Saudi Investment Minister Reports 162% Surge in FDI to Emerging Sectors

Overview of Investment Growth

Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad Al-Saif said that foreign direct investment in the Kingdom’s emerging economic sectors rose by 162 percent over the past five years, while total fixed capital formation increased by 52 percent during the same period.

He made the remarks while addressing the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh on Monday.

Strategic Focus and Goals

Al-Saif stressed that the next phase would concentrate on moving from merely expanding investment volumes to improving investment quality and productivity, thereby strengthening the economy’s competitiveness.

Speaking at a panel discussion entitled “Saudi Ministerial Dialogue-Vision 2030: Economic transformation and global competitiveness” held at the congress, he explained that Saudi Arabia aims to attract a broad range of investors interested in resources, markets, strategic assets, as well as greater efficiency and flexibility.

This aim will be pursued by building interconnected economic ecosystems and deepening their integration with global value chains.

Sector Highlights and Industrial Clusters

The minister noted that the energy sector accounted for more than 22 percent of total fixed capital formation, while private‑sector participation exceeded 75 percent of investments over the past five years.

He pointed out that sectors experiencing accelerated foreign direct investment include tourism, travel and entertainment, advanced manufacturing, innovation and logistics, industry, renewable energy and water.

Al-Saif added that developing these sectors requires stronger links with services, infrastructure and the financial sector.

He said the Kingdom is working to establish integrated industrial clusters, citing an automotive manufacturing cluster under development in the western region and an interconnected industrial ecosystem in the Eastern Province that brings together shipbuilding, petrochemical industries, ports, pipelines and logistics services.

Policy Framework and Vision 2030

Al-Saif emphasized that boosting productivity and efficiency is a key pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness for attracting investment.

He explained that the infrastructure currently being built would improve the performance of both public and private sectors and further reinforce their competitive edge.

The minister underscored the importance of stable economic policies and the continuity of government initiatives in sustaining investor confidence, noting that the objectives of Vision 2030 represent a milestone in a long‑term economic journey rather than the end of the transformation underway.

He added that sustainable fiscal policies have helped strengthen investor confidence by providing a more predictable economic environment while preserving the flexibility needed to adapt to economic and geopolitical developments, trade disruptions and supply chain challenges.