Saudi FDI rose sharply in 2025 as Saudi Arabia climbed to 13th place among the world’s largest recipients of foreign direct investment, according to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The Kingdom attracted $33 billion in FDI during 2025, marking a 51.14% increase from the previous year. The strong growth reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 and reduce its reliance on oil revenue. The government aims to attract $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment by 2030.
The United Arab Emirates ranked ninth globally after attracting $48 billion in FDI in 2025, up from $46 billion a year earlier. Meanwhile, Qatar recorded one of the region’s strongest gains as foreign investment increased from $460 million in 2024 to $3 billion in 2025. Investments in the chemicals, energy, and information and communication services sectors drove the increase.
UNCTAD said investments in energy, infrastructure and economic diversification supported strong FDI growth across the Gulf region. Moreover, West Asia continued to benefit from its strategic position as a trade and investment corridor linking Asia, Europe and Africa.
However, the agency warned that rising geopolitical tensions could delay planned projects and increase risks for future investment, particularly in the energy, transport and logistics sectors.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics reported that the Kingdom’s FDI inflows increased 2.4% year-on-year to SR26.6 billion ($7.1 billion) during the first quarter of 2026.
Globally, UNCTAD said foreign direct investment rose 6% to $1.62 trillion in 2025 after declining for two consecutive years. Developed economies posted an 11% increase to $723 billion, while developing economies recorded 2% growth to more than $901 billion.
The United States remained the world’s largest destination for foreign direct investment with $277 billion, despite a slight decline from the previous year. Singapore ranked second with $151 billion, followed by Hong Kong with $116 billion, China with $105 billion, and Brazil with $77 billion.
