Saudi Arabia is actively recognizing its potential, seizing opportunities, and driving economic growth both domestically and internationally.
Accounting for the largest GDP and consumer market in MENA, its access to 40 fast-growing markets within four hours by flight, and its strategic location connecting three continents, the Kingdom is the ideal place for multinational companies to set up their regional headquarters.
The RHQ Program is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Investment and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, created as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy.
The program is designed to enable and facilitate the ambitious growth plans of participating organizations in the region.
Advantageous location to access a large market. Enhancement of regional operations and expansion of presence in the broader region.
An investment ecosystem that promotes regulatory transparency, solid infrastructure, and talent attraction, enabling predictability in RHQ investments.
Specially designed incentives for establishing RHQs including human capital incentives, tax incentives, and special hand-holding end to end support.
Dynamic business landscape and access to unparalleled opportunities for strategic growth across sectors.
Initiatives that enable regional expansion and provide investors with a competitive edge. Initiatives include the (GSCRI) and the Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
We offer specially designed incentives such as human capital incentives, tax incentives, and special handholding support services.
Exemption from complying with Saudization percentage requirements for 10 years for the RHQ entity.
250 visas are allocated automatically from day 1 of the RHQ license being granted.
The RHQ employees are exempted from professional accreditation requirements applicable in the Kingdom if they are duly accredited in the country of origin, except of Engineering and Medical certification.
RHQ employees benefit from an accelerated issuance of work visas for professions normally restricted to Saudi nationals.
Dependents of RHQ employees are permitted to work and apply for jobs. The maximum age for residency of male dependents of RHQ employees is extended to 25 years old; no age restriction for single female dependents.
Withholding tax payments to non-resident related parties, Withholding tax (‘’WHT’’) on dividend payments from RHQ to its foreign parent entity(ies), Withholding tax for payments to non-resident unrelated parties for services necessary to carry out RHQ activities
Premium residency for RHQ’s executives subject to the Eligibility Premium Residency Program
Exceptional value-added services that support company's growth and expansion.
0% corporate income tax for RHQ activities
Discover the transformative impact of collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s thriving investment landscape. Through shared visions and strategic decisions, our partners have achieved remarkable growth by establishing their RHQs in Saudi Arabia. These success stories highlight how opportunities are turned into lasting achievements. As we collectively build a prosperous future, each partnership strengthens our shared vision. Listen to the voices of those who have made their mark in this dynamic environment. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
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For us, the decision to create our regional headquarters, from which we manage more than 10 offices across the Middle East, was a logical one.
We have been here for more than 30 years and we have seen the potential first-hand.
Saudi Arabia already represents a major part of our revenues in the region and with an addressable market size of around $42 billion we are seeing significant growth.
For example, that is why we partnered with Alfanar to launch a new production site to produce models from our ‘Compute’ portfolio in Saudi.
We are also excited by Saudi’s focus on innovation and its ambitions when it comes to the digital economy.
It is a country that sets the bar high – and with our world-leading technology and expertise we are ready to be a part of fulfilling that ambition.
We won a contract to work with KAUST – the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology – to build the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East, based on our HPE Cray EX architecture.
This supercomputer will be used to drive world-leading research into some big, important questions – how to enable clean combustion, how to protect Red Sea ecosystems, how to understand climate events or the movement of the Arabian tectonic plate.
Our work in Saudi Arabia is exciting because as a business we see an incredibly exciting opportunity to expand and grow our revenues.
But it is also exciting because this is a country that is committed to using the power of technology and innovation to take on big challenges and achieve incredible things.
We are very proud to be a part of delivering that vision.
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Danaher stands as a global pioneer in life sciences and diagnostics, uniquely poised to fortify healthcare advancements within the region by leveraging cutting-edge science and technology to expedite and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Saudi is one of the fastest growing markets for Danaher globally. The Kingdom’s commitment to upgrading its healthcare system to tackle the challenges posed by chronic and non-communicable diseases is commendable. This transformation aligns perfectly with Danaher’s mission to advance healthcare through innovation and technology.
