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Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program
The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program was launched in 2021 as directed by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). The program aims to position the Kingdom, and its capital, Riyadh, as the premier destination for regional headquarters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The RCRC oversees the program’s implementation in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at doubling the size of the Kingdom’s economy, improving quality of life, and providing an integrated and attractive business environment for global companies.
Program Objectives
- Become a regional hub for multinational companies in the MENA region.
- Attract foreign direct investment by creating a globally competitive national business environment.
- Attract and retain global talent, contributing to knowledge transfer and developing the local labor market.
Why Saudi Arabia?
- Strong and stable economy: One of the largest economies among the G20 countries:
- The Kingdom Vision 2030 aims to achieve economic transformation by diversifying the economy, increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors, and incentivizing innovation and investment.
- FDI inflows increased at unprecedented rates because of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
- A developed and attractive economy encompassing many promising sectors, including energy, industry, mineral resources, tourism, technology, healthcare, and financial services, providing qualitative investment opportunities supported by government incentives and enablers.
- The Kingdom has achieved advanced global rankings in government confidence and investor protection indicators.
- Strategic location connecting three continents:
- The Kingdom is located at the heart of the world, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it an ideal logistics hub for global trade.
- The Kingdom offers an advanced transportation and logistics infrastructure, including ports, airports, and highways.
- Qualified professional competencies: Attractive environment for global and regional talent.
- Flexible legislation and incentives: special economic zones, tax exemptions, and clear regulatory procedures.
Why Riyadh?
- The engine of the national economy: Contributing approximately 47% of the Kingdom’s non-oil and non-governmental GDP.
- The center for government and business: Home to the headquarters of government agencies and major service sectors in the Kingdom.
- Modern infrastructure: Advanced transportation network and integrated global communications system.
- Prestigious international education: Attracting several prestigious international schools, such as King’s College, SEK, RGS, Aldenham, and Downe House.
- Accelerated growth: Witnessing remarkable development across various sectors, with the implementation of major and transformational projects.
- Upscale housing options: Within quality projects such as Qiddiya, Diriyah, King Salman Park, the Sports Boulevard, and the Roshan residential projects.
Financial Incentives for Eligible Companies
Program services
Business Setup
- • Temporary office space
- • Housing options (apartments, villas)
- • Enabling local talent attraction
- • Advisory services
Logistics
- • Reservations/bookings
- • Event planning
- • Sports activities
- • Personal assistant
Support Services
- • Business process preparation
- • Domestic workers
- • Purchasing and contracts
- • Spouse work permit
Consulting Services
- • Tax consulting
- • Government relations services
- • Corporate bank account opening
Exclusive Discounts
- • Airlines
- • Office space
- • Residential services
- • Educational services
Program History
- 2020 – Launch of the Program:
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, directed the launch of the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program, aiming to attract international companies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh will host these headquarters, and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City will oversee the program’s implementation and form a steering committee under its umbrella to oversee and develop it.
- 2021 – Approval of the Program Strategy and Objectives:
The program was launched in early 2021 with the goal of Riyadh acquiring the largest share of the total regional headquarters of international companies in the MENA region. This goal is to attract 500 regional headquarters of international companies by 2030.
- 2025 – Exceeding the 2030 Target:
The program exceeded the target number of headquarters in 2030, estimated at 500, and succeeded in attracting more than 600 international companies and international schools. To support the families of regional headquarters employees and enhance international air connectivity by adding new destinations that support business activity.
Program Partners
- Ministry of Investment
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- Ministry of Commerce
- Ministry of Economy and Planning
- Local Content and Government Procurement Authority
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
- General Authority for Foreign Trade
- National Center for Government Resources Systems
Registration and Inquiries
Companies interested in establishing their regional headquarters in Riyadh can visit the program page on the “Invest Saudi” website for details and registration procedures.
