RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched a comprehensive campaign to boost investment in its Special Economic Zones (SEZs), with a focus on attracting foreign talent through a series of incentives and regulatory reforms.
Led by the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), the initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Key offerings include tax and customs exemptions, visa facilitation, and financial equivalence waivers for foreign professionals.
The campaign aims to position SEZs as globally competitive investment hubs by streamlining regulations and creating a business-friendly environment.
ECZA Secretary General Nabil Khojah highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, saying: “We are working to activate attractive investment incentives and simplify regulations to enhance SEZs’ appeal and reduce operational burdens on investors.”
As part of the initiative, ECZA has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Justice and the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration to establish specialized arbitration and reconciliation centers within SEZs.
These centers will follow international best practices to ensure legal clarity and efficient dispute resolution.
Additionally, partnerships with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) will help simplify compliance processes and facilitate smoother entry of goods and services into the market.
To support the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals, ECZA is also expanding its One-Stop-Shop platform to integrate with other government systems, enabling faster licensing and streamlined operational procedures for investors.
[Reported by Saudi Gazette]
