Legal Framework
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013
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This chapter outlines investment laws and regulations for foreign companies operating within the Kingdom, and provides information about the options available for diversification of corporate ownership. This chapter also includes a viewpoint with Robert W Jordan, Partner in Charge of the Middle East at Baker Botts, and Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Articles from this Chapter

Analysis

Expanding the ownership base: Options available for the diversification of corporate ownership
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Given the prevalence of family businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), local families may face a decision on how to diversify the ownership of their business to introduce new ideas, raise capital for growth or exit their investment. The challenge lies in considering the best method of diversification for each business. Options To Consider Some approaches will involve control being relinquished to another shareholder or shareholders and others will enable the original shareholder to maintain…

Analysis

Open for investment: Regulations relating to foreign investors
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Since Saudi Arabia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation in December 2005, the government has made significant progress towards developing and maintaining policies that favour an open legal and business environment amenable to foreign capital investment. Many of the Kingdom’s economic sectors have been opened to foreign investment such that it is now one of the more open economies in the Gulf Cooperation Council and within the broader Middle East. Foreign Investment The Foreign Investment…

Analysis

On the rise: Sharia-compliant financing is growing quickly
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Saudi Arabia comprises more than half of the GCC Islamic finance market in terms of Islamic assets and represents a far greater percentage of the sharia-compliant syndicated and project financing market. With Islamic syndicated loans in the first five months of 2012 surpassing the full 2011 figures largely on the back of Saudi mega-deals, this is showing no signs of slowing. However, Saudi Arabia has not always been a powerhouse of Islamic finance and is a relative newcomer to the market. While Islamic…

Viewpoint

Robert W Jordan, Partner in Charge of the Middle East, Baker Botts, and Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, on women’s education
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Saudi Arabia has adopted a long-term strategic policy of economic diversification, from an economy purely based on oil revenues to the development of a knowledge-based economy. The success of this policy will largely depend upon the ability and willingness of the country to educate, train and utilise the skills of all its citizens, including its women. Recognising this imperative, the government is committed to the education of women and their gradual introduction into the workforce, but also mindful…