Saudi Arabia to import $2.13 billion on consulting services this quarter
Saudi Arabia plans to localize outsourced jobs while spending about $2.13 billion on imported professional services in the first quarter.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers is studying how to bring private-sector outsourcing from abroad back into service providers within the Kingdom, according to secretary-general Sultan Al-Musallam. The sector covers information technology, call centers, shared services, and consultancy. Localizing these activities could create jobs and strengthen operational sovereignty. Data from the General Authority for Statistics shows Saudi Arabia spent about SR8 billion ($2.13 billion) on imports of professional and management consulting services during the first quarter of this year. The study examines why companies favor foreign providers over local ones, citing service quality, lower costs, specialized expertise, and speed. It also assesses companies' willingness to move services to local providers within 12 to 24 months. Al-Musallam noted that the Kingdom aims for a 65 percent private sector contribution to gross domestic product by 2030.
