riyadh revision

Saudi Arabia softens regional HQ rule after surpassing initial target

The shift comes as more than 700 multinationals have already moved regional headquarters to Riyadh, well above earlier target of 500 by 2030

Elisa Schu/picture alliance via Getty Images

Riyadh's financial district

Saudi Arabia has softened its strict regional headquarters rule just two years after requiring foreign firms to base their Middle East hubs in the kingdom to win government work.

Officials said government agencies may now seek exemptions to...