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The Middle East: A New Opportunity for Thai Startups
At the Global Market Forum during SITE 2025, one of the most compelling sessions for both entrepreneurs and investors was the dedicated platform for Middle Eastern countries to share economic data and trends. The spotlight was on Saudi Arabia, hailed as the region’s rising star.
This presentation underscored that the Middle East is no longer solely a market for oil. It’s rapidly transitioning into a hub of innovation, technology, and diverse investment. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this transformation, driven by clear government policies and massive economic development projects.
Vision 2030: A National Roadmap
One of the key factors attracting global investors is Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to wean its economy off of a dependency on oil revenue. Its main goals include:
- Economic Diversification – Creating new industries in technology, tourism, and services to establish new revenue streams.
- World-Class Infrastructure – Investing in mega-projects like the smart city NEOM, which utilizes technology and clean energy.
- Improving the Quality of Life – Modernizing education, healthcare, and employment to meet international standards.
Vision 2030 is more than a policy document; it’s a systematic and serious national push. It actively encourages foreigners to play a role in all facets of development, sending a clear positive signal to global investors seeking long-term opportunities in this fast-growing market.
Microband: A Gateway to the Saudi Arabian Market
Microband is a key player, acting as a “bridge” between foreign investors and the Saudi market. The company’s strength lies in its deep understanding of the local culture, regulations, and consumer behavior. Microband’s services cover several key areas:
- Market Research and Analysis to identify business gaps and opportunities.
- Localized Marketing Strategies, including the use of appropriate language and communication through popular Saudi Arabian media.
- Technological Support with CRM, ERP, AI platforms, booking systems, and queue management systems to help foreign businesses enter the market efficiently.
- Partnership Networking through events, business matching sessions, and pop-up booths to connect investors with local entrepreneurs.
A prime example of Microband’s success is its role in helping a Thai food company conduct business negotiations with Saudi Arabian partners, which led to real commercial relationships and export expansion opportunities. Saudi Arabia is now opening up many opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, especially in key industries like Industrial Development, Healthcare, Food Industry, renewable energy, technology, and AI. Microband is eager to welcome businesses from these sectors to help drive sustainable growth in the region.
A Market Primed for Growth: Key Indicators
Several factors highlight the market’s appeal:
- A Young, Tech-Savvy Population
Saudi Arabia has a young average age, making its society dynamic, open to innovation, and quick to adopt new technology.
- Investment-Friendly Regulations
The government allows 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, reduces capital requirements, and streamlines company registration. A business license (CR) can be obtained in as little as 180 seconds.
- Modern Digital Infrastructure
Online transactions are commonplace in Saudi Arabia, which reduces time costs and makes it easy to start a business.
- A Strong Global Economy
As a G20 country, Saudi Arabia has the capital and resources to support large-scale investments. It also boasts political stability and clear pro-business policies.
Opportunities for Thai Startups
Three main sectors offer significant opportunities for Thai startups:
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) – This is a top priority for Saudi Arabia, with widespread applications in commerce, services, and infrastructure.
- Sustainability – The government is pushing for clean energy and efficient resource management, creating opportunities for solutions that minimize environmental impact.
- Deep Tech – Advanced technology in engineering, biology, and material science is in high demand for mega-projects like smart cities and Industry 4.0.
Microband’s executives also emphasize that any startup, whether in its early or growth stage, can enter the Saudi market with the right partners and a willingness to adapt to the local culture.
Keys to Success in the Saudi Market
To succeed when entering the Middle Eastern market, here are the keys to success in Saudi Arabia:
1.Adapt Your Strategy to the Culture: A deep understanding of values, religion, and consumer behavior is essential.
2.Partner with Local Allies: This helps reduce the learning curve and build credibility.
3.Use Technology as an Accelerator: Utilize digital systems to analyze the market and continuously refine your strategy.
4.Act Quickly: Business opportunities are time sensitive. Those who move first have the advantage.
Saudi Arabia is transforming into a Middle Eastern economic and innovation hub with massive investments in technology, infrastructure, and clean energy. For Thai startups and investors, this represents a crucial opportunity to expand into a market with real potential and significant government support. Saudi Arabia is ready to open its doors to the world.
