Saudization has entered a more mature and structured phase in 2026. What began as a workforce nationalization initiative has evolved into a central regulatory and economic policy instrument, shaping how companies hire, structure roles, manage payroll, and plan long-term operations in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s stock market has become one of the leading emerging markets globally. With a market value of around USD 2.5 trillion and foreign investor holdings exceeding USD 100 billion, the Tadawul continues to attract strong international interest. Ongoing reforms and easier access for foreign investors have further strengthened market participation. This article highlights the top companies to invest in the Saudi stock market and explains why they continue to appeal to long-term investors looking for exposure to the Kingdom’s growing economy.
With a market capitalisation exceeding USD 2.5 trillion, Tadawul already stands as the largest stock exchange in the Middle East. From February 1, 2026, it is set to become one of the most accessible emerging markets globally. Saudi Arabia has announced that all foreign investors — including non-residents — will be allowed to trade directly
Saudization continues to be a defining factor for foreign-owned companies operating in Saudi Arabia. As part of the Kingdom’s broader workforce localisation strategy under Vision 2030, Saudization requirements have become more targeted, more closely monitored, and increasingly tied to business continuity.
For international investors and multinational companies, understanding how Saudization impacts hiring, visas, costs, and operational planning is essential to maintaining compliance and supporting long-term growth in the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia is no longer a “future opportunity” — it is a current, high-growth market attracting international companies across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, consulting, and professional services. According to official government data, foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia has continued to rise year on year, driven by Vision 2030 reforms, simplified licensing processes, and expanded foreign ownership rights.
Saudi Arabia continues to reshape its labour market — and the latest update will directly affect companies operating in engineering and procurement functions.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced higher Saudization targets for both professions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s long-term goal of increasing Saudi participation in skilled and strategic roles across the private sector.
Saudi Arabia is at a turning point. The Kingdom’s future is increasingly defined by opportunity beyond oil, and the evidence is becoming clear. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the country’s real GDP rose by by 5% in Q3 2025, with non-oil activities expanding by 4.9% year-on-year. At the same time, non-oil exports surged
Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its leadership in digital governance with the introduction of a new Absher platform service “Change Resident ID Photo.”
This update gives residents the flexibility to update their Resident ID (Iqama) photo entirely online, marking another major stride in the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts.
The global workforce has entered a new era, one where geography no longer defines opportunity. As companies compete for skilled professionals, borderless employment has evolved from a remote-work experiment into a critical component of corporate talent strategy. In 2025, this shift is reshaping how organizations attract, manage, and retain employees. Businesses that once focused on
Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape is thriving. Backed by Vision 2030, the Kingdom saw a 44% jump in foreign investment, US $750 million in startup funding, and thousands of new businesses in 2025, all part of a growing ecosystem that’s attracting innovators from around the world.
