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The first half of 2025 marked a significant surge in greenfield foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia, with the United States leading the charge. American investors drove 61 projects, injecting $2.7 billion into the Kingdom’s economy, accounting for nearly a third of both the project count and total investment. This surge highlights the growing confidence of international investors in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reforms and its appeal as a business hub in the region.

According to a report by Emirates NBD, greenfield investments in Saudi Arabia showed a notable increase, both in terms of project volume and capital inflow. In total, 203 greenfield projects were launched in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2025, marking a 30.1% year-on-year rise. These projects, spanning across various sectors, reflect the country’s strong development trajectory and its efforts to diversify away from oil reliance.

Egypt emerged as the second largest contributor to Saudi Arabia’s greenfield FDI, securing $1.81 billion through 11 projects. Many of these ventures were centered around real estate developments, capitalising on the Kingdom’s expanding urbanisation and demand for residential and commercial properties. Egypt’s growing involvement reflects deeper ties between the two nations, particularly in sectors related to infrastructure and housing.

China, a global FDI powerhouse, played a significant role as well, investing $858.3 million through 11 projects in Saudi Arabia. China’s investments in the Kingdom primarily focused on manufacturing, technology, and energy, complementing the Saudi government’s drive to expand its industrial base and modernise key sectors. Chinese companies are also playing a pivotal role in the development of high-tech infrastructure, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push towards a more diversified, knowledge-based economy.

France also made its presence felt, contributing $771.7 million through six greenfield projects. The French investments were primarily focused on technology, retail, and luxury goods, with several high-end brands expanding their operations within the Kingdom. France’s engagement is part of a broader European interest in tapping into Saudi Arabia’s expanding consumer market, particularly in areas linked to fashion, entertainment, and sustainable energy.

The UAE’s regional influence continued to grow, with 25 projects worth $205.3 million being launched in Saudi Arabia. These ventures spanned various industries, with a focus on hospitality, logistics, and real estate. The UAE’s investments underscore the close business ties between the two countries, with the Kingdom remaining a key destination for Emirati capital looking to expand its footprint in the region.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, was the top destination for greenfield FDI, attracting 100 projects valued at $2.3 billion. As the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country, Riyadh continues to benefit from the majority of investments, particularly in the areas of technology, infrastructure, and urban development. Dammam, home to one of the Kingdom’s key industrial hubs, secured 21 projects worth $1.28 billion, while Jeddah followed closely with 13 projects totalling $1.22 billion. These cities represent strategic focal points in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for diversification, driven by growth in manufacturing, logistics, and energy.

Saudi Arabia’s overall greenfield FDI rose by 1.7% to $9.34 billion during the first half of 2025, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as an attractive investment destination. The growth is seen as a direct result of efforts to enhance the ease of doing business in the country and to create a more transparent regulatory environment. Initiatives like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program and the Saudi Green Initiative have been instrumental in drawing foreign investments into the Kingdom.

China is reportedly on the brink of a significant policy shift that may see the introduction of yuan-backed stablecoins, a move designed to bolster the international standing of its currency. With global financial markets increasingly leaning towards digital currencies, Beijing’s latest plan could mark a pivotal moment in the international adoption of the yuan.

The Chinese government is set to consider a proposal to allow the issuance of stablecoins pegged to the yuan, which would aim to challenge the dominance of the US dollar and its associated stablecoins in global markets. The proposal, expected to be reviewed by the State Council, reflects Beijing’s ongoing strategy to expand the yuan’s reach beyond its traditional borders, positioning it as a competitor to the greenback.

As part of its broader push for digital currency integration, China could allow key financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Shanghai to be the first to implement the new stablecoin systems. These cities are already at the forefront of China’s broader efforts to foster the growth of digital currencies, and the stablecoin initiative could further solidify their roles as global financial centres.

Discussions surrounding the adoption of yuan-backed stablecoins are expected to feature prominently during high-level meetings, including the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. This gathering will provide an important platform for Chinese leaders to outline their vision for the future of digital currencies, while signalling their intent to shape international policy on the use of stablecoins.

The planned move is in direct contrast to China’s earlier stance on cryptocurrency regulation. In recent years, the country has imposed strict measures on the use of private cryptocurrencies, citing concerns about financial stability and capital outflows. The proposed policy reversal regarding stablecoins marks a dramatic shift in strategy, moving from a position of stringent control to one of potential global leadership in digital currency innovation.

