Saudi Arabia - Tap into a land of ongoing growth
Strategic, fast-growing, and diversifying—Saudi Arabia is a prime export destination for UK businesses. As the largest economy in the Middle East, driven by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing heavily in sectors where British firms excel—such as infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, and education. With high disposable income and ambitious giga-projects (NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea), UK exporters and service providers have real opportunity to scale up in this market. Whether you're targeting industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, fintech, or renewable development, Saudi Arabia offers access to a market undergoing one of the most profound economic transformations in the region.
Trade Snapshot
- UK goods exports to Saudi Arabia reached £13.0 billion in the four quarters to end‑Q4 2024—ranking Saudi Arabia the 19th largest UK export destination (~1.5% share.
- UK–Saudi bilateral trade exceeded £17.3 billion and both countries aim to boost it to £30 billion by 2030.
- UK foreign direct investment stock into Saudi stood at $13 billion as of 2023, with 52 UK companies now operating regional headquarters in Riyadh.
Leading Sectors & Demand
From business.gov.uk (Q1 2025 goods exports):
- Mechanical power generators (intermediate goods) – £402.5 m
- Cars – £372.2 m
- Medicinal & pharmaceutical products – £307.7 m
- Metal manufactures (miscellaneous) – £231.3 m
- Industrial machinery (intermediate goods) – £229.6 m
Saudi Arabia is also the UK's largest market for healthcare products and medical equipment in the Middle East, and continues to be a thriving sector with vast potential for British firms.
British education providers can capitalise on the fact that in recent years roughly a quarter of the country’s budget has been earmarked for education and training.
High demand also exists in transport infrastructure, energy (including clean hydrogen & renewables), education, healthcare, technology & AI, mining, and financial services under Vision 2030.
Market Appeal & Opportunities
- Vision 2030 projects such as NEOM, Red Sea resorts, and Qiddiya offer massive opportunities for UK exporters in construction, engineering, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Strong investment flows and bilateral initiatives: over £4 billion of UK investment into Saudi (2022), new UK‑Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly launched April 2025 to facilitate UK‑Saudi sector partnership in green infrastructure and finance.
- Regional HQ hub—over 50 UK firms now maintain regional headquarters in Saudi to serve broader Gulf markets.
Why is Saudi Arabia a Key Market for UK Firms?
- Strong bilateral trade with growing export volume
- Diversified opportunity across goods and services sectors
- Government-led transformation enabling scale (energy transition, cities, education)
- Attractive incentive structure for UK firms—including investment zones and infrastructure partnerships
- Gateway to GCC markets, especially with pending UK–GCC trade agreement
Recommendations
- Prioritise sectors: engineering, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy & clean technologies, education and financial services
- Use platforms like the UK‑Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly, British Embassy trade teams, and trade bodies to build networks and joint bids
- Monitor developments in the UK–GCC trade deal, particularly in services and automotive access
- Consider setting up local presence or free zone involvement to integrate with mega-project value chains
Telephone one of our specialists on 0845 034 7200 or email for advice.
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