RIYADH: The announcement that Riyadh’s metro system is set to become fully operational this year shows the Saudi capital is in a “prosperous era,” according to a leading minister.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has revealed the $22.5 billion project will be constructed in a single phase, with the network connecting key locations such as King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, and major universities as well as downtown Riyadh, and the public transport center.
According to RCRC, the transport system will consist of six lines connecting 85 stations over 176 km, traversing densely populated areas.
Reflecting on the announcement in an interview with Al-Arabiya Business, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said the system is “considered the largest metro project globally to be constructed in a single phase.”
He added: “The city of Riyadh is witnessing a significant surge and major projects in this prosperous era.”
The comments from the minister came on the sidelines of the inauguration of a new Maersk logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port.
The newly opened logistics zone, a collaboration between the Saudi Ports Authority and Maersk, represents an SR1.3 billion ($346.4 million) investment. It is expected to streamline supply chain operations, handling 200,000 standard containers annually and creating over 2,500 jobs.
Al-Jasser noted that this logistics zone offers comprehensive solutions that add significant economic value to the sector, aligning with the national strategy for transport and logistics services led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Our goal is to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location,” he told Al-Arabiya.
Mawani said in a press release that the logistics zone covers 225,000 sq. meters and includes a storehouse for general cargo, refrigerated food areas, a re-export and shipping area for small loads, and an e-commerce center with high-density storage and advanced mechanical solutions.
The zone also features an in-house women’s academy that provides specialized training programs, with Maersk aiming to create job opportunities for Saudi women in its facilities to make a tangible impact on gender diversity in the workplace.
Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in the Logistics Performance Index, climbing to 17th place globally in 2023, according to the minister.
Additionally, the nation has seen a doubling of maritime connectivity indicators over the past three years, along with significant improvements in air connectivity and multi-modal transportation integration.
Al-Jasser praised the rapid completion of the Maersk Logistics Zone, which was finalized within 18 months thanks to substantial private sector investment.
He also mentioned that this project is one of 18 signed logistics initiatives across the Kingdom, with a goal to increase the number of designated zones from the current 22 to 59 by 2030.
Several additional areas are currently under construction in partnership with international companies.
The minister further revealed that private sector investments in logistics zones within Saudi ports have exceeded SR10 billion. Moreover, 12 more agreements are expected in the coming years, aimed at enhancing the network through integration with the country’s road and airport systems.