Saudi industrial sector sees 63% surge in new investments

The report revealed a 13 percent growth in new manufacturing establishments. Shutterstock
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Updated 08 April 2024
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Saudi industrial sector sees 63% surge in new investments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector experienced a 63 percent increase in new investments in 2023, amounting to a SR15 billion ($3.99 billion) rise compared to the previous year. 

According to the annual report from the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, the cumulative funding last year reached SR415 billion, distributed across 891 projects encompassing both local and foreign ventures. 

Notably, international inflows soared by 85 percent compared to the previous year, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a prime destination for global investors.  

The authority, also known as Modon, noted that the developed land area in these industrial cities now exceeds 209 million sq. m., accommodating 6,443 factories and 7,946 industrial, logistical, and investment establishments. 

“We always take pride in creating success stories within and outside the authority; during 2023, Modon’s teams managed to achieve success and manage over 7,900 industrial, investment, and logistical contracts, with growth nearly 10 percent over 2022,” Modon’s CEO, Majed Al-Argoubi, stated in the report.

“In addition, there was an active movement for attracting and facilitating the journey of current and potential partners. Concurrently, the digital transformation index rose by 9 percent to a rate of 85.77 percent, according to a continuous improvement journey for internal procedures tailored for partners and stakeholders,” he added. 

The report also revealed a 13 percent growth in new manufacturing establishments, along with a 6 percent increase in the number of producing factories.  

Furthermore, there are 1,301 ready-to-use factory units and facilities, signifying a significant expansion in the Kingdom’s industrial infrastructure. 

This growth reflects the nation’s growing economic dynamics and its successful push toward manufacturing and technological advancement.  

The authority also inaugurated the Modon Oasis in Yanbu and a new industrial city in Asir last year. Additionally, it completed 48 development projects, with a total investment exceeding SR1.3 billion. 

Moreover, the government agency executed 260 ready-made factories in strategic industrial locales across the Kingdom, with significant private sector involvement, aligning with the Saudi Arabia National Industrial Development and Logistics program. 

The strategy aims to bring supply chains closer to the domestic economy, reducing costs and boosting sustainability.  

Further enhancing the operational capacity of these industrial zones, Modon introduced significant upgrades in utility services. This included the addition of 724 maximum fuse amps of electrical capacity and the expansion of potable water and wastewater services. These upgrades bolster the infrastructure to support increased industrial activity. 

The report also highlighted Modon’s commitment to digital transformation and cybersecurity. It showcased a high level of compliance with information security controls and a substantial number of data exchange operations, reflecting the authority’s dedication to modernizing and safeguarding its industrial sectors. 

Established in 2001, Modon plays a pivotal role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing landscape. It oversees 36 industrial cities and various technological oases across the nation, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and enhance its global industrial standing. 


Saudi Maaden reports 156% profit surge to $2bn on strong commodity prices, record production

Updated 05 March 2026
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Saudi Maaden reports 156% profit surge to $2bn on strong commodity prices, record production

RIYADH: Saudi mining and metals company Maaden has reported a 156 percent jump in its net profit attributable to shareholders for 2025, driven by higher commodity prices, record production volumes, and a one-off bargain purchase gain.

The state-backed giant posted a net profit of SR7.35 billion ($1.95 billion) for the full year 2025, an increase from SR2.87 billion in the previous year. The firm’s revenue surged by 19 percent to SR38.58 billion, up from SR32.55 billion in 2024.

This comes as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to expand its mining sector as a pillar of economic diversification, encouraging international participation and private investment to unlock the Kingdom’s estimated $2.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources under Vision 2030.    

In a statement on Tadawul, the company said: “Performance was led by record phosphate production, near record aluminum production, an increase in all three of Maaden’s main output commodity prices.”

The performance was also fueled by a 60 percent increase in gross profit, which reached SR14.79 billion. In its annual results announcement, Maaden attributed the top-line growth to “higher commodity market prices for phosphate, aluminum and gold business units,” as well as increased sales volumes in its phosphate and aluminum segments. This was partially offset by slightly lower sales volume in the gold unit.

Maaden’s CEO, Bob Wilt, hailed 2025 as a transformative year for the company, marked by strategic growth and operational excellence. “This was a great year for Maaden’s strategic growth. We delivered strong financial results and sustained operational excellence across the business,” he said in a statement.

“This was driven by growth in production across all businesses, including record-breaking DAP (di-ammonium phosphatevolumes), disciplined cost control across and a clear commitment to our role as a cornerstone of the Saudi economy,” Wilt added.

Profitability was further bolstered by an increased share of net profit from joint ventures and an associate. This included a one-off bargain purchase gain of SR768 million related to Maaden’s investment in Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. The company also benefited from lower finance costs.

The fourth quarter of 2025 was strong, with Maaden swinging to a net profit of SR1.67 billion, compared to a loss of SR106 million in the same period of the prior year. Quarterly revenue rose 7 percent to SR10.64 billion.

The firm achieved record production of di-ammonium phosphate, reaching 6.72 million tonnes for the year, a 9 percent increase. Aluminum production remained near-record levels, while the company added a net 7.8 million ounces to its reportable gold mineral resources through discovery and resource development.

The phosphate division saw sales jump 17 percent to SR20.77 billion, with the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization margin expanding to 47 percent. The aluminum business reported a 9 percent increase in sales to SR10.99 billion, with EBITDA more than doubling in the fourth quarter.

Looking ahead, Wilt emphasized that the pace of growth will accelerate as the company advances key initiatives, including the Phosphate 3 Phase 1 and Ar Rjum projects, which remain on budget and schedule. Maaden has also secured a gas supply for its future Phosphate 4 project.

“This pace of growth will only accelerate. Not only as we advance projects and increase the scale of our exploration program, but as we continue to grow production and implement technology that will further modernize, streamline and unlock value,” Wilt added.

Earnings per share for the year rose sharply to SR1.91, up from SR0.78 in 2024. Total shareholders’ equity increased by 18.7 percent to SR61.59 billion.