Saudi Arabia: 1.9 million registrations and tourism on the rise
By the end of the second quarter of 2026, Saudi Arabia reached 1.9 million active commercial registrations, with a growth of 12% year-on-year. The tourism sector showed particularly impressive results.
Record growth of commercial registrations
The Ministry of Commerce of Saudi Arabia published a quarterly report indicating the dynamic development of the business environment in the kingdom. In the second quarter of 2026, more than 71,000 new commercial registrations were issued. Among the active registrations, 1,280,505 are institutions and 638,007 are companies. This growth reflects the strengthening of Saudi Arabia's economic potential and the growing entrepreneurial movement among both traditional businessmen and youth and women.
Women and young entrepreneurs lead development
Notably, women contribute significantly to the country's economic development. Women own 46% of active commercial institutions, and among newly registered enterprises in the quarter, 47% are owned by women. Young entrepreneurs account for 38% of all active registrations. This indicates the successful implementation of programs for the economic empowerment of women and support for youth entrepreneurship in the kingdom.
Technology and artificial intelligence grow the fastest
The artificial intelligence sector showed impressive growth of 33% year-on-year, reaching 22,591 active registrations. Cloud computing grew by 42% to 6,802 registrations. E-commerce also demonstrates strong dynamics with an increase of 23% to 48,497 registrations, allowing Saudi Arabia to enter the top 10 countries in the world by growth rates in this sector. These figures confirm the kingdom's strategic focus on digital transformation and innovation.
Tourism: the star of economic growth
The tourism sector of Saudi Arabia is experiencing unprecedented growth. Resort registrations increased by 43%, tourist guides by 38%, tour operators by 33%, and travel agencies by 32%. Hotel registrations rose by 38% to 26,801, and logistics services by 25% to 29,856. This growth indicates a rising interest in traveling to Saudi Arabia and the development of infrastructure to accommodate tourists, including pilgrims and travelers seeking diverse tourism experiences.
Regional distribution and prospects
The highest concentration of commercial registrations is observed in Riyadh (666,108), followed by Mecca (397,029) and the Eastern Province (302,165). However, the growth of registrations is evenly distributed across the kingdom, including smaller regions, indicating the diversification of economic activity and the development of tourism potential throughout the country.
FAQ
Why is the tourism sector growing so fast?
Saudi Arabia is actively developing its tourism infrastructure and diversifying its tourism offerings. Growing investments in hotels, resorts, and tourism services, as well as the international popularity of the destination, contribute to the rapid expansion of the sector.
What role do women and youth play in economic development?
Women own nearly half of all active commercial institutions, and young entrepreneurs make up a significant portion of new registrations. This reflects the kingdom's successful policy on the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups and the attraction of fresh ideas into the economy.
How does artificial intelligence impact the economy of Saudi Arabia?
The 33% growth in AI registrations shows the kingdom's strategic focus on technological innovation. AI is applied in tourism, logistics, e-commerce, and other sectors, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi businesses.
