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Saudi Arabia has officially revoked fees previously imposed on expatriate workers employed in industrial establishments licensed under an industrial license. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), according to the Saudi Gazette.
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The move underscores the kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering its industrial sector. It aligns with the Crown Prince’s strategic focus on strengthening national factories, enhancing their sustainability, and boosting global competitiveness. Authorities emphasised that these efforts are central to achieving Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of building a resilient and competitive industrial economy under Saudi Vision 2030, with industry serving as a cornerstone for diversifying the national economy.
Investment licenses reach record high
In parallel, Saudi Arabia reported unprecedented growth in investment activity, issuing 6,986 investment licenses in Q3 2025, marking an 83 per cent year-on-year increase and the highest quarterly total on record, according to the Ministry of Investment. The figure also represents a 69 per cent rise compared to Q2 2025, when 4,125 licenses were granted.
The data excludes licenses issued under the National Anti-Commercial Concealment Program (Tasattur), highlighting robust growth in genuine investment initiatives. The upward trajectory has been consistent over recent years, with quarterly licenses rising from 1,216 in Q1 2022 to 4,615 in Q4 2024, before climbing further to a record high in Q3 2025. Total licenses issued in the first nine months of 2025 reached 15,728, surpassing the full-year total of 14,320 licenses in 2024.
Construction, trade, and manufacturing lead growth
The construction sector led the surge in Q3, with 2,583 licenses, a 143 percent year-on-year increase. Wholesale and retail trade followed with 1,214 licenses, up 234 per cent, while manufacturing recorded 803 licenses, representing a 34 per cent rise. Together, these three sectors accounted for roughly two-thirds of total licenses issued.
Other sectors also posted strong gains. Licenses in accommodation and food services more than doubled to 563, information and communications rose 52 per cent to 517, and transportation and storage increased 69 per cent to 314. However, some sectors, including professional, educational, technical activities, agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and quarrying, and other services, recorded declines compared to the previous year.
The Ministry of Investment attributed the surge to Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as an investment destination, fueled by a stable regulatory framework, business-friendly reforms, and ongoing economic diversification efforts. Combined with the removal of expat fees in the industrial sector, these initiatives signal a concerted effort by the Kingdom to attract talent, stimulate growth, and reinforce its position as a global economic hub.
