Introduction & background

Whilst the global economic slowdown has undoubtedly led to unfavourable investment conditions in most parts of the world, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an exception. H.E. Amr bin Abdullah al-Dabbagh, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has recently announced plans to accelerate the growth of infrastructural development, committing a further US$400 billion to this area over the next 5 years.

The plans, which are supported by a comprehensive range of investment incentives and a multi-faceted reform strategy, are part of a broader initiative, intended to help transform the Kingdom into one of the world’s Top 10 most competitive economies by 2010 (the 10x10 mission).