Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's growing economy, shaped by its visionary initiative Vision 2030, has positioned the country as an international hub of technology and business at the forefront of global trade.
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its transformation journey, numerous programmes have been established to assist with achieving its ambitious goals through the development of the Public Investment Fund's giga-projects, the creation of the Regional Headquarters Programme, further investment in the private sector and FDI, increasing the ease of doing business, and liberalisation of parts of the economy.
The road to Vision 2030 has resulted in fast-paced changes to the regulatory and legal landscape in Saudi Arabia. Regulatory and legislative reforms implemented over the last few years have included landmark legislation such as the Civil Code and a number of new laws, such as the Companies Law, the Data Protection Law, the Anti-Concealment Law, and the Bankruptcy Law.
In addition to the regulatory reform, the Kingdom has seen modernisation in how the Laws are governed and enforced, including the digitisation of employment contracts, virtual court hearings and online government services.
The potential for growth in Saudi Arabia is undeniable, but for businesses to realise the opportunities presented in the market, they need to understand the complex and evolving legal environment in The Kingdom. Clyde & Co supports over 600 companies annually to successfully navigate the emerging commercial opportunities and challenges related to doing business in Saudi Arabia.
Our dedicated Hub is designed to help businesses stay informed and understand the latest developments and opportunities. If you would like to know more about doing business in Saudi Arabia, please contact us.
Our Insights
Saudi Arabia’s Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Programme is now effective, and prevents all government agencies, when carrying out their works and securing procurements, from contracting with companies that do not have an RHQ in the Kingdom and their related parties.
The RHQ Programme is an initiative jointly developed by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City which aims to attract multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, and forms part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to enhance and diversify its economy.
Clyde & Co further strengthens its presence in Saudi Arabia in line with the RHQ programme
In line with our long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia, we are pleased to announce that we have received our RHQ licence. Our story in the Middle East started over 30 years ago and this exciting development cements and confirms our dedication to our clients, specifically public bodies and government agencies in the Kingdom. Read our press release.
KSA Regional Headquarters Programme
Saudi Arabia's amendments to its Labour Law
Read moreSaudi Arabia's PDPL becomes enforceable
Learn moreSaudi Arabia's updated Investment Law
Read moreOur Civil Code series
The Civil Code is a landmark piece of legislation for Saudi Arabia as it codifies for the first time the law governing contract and tort in the Kingdom. Our series on the general principles of contract law under the Civil Code looks at the provisions relating to the formation of contracts and the various factors which may result in a contract being declared null or void.
Learn moreOur Saudi Arabia offering
A full-service offering
A full-service commercial offering across most business sectors and practice areas
15 years operating in Saudi Arabia
We are one of the only fully integrated international law firms operating in the Kingdom
30 + locally based lawyers
Our lawyers have advised over 2,000 companies operating in Saudi Arabia
6 Riyadh partners
Our partners bring a genuine understanding of the country's dynamic market
Committed to local talent
Committed to employing local talent with 70% Saudi nationals in our Riyadh team
Responsibility matters
Our Riyadh team provided 1,500+ hours in pro-bono legal support valued over USD 1 million
Our Saudi Arabia team
Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily
Partner
Mohammed Almarzouki
Partner
Saud Alsaab
Partner
Anas Alswailem
Partner
Ben Cowling
Partner
Peter Greatrex
Partner
Alain Sfeir
Partner
Alan Wood
Partner
Lamisse Bajunaid
Legal Director
Shahd Makhafah
Legal Director
Elie Mikhael
Legal Director
Atif Mulla
Legal Director
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Family Businesses
Over recent years, family-owned businesses in the Middle East have continued to experience exponential growth and success, with many having evolved into large and complex multinational conglomerates with an ever-increasing need for the best legal advice.
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