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Investment
in Arriyadh
rriyadh has the vision to be a human, prosperous and beautiful city and a key, overarching
element of this ambition is to achieve sustainability in planning and development according to
Islamic principles for the benefit of its citizens and future generations. Arriyadh also remains
attached to its heritage as one of several historic oases in Wadi Hanifa. This is too reflected in its
vision to become a contemporary oasis and a capital city that nurtures and supports innovation and
enterprise. Such ambitions align with the Kingdom’s policy of diversifying the economy and providing
job opportunities.
Besides key features of religion, political administration, culture, science and research, Arriyadh is
also recognised for its sophisticated and comprehensive infrastructure, public facilities and utilities
and as the headquarters of major public and private sector institutions and enterprises.
With thanks to God, Arriyadh continues its strong growth and achievements as the thriving Capital
of the region’s dominant economy. Among the outstanding and transformational developments is the
King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Arriyadh.
Construction work has now started on no less than six interlinked metro lines and a network of
integrated bus routes and stops that will give Arriyadh a state-of-the-art public transport system
which will surely be the envy of the world. The daily movement of tens of thousands of passengers to
all parts of the City will bring to the already thriving business community a new dynamism. It will also
confirm all the arguments that Arriyadh is the preeminent entrepreneurial base in the region.
The last 12 months have also seen the King Abdullah Financial District nearing completion. This
will provide the home for the Capital Market Authority and Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), as well
as most of the banks and other financial institutions in the Kingdom. This stunning new District now
proudly graces our skyline, a clear statement of Saudi Arabia’s position as the dominant financial
player in the Gulf and the largest and strongest economy in the Arab World.
This Report details these significant and exciting developments and presents the opportunities for
foreign investors to base their national and regional operations in the Kingdom and most particularly
in Arriyadh, of which I have the honour to be Governor.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its Capital stands as a beacon of peace, security, stability and
economic prosperity resulting from the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness, Prince Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince
and Deputy Prime Minister. This Report is a testimony of the fruits of their leadership and guidance.
I hope that by the time you have finished reading the following pages, you will agree with me that the
Saudi Capital is an outstanding place in which to live, work, invest and prosper.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz
Governor of Arriyadh
Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh
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Foreword