Saudi Arabia has seen a major boost in blockchain business activity, with registrations rising by 51% in the second quarter of 2025 and surpassing 4,000 companies. This surge highlights growing trust in the country’s technology sector, especially in areas like Web3, DeFi, and enterprise blockchain services.
Recent regulatory changes have simplified the process for starting a business, allowing companies to operate nationwide with a single commercial record. These reforms, part of broader economic diversification efforts, cut costs and administrative hurdles, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of building a robust digital infrastructure.
Foreign interest is also on the rise, as participation from international and GCC investors grew by 38%. Nearly 70,000 new businesses were launched by foreign nationals and GCC investors in the quarter, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a tech hub. Notably, women secured 49% of new commercial licenses, signaling a shift in gender diversity within the tech and fintech industries.
Riyadh leads the digital expansion, issuing over 28,000 new licenses and recording strong activity in AI and cloud data sectors. Other regions, such as Makkah, the Eastern Province, and Asir, are also seeing increased digital business development, with Asir emerging as a promising area for investment.
The Ministry of Commerce is working to enhance transparency and compliance by updating commercial records, aiming to reduce economic misconduct. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to technology and innovation continues to attract investment and talent, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in digital transformation and economic diversification.