Saudi Arabia issues 268 industrial licenses worth $600m in May 2026
149 factories entered production during the same month, with combined projects expected to support 4,900 jobs.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 268 industrial licenses in May 2026, while 149 factories began production during the same period, according to the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information. The newly licensed projects carry investments of SAR2.23 billion ($595m), and the factories entering production represent SAR1.43 billion ($381m). Combined employment from both categories is expected to reach nearly 4,900 positions across the Kingdom.
Licensed projects and investment volumes#
Projects receiving licenses in May are projected to generate more than 2,484 employment positions across Saudi Arabia, the ministry disclosed. The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources released the data based on monthly industrial indicators. In April 2026, the ministry issued 322 industrial licenses and 188 factories entered production. The National Center for Industrial and Mining Information publishes monthly indicators tracking licenses, investment volumes, employment and production starts.
Factories entering production and employment#
The 149 factories beginning production in May carry an investment value of SAR1.43 billion and are estimated to create around 2,410 positions. These production starts are distinct from the 268 license issuances during the same month, and the two categories represent separate project groups. Employment associated with licensed projects totals 2,484 positions, while factories entering production account for 2,410 positions, bringing the combined total to approximately 4,900 jobs. The May data show activity at both licensing and production stages of the industrial development pipeline.
Total industrial establishments and growth rate#
Industrial establishments in Saudi Arabia totaled 13,870 at the end of May 2026, compared with 12,433 recorded one year earlier, representing growth of around 12 percent. The May figure also marks an increase of approximately 2 percent from the 13,660 establishments recorded at the end of April 2026. Licensed industrial establishments that are operational, under construction or at other development stages are included in the ministry's count. The data show continued expansion of the Kingdom's industrial base and an increasing pace of factories moving into operation, according to the ministry.
Investment breakdown and reporting framework#
Total investment across both categories reaches SAR3.66 billion, comprising SAR2.23 billion for newly licensed projects and SAR1.43 billion for factories beginning production. The ministry reports licensed projects and production starts as separate categories. Monthly industrial indicators published by the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information cover licenses, investment volumes, employment and production starts. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources disclosed the May 2026 data through its official spokesperson.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- economymiddleeast.comeconomymiddleeast.com268 industrial licenses issued in May 2026, 149 factories entered production, SAR2.23bn and SAR1.43bn investment figures, 2,484 and 2,410 job estimates, 13,870 total establishments, 12% annual growth rate, ministry source
- gulfnews.comgulfnews.comNational Entrepreneurship and SME Strategy context, Cabinet approval, 13 initiatives framework
Each source above carries the claim it supports. Links open the publisher's own page; their text is not reproduced here beyond what the claim requires, and their rights remain theirs.
Arabia Tomorrow is published by Arabian Media Network. Pieces are produced by the Infrastructure Capital Desk with AI-assisted synthesis of the cited sources and automated verification against the network's editorial policy. Every piece carries a desk rather than a reporter. Corrections are recorded on the piece and on the corrections page.
Every announced MENA data centre and IPP: announced capacity, financing status, EPC awarded, chip licence status, stated energisation quarter, slip to date in quarters.