Saudi Arabia records 46,900 new companies in first half of 2026

Saudi Arabia established 46,900 new companies during the first half of 2026, signalling continued momentum in the Kingdom’s business sector as efforts to streamline business processes and expand private-sector activity gather pace.

The Saudi Competitiveness and Business Center (SCBC) delivered more than 2.9 million services to business establishments between January and June, including the establishment of new companies, registration of businesses and verification of online stores.

The Center recorded 86,800 establishment registrations and verified 3,500 online stores during the six-month period, reflecting the growing volume of commercial activity across the Kingdom.

The expansion comes alongside a wider footprint for the SCBC, which now operates 21 branches across 16 cities. The Center recently opened branches in Makkah and Arar as part of efforts to broaden access to government services for businesses.

Through integration with 80 government agencies, the Center provides access to around 4,800 services. These include company formation, issuing, renewing and amending licences, annual confirmation of commercial records, opening establishment files with government entities, and tax and zakat-related services.

Saudi Arabia’s business environment has also recorded gains in international competitiveness rankings. The Kingdom ranked 13th globally and third among G20 economies in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development’s World Competitiveness Center in June.

The SCBC attributed the progress to around 1,000 legislative, procedural and technological reforms implemented in coordination with government agencies. It has also been working to identify and address challenges faced by private-sector businesses and improve the efficiency of business operations.

Beyond service delivery, the Center monitors the business environment, provides economic activity data, receives enquiries from private-sector companies and coordinates with relevant authorities to resolve operational challenges.

The latest figures underscore Saudi Arabia’s continued push to build a more competitive and business-friendly economy. The measures form part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda to diversify economic activity, strengthen the private sector and create an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship.