Investing in Saudi Arabia in 2026
Middle East & North Africa
63
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Saudi Arabia earns an investment score of 63/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are financial strength (75/100) and business climate (72/100), with overall GDP of $1069B and per-capita output of $30,000. Growth is running at 3.1% with 1.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 2.3%. The sovereign holds a A credit rating, generally considered investment-grade with strong creditor protection. Investment opportunities cluster around Energy (sector score 85/100, currently stable), which represents 40% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 72% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Saudi Arabia is with the global economy.
How Saudi Arabia's investment score has evolved over time
Energy
40% of GDP, stable
Construction
6% of GDP, growing
Tourism
4% of GDP, growing
Technology
3% of GDP, growing
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
Recommended services
Partner offersbanking
Wise Business
Multi-currency business account
Send, hold, and receive in 40+ currencies. Lower FX fees than traditional banks.
insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance
Global health insurance for remote workers and digital nomads. Covers 175+ countries.
brokerage
Interactive Brokers
Global investment platform
Trade stocks, options, futures, and forex in 150+ markets worldwide. Low margin rates.
NationsData may earn a commission when you sign up through these links. This does not affect our editorial coverage, country scores, or analysis. Read our disclosure policy.
Is Saudi Arabia a safe country to invest in?
Saudi Arabia carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 63/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 68/100, political stability 50/100, business climate 72/100, financial strength 75/100, growth potential 65/100.
What is Saudi Arabia's sovereign credit rating?
Saudi Arabia holds a credit rating of A, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Saudi Arabia?
The top investment sectors in Saudi Arabia are Energy, Construction, Tourism. Energy leads with a sector score of 85/100 and represents 40% of GDP. Its current trend is stable.
What is Saudi Arabia's GDP growth rate?
Saudi Arabia's most recent GDP growth was 3.1%, with total GDP of $1069B and GDP per capita of $30,000. Inflation is running at 2.3% and the current account balance is 6.2% of GDP.
How does Saudi Arabia score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Saudi Arabia scores: political stability -0.3, rule of law 0.2, corruption control 0.3, and regulatory quality 0.3.
Can foreigners invest in Saudi Arabia?
Most industries in Saudi Arabia are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Saudi Arabia?
Foreign Direct Investment in Saudi Arabia runs at 1.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 72%. These figures show how integrated Saudi Arabia is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's government debt stands at 24% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.