Expanding from Australia to Saudi Arabia: Key Investment Opportunities in the Kingdom’s Construction and Mining

Explore the key emerging opportunities awaiting Australian companies in Saudi Arabia's mining and construction sectors

The Saudi-Australian economic corridor is looking up, with trade volume reaching $1.92 billion in 2023. The total exports from Saudi to Australia stood at $1.07 billion.

The strategic relationship between the two nations is also fueled by high-level agreements and increasing private-sector collaborations across mining, energy, infrastructure and agriculture—key sectors that particularly offer sustainable investing pathways for Australian companies.

In this piece, we explore the top investment opportunities awaiting Australian companies in the Kingdom and the essential steps to set up a foreign business in Saudi Arabia.

Construction and Infrastructure Attract High Interest from Australian Investors

It comes as no surprise that Australian businesses are drawn to establish themselves in Saudi’s construction sector, attracted by its $1.2 trillion megaproject pipeline, featuring giga projects like the Red Sea Project, Amaala, Qiddya, and Diriyah, among others.

In fact, over 90 Australian companies are actively exploring expanding to Saudi to participate in these landmark projects.

Not only do these mega projects attract Australian investments but also labor forces. It is estimated that around 11,000 workers are currently working in Saudi, primarily in construction.

In another sign of the growing Australian investor interest in Saudi construction and infrastructure industries is the participation of the New South Wales (NSW) Government delegation in the Big 5 Saudi 2025.

During the exhibition, the delegation showcased Australia's advancements in smart city technology and sustainable building—such expertise is in high demand to support the Kingdom's large-scale developments.

Meanwhile, the first-ever Aussie Expo, hosted in 2024 in Riyadh, provided a platform for Australian firms to establish high-value partnerships in infrastructure along with healthcare, education, and energy.

The event, organized by the Trademark Group of Companies, provided a platform for Australian firms to establish high-value partnerships.

The event took place a few months after Trademark Group opened its office in Riyadh.

A Rise in Mining Companies Expanding from Australia to Saudi Arabia

With Saudi Arabia on a mission to become a global mining hub under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is ramping up efforts to attract $32 billion in foreign investment. Australia, a world leader in exploration, mining technology, and sustainability, is proving to be an essential partner in this transformation.

The country’s expertise in sustainable extraction, automated mining, and resource refinement is accelerating the development of Saudi Arabia's $2.5 trillion mineral wealth.

With momentum building, new opportunities for exploration, investment, and joint ventures are taking shape.

The Australian Saudi Business Council has been instrumental in helping mining firms enter the market, facilitating joint ventures with local developers.

In fact, the Council has laid a great focus on accelerating cooperation in areas like mining, agriculture, food and beverages, infrastructure, technology, and services. This has resulted in a $600 million boost to the Australia-Saudi trade relationship over the past four years, primarily thanks to the Council’s support.

As part of this growing partnership, the first-ever Australia-Saudi Mining Forum in 2025 will further connect Australian and Saudi players, opening doors to even greater collaboration. Unsustainable mining, rare mineral extraction, and advanced refining technologies.

Expanding from Australia to Saudi Arabia: A Three-Stage Business Setup Process Explained

The Australian company formation in Saudi Arabia is divided into three distinct phases.

Phase 1: Establish Your Legal Entity (1 Month)

Your business expansion journey starts by creating a solid legal foundation that will support all future operations.

1. Obtain a MISA Investor License
2. Name Reservation
3. Draft Local Articles of Association (AoA)
4. Secure Commercial Registration (CR)
5. Obtain the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Registration

Phase 2: Authorize Operations and Build Your Team (2 Months)

After your legal entity is established, the focus shifts toward operational readiness and staff hiring.

1. Obtain a company seal
2. Register with the Ministry of Labor
3. Register with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)
4. Register a National Address
5. Issue a GM Visa
6. Registration with the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) and VAT Registration

Phase 3: Finalize Residency and Banking Setup (3 Months)

This final stage transforms your business into a fully operational commercial entity.

1. Activate the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) account
2. Obtain Health Insurance
3. Get a Medical Check-up
4. Issuing the GM's Iqama
5. Register with the Muqeem portal
6. Register with the Absher portal
7. Register with the Qiwa portal
8. Register with the Mudad Portal
9. Open a bank account

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Industries that offer opportunities for Australian business entry to Saudi Arabia?

Australian businesses are rapidly expanding to Saudi Arabia, and so are individuals.

1. What are the tax implications for Australian companies?

Corporate tax in Saudi Arabia stands at 20%. In fact, there's no personal income tax, but businesses may be subject to VAT (currently at 15%), Zakat, and excise taxes. However, this depends on the company's entity type and activities.

1. . What are the legal requirements for setting up a business in Saudi Arabia from Australia?

Foreign companies must first obtain a MISA license to establish their legal entity. Then they must obtain commercial registration (CR) to verify the business's operating status.

Registrations with governmental portals will be necessary for a foreign company to become operational. The market entry process of a foreign company formation in Saudi Arabia concludes with issuing a GM iqama and opening a corporate bank account.

1. What are the costs of starting an Australian business in Saudi Arabia?

Typically, business setup costs can average SR 550,000 ($146,700) for the first year of expansion.

This accounts for incorporation, hiring, workspace, compliance, and third-party services.