Economists said it is highly probable that Riyadh will outdo Ankara on the list of most attractive countries for foreign direct investment for 2018, to be published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The predictions take into account Turkey’s national currency taking a steep fall as a result of US sanctions and negative economic policies during the past period. Prospects of investment growth in Saudi Arabia grew to 3 percent. Economic researcher Dr. Ahmed Jibril told Asharq Al-Awsat that regional and international geopolitical changes, both economic and commercial, will be in favor of the safest investment environment. Saudi Arabia is one of the most secure environments, which will encourage Riyadhs strategic allies, such as the United States, to promote trade and investment exchanges, he added. Jibril expected foreign investment in the Kingdom to grow by 2.5 to 3 percent next year, citing figures in a report published by UNCTAD. Dr. Abdul Rahman Baashen, head of Al-Shorouk Center for Economic Studies in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, said that the Kingdom is a prime candidate for direct foreign investment given geopolitical changes. Baashen believes that Riyadh has become one of the safest destinations for investment and trade for many countries, especially the US, after it adopted legislative policies aimed at facilitating foreign direct investment. Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of documents required to obtain new business licenses. Senior economist Abdulrahman Al-Atta told Asharq Al-Awsat that foreign direct investment flows to Saudi Arabia will increase in light unrest shaking regional markets. A faltering Turkish currency has shaken confidence in many foreign investment bodies. Atta pointed out that the decline in investment flows expected in Turkey, will be followed by a similar decline for its allies in Russia and some European countries, as well as Iran.