In a strategic move that is set to reshape the global logistics landscape, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister (MBS) Mohammed Bin Salman has announced the launch of the Master Plan for Saudi Arabia to become a global logistic hub. This groundbreaking initiative, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency, underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering economic diversification and harnessing its geographical advantage to become a pivotal global logistical hub.
The meticulously crafted master plan encompasses a network of an impressive 59 logistics centers, collectively spanning over 100 million square meters.
The strategic distribution of these centers is as follows:
Riyadh Region | ​12 State-of-the-Art Logistic Centers |
​Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region | ​Another 12 Strategically placed Logistic Centers |
​Eastern Province | ​A Comprehensive Network of 17 Logistical Hubs |
​Rest of the Kingdom | ​18 Advanced Logistic Centers |
Notably, work is already in progress for 21 of these centers, with a resolute commitment to having all centers fully operational by the year 2030.
The core objectives of this ambitious venture are threefold: first, to significantly enhance the logistical infrastructure within the country; second, to invigorate the local economy through diversification; and third, to amplify Saudi Arabia's stature as a global magnet for investments, accentuated by its prime location bridging three continents—Asia, Europe, and Africa.
An especially compelling facet of this plan lies in its perfect synchronization with Saudi Arabia's escalating influence in the global energy landscape. As the world grappled with the seismic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Riyadh stepped into the role of an anchor of stability in energy markets.
In addition to these far-reaching goals, the new logistics centers are poised to revolutionize e-commerce by creating seamless connections between logistics hubs and distribution centers across different regions of the Kingdom. This initiative will expedite the movement of goods and services with advanced traceability mechanisms and streamlined licensing procedures for logistical operations, which will support this increase in efficiency.
Saudi Arabia is recognizing the profound potential of the logistics sector as a catalyst for economic diversification and growth. This realization has driven monumental efforts to foster the sector's development and augment its contributions to both the economy and overall national progress.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphatically emphasized that the logistics center master plan is an integral component of a wider tapestry of initiatives laid out by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). This cohesive strategy is laser-focused on elevating the logistics sector to new heights, facilitating economic growth, and fostering stronger links with international trade networks and global supply chains.
A critical aspect of the master plan is the infusion of private sector partnerships, a move that is set to not only expedite its execution but also generate a surge in job opportunities, supporting the Kingdom's vision of a robust and diversified workforce.
The Master Plan for Logistics Centers in Saudi Arabia is charting an audacious course that combines its geographical advantages, economic aspirations, and a forward-looking approach. As the Kingdom continues to position itself at the crossroads of global trade and commerce, the impacts of this initiative are bound to reverberate across industries and regions, solidifying Saudi Arabia's role as a logistical powerhouse on the world stage.
Presented by
Current Affairs Research and Development Unit at VCARE Academy
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact support operations at suppport@vcare.international and support@vcare.academy
Certification Programs
A successful career in supply chain necessitates a never-ending thirst for knowledge and the most up-to-date supply chain skills and knowledge. Even though continuing education and certification programs can take time and money, they help get your specialized knowledge or skills recognized.
Certified Stores and Stock Controller (CSSC)
Certified Production and Inventory Analyst (CPIA)
Mini-Master and Master Classes
When professionals have training that other professionals lack, it distinguishes them and sets them apart from the crowd. Certification and master classes show that the professionals are committed to learning, excelling, and using best practices.
Supply Chain Framework and Strategy
Collaboration among Sustainability, Procurement and Supply Chain
Implementing 3PL and 4PL Strategies in the Value Chain
Supply Chain Sustainability with Circularity to Drive Profitability