FOREIGN INVESTMENT BARRIERS AND OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES IN SAUDI ARABIAS OIL AND GAS SERVICES SECTOR: IMPLICATIONS FOR VISION 2030

Foreign investment in oil and gas services can support Saudi Arabias diversification through domestic technical capability, yet formal market access does not ensure sustained operational participation. This paper examines the interfaces between investment conditions, customer qualification, localization, workforce readiness, logistics, contracting and digital governance. A purposive integrative review combines peer-reviewed research with official policy and corporate documents, alongside descriptive analysis of Aramcos reported iktva indicator for 2020-2024. The indicator increases from 57.5% to 67.0%, but its aggregate scope cannot establish supplier-level capability transfer, profitability or causal investment effects. The analysis proposes an investment-to-operation conversion framework connecting formal access, qualification readiness, operational execution and retained domestic value.Its propositions emphasize procedural clarity,capability-based localization and coordination across business functions. Practical recommendations include staged commitments, controlled evidence registers, role specific workforce development and separate measurement of administrative readiness and technical learning.