Campaign to streamline regulatory ecosystem launched in Saudia Arabia Special Economic Zones

The campaign highlights strategic partnerships with key government entities and non-profit organisations, including the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

Ibrahim Alajaji, corporate law expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “The activation of strategic partnerships by the ECZA marks a significant milestone for investors in Saudi Arabia's Special Economic Zones.”

“These partnerships streamline regulatory processes, offer tax exemptions, and provide dedicated arbitration centres, which collectively enhance the ease of doing business,” he said.

“For our clients, this translates to reduced operational costs, minimized investment risks, and improved access to essential services. By leveraging these new incentives, businesses can optimise their investment strategies and achieve greater efficiency.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to make the Kingdom an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.

Employment law expert Dr Sairah Narmah-Alqasim of Pinsent Masons said: “The new campaign will also offer facilitated visa issuance to get employees on the ground more quickly and ease regulatory hurdles, among other benefits.”

“This is a hugely exciting development which will encourage the ease of the doing of business in the SEZs,” she said.

“It will also encourage an increase in FDI providing the comfort of streamlined dispute resolution procedures”.

The developments, relevant to both new and existing investors in Saudi Arabia’s SEZs, seek to attract high-quality investments by providing a transparent and simplified regulatory ecosystem.