Saudi Arabia Becomes Regional Hub for French Businesses

French companies are expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, which is emerging as a manufacturing and logistics hub for international markets. The country's scale and economic development under Vision 2030 offer opportunities beyond its domestic market. According to recent data, Saudi Arabia had 12,946 factories by the end of 2025, with 1,660 new industrial licenses worth approximately €17.1 billion issued during that year.

The infrastructure supporting this growth includes 36 industrial cities and over 700 ready-built factories, along with four Special Economic Zones offering a 5 percent corporate tax rate for up to 20 years. French companies like Schneider Electric, Vallourec, and Tarkett are already establishing themselves in the Kingdom, with some setting up joint ventures for production.

Saudi Arabia is also strengthening its role as an export platform, with non-oil exports reaching €83.4 billion in 2025, including re-exports to over 180 countries. The country's strategic location provides access to international trade corridors connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.