Saudi Arabia presents an energetic and vigorous economy, perfect for serving global demanding markets. The country’s economy is largely oil-based with strong governmental controls on most economic activities.

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 16% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings.

This site describes the three major considerations to be made by those thinking of starting a business in Saudi Arabia

Foreigners wishing to conduct business in Saudi Arabia may do so by establishing a permanent presence in Saudi Arabia or by entering into an agency relationship for the distribution and sale of their products. Below is a summary of the business forms available under Saudi law

This guide provides an overview of the legal system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Saudi Arabia.

Payments made from a resident party or a PE to a non-resident party for services performed are subject to WHT. The rates vary between 5%, 15%, and 20% based on the type of service and whether the beneficiary is a related party.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Saudi Arabia stands at 20 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Saudi Arabia averaged 25 percent from 1999 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 45 percent in 1999 and a record low of 20 percent in 2006. Corporate Tax Rate in Saudi Arabia is reported by the Department of Zakat and Income Tax.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Saudi Arabia stands at 0 percent.

Visa requirements and information from the Saudi embassy

Full detail on passports, visas and entry requirements for Saudi Arabia

The Saudi bus network provides affordable transport both within and between the Kingdom’s cities.

A complete guide to transportation

This site provides information on telecommunications in Saudi Arabia which includes fixed and cellular phones, internet as well as radio and television broadcasting

The major telecom provider in Saudi Arabia

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Saudi Arabia. 

Labor law provisions from the Saudi embassy

With one of the world’s highest birthrates at around 3%, and an expatriate population which in 2007 stood at 27% of the total population of 24 million, creating employment opportunities for its citizens has long been a high priority of the Saudi Arabian government.

In January, 2014 Saudi Arabia introduced compulsory unemployment insurance for all citizens with jobs

Cost of living in Saudi Arabia is 35.88% lower than in United States (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). Rent in Saudi Arabia is 64.11% lower than in United States (average data for all cities).

The overall cost of living in Saudi Arabia is similar to most European countries as an expat. There are some significant differences since the general lack of tax makes a big difference on the cost of certain items such as cars. The cost of accommodation tends to be more expensive than in Europe.

Islam is a major religion in the entire Arab world and it affects the day-to-day social customs as well as the Arabian business etiquette.

See “Etiquette and Customs in Saudi” on this site

The country’s strict interpretation of Sharia law and harsh punishments for illegal activity mean that safety in Saudi Arabia is not a major concern. 

Travel advice from the UK government

With the exception of the province of Asir on the western coast, Saudi Arabia has a desert climate characterized byextreme heat during the day, an abrupt drop in temperature at night, and very low annual rainfall. 

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. In seaside Jeddah it is warm for most of the year, though winter is probably the most pleasant time for a visit. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter, when occasional heavy rainstorms occur.

Today, Saudi Arabia’s education system includes 25 public and 27 private universities, with more planned; some 30,000 schools; and a large number of colleges and other institutions. The system is open to all citizens, and provides students with free education, books and health services.

In Saudi Arabia primary education through to high school is open to everybody and is free. 

Saudi Arabia recognizes public holidays, national holidays and local observances, many of which are based on Islamic religious traditions and culture. 

There are two major religious celebrations in Saudi Arabia – Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha. The amount of public holidays granted each year is variable, and announced by the government. 

A comprehensive description of demograhic facts and figures

This site is about the demographic features of the population ofSaudi Arabia, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations, and other aspects of the population.

Saudi Arabia Customs regulations and proceduresfor importing and exporting goods at the border

Import and export custom regulations

Saudi Arabia is a main player in the commercial life around the world. By signing agreements with world trade organizations and many European and Asian countries, Saudi Arabia has created a powerful cooperation with world economy.

This site provides key information on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the WTO. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a member of WTO since 11 December 2005.

Expat housing in Saudi Arabia either takes the form of conservative compound living or an alternative avenue that leads to renting or purchasing from the local market. 

A guide to accommodations in major cities in Saudi

No other country in the world is as misunderstood as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and perhaps no other country – rich with culture, heritage, and natural beauty – is as worthy of a visit. 

The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is as rich in attractions as it is in stirring symbolism. It is also one of the most difficult places on earth to visit.