Private Sector Crowns Saudi Vision: 76% of Investments Now Driven by Private Growth Engines

 

His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, affirmed that the Saudi economy is witnessing an unprecedented phase of growth—exceeding international expectations and achieving several Saudi Vision 2030 targets years ahead of schedule.

The cumulative growth, which has reached 80% since the Vision’s launch, stands as living proof of the national economy’s ability to overcome global challenges and achieve its objectives with remarkable momentum. It reflects the structural flexibility of the Saudi economy and the effectiveness of the reform and transformation programs that have been underway since 2016.

These figures are not just financial indicators—they are a certificate of achievement and success for a national transformation journey led by strategic planning and high-quality investments.

The Private Sector: The True Engine of Growth

Al-Falih’s remarks revealed a qualitative shift in investment leadership within the Kingdom, as the private sector has now become the primary driver of the economic wheel.

While it might be assumed that the government’s trillion-riyal projects and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are the main engines of growth, the data tells a different story: the private sector’s share of total investments has risen from 60% to 76% in recent years.

This transformation reflects the success of empowerment policies that turned the private sector from a beneficiary into a genuine partner and leader of development. National companies now lead industrial and service expansions, strengthening economic diversification and cementing the transition from a government-spending economy to one driven by efficiency, innovation, and productive investment.

Early Achievement… and the Challenge of Sustained Momentum

The Minister of Investment also announced that the goal of raising investment to 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP)—originally set for 2030—was achieved in 2024, a full six years ahead of schedule.

Despite this remarkable progress, the next challenge lies in increasing the private sector’s contribution to GDP from SAR 2.3 trillion to SAR 2.5 trillion by 2030.

This national goal is well within reach, thanks to the continuity of reforms, the growing efficiency of the business environment, and the expansion of both local and international investment partnerships—all of which ensure the sustainability of growth and the preservation of quality momentum.

Riyadh: The Gateway for Global Headquarters and Local Partnerships

On the international investment front, Saudi Arabia is witnessing an increasing presence of major global corporations. The number of international companies choosing Riyadh as their regional headquarters has reached 670—and is expected to surpass 700 by the end of this year—under the Ministry of Investment’s Regional Headquarters Program aimed at positioning the capital as a leading global business hub.

This growing interest reflects international confidence in the Saudi market while simultaneously opening vast opportunities for local private-sector companies to form strategic partnerships and provide specialized services in technology, logistics, and renewable energy.

Such collaborations act as powerful channels for knowledge transfer and technical expertise, enhancing the quality of Saudi products and services and positioning them competitively within regional and global supply chains.

A Global Vision: Safeguarding the International Expansion of Saudi Companies

Vision 2030’s reach goes beyond domestic growth; it extends to global expansion by supporting Saudi companies venturing abroad.

Minister Al-Falih emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s bilateral investment protection agreements with several countries help create a secure environment for national companies as they expand internationally, safeguarding their interests in foreign markets.

This strategic approach transforms Saudi firms from local players into regional and global economic forces, strengthening the Kingdom’s presence in the world economy as a safe and influential investment destination.

A Global Renaissance Project Led by Saudi Vision

Through these integrated steps, Saudi Arabia demonstrates that Vision 2030 is not merely a development plan—it is a global economic renaissance project, led by Saudi companies and supported by pioneering government policies.

The Kingdom continues to consolidate its position as one of the world’s most dynamic and promising economies, setting new benchmarks for visionary transformation and sustainable growth.