Saudi-Canada row rattles investors

The row between Saudi Arabia and Canada over human rights threatens to undermine Riyadh’s drive for foreign direct investment (FDI), with impulsive policies raising questions about financial security

FDI inflows to Saudi Arabia ($ millions)

Jan 2015: Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), aged 29, becomes defence minister

Mar: MbS takes Saudi Arabia into war against Iran-backed Houthis rebels in Yemen

Dec 2015: German spy agency warns that MbS’s policies are destabilizing Arab world
 
Jan 2016: Execution in Riyadh of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr triggers outrage

Aug 2018: MbS freezes all new trade with Canada and expels ambassador in protest at calls
for release of jailed activists

Jun 2017: Saudi-led blockade of Qatar begins. MbS appointed crown prince

Aug: Security forces demolish Saudi town of Awamiya – centre of Shia protests

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud

16,308
12,182
8,865   
8,012
8,141
7,453
1,421

$1,102m 
Jan-Jun 2018 

            
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: UN Conference on Trade and Development Picture: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS