Saudi Arabia: Business Opportunities for Styrian Companies

Saudi Arabia is fundamentally restructuring its economy as part of Vision 2030. New investments, new industries, and new international partnerships are creating opportunities for companies in mechanical and plant engineering, green tech, mobility, health, technology, and other future-oriented fields. ICS helps you realistically assess opportunities, prepare for market entry, and build the right contacts.

Start Export Consulting
Discover Saudi Arabia Events
Riyadh skyline

700 million euros

Export volume

Austria’s export volume to Saudi Arabia recently reached record highs, underscoring the enormous demand for domestic cutting-edge technology.

36 million

Inhabitants

One of the youngest populations among the G20 nations is driving tremendous momentum in consumption, innovation, and digitalization.

1 trillion euros

Gross domestic product

As the largest economy in the Arab world, the country is driving forward massive construction and infrastructure projects.

Construction cranes at sunset

A market in transformation – with concrete relevance for Styria

With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and strengthen new growth areas beyond the oil sector. The official Vision 2030 Report 2025 shows that non-oil activities now account for more than half of economic output. At the same time, the importance of private investment, new industries, and international companies in the country continues to grow.

Styrian goods exports also show significant momentum: they rose from €64.4 million in 2021 to €224.4 million in 2024 – an increase of around 3.5 times. In 2025, Austria exported goods worth €678.5 million to Saudi Arabia. This development makes the market attractive, but it does not replace a careful assessment of your own business model, regulatory requirements, and the right market entry strategy.

Daniela Guß, Authorized Officer of the ICS

Saudi Arabia is no “sure thing,” but a market undergoing rapid transformation. Those who offer suitable solutions, prepare the market professionally, and consistently build relationships can enter new value chains early on.

Daniela Guss, Saudi Arabia Country Expert at ICS

Where special business opportunities arise

The transformation affects numerous areas where Styrian companies bring technological and industrial strengths. Depending on the specific project and demand, particularly relevant fields include:

Industrial plant with tanks and pipelines – Plant engineering

Industry, Machinery & Production

Automation, plant engineering, production technologies, efficiency and quality solutions.

Digital globe over a microchip

Technology & AI

Digitalization, software, AI, cybersecurity, and technologies for new business models.

Cars in traffic with digital networking

Mobility & Automotive

Automotive supply, transportation systems, new mobility solutions, and industrial components.

Glass globe on moss with sustainability symbols

Green Tech & Energy

Energy efficiency, environmental technology, renewable energy, water and resource technologies.

High-rise building under construction with crane

Construction, Infrastructure & Smart Cities

Technologies and services for construction, infrastructure, building technology, and urban development.

Stethoscope on a tablet with graphs – health

Health & Life Sciences

Medical technology, digital health, health infrastructure, and specialized solutions.

Business meeting with Saudi Arabian partners

Market entry into Saudi Arabia: Potential alone is not enough

Business in Saudi Arabia is largely built on trust, personal contacts, and a good understanding of local decision-making processes. At the same time, legal and economic conditions are continuously evolving. Depending on the venture, factors such as investment registration, company structure, taxes and customs, local value-add requirements, industry regulations, or tender conditions may be relevant.

For multinational companies, the Regional Headquarters Program may also play a role. For SMEs, it is crucial not to adopt requirements blindly, but to clarify early on which rules actually apply to their own business model.

How ICS supports you in entering the Saudi Arabian market

Discuss your Saudi Arabia project with us!

1. Assess the market

We help you evaluate opportunities, industry potential, and current developments for your company.

2. Build knowledge

Workshops, country-specific formats, and the Export Academy provide practical knowledge on business culture, market entry, and regulatory conditions.

3. Develop contacts

Through our network and local partners, we open doors to relevant contacts and business connections.

4. Assess the market on-site

Trade missions and B2B formats provide direct insights, discussions, and a realistic assessment of concrete market opportunities.

Your export opportunities worldwide

America Saudi Arabia Success Story

From initial international trade fair appearances to concrete project opportunities – how a young consulting firm opens up global markets with the support of go-international.

The professional support from the ICS and Ms. Kikinger was a decisive success factor for me on our path into international markets.

Philipp Berkessy, Owner of Berkessy Consulting GmbH

Saudi Arabia Success Story

With a clear strategy, local adaptation, and support from the go-international Internationalization Check, Baron Filou successfully enters the Saudi Arabian market.

"It is a special moment when an idea becomes reality – and with the support of this funding, we were able to do exactly that: open our first store in Saudi Arabia. This expansion shows what is possible when you believe in your brand – and have the right partners by your side."

Georg Schrimpf, Managing Director of Baron Filou GmbH

Expert advice – direct and straightforward

Our expert reliably advises you on all questions regarding Saudi Arabia

Daniela Guß, ICS

Daniela Guss

Authorized Signatory

T +43 316 601 546 M +43 664 81 79 273 E daniela.guss@ic-steiermark.at

FAQ: Export and market entry in Saudi Arabia

Vision 2030 is driving investment and economic diversification across numerous sectors. For Styrian companies, the most interesting fields are those where technology, industrial know-how, and specialized solutions are in demand – such as mechanical and plant engineering, green tech, infrastructure, mobility, health, as well as digitalization and AI. The key factor is the specific fit with market demand.

The starting point should be a structured market assessment: target customers, demand, competition, suitable distribution channels, potential partners, and relevant legal requirements. Only after this can you decide whether entry via sales partners, projects, tenders, a local presence, or other models makes sense.

Personal contacts and solid networks play an important role in Saudi business. ICS supports Styrian companies through market and network partners, B2B formats, events, and trade missions in identifying relevant contacts and preparing initial discussions in a targeted way.

Requirements depend on the business model and industry. Relevant topics may include investment registration, legal structure, tax and customs, certifications, local value-add, tender rules, or sector-specific regulations. Companies should therefore individually review the rules applicable to their venture before signing any contracts.

ICS Internationalization Center Styria is a point of contact for Styrian companies looking to explore market opportunities in Saudi Arabia or prepare for market entry. Our support combines market information, personal consulting, qualification programs, networking access, as well as market-related events and trade missions.