Table of
Content
Introduction tothe Ecosystem
05
Regulatory &
Premium Programs
24
Startups
Ecosystem Overview
11
Enablers
13
Regulatory
Framework & Sandboxes
25
Starting in Saudi Arabia
28
Saudi Startup Ecosystem
Overview of sections
covered in this handbook
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 2
3.
Executive Summary
Saudi Arabiais in the midst of a period of unprecedented
economic transformation, cementing its as a
This is an outcome of a national strategy for
which a thriving, innovation-led private sector is a core pillar.
The Kingdom is refining its
regulatory environment, and investing in
These efforts aim to establish the nation as a global
innovation leader, create high-value jobs, and build a
diversified economy.
hub for
startups and international businesses.
Vision 2030,
diversifying its economy,
digital
infrastructure.
The Kingdom offers access to a large market of
supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of public
and private enablers.
have simplified business establishment, with
incentives positioning the nation as a destination for
innovation.
Key enablers include entities likeMISA, MCIT, MEWA, SDAIA,
Monshaat, stc, NEOM, and KAUST.
over 37 million
people,
Strategic reforms
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 3
4.
Complementing these efforts,the ,
another major pillar of Vision 2030, enhances national
livability by improving lifestyles through advancements in
housing, leisure, and culture.
It maintains a strong focus on , while
simultaneously unlocking new economic sectors in culture,
entertainment, and sports, contributing to a more vibrant
and dynamic society.
Implemented through more than
, the program reflects a unified national
effort to elevate living standards and attract global talent.
Quality of Life Program
safety and well-being
170 initiatives across 17
government entities
Its economic impact is particularly evident in tourism: after
surpassing the milestone of in
2023, seven years ahead of schedule, the target was raised to
.
This forward-looking strategy is expected to
, contribute , and attract massive investments
in hospitality and related industries, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s
status as a leading global destination.
Additionally, these national efforts are accelerating
, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to raise
private-sector contribution to , in line with
Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.
100 million annual visitors
150 million by 2030
create one million
jobs 10% to GDP
private-
sector growth
65% of GDP by 2030
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 4
5.
Key Highlights
Vision 2030as Catalyst: The national strategy is the primary force diversifying the economy beyond oil and
championing private sector growth. The vision aims to increase the private sector's contribution to GDP to 65%.
Untapped Market Potential: A large, young, and digitally native population of over 37 million fuels high demand for
tech-enabled services. Internet penetration in Saudi Arabia has reached 99%, and 21.5% of internet users use at least
one AI tool. Furthermore, 81% of enterprises in the Kingdom are deploying AI solutions.
Comprehensive Support System: A network of government and corporate enablers, including MISA, MCIT, MEWA,
SDAIA , Monshaat , stc, Neom, Aramco, KAUST provides startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
High-Growth Sector Opportunities: Investment is concentrated in future-forward sectors, including FinTech, AI,
Deep Tech, Cybersecurity, IoT, Healthcare, environment and sustainability, and Gaming.
Surging Investment Landscape: Landmark legal reforms, including 100% foreign ownership, simplified corporate
structures, and Premium Residency, have lowered barriers to entry. The ecosystem is fueled by investment from
sovereign firms like PIF, Jada, and SVC, alongside corporate venture capital from Wa’ed Ventures, STV
, and tali ventures
by stc.
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 5
Saudi Arabia’s
Economic Transformation
Handbook| Saudi Startup Ecosystem 6
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound structural transformation to This is
evidenced by non-oil activities contributing over 50% to the country's real GDP in 2024.
diversify its economy away from oil.
Key milestones have been achieved, including a historic and
surpassing the seven years ahead of schedule. The tourism target has now
been revised to 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
low unemployment rate for Saudis (7% in 2024)
100 million tourist goal in 2023,
Future growth in is being driven by massive giga-projects like
NEOM and the hosting of major global events, including
which stimulate innovation across the economy.
technology, real estate, and entertainment
Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034,
Market Trends
The Saudistartup ecosystem is poised for its next phase of growth, which will be defined by 3 key strategic shifts.
Tech Adoption in
Traditional Market
Investment
Maturity
Knowledge-based
Economy
Digital economy powering the next
growth wave
$132B
Facilities connected through the
SEHA virtual hospital
224+
Raised by Saudi startups since the
start of 2023
$3B+
invested in AI, deeptech, and data
centers
$B+
Users engaged on the Sehhaty
health platform
31M
Committed funding in 2025
$1.66B
1st country worldwide to earn ISO
42001:2023 for AI
ISO 42001
Of retail transactions now non-
cash; surpassing the 2025 target
62%
Of MENA’s VC funding captured
by the Kingdom for three
consecutive years
55%+
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 8
10.
