The Saudi British Joint Business Council UK (SBJBC UK) is delighted to announce Phase Two of the Barriers to Trade Project, as part of our continued efforts to advocate for the Saudi-British trade relationship and to support Saudi businesses in the UK.
The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) is pleased to announce the launch of the second phase of our Breaking Barriers to Trade project, examining the experience of Saudi businesses in the UK. As trade and business relations continue to grow between the two Kingdoms, SBJBC remains committed to supporting foreign direct investment and offering insights that strengthen trade opportunities.
In response to the increasing number of Saudi Arabian entities of all sizes active in the UK market, and as a continuation of our efforts to support Saudi business in the UK, we have initiated this project to identify general and sector-based insights into the business environment and any challenges they may be facing. The process will begin with a comprehensive survey examining the current business landscape and experiences. These findings will form a report, which will include relevant case studies from companies with feedback. This will then be presented to the senior Saudi and British officials and stakeholders, alongside our phase one report on UK business experiences in the Saudi market, to encourage a review of how to better support the UK-Saudi business corridor and ease doing business in each Kingdom.
For more information and a summary of the findings from the Phase One report, download the Phase Two Project Brief Below:
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As part of SBJBCs wider Project, our new Barriers to Trade Survey is live and actively collecting valuable insights from professionals and companies like you. Your feedback will help identify key challenges and inform potential solutions.
Your participation matters – help us build a more comprehensive picture of the current trade environment with the UK.
Deadline: 26th September 2025
These insights and trends will support SBJBC’s goal of strengthening trade and business relationships between the UK and Saudi Arabia, whilst acting as a forum for Saudi SMEs and businesses to be heard. This presents an opportunity for Saudi businesses to contribute to the current and future dialogue around conducting business in the UK, building on the significant progress already made. We aim to use the project to start an open dialogue while encouraging more Saudi entities to begin operations in the UK.
Why this Research Matters Now
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit trading landscape and seeks to strengthen partnerships with key global economies, Saudi Arabian companies represent a vital source of investment, expertise, and commercial collaboration. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation has created unprecedented opportunities for Saudi businesses to expand internationally, with the UK market offering particular appeal due to its sophisticated financial services sector, regulatory frameworks, and strategic position as a gateway to European markets. However, despite the clear mutual benefits, Saudi companies continue to encounter barriers that limit their ability to fully capitalise on UK market opportunities.
The timing for this research is particularly crucial as both governments work to deepen the UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership and unlock the billions in untapped trade potential. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)increasingly active in international markets and the UK actively courting foreign investment to drive economic growth, understanding the real-world experiences of Saudi businesses operating in the UK is essential. This research will provide policymakers and business leaders with the evidence needed to address practical obstacles, streamline processes, and create the conditions for Saudi companies to thrive in the UK market, ultimately benefiting both economies through increased trade, investment, and job creation.
The survey will be anonymous, with opportunities for respondents to become case studies should they wish, but these will also remain anonymous. It will remain open until Friday, 26th September, after which we will begin data analysis.
This represents a significant opportunity to build upon and strengthen the trade relationship between the two Kingdoms. We appreciate your time and contributions and look forward to publishing our findings.
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