Latest news with #NationalIndustrialDevelopmentandLogisticsProgram
Arabian Business
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi warehouses hit 98% occupancy amid industrial boom
Saudi Arabia's industrial and logistics property market is approaching full capacity, with warehouse occupancy reaching 98 per cent in Riyadh and 97 per cent in Jeddah, according to a new market review published by Knight Frank on Tuesday. The property consultancy's Saudi Arabia Industrial and Logistics Market Review shows the Kingdom's push towards becoming the Middle East's leading industrial hub is driving rapid growth in the sector, with 1,346 new industrial licences issued in 2024 and capital investment in newly licensed factories reaching SAR 50 billion. Warehouse space in Riyadh has seen the Kingdom's steepest rental growth, with average rates jumping 16 per cent year-on-year to SAR 208 per square metre, while prime properties now command over SAR 250 per square metre. Some districts, including Al Masani, Al Bariah, Al Faruq and Al Manakh, experienced even sharper increases exceeding 20 per cent. 'Leasing activity remains strong across most of Riyadh's submarkets, with demand continuing to outpace supply despite elevated rents,' said Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research for MENA at Knight Frank. Jeddah's market showed similar trends, with average rents reaching SAR 238 per square metre and the Al Khomrah district maintaining its position as the city's dominant logistics hub, accounting for approximately 82 per cent of the port city's total warehouse stock. The report identifies several drivers behind the sector's growth, including government initiatives like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), which aims to increase the transport and logistics sector's contribution to GDP from 6 per cent in 2021 to 10 per cent by 2030. New Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and foreign direct investment reforms are also attracting international businesses, with significant deals struck in 2024 including partnerships between Saudi property developer Kaden and global logistics provider DB Schenker, as well as agreements involving GFH Financial Group, Panattoni Saudi Arabia, Arcapita Group Holdings, and Saudi firm Rikaz. 'Saudi Arabia remains a pivotal hub for global business expansion, with the Kingdom continuing to attract interest from around the world,' said Adam Wynne, Head of Commercial Agency at Knight Frank. According to the report, the number of licensed factories in Saudi Arabia is projected to increase from 12,895 to 36,000 by 2035, with sustainability emerging as a major market driver as companies like Maersk and Agility Logistics pioneer green infrastructure initiatives.
Arab News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia posts 66.7% rise in industrial licenses in February
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia issued 105 new industrial licenses in February, marking a 66.7 percent increase compared to January, supporting the Kingdom's drive for economic growth and diversification. A total of 113 factories also commenced production during the second month of the year, representing a 9.7 percent increase in comparison with the previous month, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. According to a report from the ministry's National Industrial and Mining Information Center, the new licenses represent investments exceeding SR1.02 billion ($272 million) and are expected to create 1,504 jobs. These developments are part of a broader trend in the sector. An official study revealed that 1,346 new industrial permits were issued in the first quarter of 2024, paving the way for over 44,000 new job opportunities and attracting investments surpassing SR50 billion ($13.3 billion). They also align with Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Strategy, unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2022, which seeks to accelerate sector growth and raise the number of factories across the Kingdom to approximately 36,000 by 2035. The strategy targets 12 sub-sectors and outlines over 800 investment opportunities, valued at SR1 trillion, with the goal of tripling the nation's industrial gross domestic product. The issuance of permits also correlates with the Kingdom's National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, launched in 2019, to support the industrial sector and drive sustainable development. The ministry added in its statement that factories entering the production phase attracted investments totaling SR900 million and generated 4,114 new jobs, underscoring the continued growth and expansion of the country's industrial base as these establishments reach full operational capacity. Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index recorded a 1.3 percent year-on-year increase in January, driven by sustained growth in manufacturing and waste management, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Monthly, the index remained steady at 103.9, unchanged from December. The manufacturing sub-index posted a 4 percent annual rise, supported by a 4.3 percent increase in the production of coke and refined petroleum products, as well as a 4.2 percent uptick in chemicals and chemical products. The report, which monitors key industrial indicators, also revealed that investments linked to newly issued industrial licenses reached SR1.197 billion, with the associated projects expected to create more than 2,500 job opportunities across the Kingdom.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