Stablecoins, which are digital currencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies or commodities, have become increasingly popular among investors seeking to minimise volatility. In particular, US dollar-backed stablecoins have grown exponentially, with major players like Tether and USD Coin dominating the market. The success of these assets has prompted China to explore ways in which the yuan can gain a similar foothold in the emerging digital economy.

By introducing a yuan-backed stablecoin, China would not only be promoting its digital currency but also attempting to influence how digital currencies are adopted globally. The move could significantly shift the dynamics of international trade and finance, particularly in Asia. As countries continue to look for alternatives to US dollar-dominated systems, China’s push for a digital yuan is increasingly seen as a strategic move to improve its influence over global financial markets.

Key stakeholders in the financial sector have already begun to take notice of China’s evolving stance on digital currencies. Financial institutions operating in Hong Kong and Shanghai are expected to play an integral role in the rollout of yuan-backed stablecoins, with implications for both domestic and cross-border transactions. Additionally, blockchain technology providers are closely monitoring developments in this space, anticipating a surge in demand for stablecoin-related infrastructure as China accelerates its digital currency ambitions.

The anticipated approval of yuan-backed stablecoins would also contribute to the development of China’s central bank digital currency, the digital yuan. While the digital yuan has already been tested in select regions, the integration of stablecoins would expand the use of digital yuan products, making it more accessible to international markets. This could significantly enhance the usability of China’s digital assets, providing a stable, digital alternative to traditional fiat currencies for global trade and investment.

At the same time, China’s global competitors, particularly the United States and the European Union, are likely to view this move with caution. While the yuan-backed stablecoin could disrupt traditional financial systems, it could also prompt a race to establish new regulatory frameworks and digital currencies to safeguard the dominance of the US dollar and the euro in global markets.

China has lifted export restrictions on rare earth minerals and fertilisers to India, easing supply pressures across high-tech, agricultural, and infrastructure sectors. The curbs, linked to national security concerns amid lingering border tensions, were rescinded following high-level diplomacy. Indian supplies of essential rare earth magnets—vital for electronics, renewable energy, and defence manufacturing—along with fertilisers and tunnel-boring equipment, are now poised to increase.

Lines of communication between the two capitals have reopened. During the latest India-China border talks, Chinese officials pledged to address New Delhi’s urgent demands, including expedited access to these items. Rare earth exports to India were previously down by 58 per cent compared to January levels, signalling a serious disruption for industries dependent on these critical inputs.

Manufacturing sectors—spanning automobiles, electronics, renewable energy, and defence—stand to benefit directly. These industries were particularly vulnerable due to India’s heavy reliance on Chinese rare earths and fertilisers; the absence of domestic magnet production compounded the supply gap despite India holding the world’s fifth-largest rare earth reserves.

Officials confirmed that China has begun implementing the export changes, with shipments of fertilisers, rare earth magnets, and tunnel-boring machines already underway. The commitments were made by a visiting Chinese Foreign Minister during discussions with Indian counterparts, setting the stage for smoother deliveries ahead of an upcoming high-level summit.

This trade shift follows months of disruption. Earlier in the year, China imposed stringent licensing requirements and delays on rare earth exports—especially seven heavy rare earth elements—affecting global supply chains. That move had compounded export issues affecting not only India but also manufacturers in Europe and the United States, underlining the strategic importance of rare earth materials.

On the fertiliser front, China had halted exports of specialty fertilisers for several months, causing concern across India’s high-value agriculture sector. Indian agribusinesses endured supply constraints as processes such as inspections and inspections delays were used to restrict deliveries. India responded with a resilient mix of domestic ramp-ups, diversification of import sources, and building strategic stockpiles—mitigation that has now yielded tangible benefits.

Diplomatic analysts interpret China’s decision as a calibrated move toward stabilising bilateral trade, particularly ahead of expected discussions at an international summit. While the easing of restrictions is welcomed, longstanding geopolitical mistrust and unresolved border issues suggest that the normalization remains cautious. This trade reprieve signals a pragmatic shift, but not a full thaw in relations.

India, meanwhile, is accelerating its critical minerals strategy. Domestic initiatives—including exploration incentives, production-linked schemes, and global partnerships—are being fast-tracked to reduce strategic dependencies. The National Critical Mineral Mission, launched earlier this year, continues to mobilise efforts across the supply chain, while overseas resource acquisitions and collaborations are gaining momentum.