Investing in Saudi Arabia

Yes, I think that investment in the Kingdom is possible in the current period, despite the current decline in the economy, but there are advantages in the Kingdom that make the investment very profitable. Saudi Arabia is among the twenty largest economies in the world. It is ranked first in the Middle East. In terms of ease of doing business according to the Doing Business Doing Business 2013 report of the World Bank's International Finance Corporation. Saudi Arabia is the largest free market in the Middle East, accounting for 25% of the Arab GDP.

It also has the largest oil reserves in the world (25%) and provides energy for investment projects at the lowest prices in all countries of the world. The Kingdom is an ideal destination for energy-intensive projects, as well as a number of promising natural resources in mining. The Kingdom's geographical location makes it an easy outlet for markets in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The Kingdom is one of the fastest growing countries in the world, with a share of national income expected to rise to 33,500 US dollars by 2020 from 25,000 in 2012.

• The Saudi Riyal and its impact on investment:

The Saudi riyal is one of the most stable currencies in the world. There has been no significant change in the value of its exchange during the last three decades. There are no restrictions imposed on foreign exchange, foreign exchange, capital transfer and foreign profits, and inflation rates in Saudi Arabia are low The Kingdom is seeking to sign bilateral agreements with a number of countries regarding the promotion and protection of investment and the prevention of double taxation.

• Financial incentives for investment in Saudi Arabia:

• Enjoy the benefits available under bilateral and collective agreements related to taxation and investment. • No income taxes. • Corporate taxes up to 20% of net profits. • The possibility of transferring losses for years to come in respect of taxes.

• Foreign investors have the right to benefit from local and international specialized financing institutions according to the relevant regulations, which include: • Saudi Industrial Development Fund. Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development: It participates in the financing of economic and social development projects in Arab countries. • Arab Monetary Fund: It works to strengthen the development of the Arab financial markets and the intra-OIC trade and advises Member States on the investment of their resources. Arab Trade Financing Program: Provides medium and long term loans to individuals and commercial entities to support trade and finance private sector transactions. • Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation: Provides an umbrella for investment insurance and export credits among Arab countries against commercial and non-commercial risks. • The Islamic Development Bank: contributes to investment capital of projects, grants loans to enterprises and productive projects, and accepts deposits to mobilize financial resources in line with the provisions of Islamic law.

• There are a number of other financial incentives to support investment in the Kingdom, which include the following: 1. Human Resources Development Fund to support activities related to the processing, training and employment of Saudi manpower

2. Very good prices for water, electricity and land services for commercial and industrial projects. 3. Financial grants for research and development at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)