The Kingdom’s drivefor economic diversification has catalyzed growth across a range of high-potential sectors.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market
Authority (CMA) are driving innovation in the sectors.
Saudi Arabia is building a next-generation AI ecosystem
anchored by large-scale infrastructure investments.
Saudi Arabia is deploying a digital-first healthcare model
that enhances access and efficiency nationwide.
FinTech & InsurTech AI & DeepTech HealthTech
FinTech companies projected to grow from
end of H1 2025 to 2030
281 → 525
Share of non-cash retail transactions in 2022,
surpassing the national 2025 target early
62%
Size of the Kingdom’s digital economy
$132 B
Facilities connected through the SEHA, the
world’s largest virtual hospital
224+
Population centers covered by the digital
health network
97.4%
Growth in national data-center capacity
42% YoY
On the Sehhaty digital platform
31M users &
3M consultations
100
0
200
300
400
500
H1 2025
281
2030 (Projected)
525
2024
261
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 9
Promising Sectors
To receive ISO 42001:2023
certification for AI
management systems
#1 Globally
11.
Saudi Arabia issetting global standards for digital trust and
national resilience.
Cybersecurity
With one of the highest internet penetration rates globally,
the Kingdom’s e-commerce market is expanding rapidly.
E-commerce
& RetailTech
IoT investments are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s
urban, industrial, and logistics landscapes.
Internet
of Things (IoT)
In the UN 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (100/100
score)
#1 Globally
Domestic cybersecurity
market size in 2024, up 14%
year-on-year
$4 B
Internet penetration in 2024
99%
National cybersecurity
professionals
21K+
investments split almost evenly between products 51% and
services 49%
51% - 49%
Cybersecurity market is
forecast at USD 5.1 billion in
2025
$5.1 B
Saudi-born unicorn achieving billion-dollar
valuation in under three years
Ninja
Of all online transactions captured by local
platforms
95%
Saudi Arabia’s IoT market is expected to
expand from SAR 12 billion to SAR 14 billion by
2027
$3.2 B → $3.73 B
Women in cybersecurity,
exceeding the global average
32%
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 10
The Kingdom is becoming a global
entertainment and gaming hub under
the National Gaming and Esports
Strategy.
Entertainment
& Gaming
Savvy Group committed $38B
investments to build a global gaming
hub by 2030.
$38 B
Promising Sectors
Saudi Arabia hasengineered a premier startup ecosystem by combining a large, digitally-native
market with robust, systemic support.
Size of the Kingdom’s
digital economy
$132 B
Investments raised since 2023
*From Q1 - Q3 2025
$3.4B+
Internet access
nationwide
99%
Deployed in 2025
A National Record
$1.66B
ICT infrastructure
ranking
#2 in G20
Share of total MENA VC captured by
Saudi Arabia for 3 consecutive years
55%+
55.3%
*Share of investments per MENA country from
2023 - Q3 2025
24.6% 13.6%
Leading local VC Funds
Venture capital landscape
The Kingdom’s VC market has demonstrated remarkable momentum.
Startup Ecosystem Overview
0
$1.3
$0.5B
2024
$754M $1.3B
*2025
525
2023
$1.38B
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 12
Ministry of Investment(MISA)
MISA facilitates the setup and expansion of international companies in Saudi Arabia
through clear processes, digital systems, and direct institutional coordination.
International companies established or
relocated their regional headquarters
by 2025
Dedicated track for high-growth ventures entering the Saudi market
Operational platform for foreign
investment setup and expansion
900+
Of services are digitized, reducing
setup time and administrative load
95%
Programs & Offerings
Startup Saudi Program
Invest Saudi
Fast-track license that grants founders operational
access and links to the Premium Residency
Program with fully foreign ownership.
Entrepreneur Registration
Provides sector data, opportunity mapping, and economic
forecasts aligned with Vision 2030 priorities
Market intelligence
Simplified digital workflows covering 95% of entry
procedures — enabling faster market access
Licensing and registration
Direct integration with ministries, regulators, and local
partners to support approvals and public procurement
Government coordination
Assistance across legal, HR, and operational onboarding to
reduce friction and uncertainty
Investor support
MISA task force offering hands-on help with registration, funding programs, and talent hiring
Dedicated support team
Curated introductions to VCs, giga-
projects, and corporate innovation
units for faster business development
Network access
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 14
Enablers | 01
16.
