Saudi Arabia introduces new laws to streamline business registration and trade names

Saudi Arabia introduces new laws to streamline business registration and trade names
Approved in September, the laws are set to come into force in the coming weeks and aim to enhance business efficiency and improve the overall commercial environment. Shutterstock
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Updated 27 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia introduces new laws to streamline business registration and trade names

Saudi Arabia introduces new laws to streamline business registration and trade names

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new regulations designed to streamline commercial registration and trade name processes have been described as a “game-changer” for entrepreneurs.

Approved in September, the laws are set to come into force in the coming weeks and aim to enhance business efficiency and improve the overall commercial environment.

Experts have told Arab News that the new regulations will help encourage small businesses, particularly those led by women — key components of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the trade sector saw 104,000 new commercial registrations, marking a 59 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Ministry of Commerce also issued 65,363 permits during this time last year.

When the changes were announced, Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi said they were designed to simplify business operations by offering a unified national registration system.

Ryan Al-Nesayan, partner at business intelligence firm Arthur D. Little, hailed these regulations as a “game-changer,” stating that by simplifying and speeding up the registration process, the new laws eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously slowed down business launches.




Ryan Al-Nesayan, partner at business intelligence firm Arthur D. Little. Supplied

He told Arab News: “This is especially important for startups where every delay can cost momentum. Entrepreneurs can now get their ventures off the ground quickly, focusing on growth rather than navigating paperwork.”

Al-Nesayan noted that the sharp rise in business registrations is a clear indication that Saudi Arabia is becoming a magnet for entrepreneurial activity. He attributes this growth to the government’s focus on business-friendly reforms and Vision 2030 initiatives, which are creating a more streamlined business environment.

Notably, women received 44 percent of the new registrations in the first three months of 2024, underscoring a significant rise in female participation in the business world.

Al-Nesayan emphasized the importance of this statistic, pointing out that the new regulations are removing barriers that previously discouraged female entrepreneurs.

He added: “As the environment becomes more accessible, we’re likely to see continued growth in women-led businesses, which supports gender inclusivity in Saudi Arabia’s economic development.”

The introduction of these regulations brings the total number of commercial certificates issued across Saudi Arabia to over 1.45 million.

Jihad Chidiac, a Lebanon-based attorney, explained that the two new laws, the Commercial Registration Law and the Trade Names Law, are set to take effect 180 days after their publication in the official gazette, which is expected within the next few weeks.




Jihad Chidiac, a Lebanon-based attorney. Supplied

These laws will fully replace older legislation, with the current Law of Commercial Register having been in effect since 1995 and the Trade Names Law issued in 1999.

According to Chidiac, the introduction of these two laws “comes in alignment with the recent legal reforms the Kingdom is undertaking, including the new Investment Law permitting full foreign ownership of companies, and the amendment of the Labor law, while having as the main goal the implementation of Vision 2030 and the attraction of foreign investments into the Kingdom.”

Chidiac further elaborated that the new Trade Names Law specifically enhances the legal protection of intellectual property, making it easier for businesses to reserve, transfer, and protect their trade names.

He noted that the new law “prohibits the registration of names similar to existing ones regardless of different business activities, and simplifies the transfer of trade name ownership without requiring the transfer of the entire business.”

This step, according to Chidiac, is aimed at reducing conflicts and enhancing fair competition by encouraging businesses to adopt unique, distinctive trade names.

The new laws also set guidelines for the resolution of disputes related to trade names and business registration.

Chidiac commented that the centralized electronic database for business and trade name registrations will reduce duplication, improve transparency, and promote uniformity across the Kingdom.

He explained that the improved registration processes and enhanced legal framework will likely prevent conflicts over similar trade names.

He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s legal system encourages alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration, which help reduce the burden on courts and offer flexible options for businesses involved in disputes.

According to Abdulrahman Al-Hussein, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, the new system is based on international best practices.

