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AI-Powered Feasibility Study for Saudi Businesses
Everything you need to know about feasibility studies in Saudi Arabia — and how to create one in hours instead of weeks.
What Is a Feasibility Study (دراسة جدوى)?
A feasibility study (دراسة جدوى) is a comprehensive analysis that evaluates whether a business idea is viable — from market demand and technical requirements to financial projections and legal compliance. In Saudi Arabia, a feasibility study is required by most banks and investors before they will consider financing a new venture. It is also a prerequisite for many government support programs, including Monsha'at (the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority) programs and SIDF (Saudi Industrial Development Fund) loans. Beyond regulatory requirements, a well-structured feasibility study forces founders to stress-test their assumptions and present a credible, evidence-based case to stakeholders.
What's Included in a Saudi Feasibility Study
| Section | Required |
|---|---|
| Market analysis (TAM/SAM/SOM, competitive landscape) | |
| Technical feasibility (equipment, facilities, operations) | |
| Financial projections (P&L, cash flow, break-even) | |
| Legal requirements (CR type, Saudization, licenses) | |
| Risk assessment | |
| SWOT analysis | |
| ROI timeline and investment summary |
AI Feasibility Study vs Traditional Consultant
| Factor | Murtakaz (AI) | Traditional Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | SAR 0–500 / month | SAR 30,000–100,000 |
| Delivery Time | 2–4 hours | 6–12 weeks |
| Languages | Arabic + English simultaneously | One language per engagement |
| Financial Scenarios | 3 automatic (conservative, realistic, optimistic) | 1 base case (extras cost more) |
| Revisions | Unlimited — regenerate instantly | 2–3 rounds; extras billed hourly |
| Team Input | Built-in collaboration | Email exchanges |
Murtakaz (AI)
- 3 financial scenarios included
- Bilingual output (AR + EN)
- Unlimited revisions
- Ready in hours
- Built-in team collaboration
- Saudi market calibrated
Traditional Consultant
- Financial projections
- Market analysis
- Multiple scenarios
- Bilingual output
- Fast turnaround
- Affordable pricing
How to Create a Feasibility Study for Your Saudi Business
- 1
Define Your Business Concept and Objectives
Clearly articulate what your business does, who it serves, and what problem it solves. Document your mission, unique value proposition, and the specific questions the feasibility study must answer — this keeps the entire document focused and defensible in front of investors.
- 2
Research Your Target Market
Gather market size, growth rates, and customer demand data from authoritative sources. In Saudi Arabia, rely on GASTAT (General Authority for Statistics) for macro and sector data, Monsha'at for SME benchmarks, and Vision 2030 sector reports. Define your TAM, SAM, and SOM with credible numbers — investors and banks will challenge vague assumptions.
- 3
Assess Technical Requirements and Operations
Map out everything your business needs to operate: physical premises, equipment, technology stack, supply chain partners, and human resources. Identify capacity constraints, infrastructure dependencies, and any specialized certifications required in your sector. This section shows banks and investors you understand what it takes to actually run the business.
- 4
Build Financial Projections with Multiple Scenarios
Create three-year P&L, cash flow, and break-even projections under conservative, realistic, and optimistic scenarios. Document all assumptions clearly — pricing, headcount growth, customer acquisition costs, and seasonal factors. Murtakaz automates this step, generating three calibrated scenarios with full financial statements in SAR, ready for bank submission.
- 5
Evaluate Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Identify the correct Commercial Registration (CR) activity type on the Ministry of Commerce platform. Determine required municipal and sector-specific licenses. Calculate your Saudization (Nitaqat) obligations based on company size and sector — these directly impact your cost projections. Check ZATCA requirements for VAT registration and e-invoicing, and review any Vision 2030 regulatory incentives relevant to your business.
- 6
Compile and Present to Stakeholders and Investors
Assemble all sections into a coherent document with a clear executive summary. Ensure the study is available in both Arabic and English — most Saudi banks require Arabic, while international investors and accelerators prefer English. Prepare a concise presentation version for pitch meetings, and keep all supporting data and sources documented for due diligence.
When Do You Need a Feasibility Study?
Do I need a feasibility study to get a bank loan in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. SIDF (Saudi Industrial Development Fund) and most Saudi commercial banks — including Al Rajhi, Riyad Bank, and SNB — require a formal feasibility study as part of their SME financing application. The study must include financial projections, market analysis, and a risk assessment to be accepted. Monsha'at support programs also use the feasibility study as an eligibility checkpoint.
What is the difference between a feasibility study and a business plan?
A feasibility study asks 'should we do this?' — it evaluates viability before committing resources. It focuses on whether the market exists, whether the numbers work, and whether legal conditions can be met. A business plan asks 'how will we do this?' — it maps execution once viability is confirmed, covering team structure, go-to-market strategy, and milestones. Saudi banks typically require a feasibility study at the loan application stage; a business plan is more relevant after funding is secured.
Can I do a feasibility study in Arabic?
Yes, and for Saudi government programs and local banks it is often preferred or required. Murtakaz generates bilingual feasibility studies — Arabic and English simultaneously — so you can submit to both local Saudi institutions and international investors without extra translation costs or delays.
Is an AI-generated feasibility study accepted by Saudi banks?
The content and depth of the study matters more than its source. An AI-generated study that includes all required sections — detailed market analysis, three-scenario financial projections, legal compliance review, and risk assessment — meets the same standards as a consultant-prepared one. Murtakaz structures its output to match Saudi bank and Monsha'at program requirements.
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