CODELabsaround
theKingdom
7
Programstodate
220
MinistryofCommunicationsandInformationTechnology(MCIT)
MCITleadsSaudiArabia’sdigitaltransformationthroughthedevelopmentof
digitalinfrastructure,thecultivationoftechnicaltalent,andprogramsthat
supportlocalandinternationalstartups.
The Center ofDigital Entrepreneurship (CODE) supports
technology startups throughout their journey from early
ideation to market launch. CODE offers incubation and
acceleration programs, access to digital parks, co-working
spaces, soft-landing services, and a many other services to
enable founders to develop and advance their projects in a
stable,supportiveenvironment.
TechFounders
Aprogramdesignedtosupport
startupsexpandintoleadingglobal
technologyecosystems,including
London,Paris,Singapore,SouthKorea,
andSanFrancisco.
Totalstartupssupported
1.6K
Financialandnon-financial
supportforstartups
SAR2.5B
Asummitthatunitesleading
experts,investors,startups,andkey
ecosystemplayersinSiliconValley.
Asoft-landingprogramthat
providessupportforinternational
technologystartupsenteringthe
Kingdom.
MajorIncentives
Internationalstartups
250
Programs&Offerings
NTDPsupportsthegrowthofthe
technologysectorthroughfinancial
andoperationalinitiatives.
Financial support forinternationaltech
companiesestablishingoperationsinSaudi
Arabia
RelocateInitiative
Assistanceforrapidly growing companies
aimingforbillion-dollarvaluations
SaudiUnicorns
Offerings
SAR 360 M innon-dilutive
financingforlater-stagestartups
Initiativetargetingthe creation of
1,000 new tech startups
VentureDebt&LendTech
MVPLAB
Evaluationfocusesonscalability,
innovation, and alignment with
nationaltechnologypriorities
Various stages of growth,
fromconcepttoscale-up
Eligibility
Handbook| SaudiStartupEcosystem 15
Enablers| 02
17.
Ministry of Environment,Water, and Agriculture (MEWA)
MEWA ensures Saudi Arabia’s food and water security and advances
environmental sustainability, while fostering innovation in AgriTech,
FoodTech, and environmental technologies.
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 16
Programs & Offerings
Enablers | 03
Offerings
Incubator and accelerator for
startups in pre-seed to growth stage
Access to R&D facilities,
laboratories, and pilot opportunities
for product testing
Strategic connection to the
Agriculture Development Fund
(ADF) for non-dilutive financing
and venture capital pathways
Mentorship from agricultural,
environmental, and industry experts
Offerings
Food and Agriculture Technologies Accelerator
FoodTech Incubation Program
Strategic connection with leading organizations from both
the public and private sectors
Offerings
Sahabah Incubation Program
Sahabah Acceleration
Support and resources from
MEWA and its partners
Sustainable
Agriculture, Water
Management and
Desalination, Biotech,
and Waste Value
Startups
Eligibility
Startups in the
Agritech, Foodtech,
and Biotech sectors
Eligibility
Startups, Entrepreneurs, Innovators in
the Water Sector
Eligibility
18.
Saudi Data &AI Authority (SDAIA)
SDAIA drives Saudi Arabia’s national AI strategy, positioning the
Kingdom as a global vanguard in AI governance and building a
robust, locally rooted AI-first economy.
Focused on early-stage, AI-first startups in
generative AI
Targets founders with technical expertise and
applications in:
Large language models (LLMs)
Image generation
AI-powered enterprise tools and applications
Eligibility
Programs & Offerings
Offerings
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 17
Enablers | 04
10-week program run in
partnership with global
technology leaders
Each startup receives a $40,000 (SAR
150,000) non-dilutive grant from the National
Technology Development Program (NTDP)
Provides mentorship,follow-on investment
pathways,and access to SDAIA expertsand
partner AIplatforms
Backed by a $160 million fund
supporting 120 startups
19.
Monsha’at
Monsha’at leads thedevelopment of SMEs in Saudi Arabia, driving
entrepreneurship and supporting business growth in line with Saudi Vision
2030 to contribute 35% of national GDP
Incubators and accelerators licensed by Monsha’at
to support entrepreneurs in various sectors
Companies from the Tomoh Program listed
on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)
Dozens of companies supported in their
expansion from Saudi Arabia to global markets
178+ 13
Programs & Offerings
Offerings
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 18
Enablers | 05
Financing Gateway: A comprehensive portal connecting SMEs with
diverse financing solutions, venture capital, and government funds.
