Online Roundtable Saudi Arabia

Organized by

Saudi Arabia is currently one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East, offering companies almost unlimited opportunities to seize diverse business prospects and actively shape the Kingdom’s innovative transformation process. Driven by the ambitious reforms of Vision 2030, the country aims for rapid economic diversification, creating ideal conditions for international cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, construction, healthcare, digital transformation, and tourism.

As a strategically important hub at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe — with access to key maritime routes such as the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, excellent logistics infrastructure, a young and highly qualified population, and an ambitious future vision backed by numerous mega-projects — Saudi Arabia is one of the key markets for forward-looking and growth-oriented business strategies.

Against this backdrop, EMA cordially invites you to the following online roundtable, which will offer in-depth insights into current investment opportunities and business prospects in Saudi Arabia, the legal framework for entrepreneurial engagement in the Kingdom, and the experiences of German companies already operating in the country:

Online Roundtable
Saudi Arabia
Online (Zoom) | 23 June 2025 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. CEST
Language of the event: German

This roundtable also serves as a preparatory event for the cross-sector business delegation organized by EMA from 28 September to 2 October 2025 to Riyadh and Jeddah. Participants will benefit from comprehensive market insights, tailored B2B meetings, and customized site visits. Take advantage of this concise and accessible format to gain exclusive insights into the Saudi economy and discuss your individual questions and interests regarding the upcoming business delegation directly with experienced experts.

EMA looks forward to your participation!

 

Program:

  • Welcome: Ida Beerhalter, among others Co-Head IOME Private Investment Office Riyadh; Member of the EMA Board
  • Current Investment Opportunities and Business Prospects in Saudi Arabia: Rakan I. Algaraawi, Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia, Associate Office Director, Germany
  • Legal Framework for Company Formation, Market Entry and Investments in Saudi Arabia: Christoph Keimer, Partner & Attorney-at-law, SCHLÜTER GRAF Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB, Dubai
  • Tax Aspects of Business Activities in Saudi Arabia: Jessica Schwake & Dea Al-Hadari, WTS Group AG, International Tax Desk, Near Middle East
  • Green World Academy – Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia: Dr.-Ing. Niklas Trautmann, Managing Director, aqua & waste International GmbH
  • Experience Report on Business Activities in Saudi Arabia and the 2024 Delegation Trip Organised by EMA: David Sommer, Architect, schlaich bergermann partner, Participant of the Business Delegation to Saudi Arabia 2024
  • Q & A Session and Open Discussion with Participants: moderated by Ida Beerhalter, among others Co-Head IOME Private Investment Office Riyadh; Member of the EMA Board

Your contact person:
Jens Kutscher
J.Kutscher@ema-germany.org
+49 (0)30 25 35 72 92

Impressions from the Online Roundtable “Saudi Arabia in Transition”

On June 23, a high-profile online roundtable with around 30 participants took place, focusing on the numerous investment opportunities and business prospects arising from Saudi Arabia’s dynamic economic development. A diverse panel of experts examined the Kingdom from multiple angles, providing a multifaceted view of the current opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving business landscape.

The event not only offered participants a well-founded overview of the Saudi market but also served as a valuable platform for personal exchange. Special attention was given to the upcoming multi-sector business delegation to Riyadh and Jeddah from September 28 to October 2, 2025, for which first insights and practical tips were shared.

Opening by EMA

The roundtable was opened by Ida Beerhalter, Co-Head of the IOME Private Investment Office in Riyadh and member of the EMA board. In her introductory remarks, she shared personal insights from over a decade of experience in Saudi Arabia and highlighted the impressive economic, social, and cultural momentum of the country.

Transformation and Reforms: Vision 2030 as a Driving Force

Following a brief introduction of the speakers, Rakhan Algarawi, Deputy Office Director at the Saudi Ministry of Investment, delivered valuable insights into the developments that have taken place in Saudi Arabia since 2016.

With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is pursuing a profound transformation in its economy, society, and culture. International investors are being actively supported through targeted strategies, special economic zones, and large-scale projects such as NEOM, The Line, and the Red Sea Project. Thanks to its strategic location, young population, and growing financial sector, the Kingdom is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive market for international companies—particularly from Germany.

Legal Framework: Trust and Transparency for Investors

Christoph Keimer of Schlüter Graf Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB, Dubai, shed light on the legal conditions for business activities and investments in Saudi Arabia. Of particular note is the introduction of the first Saudi civil code in 2024, which brings greater transparency and legal certainty in contractual matters. As part of broader legal reforms, Keimer also pointed out recent measures that significantly improve conditions for foreign investors.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of Vision 2030, which among other goals aims to create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals. This makes collaboration with local partners a necessity for international companies operating in the Kingdom. In this context, Keimer highlighted EMA’s central role as a networking platform between German and Saudi stakeholders.

Tax Considerations: Opportunities and Challenges for Companies

Jessica Schwake and Dea Al-Hadari from WTS Group AG, International Tax Desk, Near/Middle East, provided a comprehensive overview of the Saudi tax system. The experts stressed that careful contract structuring prior to project initiation is essential to avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Innovation and Knowledge Transfer: Sustainability as a Future Market

Next, Dr.-Ing. Niklas Trautmann, Managing Director of aqua & waste International GmbH and the Green World Academy, provided key insights into developments and opportunities in the field of sustainability and innovation.

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is making massive investments in sustainable infrastructure, creating new market opportunities in environmental technology, water and wastewater management, and renewable energy. The Green World Academy serves as a central platform for knowledge transfer, networking, and pilot projects—ideal for companies seeking to introduce innovative solutions early. Close cooperation with ministries and local operators also facilitates market entry and long-term partnerships.

Experience Report: Business Success and Delegation Trip

In his experience report, architect David Sommer from Schlaich Bergermann Partner shared how his company successfully entered the Saudi market through earlier projects and by strategically establishing an office in Riyadh. He emphasized the great potential for innovative construction projects and the benefits of entering the market with strong references and a clear strategy.

The EMA-organized delegation trip in 2024 allowed him to further expand his local network, gain valuable insights into the local business culture, and exchange ideas with representatives from other industries. He particularly praised the professional organization of the trip, as well as the country’s warm hospitality and palpable spirit of renewal.

Conclusion and Outlook

The event made it clear: Saudi Arabia is in a phase of dynamic transformation that presents numerous opportunities for German companies. Reforms, major projects, and the commitment of key stakeholders are creating new avenues for economic cooperation. EMA will continue to support companies on their journey into the Saudi market and looks forward to the upcoming delegation trip in fall 2025, where dialogue will be further deepened and concrete opportunities for collaboration identified.

The video recording of the roundtable is exclusively available to members. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can register via the following link.