Reforms, incentives paving way for Saudi Arabia's rise as logistics hub

Arab News

2 days ago

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's logistics sector is emerging as a magnet for global investment, powered by regulatory reforms, incentive schemes, and its alignment with the ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, according to industry experts.
As the Kingdom pushes ahead with economic diversification, strengthening its transport and logistics infrastructure has become a central pillar of the program.
The National Logistics Strategy aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub by integrating multiple modes of transport, expanding connectivity, and stimulating economic growth.
Speaking to Arab News, Paolo Carlomagno, partner at Arthur D. Little, said global logistics players now view Saudi Arabia not only as a high-growth market but as a strategic regional hub for multimodal operations — spanning the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Red Sea basin, and East Africa — anchored by the Kingdom's expanding port, airport, and inland logistics network.
'The Kingdom has opened its logistics ecosystem through full foreign ownership allowances, streamlined customs procedures, and the development of strategic economic zones such as King Abdullah Economic City — collectively reducing barriers for international firms seeking to establish or expand their presence,' said Carlomagno.
He added: 'With a population of approximately 36 million, Saudi Arabia offers significant domestic demand, which — combined with rising trade volumes — is helping transform the Kingdom into a central logistics node for both regional and global flows.'
In January, the Kingdom introduced 15 new incentives under the Authorized Economic Operator program to bolster its export competitiveness. These included streamlined administrative processes, dedicated account managers, and liaison officers to support investors.
Carlomagno said upcoming global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup would further accelerate the Kingdom's logistics transformation. Both events are expected to drive infrastructure development, accelerate foreign investment, and unlock new trade corridors, he added.
Andre Martins, head of transportation, services, and operations for India, Middle East, and Africa at Oliver Wyman, echoed this view. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's scale, infrastructure investments, and strategic location as key advantages.
'Saudi Arabia's position as the largest country in the Middle East, combined with significant plans to upscale infrastructure and logistics capabilities, creates a strong foundation for becoming a central logistics hub,' he said, adding that the Kingdom is establishing multiple logistics zones while continuing to upgrade ports and increase rail connectivity with potential east-to-west connections under Vision 2030.
Martins also pointed to the strong domestic demand, particularly in Riyadh, as a growing force behind the Kingdom's logistics ambitions.
Government support
According to a December report by the General Authority for Statistics, the number of logistics facilities in Saudi Arabia has surged 267 percent since 2021. A separate report from Maersk in November projected the Kingdom's logistics market would hit $38.8 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual rate of 5.85 percent.
Carlomagno pointed to the broader transformation strategy being implemented by the government, particularly the development of logistics zones designed to lower costs, boost connectivity, and drive industrial expansion.
'Recent ZATCA regulatory reforms — notably around less-than-container load handling in seaports — are increasing operational efficiency and making logistics more accessible for small and medium enterprises,' he said.
The Arthur D. Little partner added: 'Additionally, the rollout of a national logistics platform (Single Window) is streamlining communication between logistics players and government entities, consolidating permits, customs, and approvals into one digital interface.'
Carlomagno also emphasized growing transparency, citing publicly available data on land, logistics zones, and shipping routes.
'Collectively, these initiatives reflect a coordinated push to make Saudi Arabia a modern, investor-ready logistics ecosystem,' he said.
Martins noted the government's proactive efforts to attract global firms, offering tax breaks, incentive packages, and access to a large captive market.
'The Kingdom encourages these international companies by facilitating access to captive demand while providing specific incentive packages and tax advantages to encourage market entry and expansion,' he said.
In December, Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh Al-Jasser announced plans to increase the number of logistics zones from 22 to 59 by 2030. This includes 18 new zones, backed by investments exceeding SR10 billion ($2.66 billion).
UNCTAD's 2024 report also highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing global role, noting a 231-point rise in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index and the addition of 30 new maritime shipping lines.
In August, Saudi Arabia approved an updated investment law to improve transparency and streamline the investor journey. It guarantees fair treatment, protects intellectual property rights, and enables seamless fund transfers.
Leveraging geography and megaprojects
Saudi Arabia's geographic location — at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe — positions it advantageously on the global logistics map, but Carlomagno said this natural strength has historically been underutilized.
'Targeted infrastructure investments — such as port automation, integrated rail and road links, and inland logistics zones — are now enabling the Kingdom to fully harness this potential and position itself as a global logistics hub,' he said.
Martins noted that megacity developments are driving up logistics demand, not only during construction but throughout their operational lifespans.
'The construction and deployment periods require significant flows of goods and materials, while operational cities with resident populations create ongoing logistics needs. With expected continued population growth, demand for logistics services will only increase,' he said.
Carlomagno pointed to NEOM's Oxagon as a prime example of logistics integration, describing it as 'being developed as a next-generation logistics hub.'
He added that it will blend automated ports, AI-driven supply chains, and advanced manufacturing in a single maritime-logistics ecosystem.
'Supporting this is the new NEOM International Airport, which is strategically planned to handle both cargo and passenger volumes at scale, and NEOM Airlines, a new carrier designed to integrate seamlessly with smart logistics and cargo distribution infrastructure,' said Carlomagno.
With e-commerce surging, the Arthur D. Little partner said demand is also rising for fast, tech-enabled logistics services — especially in last-mile delivery, smart warehousing, and fulfillment operations.
A report from Research and Markets in April projected the Kingdom's e-commerce market, valued at $24.67 billion in 2024, will grow to $68.94 billion by 2033 at an annual rate of 12.10 percent.
Addressing the challenges
Despite the momentum, experts warned of challenges that need to be addressed to sustain Saudi Arabia's rise.
'While Saudi Arabia is moving in the right direction at a good pace, other countries are simultaneously investing in their logistics infrastructure, airports, ports, and platforms. The key challenge is ensuring that market demand, supply, and economics remain commercially viable for all players,' Martins said.
He added: 'Additionally, geopolitical uncertainty presents potential risks to plans, and so many players are deploying a certain level of modularity to mitigate geopolitical risks while maintaining competitive positioning.'
Carlomagno pointed out that a shortage of specialized talent — particularly in digital logistics — could pose a hurdle, calling for more training and localization.
He also stressed the importance of sustainable logistics practices to align with global environmental, social and governance standards.
'Addressing these challenges demands a systemic approach that aligns infrastructure, policy, and human capabilities,' he concluded.