Arthur D. Little’s Al-Nesayan agreed, noting that the adoption of international best practices in the new registration system will make Saudi Arabia a more attractive market for foreign investors.

He explained: “The unified national registration system is a major win for both local and foreign businesses. It removes the complexity of dealing with multiple agencies and provides a one-stop platform for all business-related registrations.”

This, he added, signals a more predictable and transparent operating environment, aligning with global standards and making market entry far smoother for international companies.

The reforms also provide enhanced trade name protection, which Al-Nesayan highlighted as crucial for businesses looking to scale both domestically and internationally.

“In today’s market, a business’s brand is often one of its most valuable assets,” he said. “By ensuring stronger protection for trade names, companies can confidently invest in their brand, knowing it’s secure. Over time, this will build consumer trust, enhance market presence, and support long-term growth.”

For those with existing sub-registers, a five-year grace period is being offered to either transfer or cancel their registrations. Chidiac pointed out that while this grace period offers flexibility, it also raises challenges for businesses regarding the company’s history and anteriority, particularly if they opt to cancel their sub-registers.

He explained that companies must carefully consider the potential impact on their business identity when making decisions during this transition phase.

Alongside these changes, the cabinet also approved a new real estate transaction tax system and other related measures. Chidiac explained that the new real estate law replaces the previous 15 percent VAT on real estate sales with a 5 percent tax on property ownership transfers.

He noted that this reform will not only ease the financial burden on businesses but also attract local and foreign investment into the real estate sector.

Certain transactions, such as inheritance distribution and charitable transfers, are exempt from this tax, which Chidiac believes will stimulate increased activity in the real estate market.

Al-Nesayan also highlighted the significance of this new real estate transaction tax system, noting that it complements the broader business reforms by promoting a more structured and transparent property market.

He explained that such transparency is essential as Saudi Arabia grows as a business hub, stabilizing property markets and supporting broader economic diversification efforts.

Chidiac added that legal counsel will play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the transitional period for the new regulations, particularly regarding the five-year grace period for existing registrations.

He emphasized the need for businesses to stay informed and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

Al-Nesayan echoed this sentiment, advising businesses to engage with legal and business advisory services early on to fully benefit from the streamlined processes.

He added: “Being agile in adapting to these reforms will give businesses a significant competitive edge in this evolving landscape.”


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,409

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,409
Updated 02 February 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,409

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,409
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 145.58 points, or 0.47%, to close at 31,105.07
  • MSCI Tadawul Index gained 1.59 points, or 0.10%, to close at 1,54561

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 5.62 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 12,409.87.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.09 billion ($1.35 billion), as 108 of the stocks advanced and 118 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, lost 145.58 points, or 0.47 percent, to close at 31,105.07. This comes as 42 of the listed stocks advanced while 43 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index, however, gained 1.59 points, or 0.10 percent, to close at 1,54561. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Mutakamela Insurance Co., whose share price rose 9.74 percent to SR18.02. 

Other top performers included Allied Cooperative Insurance Group and Saudi Arabian Cooperative Insurance Co. whose share prices gained 8.55 percent to SR16 and 7.71 percent to SR17.88, respectively.

Thimar Development Holding Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 7.5 percent to SR53.

Saudi Arabian Amiantit Co. also saw its stock prices fall 5.77 percent to SR29.40.

CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. saw its stock prices decline 4.26 percent to SR54.

Multi Business Group Co. announced its annual financial results for the period ending Dec. 31.

According to a Tadawul statement, the company reported a net profit of SR10.5 million last year, reflecting a 19.06 percent increase compared to 2023. 

The growth was driven by an 8 percent rise in total revenues, a 12 percent increase in gross profit, an 8 percent reduction in general and administrative expenses, and a 45 percent decrease in financing costs, despite a 161 percent surge in zakat expenses.

Multi Business Group Co. ended the session at SR18.80, up 10.43 percent.

