Saudi Arabia will not work with foreign companies without HQ in Kingdom from 2024

Saudi Arabia will not work with foreign companies without HQ in Kingdom from 2024

Saudi Arabia will no longer sign contracts with foreign companies without a regional headquarters inside the Kingdom starting from 2024, state news agency SPA reported on Monday.

"Saudi Arabia intends to cease contracting with companies and commercial institutions with regional headquarters not located in the Kingdom... The cessation will include agencies, institutions and funds owned by the government and will take effect January 1, 2024," SPA said, citing an official source.

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The move aims to "create more jobs, limit economic leakage, increase spending efficiency and guarantee that the main goods and services purchased by the different government agencies are made in the kingdom."

"The decision... will reflect positively in the form of creating thousands of jobs for citizens, transferring expertise, and localizing knowledge. It will also contribute to developing local content and attracting more investments to the kingdom," Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih said in a tweet.

The new policy is with Vision 2030, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to diversify the Kingdom's economy away from a reliance on oil and generate jobs locally.

SPA noted that "24 international companies announced their intent to move their regional headquarters