How the King Salman cluster is accelerating Saudi Arabia's EV vision
The King Salman Automotive Cluster within King Abdullah Economic City, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in February, will serve as a key hub for the automotive sector, hosting headquarters and factories for both local and global companies. Notable firms include Ceer, Saudi Arabia's first electric vehicle brand, and Lucid Motors, which opened its first international plant in KAEC in 2023. The cluster will also feature Public Investment Fund joint projects with global manufacturers, such as Hyundai's automated car factory and a Pirelli joint venture to build a local tire plant. It will boost Saudi Arabia's automotive industry by expanding manufacturing, advancing research and development, and streamlining supply chains for regional and global markets. The cluster underscores Saudi Arabia's ambitions to lead in the global EV market, in line with the National Industrial Strategy targeting 36,000 factories by 2035. Dedicating the cluster to King Salman supports the goals of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, a key Vision 2030 initiative launched in 2019 to position Saudi Arabia as a global industrial leader. The cluster will foster localization by creating a robust automotive ecosystem, including industries like tire and battery manufacturing, strengthening the local supply chain The cluster advances the Kingdom's shift to EVs by adding new manufacturing facilities alongside existing plants like Lucid and Ceer. Hyundai Motors plans to build a factory there, targeting annual production of 50,000 vehicles, including EVs and internal combustion models. Crucially, the cluster aligns with Saudi Arabia's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. This follows the Kingdom's record auction of 1.4 million tonnes of carbon credits through the PIF — announced at the sixth Future Investment Initiative in October 2022 in Riyadh. The cluster marks a key milestone in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification, driving the growth of the automotive sector and sustainable transportation. It will boost exports, with the Kingdom aiming to manufacture and export more than 150,000 EVs annually by 2026. The cluster will foster localization by creating a robust automotive ecosystem, including industries like tire and battery manufacturing, strengthening the local supply chain. For example, the PIF's partnership with Pirelli will boost tire manufacturing and technology expertise, positioning the venture as a regional leader. The cluster will also support the Kingdom's goal of attracting $100 billion in foreign direct investment annually by 2030. The joint venture between the PIF and Hyundai Motors is expected to attract $500 million in direct investment, while the tire manufacturing facility with Pirelli will receive about $550 million. The cluster is poised to position Saudi Arabia as a global automotive manufacturing hub by 2030, enhancing manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chains. It will also play a key role in diversifying the Kingdom's economy and reducing dependence on oil exports. Finally, the cluster will create thousands of jobs for Saudi nationals. For example, Ceer is projected to attract over $150 million in foreign direct investment, create up to 30,000 jobs, and contribute $8 billion to the Kingdom's gross domestic product by 2034. • Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
Trade Arabia
15-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Four Winds Saudi Arabia joins forces with JCtrans
Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services since 1979, has joined JCtrans, one of the most trusted global B2B trade platforms dedicated to serving freight forwarders, connecting 864 cities across 179 countries worldwide. This strategic move positions Four Winds to directly access new markets and establish valuable global partnerships by connecting with leading freight forwarders and logistics providers across multiple continents. It paves the way for international collaboration and opens significant avenues for business growth, enhancing Four Winds' competitive advantage and extending its reach to a broader global clientele, said a statement. By leveraging its operational expertise and industry leadership, Four Winds is poised to play a substantial role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's logistics sector. Commenting on this milestone, Nizar Al Mani, CEO of Four Winds Saudi Arabia, stated: 'Joining the JCtrans global platform marks a significant strategic advancement for us, unlocking vast opportunities to deliver truly global shipping solutions. This move strengthens our competitive edge and further solidifies our leadership in comprehensive logistics services in Saudi Arabia, a position we've proudly held for more than 45 years. Additionally, it positions us strategically within dynamic Asian markets—such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and beyond—where global trade and industry are flourishing.' Al Mani added: 'Our presence on a renowned global platform like JCtrans aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes adopting international best practices and integrating Saudi businesses into global supply chains. This strategic step positions Four Winds prominently as a global logistics partner, directly supporting Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming an international logistics hub by enhancing service standards and expanding worldwide connectivity. "Additionally, our membership significantly contributes to the broader development of Saudi Arabia's logistics sector, reinforcing our competitive advantages while actively supporting the goals of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP) under Vision 2030. These goals include strengthening the global presence of Saudi companies within international supply chains,' he said. JCtrans is a B2B trading platform dedicated to serving global freight forwarders, spanning 864 cities across 179 countries. With over 20 years of brand establishment, the platform supports over 11,000 paid member companies and more than 660,000 registered users worldwide. Annually, it facilitates over 2.2 million business opportunities, positioning JCtrans as one of the world's leading, fastest-growing logistics networks.