Kafalah Program: A loan guarantee program, in partnership with
banks, that mitigates risk for lenders to increase SME access to credit.
Thakaa Center: A specialized innovation center focused on promoting
the adoption of AI and emerging technologies within the SME
ecosystem.
Mazaya Platform: An exclusive benefits platform offering SMEs access
to discounted services (e.g., logistics, marketing, tech) from private
sector partners.
20.
National Industrial Developmentand Logistics Program (NIDLP)
NIDLP is one of 13 programs aimed at achieving Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision
by transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse and a
global logistics hub in promising growth sectors.
Programs & Offerings
Offerings
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 19
Enablers | 06
Logistics Innovation Studio to accelerate
the development of solutions to address
strategic challenges in logistics
P2P Sandbox to help SMEs explore and
test digital technologies and solutions in a
controlled environment.
Daleel Platform to guide investors, entrepreneurs,
and business professionals leveraging AI and
multilingual support in seven languages
The Global Minerals Innovation Competition, Future
Minerals Pioneers.
Industry, Mining, Energy and
Logistics sectors
Startups aiming to relocate and
boost local innovation
Eligibility
21.
stc
stc group, SaudiArabia’s leading digital enabler and the gateway to the region’s digital economy, provides the
digital infrastructure, technology and investment platforms that enable innovators to enter, build and scale
startups across markets.
Through its integrated entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem vehicles:
stc offers startups and investors a unified path to validate opportunities, launch ventures and grow with capital
and market access.
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 20
Enablers | 07
22.
stc
Handbook | SaudiStartup Ecosystem 21
Enablers | 07
Programs & Offerings
Offerings
stc’s startups accelerator and the region’s first platform for ICT and digital innovation,
developing high-potential startups into scalable ventures and helping international
startups explore opportunities for market entry and commercial collaboration with stc.
Market validation and early commercial exploration within stc’s ecosystem.
Strategic mentorship with pathways to funding and business readiness.
Growth support for startups from early traction to scalable growth and
regional expansion.
Offerings
stc’s corporate venture capital arm, investing in early and growth-stage startups
developing high-impact technologies, opening pathways for founders to access market
opportunities, global partnerships and potential commercial agreements with stc.
Early to growth-stage investments in high-potential technology ventures.
Commercial access and ecosystem connectivity through stc.
Global partnerships enabling scale and market expansion.
High-growth startups in key digital trends, including AI, FinTech, Data Analytics, IoT, Cybersecurity, Cloud, PropTech, IT services, and digital platforms.
Eligibility
Offerings
stc’s venture-building arm that creates new businesses addressing market gaps and
strategic growth areas, helping them evolve into scalable, commercially viable
solutions that expand stc’s innovation footprint.
Builds ventures end-to-end, from ideation to scaling.
Accelerates go-to-market through access to stc assets and expertise.
Develops ventures with employees and external strategic partners.
Offerings
stc’s sustainability incubator enabling the development of ideas that create positive
social and environmental impact, helping them grow into scalable and long-lasting
solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.
Grants up to SAR 100,000 supporting sustainable, impact-driven solutions.
Mentorship and capability-building for social and environmental innovation.
Access to partners, workshops and exhibitions enabling visibility and growth.
23.
Aramco As theKingdom's industrial anchor, Aramco executes a critical dual mandate:
supporting its core energy business while simultaneously catalyzing next-
generation economic diversification.
Programs & Offerings
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 22
Enablers | 08
Eligibility
Sector-agnostic with a focus on:
AI, deeptech, robotics, IoT,
cybersecurity, fintech, and
environmental technologies
Startups that add value to the
Saudi economy or Aramco’s
core and future business
areas
Enterprise Tech, Fintech, AI,
B2B, Consumer Tech and
MedTech
Dedicated allocation for AI
$100 M
Flagship venture fund
$500 M
Offerings
Provides equity funding from seed to
later stages
Offers mentorship and business
development resources
Targets local & international startups
with scalable technologies
Activelyinvestsin
globalstartupsthat
canlocalizetechnology
withinSaudiArabia
Hardware-focused
innovationspace
offeringtechnical
facilitiesand
prototypingresources
Offerings
Offerings
supports global early
to growth-stage
companies
Fundingand
connectionsto scale
quickly, enter new and
emerging markets
$3Bfund
Digital Innovation
space connecting
Aramco tech with
market needs
Supports building new
ventures and
advanced tech
solutions
Connects public,
private, academic, and
startup ecosystems
Focused on AI and
deep tech
Offerings
King Abdullah Universityof Science and Technology (KAUST)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) advances deep-
tech innovation by turning scientific research into commercial ventures.
