Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s venture capital (VC) investments reached SAR 821 million ($219 million) during the first half (H1) of 2026, according to recent figures by the Ministry of Investment.

The ‘Economic and Investment Monitor Q2-2026’ report stated that the VC ecosystem in the Kingdom secured 72 deals, representing 34% of total deals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, following the UAE with 79 deals.

The largest VC deal in Saudi Arabia in H1-26 amounted to SAR 97.5 million (nearly $26 million).

Gaming was Saudi Arabia’s most transacted sector for the first time, according to a recent report by MAGNITT, showing that Vision 2030-linked programs and accelerator programs, such as Merak Capital's cohort, are converting policy intent into measurable deal flow.

The share of fintech in VC funding jumped from 28% in 2026 to 67% in H1-26, despite the drop in total funding amount.