Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing for a qualitative transformation in 2026, during which the real estate and financial markets will be widely opened to foreign investors.
He noted during his speech at the Saudi-Japanese Ministerial Investment Forum that the Kingdom has recorded significant growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) since the launch of Vision 2030, with this investment doubling to reach SAR 119.2 billion in 2024.
Al-Falih emphasized the importance of the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflected in joint efforts to establish the Saudi-Japanese Strategic Partnership Council.
He explained that the Kingdom remains Japan’s largest energy supplier while also providing significant investment opportunities for Japanese companies in various sectors, including energy, hydrogen, advanced industries, healthcare, food security, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
According to data from the Capital Market Authority, the financial market is scheduled to be opened to investments from all categories of foreign investors, providing them with the opportunity for direct investment starting February 1, 2026.
The Council of Ministers had approved last July a law allowing non-Saudis to own real estate, with the decision set to take effect 180 days after July 25, 2025, indicating that this period will conclude during the current month.