With a steadfast presence spanning over four decades in the Kingdom, our commitment to the region has been unwavering. In December 2023, we established a Regional Headquarters to amplify our capabilities and capacities, a testament to our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.
Our expansive footprint, with over 150 associates across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, underscores our extensive reach and deep-rooted commitment to serving the Kingdom. The RHQ move enables us to spearhead strategic business initiatives, cultivate leadership talent within the Saudi landscape, and reinforce our culture of deploying the Danaher Business System (DBS) to deliver unparalleled customer service.
At Danaher, collaboration with our healthcare partners is paramount as we endeavor to enhance lives across the region and beyond. Aligned with the visionary objectives of Vision 2030, we are resolute in our pursuit to harness the transformative power of science and technology for the betterment of human health.
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Siemens Energy testimonial script
Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. We work with customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world.
We are in Saudi Arabia as Siemens for nearly 100 years with offices currently in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Yanbu and Jubail.
We are delighted to open our regional headquarters in the Kingdom and play our part in helping Saudi Arabia surpass the targets set by Vision 2030.
After producing the first “Made in KSA” gas turbine in 2016, we have continued to invest in our hub in Dammam and have increased manufacturing and assembling capabilities to include compressor trains, water solution packages, process automation solutions, additive manufacturing capabilities, as well as Rotor Assembly and Repair.
Now the 75,000 square meter industrial hub, which houses around 300 employees, has supplemented manufacturing capacity with a fully integrated service value chain that includes technologically advanced repairs. This latest addition enables the hub to repair and overhaul equipment that would have otherwise been sent overseas, reducing service time and cost, and supporting in Kingdom value.
Located in Modon 2nd Industrial City, our hub is designed to manufacture a combination of up to 10 heavy-duty Gas Turbines and around 40 Compression Packages annually. Having delivered 26 compressor trains for strategic Saudi projects already, the facility will deliver more compression trains for other strategic projects in the Kingdom over the next few years.
As we progress towards Vision 2030, we believe our RHQ signifies an unwavering commitment in supporting Saudi Arabia achieve the targets set by the end of the decade.
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Northern Trust
Northern Trust has been providing asset servicing solutions for clients in the Middle East since 1987. Since then, we have continued to experience significant growth across our regional business here.
In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia our team supports the investment strategies of our clients including global custody, capital markets, investment accounting and fund administration services, as well as data aggregation and analytical solutions encompassing the delivery of performance measurement compliance monitoring and risk analytics.
The establishment of our MENA regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia is not just a milestone for Northern Trust but a reflection of our belief in the Kingdom’s potential. We are investing in infrastructure, capabilities, and local expertise to be part of Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey.With a decade of partnership and a vision for the future, we see ample opportunities in the Kingdom. Northern Trust is committed to growing alongside Saudi Arabia, fostering prosperity and innovation.
Ahmed AlFaifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, SAP Middle East & Africa North
SAP Global
SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best.
Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption.
As part of our increased investment in Saudi Arabia, we are very pleased to launch the SAP Business Network within Saudi Arabia.
As part of the SAP Business Network, buyers, suppliers, logistic providers, financial institutions and original equipment manufacturers will be connected on one trading platform.
Bringing the SAP Business Network to be hosted in KSA will enable Saudi public and private enterprises to trade, buy and sell on the world’s largest business digital network in 190 countries, with millions of trading partners conducting transactions worth more than US$5 trillion annually.
We’re confident that the SAP Business Network will provide Saudi Arabia important trade and supply opportunities, further position the Kingdom as global digital and trade hub, grow non-oil exports and support the Kingdom’s sustainability efforts.
In collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, SAP Global has also launched a specialized training program aimed at qualifying national digital talent through both virtual and in-person journeys. The MoU aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a digital talent incubator.
