From London to Riyadh: Exploring UK-Saudi Business Expansion Opportunities

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most transformative economic shifts in the modern era. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is diversifying beyond oil and creating a globally competitive environment for innovation, infrastructure, and investment. 

For UK-based businesses, this transformation represents a golden window of opportunity for business setup in the KSA. Between 2018 and 2023, UK-Saudi bilateral trade surpassed £79 billion ($102.7 billion), making Saudi Arabia the UK’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. 

1. Construction and Infrastructure
With giga-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya in full swing, Saudi Arabia's demand for construction innovation is soaring. UK architecture and engineering firms have already secured a growing number of licenses, over 1,100 to date. 

British firm Foster + Partners, for instance, is master-planning the new King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, set to become one of the world’s largest. Subcontracting opportunities are abundant in areas such as airport tech, interior design, and green infrastructure. 

2. Research and Development
The Kingdom is placing heavy emphasis on research, science, and innovation. UK academic institutions are forming deep partnerships with Saudi counterparts to build R&D ecosystems in aviation, architecture, clean energy, and beyond. 

Cranfield University’s aviation partnership and the Royal College of Art’s MoU with the Architecture and Design Commission highlight a growing space for UK expertise in education, tech development, and research consultancy. 

3. Tourism and Hospitality
With a target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030, Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its tourism and entertainment offerings. UK firms are already active in shaping this sector, from hospitality design and interior fit-outs to tourism strategy consulting. 

The 2024 Creative Industries Trade Mission and a Declaration of Intent between Visit Britain and the Saudi Tourism Authority underscore the strong collaboration in this space. 

4. A Streamlined Business Environment
Saudi Arabia has also significantly improved its business formation framework. New residency and licensing options, enhanced foreign ownership rights, and investor-friendly laws have made it easier than ever for UK companies to establish a presence. 

Whether in construction, research, or tourism, the Kingdom offers a supportive ecosystem for long-term business growth. 

Why Now?
Saudi Arabia’s transformation is already underway. UK firms that move now will benefit from first-mover advantages in one of the fastest-growing markets in the region. With strong government backing and growing bilateral cooperation, this is a rare chance to help shape the future of an entire nation. 

Interested in expanding into Saudi Arabia?
Read the full article on our website blog to explore how your UK business can thrive in the Kingdom.