presence in the Kingdom. According to their 2025 Saudi Market Entry Report, 64% of surveyed global businesses expressed an urgency to enter the market within one to three months, driven primarily by the Kingdom’s vast untapped potential.
Strengthening expansion corridors
To facilitate this influx of international companies, AstroLabs focused heavily on fortifying its partner network across the financial and government sectors. Key alliances included a partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) to streamline the full market-entry journey—from licensing to corporate banking—via the “Business Gate” platform. Similarly, a collaboration with Al Rajhi Bank was established to provide critical early-stage banking support for expanding firms. On the regional front, AstroLabs signed an agreement with Export Bahrain in August to assist Bahrain-based businesses in accessing the Saudi and UAE markets through capacity-building initiatives and business development services.
Accelerating the creative sector
A major highlight of the year was AstroLabs’ strategic entry into the Riyadh Creative District (RCD) at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). This move aligns with the broader goal of activating Saudi Arabia’s media and culture industries. By joining the RCD, a purpose-driven ecosystem designed for media-tech and creative enterprises, AstroLabs aims to provide global players in these sectors with a robust base to build teams and integrate into the local innovation landscape.
Global giants establishing local roots
The report detailed several high-profile success stories that exemplify the trend of long-term commitment to the market. Virgin Atlantic launched a Riyadh hub to capitalize on booming tourism demand and support Vision 2030’s connectivity goals. Meanwhile, German premium mobility provider Blacklane expanded its operations across the Kingdom, leveraging strategic partnerships to offer sustainable, tech-driven transport solutions. In the sports media sector, UK-founded Footballco established its regional headquarters in Riyadh, now reaching 14 million Saudi fans monthly through brands like GOAL and KOOORA.
policy shifts and infrastructure growth
AstroLabs also analyzed the regulatory frameworks that reshaped the business environment in 2025. Significant reforms included a five-year rent freeze, which provided financial certainty for relocating businesses, and labor law amendments that extended probation periods and formalized contracts to ensure smoother operations. Looking forward, the announcement allowing foreigners to invest in real estate starting in 2026 is expected to unlock substantial capital deployment. These policy changes coincided with massive infrastructure projects, such as the approval of 100 new commercial towers in Riyadh worth $27 billion and the $3.6 billion revitalization of Jeddah’s Al Balad district.
About AstroLabs
AstroLabs is the leading business expansion platform in the Gulf, propelling high-growth companies across strategic industries. With a decade of supporting economic development in emerging markets, AstroLabs is the partner of choice for over 1,500 companies that have expanded across the region, engaging a vibrant community of 10,000+ market leaders in the UAE and KSA. Bridging key gaps in fundamental industries, AstroLabs designs sector-focused programs in partnership with government entities and the private sector to drive market access and contribute to regional visions like Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: AstroLabs