The program will offer an educational experience at the intersection of technology, business and the humanities, building multidimensional competencies
During this unique experience, participants will acquire both technical skills and soft skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, various SAP software technologies, leadership and communication that will enable participants to pursue a career in digital technology and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey.
TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in technical services, with a history spanning over 150 years and a team of more than 20,000 employees in 50 countries.
We are excited to have our regional headquarters in Riyadh to better serve the diverse industries in the Kingdom and the broader MENA region. Our growth in Saudi Arabia is a reflection of the trust that our clients have placed in us over the years. This expansion will enable us to be more responsive to the evolving needs of our partners, and provide even more tailored solutions to clients, fostering innovation and sustainable development in the region.
For decades, TÜV Rheinland has leveraged its industrial expertise to strengthen the local workforce and support local businesses. We are fully committed to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s remarkable economic growth. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we look forward to deepening partnerships and driving progress in the Kingdom.
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Wilo Group has over 150 years of expertise in advanced pump and system solutions, leading the industry through innovative and sustainable technologies.
We’re delighted to open a Regional Headquarters in Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment that underscores the strategic significance of the Kingdom. This milestone further solidifies Wilo’s 25-year journey in Saudi Arabia, initially through distributors and later with the establishment of Wilo Saudi Arabia Ltd in 2010.
We’re committed to harnessing and nurturing the exceptional local talent in the Kingdom and playing our part in developing Saudi Arabia’s human capital.
Our recent collaborations in the Kingdom include projects such as NEOM, Al Qiddiya Entertainment City, Diriyah Gate Development, Red Sea Tourism Development, and the Riyadh Metro.
Our expanded presence in the region reaffirms our commitment to the Saudi market and we look forward to continuing on the exciting journey that the Kingdom is undertaking.
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Clyde & Co., the largest international law firm in the Middle East, is proud to announce that we have strengthened commitment to Saudi Arabia by obtaining our Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). This milestone marks a significant reaffirmation of our dedication to the Kingdom, where we have been operating as a law firm for 15 years.
The establishment of our RHQ in the Kingdom enhances our ability to offer streamlined, comprehensive legal services, combining local expertise with our global platform. This expansion not only demonstrates our continued commitment to the Middle East but also positions Clyde & Co. to better serve our clients in navigating the exciting landscape of Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving economy.
Our Saudi Arabia office has seven partners and over 30 locally based legal professionals, with a blend of internationally trained local experts and talented Saudi lawyers, giving us a deep understanding of the Kingdom’s legal market. Our KSA practice has also grown significantly in the last 12 months as we have made the most of market opportunities and our clients’ prioritising Saudi Arabia in their global focus – testament to the work being done by the Ministry of Investment. We continue to advise international and domestic businesses exploring the emerging commercial opportunities and the legal considerations of doing business in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s dynamic economy and its ambitious Vision 2030 offer vast opportunities for our firm and our clients, making it a strategic location for further expansion.
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In 12 months, we doubled our workforce. We trebled our Saudi employees,
probably most markedly.
We quadrupled the number of women working for Bechtel in this country.
And I would just take a moment to commend the young Saudis that we now
have working for us in the Kingdom.
I think the kingdom can be very proud of its sons and daughters and their contribution to the country’s transformation.
Saudi Arabia is now Bechtel, second largest country
after only the United States.
This is an extraordinary nation, achieving
absolutely extraordinary things.
My name is Wang Xiaofeng, CEO of the China Communication Service Saudi Company.
We are delighted that you successfully apply for our regional HQ lessons.
As a sign of our continued and expanded commitment to the Kingdom.
China Communication Service Co. as s a subsidiary of China Telecom,
we are world leading telecommunication company and our Saudi operations are focused on delivering enhanced communications
infrastructures, internet infrastructures and the Smart Applications service.
This is Aian Qi. I’m the managing director and CEO of Huawei Cloud Saudi Arabia.
We noticed that China and Saudi Arabia have uplift the partnership between the two countries by increasing cooperation in multiple sectors.
