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 900 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.

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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 35 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 new Commercial Registration Law and Trade Name Law

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Saudi Arabia's PDPL becomes enforceable

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Saudi Arabia introduces the New Standards and Quality Law and the Product Safety Law

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Learn more about the latest developments in Saudi Arabia

Our 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.

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Our Saudi Arabia offering

Key Feature

A full-service offering

A full-service commercial offering across most business sectors and practice areas

Key Feature

15 years operating in Saudi Arabia

We are one of the only fully integrated international law firms operating in the Kingdom

Key Feature

35 + legal professionals

Our team advise over 900 companies annually on doing business in Saudi Arabia

Key Feature

9 Saudi partners

Our partners bring a genuine understanding of the country's dynamic market

Key Feature

Committed to local talent

Committed to employing local talent with 80% Saudi nationals in our Riyadh and Jeddah teams

Key Feature

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
Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily

Partner

Mohammed Almarzouki
Mohammed Almarzouki

Partner

Saud Alsaab
Saud Alsaab

Partner

Anas Alswailem
Anas Alswailem

Partner

Ben Cowling
Ben Cowling

Partner

Peter Greatrex
Peter Greatrex

Partner

Shahd Makhafah
Shahd Makhafah

Partner

Alain Sfeir
Alain Sfeir

Partner

Alan Wood
Alan Wood

Partner

Lamisse Bajunaid
Lamisse Bajunaid

Legal Director

Elie Mikhael
Elie Mikhael

Legal Director

Atif Mulla
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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