The 30% Statutory Rate
Unlike many European nations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not have a bilateral income tax treaty with the United States. Therefore, the statutory 30% withholding rate applies to Fixed, Determinable, Annual, or Periodical (FDAP) income, such as dividends.
The Workarounds
Because dividends are subject to a 30% drag, we rely heavily on the Portfolio Interest Exemption. By structuring the capital stack heavily with debt, the US Blocker Corporation can distribute cash flow as interest payments—which are exempt from withholding—rather than taxable dividends.