Edarat Communication and Information Technology Co. announced its annual consolidated financial results for the period ending Dec. 31.

A bourse filing revealed that the firm recorded a net profit of SR24.6 million in 2024, reflecting a 41.98 percent rise compared to the previous year. 

The jump is primarily linked to a 31 percent rise in gross profit, which reached SR45.3 million in 2024, compared to SR34.6 million in 2023. Moreover, administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, dropped from 19.07 percent in 2023 to 16.71 percent in 2024, further leveraging the growth in net profit.

Edarat ended the session at SR671, up 1.55 percent.

The National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia announced its interim financial results for the period ending Dec. 31. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm recorded a net profit of SR2.16 billion in 2024, up 34.45 percent compared to 2023. 

The rise is owed to a surge in gross profit by SR627 million and an increase in the firm’s share in results of equity accounted investees by SR166 million. The increase in net profit was partially reduced by a decline in other income and a rise in general and administrative expenses compared to the same period last year.

National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia ended the session at SR29.95, down 0.67 percent.

Bank AlJazira has announced its annual financial results for the period ending Dec. 31. A bourse filing revealed that the firm recorded a net profit of SR1.23 billion in 2024, up 20.69 percent compared to 2023.

The bank ended the session at SR18.68, down 3.08 percent.

Saudi Awwal Bank also announced its annual financial results for the same period. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm recorded a net profit of SR8.07 billion in 2024, up 15.25 percent compared to 2023. This rise is due to a surge in total operating income, partially offset by a jump in total operating expenses and tax charges.

The bank ended the session at SR36.40, up 1.95 percent.


Saudi Electricity to settle $1.5bn in historical obligations to the state

Saudi Electricity to settle $1.5bn in historical obligations to the state
Updated 02 February 2025
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Saudi Electricity to settle $1.5bn in historical obligations to the state

Saudi Electricity to settle $1.5bn in historical obligations to the state
  • Disputed amounts are related to technical discrepancies in quantities, prices, and handling costs of fuel and electric power
  • Second resolution was issued to include the settlement liability amount in the Mudaraba instrument

RIYADH: The Saudi Electricity Co. will settle its historical obligations to the state, totaling SR5.687 billion ($1.5 billion), following an executive panel approving a final settlement of the disputed legacy amounts.

The panel, which included a ministerial committee for restructuring the electricity sector and SEC, said the disputed amounts are related to technical discrepancies in quantities, prices, and handling costs of fuel and electric power.

A working team was formed from the ministries of energy and finance and the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, in coordination with relevant authorities, to study the disputed transactions totaling SR10.3 billion.

This is part of the government’s continued efforts to enhance service levels for citizens and residents, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Global credit ratings agency Moody’s assigned the SEC an Aa3 rating in November, which it gives to companies with high quality, low credit risk, and a strong ability to repay short-term debts. It provides an assessment of the creditworthiness of borrowers, including governments, corporations, and other entities that issue debt.

The Tadawul statement said the committee issued a second resolution to include the settlement liability amount in the Mudaraba instrument, as per the terms of the agreement between SEC and the Ministry of Finance, within 30 days of receiving the resolution letter from the Minister of Energy.

The Mudaraba instrument is a long-term, unsecured financial tool with a profit margin tied to the regulatory weighted average cost of capital. Its profit is paid only if dividends are declared on ordinary shares. It follows Islamic Shariah principles, is treated as equity in SEC’s financials, and does not change shareholder ownership or rights.

The bourse filing said the SEC expects no significant impact on its dividend distribution.

It added that following the resolution, SEC will amend the Mudaraba agreement with the Ministry of Finance to include this amount in the Mudaraba instrument, bringing the total to SR173.607 billion.

Reclassifying the settlement amount into the Mudaraba instrument strengthens the company’s capital and prepares it for large-scale investments, reinforcing its role as a reliable electricity provider in the Kingdom.

