08/04/2026 06:07 AST
Commercial registrations in Saudi Arabia stood at approximately 1.89 million by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with 71,000 new enrollments issued during the three-month period, according to official figures.
The Ministry of Commerce's quarterly report showed tha women accounted for 47 percent of newly issued commercial registrations during the first quarter of the year, with Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province leading regional activity.
The growth builds on momentum from 2025, when commercial activity remained robust throughout the year, with quarterly volumes reaching around 154,638 in the first quarter and 123,000 in the fourth, highlighting sustained business formation despite varying growth rates.
Overall, the number of active commercial registrations in the country reflects broad-based growth across business types, including around 1.27 million enrollments for establishments and 597,000 for limited liability companies.
Sectoral data points to continued expansion in digital and technology-related activities, with commercial registrations in artificial intelligence rising 240 percent over five years to reach 19,638 by the end of 2025, as the government designates 2026 the "Year of Artificial Intelligence" to reinforce its focus on advanced technologies as a driver of economic growth.
"Artificial intelligence is considered one of the most prominent drivers of the global economy," the report stated.
"Advanced countries rely on it to strengthen their economies, develop their societies, improve quality of life, and enhance the efficiency of vital sectors such as health care, education, transport, energy, and security, as well as to accelerate innovation and boost competitiveness," it said.
The analysis also noted a 138 percent increase in active enrollments for limited liability companies over the past five years, alongside a 40 percent rise in joint-stock companies.
E-commerce activity also recorded steady growth, with active registrations rising 9 percent year-on-year to 45,669 by the end of the first quarter.
The report attributes this increase to ongoing efforts to strengthen the digital economy and improve the business environment.
Other high-growth sectors included real estate brokerage, where registrations rose 18 percent to 55,482, and tourism-related activities such as organizing travel trips, which grew 32 percent to 11,531.
Emerging sectors such as data analytics, delivery platforms, and virtual reality technologies also posted notable gains, reflecting diversification into high-value industries.
The Ministry of Commerce report also highlighted infrastructure supporting business activity, including the expansion of the Business Center network, which now provides more than 6,000 services through 62 government entities, following the opening of its 20th branch in Makkah.
Construction, wholesale and retail trade, and accommodation and food services collectively accounted for approximately 53 percent of newly issued commercial registrations in the first quarter, indicating continued strength in core economic sectors.
Arab News
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