Over 45,000 New Businesses Entered Saudi’s Market in H1 2026

Nearly 46,900 new companies were established in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2026, according to the Saudi Competitiveness and Business Center, as the Kingdom continued efforts to streamline services for businesses and investors.

The centre said it delivered more than 2.9 million services to business establishments during the six-month period, including the establishment of 46,900 companies, the registration of 86,800 establishments, and the verification of 3,500 online stores.

The organisation also expanded its national network to 21 branches across 16 cities, following the opening of new locations in Makkah and Arar. Through integration with 80 government entities, the centre now provides access to around 4,800 services, covering company formation, business licensing, commercial record renewals, tax and zakat services, and other regulatory procedures.

The update follows Saudi Arabia's ranking as 13th globally and third among G20 economies in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The centre attributed the country's progress to more than 1,000 legislative, procedural and technological reforms introduced in coordination with government agencies.