Crown Prince rolls out masterplan for logistics centers to turn Saudi Arabia into global hub

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the masterplan of logistics centers, which aims to develop the infrastructure of the logistics sector, diversify the local economy, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading investment destination and a global logistics hub.

The launch of the logistics centers masterplan builds on a package of ongoing initiatives, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to develop the logistics center, support economic growth, develop global, regional and local connectivity of international trade networks and global supply chains, the state-run SPA reported. It also aims to strengthen the partnership with the private sector, expand opportunities to provide jobs and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistic hub.

The masterplan for the logistics centers comprises 59 centers with an area of more than 100 million square meters. Twelve logistics centers will be in the Riyadh region, 12 in the Makkah region, 17 in the Eastern Region, and 18 in the rest of the Kingdom. Work is underway in 21 centers. All centers are scheduled for completion by 2030.

The local industrial centers will be able to export Saudi products with high efficiency, and support e-commerce to facilitate linkage among logistics and distribution centers within the Kingdom’s regions, cities and governorates. The masterplan will enhance traceability and facilitate the issuance of logistics licenses, especially after the unified logistics license, the licensing of more than 1,500 local, regional and global logistics companies and the reduction of clearance period to two hours.

Last April, Saudi Arabia advanced 17 spots on the World Bank 2023 Logistics Performance Index, Argaam earlier reported.