Saudi Arabia: Information on market entry, export and company set-up

Saudi Arabia

While becoming more assertive on the international stage, Saudi Arabia remained the largest projects market in the GCC during 2022 ($93.6 billion), recording a total of $54.2 billion worth of contracts awarded, compared to $53.9 billion in 2021. Beyond being the largest economy in the Arab world, accounting for 25% of the Arab GDP, Saudi Arabia is the largest free economic market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

According to industry sources, more than 5,200 construction projects are currently ongoing in Saudi Arabia, with a value of USD 819 billion. Saudi Arabia is investing across nearly all economic sectors. The ongoing Saudi giga and megaprojects represent some of the most ambitious development projects under construction around the world today.

Market information

Are you considering entering the Saudi market? Are you already active in Saudi Arabia and need tips, advice or support with your next steps? Do you have technical or regulatory questions?

In this section we provide you with guides, checklists and background information on doing business in Saudi Arabia - specifically for Swiss SMEs and start-ups.

Free-trade Agreement

The FTA between the EFTA countries and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) came into force on 1. July 2014.

FAQ on the GCC FTA

EFTA-GCC Free Trade Agreement: How to correctly fill out EUR.1

Saudi Arabia's Economy and Economic Policy

Report by the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh

Discover your individual sales potential in Saudi Arabia

Analyse a wide range of data and compare Saudi Arabia to other countries - specifically for your products!

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Industry information

Industry Information

Saudi Arabia offers opportunities in many different sectors. In this section we highlight interesting potential for selected Swiss industries and explain how to exploit it.

Foodstuff exporters will be most affected by the delay in the dismantling of tariffs in the GCC states.

The free trade agreement between the EFTA and GCC states provided for the duty-free import of certain goods from July 1, 2019. After delays, Saud...

Saudi Arabia spends a lot of money on healthcare and is investing heavily in national healthcare provision as part of Vision 2030. This opens up ...

Learn about the Middle East’s Smart City and circular economy market potential for Swiss companies.

Fintech becomes one of the hottest sectors in Saudi Arabia. Our report gives a brief overview of the Saudi fintech sector and outlines its histor...

More reports and publications with focus Saudi Arabia

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Events + trade fairs

Events and Trade Fairs

Especially for SMEs it is important to feel a new market to really understand its potential fit. Our business trips and events take you to the country and our events - webinars or in-person - in Switzerland allow you to exchange with experts and peers and leverage our network for your growth.