Saudi Arabia has advanced four places to become the 13th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) globally in 2025, according to the World Investment Report 2026 released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Kingdom's net FDI inflows surged to $32.6 billion in 2025, up from $21.3 billion in 2024, marking a 53% annual increase.
The cumulative FDI stock in Saudi Arabia also rose from $260.6 billion to $293.3 billion, a growth of 12.5%. This performance stands out against a global backdrop where FDI flows increased by only 6% to $1.6 trillion, with UNCTAD noting that the recovery remains uneven and concentrated in a few economies and strategic sectors.
Saudi Arabia's rise from 17th to 13th place reflects its growing appeal to international investors, driven by strengths in energy, infrastructure, technology, advanced industries, and logistics, as well as major projects linked to economic diversification. The country's strategic location, improved infrastructure, and regulatory reforms have facilitated market entry and attracted long-term capital.
These results align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy, which aim to diversify the economy and enhance the private sector's role. The 2025 figures underscore Saudi Arabia's transition from building an investment environment to solidifying its position as a leading global destination for capital, reinforcing its status as a regional hub for business and logistics.
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