Saudi Arabia aims for global logistics hub status by 2030 with tech investments 

Abdullah Al-Dubaikhi, assistant minister at the Ministry of Investment, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to train a workforce capable of adapting to the sector’s technological advancements. 
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Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia aims for global logistics hub status by 2030 with tech investments 

RIYADH: The King Salman International Airport Development Co., a Saudi wealth sovereign fund-owned company, announced it had signed an agreement with ewpartners, a firm specializing in private investment, strategic alliances, and asset initiatives.

The partnership with the Public Investment Fund aims to leverage Saudi Arabia’s location as a link between three continents to drive growth and enhance operational excellence in the logistics sector, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The parties will explore establishing an economic center for e-commerce and distribution, which is one of the hubs announced by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services.

This initiative aims to improve supply chains and facilitate investment and trade, thereby achieving the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement strives to establish a logistics center at King Salman International Airport, designed to strengthen distribution management ties between China and Saudi Arabia.

This will play a significant role in positioning the Kingdom as a key regional hub for air freight, as per SPA.

The center is expected to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of distribution at the regional and international level, establishing the airport as a global logistics hub and reflecting the strategic role of Saudi Arabia in global services.

Marco Mejia, the acting CEO of KSIADC, commented that this partnership represents an important step toward realizing its vision of making KSIA a primary logistics center that serves regional and global companies and supports the country’s trade expansion.

He added: “Through our collaboration with ewpartners, we aim to enhance the Kingdom’s logistical infrastructure, increase operational efficiency, and create new opportunities that contribute to economic growth in the Kingdom and the region.”

Jerry Li, founder and managing partner of ewpartners, highlighted that the strategic location of the airport, along with its extensive regional commercial capabilities, will open new avenues for growth and innovation in the logistics and e-commerce sectors in the Kingdom.

The news agency underlined that partners would work to enhance various areas, including infrastructure, digital services, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.


Global investors commit more than $3bn to King Salman Park as Saudi giga-project secures new deals

Updated 10 March 2026
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Global investors commit more than $3bn to King Salman Park as Saudi giga-project secures new deals

RIYADH: The King Salman Park Foundation has secured more than $3.8 billion in new private-sector commitments at the MIPIM 2026 real estate conference, including a landmark $3 billion fund backed by international investors to develop a major mixed-use district in the heart of Riyadh.

According to a press release, the announcements bring total committed investment in the 17.2 sq. kilometers urban regeneration project to over $5.3 billion across five major packages.

Launched in 2019 under Saudi Vision 2030, the development is designed to be the world’s largest city park and aims to boost green space, improve quality of life, and feature over 1 million trees and extensive leisure facilities.

A $3 billion metro-connected district

The largest of the two packages, designated Package 5, will see a consortium led by Kolaghassi Development Co. deliver a residential-led district with a total built-up area exceeding 1 million sq. meters. 

It will provide approximately 3,700 residential units, a K–12 school, around 300 hospitality keys and more than 100,000 sq m of Grade A office space alongside a wide variety of retail and dining offerings.

The development is supported by a Saudi-domiciled, Capital Market Authority-regulated fund managed by Mulkia Investment Co. that has attracted leading investors from the Kingdom and across the world.

Kolaghassi Development Co. will lead the project alongside Al Othaim Investment, one of the Kingdom’s real estate players, and RXR, a New York-headquartered real estate investor and operator.

“Securing investment of this scale, supported by international capital and expertise, is an important milestone for King Salman Park,” said George Tanasijevich, CEO of King Salman Park Foundation. 

$850 million cultural district package

In a separate announcement, the Foundation confirmed the award of Package 4 to a consortium led by Retal Urban Development Co., with support from a fund managed by SAB Invest.

The project has a total value exceeding $850 million and will host more than 600 residential units, over 140 hotel keys, and almost 50,000 sq m of Grade A office space, alongside curated retail and food and beverage experiences.

“This opportunity reflects the maturity of Saudi Arabia’s real estate investment landscape and our confidence in culture-led, mixed-use urban destinations as a driver of sustainable returns,” said Abdullah Al-Braikan, CEO and founder of Retal Urban Development Co.

Ali Al-Mansour, CEO of SAB Invest, said the fund structure brings together “long-term capital, experienced development partners, and a shared commitment to place-making excellence” while contributing to Riyadh’s cultural vibrancy and the Kingdom’s quality-of-life ambitions under Vision 2030.