Lisbon, Jan. 26, 2026 (Lusa) - Saudi businesspeople have identified investment opportunities in the housing and tourism sectors in Portugal, which they consider "a great place to invest," the president of the Saudi Arabia-Portugal Business Council told Lusa.
"Most local authorities have opportunities in housing, and there is a housing problem in Portugal. I think this is a very good area to invest in Portugal. And also tourism, with investments in hotels and hotel infrastructure," said Saudi businessman Alwalid Albaltan at the end of a business mission to Portugal.
The Saudi delegation, composed of 15 members, including public decision-makers, business leaders and investors, held meetings over seven days with members of the Portuguese government, local authorities, associations and companies, with a view to "strengthening investment and economic cooperation".
The Saudis also found opportunities for cooperation, highlighting sport as a key sector. Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034, four years after Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
"We will see a lot of collaboration and transfer of know-how in sports and event management," said the businessman.
Albaltan pointed out that the delegation came to Portugal "to explore opportunities to invest throughout the country and not just in a specific area".
"Portugal is a great place to invest and now is the right time. We see potential in small towns, large cities, everywhere," said the businessman, who calls for easier access to information, both from local authorities and from projects launched by the government.
"We just want accessibility to the right channels and we will see many Saudi investors from the private sector emerging," he assured, suggesting the creation of "a platform" that brings together "all investment opportunities in Portugal".
Saudi Arabia, he explained, provides "a platform where you can see all the investment opportunities without having to go to the country."
During the visit, an agreement was signed between the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) and the Strategic Deals Company For Investment (SDCI), Albaltan's company, to support the expansion and activities of the Portuguese organisation in Saudi Arabia.
"The Saudi ANJE will be an accelerator, a centre for Portuguese and Saudi SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises], to transfer know-how and build bridges between the two countries," he explained.
Portugal, he stressed, "is the diamond of Europe" and "a hub for SMEs," serving as "a great example that will benefit Saudi entrepreneurs."
In addition, the entrepreneur decided to establish companies in Vila Nova de Gaia - SDCI, focused on investment opportunities, and Prestige, on urban solutions and municipal projects.
JH/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