The financial impact of the resolution is projected to be reflected in the 2024 financial statements.


Saudi Arabia’s military spending surges to $75.8bn in 2024, says GAMI chief

Saudi Arabia’s military spending surges to $75.8bn in 2024, says GAMI chief
Updated 02 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s military spending surges to $75.8bn in 2024, says GAMI chief

Saudi Arabia’s military spending surges to $75.8bn in 2024, says GAMI chief
  • Kingdom strengthens global defense presence with $78 billion military budget for 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s military spending has increased at an annual rate of 4.5 percent since 1960, reaching $75.8 billion in 2024. This accounts for 3.1 percent of global defense spending, according to a senior official.

Speaking at the fourth Global Strategies in Defense and Aerospace Industry Conference in Antalya, Turkiye, Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, noted that global military expenditure now totals $2.44 trillion.

Al-Ohali emphasized that Saudi Arabia has earmarked around $78 billion for the military sector in its 2025 budget. This allocation represents 21 percent of the total government spending and 7.19 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

The governor reiterated that the work of GAMI is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a prosperous, diversified, and sustainable economy by reducing dependence on oil revenues and fostering growth in industry and innovation.

“In the presence of His Excellency Prof. Haluk Gorgun, chairman of the Defense Industries Authority of Turkiye, and leaders of Turkish military industry companies, I discussed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation toward a more diversified and innovation-driven economy,” Al-Ohali stated.

He further added: “I also emphasized the promising investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s military industries sector and the strategic partnerships between our two countries, with the goal of localizing over 50 percent of military spending by 2030.”

The governor underscored GAMI’s commitment to developing a sustainable military industries sector that not only strengthens military readiness but also makes a significant contribution to the national economy.

To achieve its localization goals, the authority has introduced several initiatives designed to attract both foreign and domestic investments in the defense sector.

Al-Ohali highlighted that GAMI has rolled out a range of incentives to encourage investment and expand military industries, helping companies meet localization targets.

“A total of 74 supply chain opportunities have been created within the military industries sector, with 30 priority opportunities identified, representing about 80 percent of future expenditures on supply chains,” he noted.

The authority is also offering support and facilitation to small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in military industries, both domestically and internationally.

“The aim is to establish a resilient and robust military industrial base that will not only bolster national security but also contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s economic diversification,” Al-Ohali added.

In November of last year, Al-Ohali mentioned at the Local Content Forum that Saudi Arabia had localized 19.35 percent of its military spending, a significant increase from just 4 percent in 2018. The Kingdom plans to exceed 50 percent by 2030.

He also pointed out that the number of licensed entities in the military industries sector had risen to 296 by the third quarter of 2024.

Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its position as a key player in the global defense sector, with strategic partnerships and industrial development playing a pivotal role in achieving the goals outlined in Vision 2030.


Saudi Arabia launches February ‘Sah’ savings with 4.94% return

Saudi Arabia launches February ‘Sah’ savings with 4.94% return
Updated 02 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches February ‘Sah’ savings with 4.94% return

Saudi Arabia launches February ‘Sah’ savings with 4.94% return
  • Minimum subscription amount is SR1,000 and the maximum total issuance per user during the program period is SR200,000
  • Kingdom aims to raise savings rate among residents from 6% to the international benchmark of 10% by 2030

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has launched the second round of its subscription-based savings product, Sah, for 2025, offering a competitive return of 4.94 percent for February.

Issued by the Ministry of Finance and organized by the National Debt Management Center, the Sah bonds are the Kingdom’s first savings product designed specifically for individuals. 

Structured within the local bond program and denominated in Saudi riyals, Sah offers attractive returns to promote financial stability and growth among citizens.

The product aligns with the Financial Sector Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to raise the savings rate among residents from 6 percent to the international benchmark of 10 percent by the end of the decade.