So, giving this potential of the market and the cooperation, Huawei has set up an excellent foundation for those Chinese business companies considering visiting and investing in Saudi Arabia.
Same time, we are working closely with Saudi government and local partners to inspire the local and ecosystem start-ups, companies and entrepreneurs to develop their services and applications to serve local markets, but also, to expand to China and the global market.
We are also providing the future EDA program and which enables our next generation’s talents. We are providing the internship programs to the students in the universities and we’re hiring a good number of graduates from the universities.
Thanks for the support of Saudi government. I believe we are in the best time of digital economy.
I here welcome and encourage all Chinese and local companies, partners, and friends to join Huawei Cloud in Saudi Arabia to achieve the Vision 2030, and Arab and China collective prosperity.
The Regional Headquarters Program will further establish Riyadh as a global center for the private sectors and multinational companies.
The Saudi market is very important for KPMG as a global firm, presenting great and promising regional and global opportunities.
In response to the recent instructions of their Ministry of Investment and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City of the Regional Headquarters Program.
We were keen to complete all the requirements and legal procedures to obtain the license.
KPMG works closely with our public and private sector clients in the Kingdom.
We strive to always provide the best of our abilities, both in terms of our human competencies and technologies, to contribute and address the challenges that organizations are facing today.
We believe in bringing leading international practices combined with distinct local expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We are proud to be making the next step and become part of the regional
Headquarter program, fulfilling its targets as well as supporting and developing the national economy as part of our Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
My name is Cui Wei, the general manager of the regional office of Nuctech.
Saudi Arabia is the most exciting market in the MENA region.
We have served many clients in the kingdom starting from various government sectors to other different fields such as airports, ports, and many other areas.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a center for trade and travel in the region. We are keen to deepen our presence in the Kingdom to position ourselves favorably to seize the opportunities that arise.
For that we are pleased to establish our regional headquarters in the Kingdom.
We are committed to provide innovative and high-quality products to help create a safer world.
We are extremely excited about the potential to enhance these innovations to support the development in Saudi Arabia.
Our Lucid AMP-2 facility, Saudi Arabia’s first car manufacturing facility, officially opened in September 2023 at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
As Saudi charges toward its Vision 2030, our facility will pave the way for the country’s electric automotive industry and the expansion of the supply chain.
With the support of the Saudi Government, we are proud to drive local talent development in the technology industry and we look forward to delivering Saudi-assembled cars to customers in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
We aim to transition AMP-2 to complete build unit (CBU) production after the middle of the decade, with an additional annual capacity of 150,000 cars. AMP-2 will be a driving force for innovation and job creation, championing home-grown Saudi talent and providing expert skill development training.
Through an agreement with Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), we will employ hundreds of Saudi’s in the first few years and eventually, grow the workforce into the thousands.
The Kingdom is the GCC’s largest automotive market. Saudi Arabia also accounts for 50-60% of regional automotive sales, making the Kingdom an appealing place for automakers looking to capitalize on this big and expanding demand
We are supporting the Saudi Green Initiative’s imperative to ensure 30 percent of new car sales in the Kingdom are electric by 2030.
We offer exceptional value-added services that fosters your company's growth and expansion. Through our regulated electronic platform, we facilitate the ease of access to qualified Third-Party Service Providers, and some of these services are:
Provide full support to investors at the stage of business establishment and the highest level of financial consultancy services and business insights
Assist investors by providing essential support with company incorporation allied services and efficiently building organizational development needs.
An exceptional range of services to support logistical needs & public relations; To facilitate the movement of investors & qualify the place of residence at the same time.
A group of real estate services that support investors needs for an exceptional business experience.
Throughout your entire journey, you can leverage on MISA for support and guidance
Key activities for a Regional Headquarters to set up and operate in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Direction 
Management Function All activities to be initiated within
ONE year
Start minimum three activities within
ONE YEAR
Support Function To establish an RHQ in Saudi Arabia, a company must obtain an RHQ license. Eligibility for the RHQ Program requires a company to be categorized as a multinational company (MNC), with a presence in at least two countries other than Saudi Arabia and the country where the MNC's headquarters is situated, either through subsidiaries or branches.