Programs & Offerings
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 24
KAUST Innovation Ventures
Invests in deep-tech startups
emerging from KAUST
research labs
Offerings Offerings
Offers lab access, R&D support,
and a direct pathway to the Saudi
market
Provides a soft landing for
global deep-tech companies
Focused on deep-tech companies, in:
Sustainable agriculture
Clean energy
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Advanced materials
Eligibility
Enablers | 10
Regulatory Framework &
Sandboxes
Handbook| Saudi Startup Ecosystem 26
Sandboxes
Saudi Arabia has established sector-focused regulatory
sandboxes to de-risk innovation and accelerate
technology commercialization, enabling startups to
test and scale solutions in live market settings
How It Works:
A live, controlled testing environment where firms pilot
solutions with real customers for a set period (typically six
months) under supervision, without requiring a full license.
Why does it matter?
Sandboxes significantly enhance the
investability of startups. By providing a
structured path to test products under
direct regulatory supervision, the
sandbox serves as a validation engine.
28.
Premium Residency
Handbook |Saudi Startup Ecosystem 27
Entrepreneur Residency is one of the Premium
Residency products which targets entrepreneurs who
own tech companies with innovative and creative
solutions, and who aspire to grow their startups in Saudi
Arabia and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious
economic transformation.
What is it?
Premium Residency is a type of legal residency in
Saudi Arabia. The Premium Residency Center
offers 7 products to attract and retain top talent
and investments to contribute to the national
economy, creating employment opportunities
and fostering knowledge transfers.
Benefits for Entrepreneur Residency Holders:
Eligibility Criteria for the Entrepreneur Residency:
Entrepreneur Residency holders can nominate 2 staff members to obtain
the “Special Talent Residency”.
The entity is exempted from ‘Nitaqat’ for the first 3 operational years.
Permanent residency is obtained directly under the 2nd category,
conditioned on creating at least 10 jobs during the 1st year and at least 10
additional jobs during the 2nd year.
Ability to own property and grant Premium Residency to family members,
along with other general Premium Residency benefits.
Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
Recommendation letter from the investment entity.
1st Category: • Obtain a minimum of SAR 400,000 round/s as
investment from an entity accredited by the Premium Residency Center.
• The applicant's share in the start-up is not less than 20%.
2nd Category: • Obtain a minimum of SAR 15 million round/s as
investment from an entity accredited by the Center. • The applicant's
share in the start-up is not less than 5%. • Create at least 10 jobs during
the 1st year and at least 10 additional jobs during the 2nd year.For more
information, visit the official website: pr.gov.sa
29.
Starting in SaudiArabia
The journey of establishing a startup in Saudi Arabia has been significantly simplified. Reforms aimed at
improving the ease of doing business have addressed historical pain points, with key developments including:
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 28
Foreign investors are now allowed to own 100% of their businesses in most sectors, giving them greater control and flexibility
in managing their operations and investments.
100% Foreign Ownership
The introduction of the Simplified Joint Stock Company (SJSC) provides a more agile and founder-friendly legal framework,
making it easier for entrepreneurs to manage governance and attract investors.
Simplified Company Structures
In sectors such as FinTech, InsureTech, and PropTech, regulatory sandboxes offer startups a safe and controlled
environment to test their innovations without being fully subject to standard regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Sandboxes
30.
The Kingdom israpidly cementing its position as a
driven by a confluence of strategic advantages. Its transformation is no longer a future-state
ambition; it is a present-day reality characterized by deep structural alignment and
unprecedented capital deployment.
leading startup hub in the MENA region,
The convergence of a large, high-growth domestic market with a robust,
has created a unique dual advantage for entrepreneurs. This
environment allows innovators to validate, de-risk, and scale their ventures with unparalleled
speed.
sovereign-backed
ecosystem of enablers
Consequently, Saudi Arabia is rapidly repositioning itself, moving beyond being a lucrative
destination market to become a strategic, sovereign-backed platform.
For the next generation of global founders, the Kingdom is being deliberately engineered as a
, providing the capital, customers, and conviction required to build and
project new categories of innovation onto the world stage.
global launchpad
Handbook | Saudi Startup Ecosystem 29
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