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Four Winds leads a strong Saudi presence in the global logistics sector
Al Mani: "We now have robust capabilities to offer international shipping services spanning the globe, significantly enhancing our competitive advantage and further solidifying our established leadership in comprehensive, integrated logistics services across Saudi Arabia for over 45 years." Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services since 1979, has officially joined JCtrans, one of the most trusted global B2B trade platforms dedicated to serving freight forwarders, connecting 864 cities across 179 countries worldwide. This strategic move positions Four Winds to directly access new markets and establish valuable global partnerships by connecting with leading freight forwarders and logistics providers across multiple continents. It paves the way for international collaboration and opens significant avenues for business growth, enhancing Four Winds' competitive advantage and extending its reach to a broader global clientele. By leveraging its operational expertise and industry leadership, Four Winds is poised to play a substantial role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's logistics sector. Commenting on this milestone, Nizar Al Mani, CEO of Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, stated: 'Joining the JCtrans global platform marks a significant strategic advancement for us, unlocking vast opportunities to deliver truly global shipping solutions. This move strengthens our competitive edge and further solidifies our leadership in comprehensive logistics services in Saudi Arabia, a position we've proudly held for more than 45 years. Additionally, it positions us strategically within dynamic Asian markets—such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and beyond—where global trade and industry are flourishing.' Al Mani added: 'Our presence on a renowned global platform like JCtrans aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes adopting international best practices and integrating Saudi businesses into global supply chains. This strategic step positions Four Winds prominently as a global logistics partner, directly supporting Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming an international logistics hub by enhancing service standards and expanding worldwide connectivity. Additionally, our membership significantly contributes to the broader development of Saudi Arabia's logistics sector, reinforcing our competitive advantages while actively supporting the goals of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP) under Vision 2030. These goals include strengthening the global presence of Saudi companies within international supply chains.' JCtrans is a B2B trading platform dedicated to serving global freight forwarders, spanning 864 cities across 179 countries. With over 20 years of brand establishment, the platform supports over 11,000 paid member companies and more than 660,000 registered users worldwide. Annually, it facilitates over 2.2 million business opportunities, positioning JCtrans as one of the world's leading, fastest-growing logistics networks. Four Winds provides comprehensive supply chain solutions, including warehousing and both domestic and international transportation. The company prioritizes innovation and sustainability to efficiently meet customer needs and empower businesses to adapt to market developments and reach new heights. Established in 1979, Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a Saudi leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services, has become a cornerstone in the moving and logistics sector, offering comprehensive and integrated services. With over four decades of expertise, the company has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most trusted providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Its partnerships and robust relations with leading international organizations—including IATA, FIATA, IAM, FIDI, and JCtrans—underscores its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. About Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited Established in 1979, Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a Saudi leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services, has become a cornerstone in the moving and logistics sector, offering comprehensive and integrated services. With over four decades of expertise, the company has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most trusted providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Its partnerships and robust relations with leading international organizations—including IATA, FIATA, IAM, and FIDI—underscores its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Media Contact Ahmed Al-Khalid Media Relations Manager Ruqoom Media Dubai, United Arab Emirates
