Saudi Arabia 2025: Issuance of 486,000 commercial registrations and growth in promising sectors
The Saudi Ministry of Commerce announced significant progress in the business sector during 2025, with official figures revealing the issuance of over 486,000 new commercial registrations for companies and institutions, bringing the total number of active registrations in the Kingdom to over 1.8 million. This rapid growth reflects not only a numerical increase but also a strong indicator of the dynamism of the Saudi economy and the success of the structural reforms adopted by the Kingdom.
The economic context and the fruits of Vision 2030
This significant growth is the culmination of years of efforts aimed at diversifying the economic base and reducing reliance on oil as the primary source of income. Since the launch of Vision 2030, government entities have worked to streamline business start-up procedures, automate services, and improve the investment environment, making the Saudi market an attractive destination for local and international entrepreneurs and investors. Current data shows that the shift towards the digital economy and non-oil sectors is progressing steadily, with the increasing number of newly established companies reflecting the private sector's confidence in the strength of the national economy.
Exceptional growth in the technology and tourism sectors
The ministry explained that 2025 witnessed a remarkable 20% growth in company commercial registrations compared to 2024, with 192,000 new registrations issued. Notably, there was a focus on "promising sectors" that form the backbone of the modern economy. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology led the way with a 34% growth rate, totaling 19,042 registrations, followed by the tourism sector with a 31% increase, totaling 10,665 registrations. This aligns with the Kingdom's strategy to become a regional technology hub and a leading global tourist destination.
Growth also extended to other advanced technology sectors, with virtual and augmented reality technologies registering 29% growth (11,725 registrations), cybersecurity 27% (9,766 registrations), and the video game industry 27% (841 registrations). These figures underscore the shift in investor focus towards the knowledge economy and digital entertainment, in addition to the 26% growth in the vehicle charging station sector, reflecting the move towards clean energy.
Consumer protection and oversight: the cornerstone of trust
In parallel with this commercial expansion, the Ministry of Commerce intensified its oversight efforts to ensure a fair and reliable business environment. Oversight teams conducted more than 539,000 inspection visits to establishments and 25,000 visits to online stores during the year. These rigorous campaigns resulted in the seizure of more than 10 million counterfeit products and the handling of approximately 647,000 commercial complaints, the majority of which (41%) concerned online stores.
These measures, along with the launch of three new performance assessments for agents, distributors and online stores, reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and raising quality standards, which enhances consumer confidence, supports the sustainability of long-term economic growth and ensures a fair competitive environment for all.
