Which financial institution received the Saudi regional headquarters licence?

BNP Paribas, France's largest bank, received the regional headquarters licence in Saudi Arabia.

Why is Saudi Arabia encouraging companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh?

Saudi Arabia is pushing for companies to relocate their regional headquarters to Riyadh to establish the capital as a leading financial hub in the Gulf, competing with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Companies without a Riyadh headquarters risk losing access to state contracts.

Does BNP Paribas have an existing presence in the Middle East?

Yes, BNP Paribas already operates in the Middle East with offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

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Economy·28 August 2026

BNP Paribas Secures Saudi Regional Headquarters Licence

BNP Paribas, France's largest bank, has obtained a regional headquarters licence in Saudi Arabia, joining other international firms in establishing a presence in Riyadh.

BNP Paribas, the prominent French banking group, has been granted a regional headquarters licence in Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Saudi state news agency SPA. This development marks another significant step in the kingdom's efforts to attract multinational corporations and position its capital, Riyadh, as a leading financial hub in the Gulf region, alongside established centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The licence was formally announced during a meeting held in Paris between Saudi Arabia's investment minister, Fahd bin Abduljalil al Saif, and BNP Paribas Chairman Jean Lemierre. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategic push for international companies to relocate their regional headquarters to Riyadh. The Saudi government has previously indicated that companies without a Riyadh headquarters could face restrictions on accessing state contracts.

BNP Paribas already maintains a presence across the Middle East, with existing offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The acquisition of this regional headquarters licence underscores the bank's commitment to expanding its operations and engagement within the Saudi market.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

Which financial institution received the Saudi regional headquarters licence?: BNP Paribas, France's largest bank, received the regional headquarters licence in Saudi Arabia.
Why is Saudi Arabia encouraging companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh?: Saudi Arabia is pushing for companies to relocate their regional headquarters to Riyadh to establish the capital as a leading financial hub in the Gulf, competing with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Companies without a Riyadh headquarters risk losing access to state contracts.
Where was the licence announcement made?: The licence was announced during a meeting in Paris between Saudi Arabia's investment minister, Fahd bin Abduljalil al Saif, and BNP Paribas Chairman Jean Lemierre.
Does BNP Paribas have an existing presence in the Middle East?: Yes, BNP Paribas already operates in the Middle East with offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Free Zones & Business Setup · Zawya — UAE Real Estate

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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