Are you looking for the best small-scale business ideas to start a business in Saudi Arabia? If so, read this article to know more about the list of profitable businesses one can start in this country.
The Saudi Arabian economy is considered to be among the top 25 largest economies in the world. It is the largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa Region. The Saudi Arabian economy is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies worldwide.
The gross domestic product per capita of Saudi Arabia is projected to reach 27,950.04 U.S. dollars in 2027. Due to the large reserves of petroleum, the domestic cost of energy is very low. The Saudi government also plays a significant role in encouraging private investors to provide incentives and duty-free access. Hence, starting a business in Saudi Arabia is a wise decision for making money.
Here are the best profitable small business opportunities you can start with low investment in Saudi Arabia:
15 Small Business Ideas in Saudi Arabia
1. Construction Business
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world. The Government in Saudi Arabia is encouraging investors to invest in improving infrastructure, transport, education, and real estate. This creates big opportunities for entrepreneurs in getting involved in construction-related activities.
It is estimated that there is a USD $100 billion planned investment over the next 10 years in transport projects.
2. Solar Energy Business
The hot climate of Saudi Arabia is perfect for solar energy production. The Government is also encouraging investment in solar power creation for alternate power sources reducing fuel pollution. You can invest in the solar energy sector in production, sales of solar panels, solar installations, etc.
3. Education Business
Saudi Arabia is the world’s 8th highest education spender. The government encourages investment in building new educational institutes and funding overseas degrees and training programs for Saudi students.
With the increase in investment from foreign countries, Saudis are in urgent need of learning English to communicate better in English. English language tutoring is surely a profitable earning opportunity in the education sector in this Arabian country.
4. Healthcare
Saudi Arabia is the largest market for medical equipment and healthcare products in the Middle East. There are huge opportunities to meet the demand for healthcare solutions for the growing population of the country. You can invest in the healthcare value chain including medical education, research, facilities, provision, and reimbursement.
5. ICT
Saudi Arabia is the region’s largest IT market with strong growth in consumer and enterprise-end markets. Huge public investments in infrastructure, health, and education have paved the way for advanced technology and security systems in the country.
The government planning for the industry to raise its contribution to the GDP by 20 percent by 2022.
6. Processed Foods
Due to the lack of availability of fresh foods, processed foods are in high demand in this part of the world. You can start a quick-service restaurant selling fresh food items or import fresh ones and process them as per demand.
7. Consumer and Luxury goods
Because of the high purchasing power of average Saudi citizens, consumer and luxury goods business is surely a profitable business sector in Saudi Arabia.
8. Financial and Professional Services
People with a professional background in finance, engineering, medicine, nursing, etc are always in demand in the country as there is a shortage of competent professionals from domestic sources.
9. Water and Wastewater
The hot climate of this Arabian country encourages accessing new water sources and finding ways of using water much more efficiently and sustainably. The water industry is also a major energy user, creating a carbon impact that will need to be tackled. This offers huge opportunities for companies operating in the water and waste sector to invest in this part of the world.
10. Security and Defense
The defense & Security sector is one of the important sectors in Saudi Arabia. This sector provides huge opportunities for investors. Security is a fast-growing sector that is currently estimated to be worth between SR 2.27 – 2.51 billion (USD $605 – $670 million.)
11. Become a Scrap Dealer
Buying and selling scraps is a profitable business in Saudi Arabia. If you looking for metal related business with low investment, consider starting a scrap dealership business.
12. Recycling Business
Saudi Arabia is a major market for scrap metal recycling. As a matter of fact, nearly 6% of the total exports in the country are aluminum scrap. If you have the required funds, start a recycling business in this part of the world.
Home-Based Online Business Ideas in Saudi Arabia
13. Start a Blog
If you are looking for a legitimate home-based online business from the comfort of your home, starting a blog is the best option. There are millions of people all across the globe making huge money blogging. If you are interested, check out our guide on how to start a blog and make money easily.
14. Start an eCommerce Business
Nowadays, starting an eCommerce business is not at all costly. There are several online e-commerce website builders that will help you start your eCommerce business online within a few minutes. If you are looking for Ecommerce ideas, check the following article.
Read: Best Ecommerce Business Ideas
15. Online Tutoring
The business of tutoring online has grown exponentially in the last few years. The recent pandemic has also helped in the growth. If you are a subject expert, online tutoring can fetch you high returns.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to Start a Business in Saudi Arabia?
The process of opening a legally compliant business in Saudi Arabia depends on several factors. The two most important ones are the nature of business and the citizenship of the entrepreneur. The basic process to form a company in Saudi Arabia is mentioned below:
- Register a company name.
- Apply at General Investment Authority.
- Notarize required documents.
- Publication in Official Gazette.
- Open a business bank account.
- Setup an Office.
- Register in Commercial Registry.
- Apply for membership at the Chamber of Commerce.
Saudi Arabia is the only Arab country to be nominated as a member of the G20. The country is mostly dependent on its oil industry. It, in fact, comprises almost half of the GDP of the country.
The working class is and largely sourced from other countries. More than 80% of employees in private sector companies are outsourced from foreign countries.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a very fast-growing economy – GDP growth in 2012 reached over 6%. The booming economy is creating great opportunities for both exporters and investors.
These are further boosted by moves to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil and gas, economic reform, market liberalization, and a growing private sector. If you are looking for a good return on your investment, Saudi Arabia is the country you must explore.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their business. Our aim is to educate the entrepreneur on the various stages of entrepreneurship.