Saudi Vision 2030: Progress in Logistics

Saudi Arabia's industrial and logistics sector has expanded tremendously in recent years. Ambitious national strategies and transformative investments drive the industry forward. Logistics has emerged as a cornerstone of economic diversification in the Kingdom, with new investments in the industrial sector more than doubling in early 2024, exceeding SAR 7 billion in the first quarter alone.

Saudi Arabia's strategic location at the crossroads of three continents, combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure development and progressive policies, has created an ecosystem where manufacturing excellence meets logistical efficiency. With modern facilities spanning over 209 million square meters and housing more than 14,000 industrial and logistics establishments, the sector stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global industrial powerhouse.

Sector Highlights

• SAR 557bn - a target for annual industrial exports by 2030
• 2.1 million - new jobs projected by 2030
• 97% - national warehouse occupancy rate in 2024
• 28 million sqm - total warehouse and logistics stock in Riyadh alone
• SAR 97.5bn - projected annual growth in the logistics sector by 2030

Vision 2030’s Initiatives Unlocking Opportunities

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) has been a true instigator of growth in Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape. Launched as part of Vision 2030, this pioneering initiative has catalyzed phenomenal growth across energy, mining, industry, and logistics sectors.

The program has already achieved remarkable success, including reducing customs clearance time from 288 hours to just 9 hours, establishing multiple logistics-focused economic zones, and attracting more than SAR 300 billion in investments. Through NIDLP, the Kingdom has modernized its infrastructure, streamlined regulations, and created an environment that actively encourages both local and international investment.

Biggest Logistics Hubs

Riyadh Hub

The capital's industrial heartland spans 28 million sqm of warehouse and logistics facilities, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure and proximity to major transportation networks. The hub is a crucial nexus for the Kingdom's giga-projects and e-commerce operations.

Jeddah Hub

With 19.6 million sqm of industrial and logistics space, Jeddah's strategic Red Sea location makes it the Kingdom's premier maritime gateway. Recent developments include Maersk's logistics park and major port expansion projects.

Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA)

DMA, housing 8 million sqm of industrial space, serves as Saudi Arabia's eastern gateway. The hub features advanced petrochemical facilities and robust logistics infrastructure, including the expansion of King Fahd International Airport.

Investing in Tomorrow

The Kingdom's industrial and logistics sector is witnessing unprecedented investment momentum, with private sector investments in industrial zones at ports surpassing SAR 10 billion.

Major international players increasingly recognize Saudi Arabia's potential, as evidenced by significant investments like Maersk's SAR 1.3 billion commitment to Jeddah Islamic Port and Mawani's $4.5 billion investment in maritime infrastructure.

The sector continues to attract global companies drawn by the Kingdom's location, modern infrastructure, and supportive business environment. With e-commerce revenue expected to reach $22.68 billion by 2027 and the government's unwavering commitment to sector development, Saudi Arabia's industrial and logistics sector presents compelling opportunities for global investors looking to participate in one of the world's most dynamic markets.