Regional Headquarters Program (RHQ) is a joint initiative by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) and Ministry of Investment (MISA) to position the Kingdom as the leading regional hub for multinational companies.
A RHQ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a unit of a Multinational Group duly established under the laws of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of supporting, managing, and providing strategic direction to its branches, subsidiaries and affiliates operating in MENA region.
Multinational Groups can apply for this service to manage and supervise the strategic direction, functions, and businesses conducted by their branches, subsidiaries, and affiliates in MENA region.
MENA region includes the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar), Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco. In addition to the MENA region, the Multinational Group is free to manage entities in additional regions and jurisdictions through the RHQ
To qualify for an RHQ license, a Multinational Group must have a presence in at least two countries (excluding its headquarters and Saudi Arabia), operate in the MENA Region, and engage in activities categorized under Strategic Direction, Management Function, or Support functions through its branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates in the MENA region
The RHQ of the Multinational Group must be either a registered branch of a foreign company in Saudi Arabia, or a subsidiary of a Multinational Group that is established in Saudi Arabia.
The RHQ activities are classified into two categories (i) mandatory activities; and (ii) optional activities.
*Tax Benefit is only for the RHQ Licensed entity and not extended to subsidiaries, branches and affiliates under management
The mandatory RHQ activities are the provision of strategic direction and management functions. RHQ strategic direction functions include:
Formulate and monitor the regional strategy, (b) Coordinate strategic alignment, (c) Embed products and/or services in the region, (d) Support acquisitions, mergers and divestments, and (e) Review financial performance. RHQ management functions include: (a) Business planning, (b) Budgeting, (c) Business coordination, (d) Identification of new market opportunities, (e) Monitoring of the regional market, competitors, and operations, (f) Marketing plan for the region, and (g) Operational and financial reporting
The optional RHQ activities are:
(a) Sales and Marketing Support, (b) Human Resources, and Personnel Management, (c) Training Services, (d) Financial Management, Foreign Exchange, and Treasury Centre Services, (e) Compliance and Internal Control, (f) Accounting, (g) Legal, (h) Auditing, (i) Research and Analysis, (j) Advisory Services, (k) Operations Control, (l) Logistics and Supply chain management, (m) International Trading, (n) Technical Support or Engineering Assistance, (o) Network Operations for IT System, (p) Research and Development, (q) Intellectual Property Rights Management, (r) Production Management, and (s) Sourcing of Raw Materials and Parts.
No. The minimum activities that the RHQ must provide are the Required RHQ activities – provision of strategic direction and management functions –, in addition to minimum three optional RHQ activities. For the optional RHQ activities, the applicant can select any of the activities mentioned under the previous Question
Yes. RHQ required activities must commence within six months after the grant of the RHQ License by MISA, and the three RHQ optional activities must commence before the end the first year of receiving the RHQ License
No. The RHQ License is granted to only perform RHQ activities (required and optional RHQ activities). If the Multinational Group, that holds the RHQ License, wishes to conduct commercial operations and/or other activities than the RHQ activities, the Multinational Group should obtain the required license for such commercial operations and/or activities to be conducted under a different entity than the RHQ.
The RHQ license duration ranges from 1 year to 5 years (based on applicant selection).
Support is integral at every stage of the RHQ program, ensuring a seamless journey from license application to commencing RHQ activities through our various support channels.
MISA's One Stop Shop provides general business support and allows General Managers to handle commercial registration there, eliminating the need to go to the Saudi Chamber of Commerce
RHQ Care services focus on simplifying business operations for companies, providing expert advice, continuous support, and solutions that save time and money
The MISA Call Center offers dedicated support and expert advice for your business needs in the RHQ Program, ensuring you have the required help and information at every stage
MIZA provides key support and resources, facilitating the establishment and growth of businesses within the RHQ Program
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