Saudi FDI Inflows Reach SAR 26.6 Billion in First Quarter of 2026

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Saudi Arabia reached SAR 26.6 billion (approximately USD 7 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Investment.

The ministry's latest indicators also showed gross fixed capital formation rising 5.1% year-on-year during the quarter, supported by a 54% increase in government investment and a 1.3% rise in non-government investment. Real GDP expanded by 3% year-on-year, with both oil and non-oil activities recording growth of 2.9%.

Labour market indicators also improved during the first quarter, with unemployment among Saudi nationals falling to 6.4%, while the overall unemployment rate stood at 3.1%. Labour force participation reached 49% among Saudis and 67.2% overall, with Saudi women's participation rate climbing to 33.9%.

The report also highlighted mixed property and consumer price trends. The real estate price index fell 1.6% year-on-year, driven by a 3.6% decline in residential property prices, while mortgage lending by commercial banks increased 6.4%. Consumer prices rose 1.8% in May, led by a 3.7% increase in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel costs, while point-of-sale transaction values grew 6.1% year-on-year.

The ministry also reported that the average Brent crude price increased 62% year-on-year in May to reach USD 103.7 per barrel.