Saudi Arabia FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Saudi Arabia's fdi inflows was 2.37% in 2025, ranked 107th globally. This represents a 37.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's fdi inflows stood at 2.37% in 2025, a rise of +0.65% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.37% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 107th globally.
Saudi Arabia's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have experienced fluctuations over the past 56 years, with the all-time peak reaching 7.26 in 1982 and the trough hitting -8.22 in 1974. The country's FDI inflows have been relatively low, with the latest value standing at 2.37 in 2025, ranking 107 globally. In comparison, Uzbekistan, a peer country, has a slightly higher FDI inflow at 2.38 in 2025. The significant decline in FDI inflows since the 1980s can be attributed to various factors, including the country's dependence on oil exports and a lack of diversification in its economy. Despite recent efforts to diversify and reform its economy, Saudi Arabia's FDI inflows remain below its potential. A sustained commitment to economic reforms and investments in non-oil sectors would be crucial in altering the trajectory of FDI inflows, potentially leading to increased investment and economic growth in the country.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.77% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.57% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.37% | +0.65% | #107 |
| 2024 | 1.72% | −0.15% | #116 |
| 2023 | 1.87% | −0.28% | #110 |
| 2022 | 2.16% | −0.73% | #117 |
| 2021 | 2.89% | +2.67% | #98 |
| 2020 | 0.21% | −0.14% | #155 |
| 2019 | 0.35% | −1.02% | #171 |
| 2018 | 1.37% | +1.23% | #136 |
| 2017 | 0.14% | −3.05% | #177 |
| 2016 | 3.19% | +2.61% | #90 |
| 2015 | 0.57% | +0.38% | #162 |
| 2014 | 0.19% | −0.25% | #180 |
| 2013 | 0.44% | −0.23% | #168 |
| 2012 | 0.67% | −0.02% | #172 |
| 2011 | 0.69% | −0.24% | #173 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fdi inflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's fdi inflows was 2.37% in 2025. Ranked 107th globally. This represents a 37.7% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's fdi inflows peaked at 7.26% in 1982.
The lowest fdi inflows in Saudi Arabia was -8.22% in 1974.
Saudi Arabia ranks 107th globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's fdi inflows is projected to reach 2.37% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 2.37%. This ranks 107th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_fdi-inflows,
title = {Saudi Arabia FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}