Saudi Arabia’s new investment law is reshaping the nation’s economic landscape by granting foreign investors the same rights and privileges as their Saudi counterparts. Speaking at the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, Lubna Al Olayan, Chairwoman of the Saudi British Bank (SABB), described the legislation as a pivotal reform that reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a premier global investment hub.
A Tremendous Change for the Kingdom’s Investment Landscape
Lubna Al Olayan highlighted that the new law, which came into effect this year, marks a significant shift in policy by ensuring complete parity. This equality extends across critical areas, including access to capital, the right to own real estate, the ability to dispose of investments, and the repatriation of profits. “The new investment law gives foreign owners and Saudi owners equal footing in the country… it’s a tremendous change,” she stated during a panel discussion.
Surge in Foreign Investment Signals Confidence
The impact of the Kingdom’s economic reforms is already evident, with foreign investment surging to $34 billion, a notable 24% increase. Al Olayan attributed this growth to the nation’s competitive business environment and progressive policies. She also praised the growing participation of women in the workforce, calling them “vital contributors to the nation’s business landscape” and noting their presence as a reflection of how attractive the local market has become.
Key Sectors for Future Growth
For investors looking to capitalize on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, Al Olayan identified several high-potential sectors. She encouraged a focus on real estate, healthcare, and renewable energy. Furthermore, she emphasized technology and data centers as central pillars of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation, presenting lucrative opportunities for both foreign and domestic stakeholders.
About Saudi British Bank (SABB)
The Saudi British Bank (SABB) is a licensed financial institution operating under the supervision and control of the Saudi Central Bank. SABB is a Saudi Joint Stock Company with a strong track record of over 40 years of banking experience, offering a range of integrated banking and investment services.
Source: Zawya
