Saudi Arabia Issues New Draft Regional Headquarters Rules for Public Consultation

DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group has been closely following the Saudi Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program since it was first announced in February 2021 (see our previous Analysis here).

Background and Context

On September 10, 2025, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) released the Rules Regulating the Licensing and Supervision of Regional Headquarters (RHQs)[1] for public consultation, open through October 9. The Rules mark an important milestone in the evolution of the Saudi Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program, formalizing definitions, licensing conditions, incentives, and compliance requirements. First announced in 2021 and implemented in 2024, the RHQ Program requires companies to maintain a licensed RHQ in the Kingdom to contract with Saudi government entities, with limited exceptions. While the details of the Program have evolved over the past four years, the overall direction has remained consistent: Saudi policymakers see RHQs as essential for strengthening investment, bringing senior corporate leaders closer to the Kingdom, and deepening multinational companies’ long-term commitment to the Saudi market.