Saudi military authority unveils 10 investment opportunities in defense sector

Ahmed Al-Ohali, the governor of GAMI, highlighted the crucial role played by the Ministry of Investment in facilitating access to sector opportunities for both local and international investors through the Invest in Saudi Arabia platform. Photo/Supplied
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Updated 16 October 2023
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Saudi military authority unveils 10 investment opportunities in defense sector

RIYADH: In a major move to boost Saudi Arabia’s defense sector, the Kingdom’s General Authority for Military Industries has unveiled a series of investment opportunities in the military industries sector.     

GAMI’s strategic expansion includes an initial offering of 10 investment prospects with applications in both military and civilian domains.   

The announcement was jointly made by GAMI and the Invest in Saudi Arabia initiative, in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.   

This latest initiative is a direct outcome of the Military Industries Enabler initiative, which was launched by the authority earlier this year.   

It underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, diversifying its economy, and providing attractive opportunities for investors. 

The investment portfolio is designed to cater to various stakeholders in the defense sector, including manufacturers and service providers. It also extends an invitation to supporting industries that can enhance the nation’s strategic military readiness. 

The investment opportunities in phase one cover several subsectors such as batteries, wires, cables as well as harnesses and fiber optics. Additionally, they encompass mechanical transmission components and aircraft propellers and components. Other areas of focus are pipes, tubes, and rigid tubing. Among these opportunities are also brakes, axles, tires, and track components, as well as electronic circuit components, pumps, electric motors, and valves. 

Ahmed Al-Ohali, the governor of GAMI, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort and commended Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.  

He highlighted the crucial role played by the Ministry of Investment in facilitating access to sector opportunities for both local and international investors through the Invest in Saudi Arabia platform. 

Speaking with Arab News earlier this year, Al-Ohali outlined GAMI’s strategic objectives.  

“Our objective is to build a very robust, sustainable, defense industry with technologies in Saudi Arabia, satisfying the needs of the defense and security entities, satisfying our aspiration of human capital Saudization in this defense industry, and also satisfying our ambition into bringing huge investment to contribute to the gross domestic product by 2030,” Al-Ohali said in March. 

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision of becoming a hub for defense-related investments, reflecting the goals of Vision 2030. 


Saudi Arabia sees 21% jump in mining sector licenses since 2016

Updated 15 December 2025
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Saudi Arabia sees 21% jump in mining sector licenses since 2016

  • The growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector licenses aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, launched in 2016

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has shown sustained growth, with the number of mining licenses increasing from 1,985 in 2016 to 2,401 by the end of 2024, representing cumulative growth of 21 percent, according to the 2024 mineral wealth statistics from the General Authority for Statistics.

The data highlights a steady upward trend in recent years. Licenses rose to 2,100 in 2021, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous year. 

The upward trajectory continued with 2,272 licenses in 2022, 2,365 in 2023, and 2,401 in 2024, reflecting expanding exploration and investment activity across the Kingdom’s mining sector. Building material quarries accounted for the largest share of mining permits, climbing from 1,267 licenses in 2021 to 1,481 by 2024. 

Exploration licenses also recorded consistent growth, supporting the Kingdom’s broader push to develop its mineral resources. 

Other categories of mining activity saw significant expansion, including 2,554 exploration licenses, 744 exploitation licenses, 151 reconnaissance licenses, and 83 surplus mineral ore licenses issued during the same period.

The growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector licenses aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, launched in 2016, which aim to diversify national income sources and strengthen non-oil sectors.