Saudi Arabia climbed to 13th place globally in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, up from 17th the previous year, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Kingdom attracted $33 billion in FDI in 2025, a 51.14% increase compared to 2024, underscoring its sustained push to draw long-term foreign capital as part of the Vision 2030 economic diversification drive aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues.
Strong Growth Across the Region
The UAE retained its ninth spot globally, attracting $48 billion in FDI in 2025, up from $46 billion in 2024. UNCTAD noted: “The UAE and Saudi Arabia recorded strong growth in FDI, driven by energy, infrastructure and diversification strategies. Qatar also recorded a notable increase in FDI inflows, from $460 million to $3 billion, driven by investments in chemicals, energy, and information and communication services.”
UNCTAD added: “The subregion (West Asia) benefits from its role as a corridor between Asia, Europe and Africa, but rising geopolitical tensions are likely to affect the implementation of announced projects and increase downside risks for FDI, particularly in energy, transport and logistics.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Target
As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target of attracting $100 billion in annual FDI by 2030. Earlier this month, a report from the General Authority for Statistics revealed that Saudi Arabia reported a 2.4% year-on-year increase in FDI inflows in the first quarter of 2026, reaching SR26.6 billion ($7.1 billion).
Global FDI Trends in 2025
According to UNCTAD, global FDI inflows increased by 6% to $1.62 trillion in 2025, following two consecutive years of decline. Growth was uneven, with developed economies expanding 11% to $723 billion, while developing economies recorded growth of just 2% to more than $901 billion.
The US retained the top spot globally, attracting $277 billion in FDI, a moderate 2.46% year-on-year decline. Singapore attracted $151 billion, followed by Hong Kong at $116 billion, China at $105 billion, and Brazil at $77 billion.
