Logo ofMinistry of Investment
The Ministry of Investment issued nearly 7,742 licenses in Q1 2026, an 68% year-on-year (YoY) increase, after excluding licenses issued under the National Anti-Commercial Concealment Program (Tasattur). 
The ministry noted that the increase reflects the Kingdom’s position as an attractive investment destination, backed by strong competitive advantages, including a stable and business-friendly investment environment, according to its latest Economy and Investment Monitor report.
The ministry continues to support domestic investment and attract foreign capital, while organizing various events and participating in multiple forums to advance these efforts.
Development of Investment Licenses Since 2021*
Period
Number of Licenses**
Growth Rate
Q1 2021
476
+36%
Q2
528
+238%
Q3
852
+178%
Q4
976
+117%
Q1 2022
1216
+155%
Q2
935
+77%
Q3
929
+9%
Q4
1282
+31%
Q1 2023
1654
+36%
Q2
1838
+97%
Q3
2203
+137%
Q4
2901
+126%
Q1 2024
3207
+94%
Q2
2764
+50%
Q3
3850
+75%
Q4
4633
+60%
Q1 2025
4617
+44%
Q2
4125
+49%
Q3
6986
+81%
Q4
8524
+84%
Q1 2026
7742
+68%
**Historical investment license figures are subject to updates based on data dynamics.
According to the report, most of the investment licenses were concentrated in construction, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing, which together accounted for approximately 65% of total licenses issued during Q1 2026.
The construction sector topped with nearly 2,506 licenses, up 34% YoY, followed by wholesale and retail trade, rising 242% YoY to 1,592 licenses. The manufacturing sector reached 969 licenses, up 50% YoY.
Meanwhile, some sectors recorded declines, most notably electricity and gas, which fell 67% annually, followed by water supply and mining, down 24% and 13% YoY, respectively.
Investment licenses by Sector in Q1 2026
Sector
Q1 2025
Q1 2026
Change
Construction
1872
2506
34%
Wholesale, and Retail Trade
465
1592
242%
Manufacturing
645
969
50%
Information Communications
374
650
74%
Accommodation Food Services
341
560
64%
Transportation storage
162
485
199%
Professional, Educational Technical Activities
237
309
30%
Administrative Support Services
163
222
36%
Human Health Social Work Activities
68
87
28%
Real Estate
67
81
21%
Education
49
70
43%
Agriculture, Forestry Fishing ivities
14
66
371%
Other Service Act
36
40
11%
Arts, Entertainment Recreation
33
35
6%
Financial Insurance Services
27
24
(11%)
Mining Quarrying
24
21
(13%)
Water Supply, Sewerage Waste Management
25
19
(24%)
Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning
15
5
(67%)
Public Administration and Defense
—
1
—
Total
4617
7742
68%
Logo ofMinistry of Investment
The Ministry of Investment issued nearly 7,742 licenses in Q1 2026, an 68% year-on-year (YoY) increase, after excluding licenses issued under the National Anti-Commercial Concealment Program (Tasattur).
The ministry noted that the increase reflects the Kingdom’s position as an attractive investment destination, backed by strong competitive advantages, including a stable and business-friendly investment environment, according to its latest Economy and Investment Monitor report.
The ministry continues to support domestic investment and attract foreign capital, while organizing various events and participating in multiple forums to advance these efforts.
Development of Investment Licenses Since 2021*
Period
Number of Licenses**
Growth Rate
Q1 2021
476
+36%
Q2
528
+238%
Q3
852
+178%
Q4
976
+117%
Q1 2022
1216
+155%
Q2
935
+77%
Q3
929
+9%
Q4
1282
+31%
Q1 2023
1654
+36%
Q2
1838
+97%
Q3
2203
+137%
Q4
2901
+126%
Q1 2024
3207
+94%
Q2
2764
+50%
Q3
3850
+75%
Q4
4633
+60%
Q1 2025
4617
+44%
Q2
4125
+49%
Q3
6986
+81%
Q4
8524
+84%
Q1 2026
7742
+68%
**Historical investment license figures are subject to updates based on data dynamics.
According to the report, most of the investment licenses were concentrated in construction, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing, which together accounted for approximately 65% of total licenses issued during Q1 2026.
The construction sector topped with nearly 2,506 licenses, up 34% YoY, followed by wholesale and retail trade, rising 242% YoY to 1,592 licenses. The manufacturing sector reached 969 licenses, up 50% YoY.
Meanwhile, some sectors recorded declines, most notably electricity and gas, which fell 67% annually, followed by water supply and mining, down 24% and 13% YoY, respectively.
Investment licenses by Sector in Q1 2026
Sector
Q1 2025
Q1 2026
Change
Construction
1872
2506
34%
Wholesale, and Retail Trade
465
1592
242%
Manufacturing
645
969
50%
Information Communications
374
650
74%
Accommodation Food Services
341
560
64%
Transportation storage
162
485
199%
Professional, Educational Technical Activities
237
309
30%
Administrative Support Services
163
222
36%
Human Health Social Work Activities
68
87
28%
Real Estate
67
81
21%
Education
49
70
43%
Agriculture, Forestry Fishing ivities
14
66
371%
Other Service Act
36
40
11%
Arts, Entertainment Recreation
33
35
6%
Financial Insurance Services
27
24
(11%)
Mining Quarrying
24
21
(13%)
Water Supply, Sewerage Waste Management
25
19
(24%)
Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning
15
5
(67%)
Public Administration and Defense
—
1
—
Total
4617
7742
68%