The Shariah-compliant, government-backed sukuk began at 10:00 a.m. Saudi time on Feb. 2 and will remain open until 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 4. Redemption amounts are expected to be paid within a year, as announced by the NDMC on X.

Sah offers fee-free, low-risk returns and is available through the digital platforms of various approved financial institutions. The bonds are issued monthly based on the issuance schedule, with a one-year savings period, fixed returns, and profits paid out at the bond’s maturity.

The minimum subscription amount is SR1,000 ($266), corresponding to the value of one bond, while the maximum total issuance per user during the program period is SR200,000. Returns are paid monthly per the issuance calendar.

The savings period lasts one year with a fixed return, and accrued profits are disbursed at the bond’s maturity. Future returns will be influenced by market conditions on a month-to-month basis.

The product is available to Saudi nationals aged 18 and older, who must open an account with either SNB Capital, Aljazira Capital, Alinma Investment, SAB Invest, or Al-Rajhi Capital.

Last month, NDMC announced the closure of the year’s first issuance with a total amount allocated of SR3.724 billion. It was divided into four tranches, with the first valued at SR1.255 billion to mature in 2029 and the second worth SR1.405 billion, maturing in 2032. The third tranche totaled SR1.036 billion to mature in 2036, while the fourth amounted to SR28 million and matures in 2039.

The initial 2025 issuance concluded on Jan. 7, offering a competitive return of 4.95 percent over its three-day subscription period.


Saudi stc Group tops MENA telecom operators with $57.7bn market cap

Saudi stc Group tops MENA telecom operators with $57.7bn market cap
Updated 02 February 2025
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Saudi stc Group tops MENA telecom operators with $57.7bn market cap

Saudi stc Group tops MENA telecom operators with $57.7bn market cap
  • stc posted a net profit of SR11.23 billion in the first nine months of 2024
  • Company’s Saudi mobile subscriber base grew 7.9% year on year

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s stc Group has emerged as the largest listed telecom operator in the Middle East and North Africa, with a market capitalization of $57.7 billion as of Jan. 28, according to a Forbes analysis.

The ranking places stc ahead of UAE’s e&, the Kingdom’s Etihad Etisalat, also known as Mobily, Qatar’s Ooredoo Group, and UAE’s Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Co., which round out the top five telecom firms in the region by market value. 

The combined capitalization of these five companies stood at $132 billion, representing 84.7 percent of the total market value of the 16 publicly listed telecom operators in the region.

stc’s share price rose 2 percent year on year to SR43.3 ($11.6) as of Jan. 28. On Feb. 2, the stock gained 0.34 percent to trade at SR43.65 as of 12:30 p.m. Saudi time. The company posted a net profit of SR11.23 billion in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 2 percent increase from the same period a year earlier, according to Saudi Exchange data.

The group’s financial arm, STC Bank, recently secured a non-objection certificate from the Saudi Central Bank to commence operations, becoming the first licensed digital financial institution in Saudi Arabia. The approval aligns with the regulator’s push for digital transformation and enhanced competition in the banking sector while ensuring financial stability.

Forbes said that stc’s Saudi mobile subscriber base grew 7.9 percent year on year in the first nine months of 2024, reaching 27.6 million, while fixed-line subscribers rose 2.3 percent to 5.7 million. In contrast, stc Kuwait saw its mobile subscriber base decline 4.2 percent to 2.3 million by the end of the third quarter.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund holds a 62 percent stake in stc Group.

Among regional rivals, e& holds the second-largest market capitalization at $41.1 billion, while Mobily ranks third at $12 billion. Mobily’s stock price climbed 14.5 percent year on year to SR58.4 as of Jan. 28, with net profit surging 43 percent to SR2.12 billion for the first nine months of 2024. The company’s subscriber base also expanded 1.5 percent to 11.7 million.

Ooredoo Group ranks fourth with an $11.4 billion market capitalization, followed by Emirates Integrated Telecommunications at $9.8 billion.