Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the master plan for logistics centers, aiming to develop the logistics sector's infrastructure in the Kingdom, diversify the local economy, and enhance the Kingdom's position as a leading investment destination and a global logistics hub. The Crown Prince emphasized that the launch of the master plan for logistics centers is an extension of a package of ongoing initiatives, aligned with the goals of the national transport and logistics services strategy, aimed at developing the logistics sector to support economic growth and enhance local, regional, and international connections for global trade networks and supply chains. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, expand job creation opportunities, and solidify the Kingdom's status as a global logistics hub due to its geographical location connecting three of the world's most important continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa).
The master plan includes (59) centers with a total area exceeding (100) million square meters, comprising (12) logistics centers for the Riyadh region, (12) logistics centers for the Makkah region, (17) logistics centers for the Eastern Province, and (18) logistics centers across other regions of the Kingdom. Currently, (21) centers are under construction, with all centers expected to be completed by 2030. The centers will enable local industries to export Saudi products efficiently and support e-commerce to facilitate quick connections between logistics centers and distribution hubs within the regions, cities, and provinces of the Kingdom. Furthermore, they will provide high tracking capabilities and ease the extraction of logistics activity licenses, especially after the launch of the unified logistics license, which has been granted to more than (1500) local, regional, and global logistics companies, along with the launch of the "clearance within two hours" initiative in collaboration with relevant government entities.
The logistics services sector represents one of the promising pillars for economic diversification and development in the Kingdom. It currently witnesses numerous quality initiatives and significant developments aimed at achieving a major shift towards the development of the sector and expanding its economic and developmental contributions. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services is working according to a methodology that seeks to develop the logistics services industry, enhance the export strategy, expand investment opportunities, and solidify partnerships with the private sector.
It is noteworthy that the Kingdom achieved a new milestone in the transport and logistics services system last April, having jumped (17) places globally in the logistics performance index issued by the World Bank, advancing to 38th place among (160) countries in the international rankings for logistics efficiency. Recently, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services launched a package of initiatives in the logistics sector to raise performance efficiency, re-engineer processes, and apply best global practices in this vital sector to enhance the Kingdom's status as a global logistics center. These initiatives included launching a comprehensive logistics zone at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and announcing Apple as the first international investor in it. The national strategy for transport and logistics services aims to position the Kingdom among the top (10) countries globally in the logistics performance index by 2030.
