Saudi Arabia

Economy & industry overview

Saudi Arabia has the largest economy in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa region, with a nominal GDP of approximately USD 1.24 trillion in 2024. The economy is anchored by crude oil and natural gas production, which account for roughly 22 percent of GDP, though the government's Vision 2030 reform programme is actively accelerating diversification into financial services, tourism, mining, manufacturing, and petrochemicals. Non-oil activities grew 4.3 percent in 2024, reflecting measurable progress in expanding the private sector base. The Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) is the largest equity market in the Middle East and North Africa, with a total listed market capitalisation of approximately USD 2.5 trillion as of mid-2026. Saudi Arabia's currency is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 SAR per USD.

Key sectors

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Macro

GDP nominal, USD	$1.24T
GDP growth real, annual	1.3%
Inflation annual	1.6%
Population people	35.9M
GDP per capita USD	$35,528
Market cap total listed, USD	$2.50T
Market cap / GDP	202.0%
Unemployment	3.5%
Listed companies	272
Exchange	Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) (TADAWUL)

Primary data year: 2024. Sources: World Bank, IMF World Economic Outlook, General Authority for Statistics Saudi Arabia (GASTAT), Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) official market data, MSCI Market Classification, Baker McKenzie Cross-Border Listings Guide, Capital.com market data, Raseed Invest, Argaam, Trading Economics, Focus Economics. Individual figures may cover different reference periods — for example a fiscal year, or an estimate for the current year — and the overview above states these where known.

Local exchange & access

Exchange	Saudi Exchange (Tadawul)
Code	TADAWUL
Website	www.saudiexchange.sa
Currency	SAR

Local broker access

Foreign investors may access Saudi Exchange-listed equities directly through qualified foreign investor (QFI) accounts opened with Capital Market Authority-licensed brokers. As of February 2026, the CMA opened the Main Market to all foreign investor categories. International retail investors typically gain exposure through US-listed ETFs such as EWS or KSA rather than direct QFI accounts. Saudi Arabia does not have a broad set of US-listed ADRs; most international exposure is via ETFs or direct brokerage through QFI-eligible brokers such as HSBC Saudi Arabia, Aljazira Capital, and others.

Global brokers with foreign-market access

• Interactive Brokers — Direct access to 90+ markets worldwide, including many emerging exchanges.
• Saxo Bank — Multi-market access across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• Charles Schwab (Global) — Foreign ordinary shares on select markets; US-listed ADRs and ETFs.
• Fidelity International Trading — International stock trading on a number of developed and emerging markets.

Listed for convenience only. Not a recommendation. Available markets, fees and onboarding rules differ by broker and by your country of residence.

Relocation & residency

Foreign-investor access

Saudi Arabia operates a Premium Residency programme, informally called the Saudi Green Card, which grants permanent residency to qualifying foreign nationals. Investment and real estate pathways are available, with property-based routes starting at SAR 4 million (approximately USD 1.07 million). Holders may live, work, and own property in the Kingdom without a local sponsor. The programme is administered by the Premium Residency Center under the Ministry of Interior.