MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj

The signing ceremony was attended by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef.
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Updated 07 November 2024
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MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj

JEDDAH: Agreements to invest over SR2 billion ($533 million) in new industrial complexes will bring growth and job opportunities to Saudi Arabia’s cities of Makkah and Al-Kharj, advancing Vision 2030.

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, signed two contracts with Albaddad Holding to establish complexes within the second industrial cities in both boroughs. 

The inking ceremony took place under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef.

Under the contracts, the company is responsible for developing the infrastructure and constructing ready-made and prefabricated buildings to create a fully integrated complex that supports industrial objectives. 

It will also improve production efficiency and enhance added value and sustainable growth opportunities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The agreements were signed by MODON’s CEO, Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi, and Zayed bin Hussein Al-Baddad, CEO of Albaddad Holding, in the presence of the company’s chairman, Al-Fateen bin Hussein Al-Baddad.

The initiative aligns with MODON’s vision to be the preferred destination for investment growth and the leading partner for industrial and technology ecosystems, fostering an enabling environment that enhances business sustainability and contributes to national economic development.

These efforts support the goals of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy and the Vision 2030 objective of transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse.

The Makkah project is MODON’s first privately developed complex, spanning over 1.3 million sq. meters with an investment of SR1.75 billion. 

It aims to localize promising industries through advanced production technology, create 5,000 jobs, and boost national exports, with up to 60 percent of its output targeting markets in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and countries including Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, as well as Iraq.

MODON has also launched several development projects in the second industrial city of Makkah, which is over 4.3 million sq. meters in size, including integrated infrastructure enhanced with essential services and innovative products.

This includes a new 200 megavolt-amperes substation to foster a competitive industrial environment promoting growth and sustainability.

The Al-Kharj industrial complex, spanning over 307,000 sq. meters with an investment of SR375 million, is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs, supporting industries such as construction, exhibitions, and sports as well as cultural and entertainment events.

It will also enhance the iron, aluminum, glass, and PVC textile industries, with plans to export 60 percent of its production to neighboring Gulf countries.

Through these efforts, MODON is driving industrial growth in the Kingdom by developing and managing distinguished industrial cities and technology zones in collaboration with the public and private sectors.

Currently, the developed land area across 37 industrial cities in Saudi Arabia exceeds 215 million sq. meters, housing approximately 6,882 industrial facilities.


BYD Americas CEO hails Middle East as ‘homeland for innovation’

Updated 21 January 2026
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BYD Americas CEO hails Middle East as ‘homeland for innovation’

  • In an interview on the sidelines of Davos, Stella Li highlighted the region’s openness to new technologies and opportunities for growth

DAVOS: BYD Americas CEO Stella Li described the Middle East as a “homeland for innovation” during an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

The executive of the Chinese electric vehicle giant highlighted the region’s openness to new technologies and opportunities for growth.

“The people (are) very open. And then from the government, from everybody there, they are open to enjoy the technology,” she said.

BYD has accelerated its expansion of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids across the Middle East and North Africa region, with a strong focus on Gulf Cooperation Council countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

GCC EV markets, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rank among the world’s fastest-growing. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has been aggressively investing in the EV sector, backing Lucid Motors, launching its brand Ceer, and supporting charging infrastructure development.

However, EVs still account for just over 1 percent of total car sales, as high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and extreme weather remain challenges.

In summer 2025, BYD announced it was aiming to triple its Saudi footprint following Tesla’s entry, targeting 5,000 EV sales and 10 showrooms by late 2026.

“We commit a lot of investment there (in the region),” Li noted, adding that the company is building a robust dealer network and introducing cutting-edge technology.

Discussing growth plans, she envisioned Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East as a potential “dreamland” for innovation — what she described as a regional “Silicon Valley.” 

Talking about the EV ambitions of the Saudi government, she said: “If they set up (a) target, they will make (it) happen. Then they need a technology company like us to support their … 2030 Vision.”