Negotiations for the much-anticipated Riyadh-Jeddah land bridge project have entered advanced stages, according to Sulaiman Al-Mazrou, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). The initiative, set to connect Riyadh and Jeddah, is progressing with discussions involving international companies slated to execute the project.

Al-Mazrou shared with Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper that the commencement of work on the land bridge hinges on the finalization of agreement details and the successful completion of negotiations. Additionally, NIDLP, in collaboration with relevant authorities, aims to establish a railway connection between industrial cities and Saudi ports.

In the initial phase, the linkage will encompass the second industrial city in Dammam and the industrial city in Sudair. Al-Mazrou emphasized that NIDLP's overarching objective is to enhance logistics services in the Kingdom by fostering connectivity between eastern, western, and northern Saudi Arabia with Riyadh.

Addressing the logistics centers outlined in the master plan unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in August 2023, Al-Mazrou noted substantial progress. Of the 59 planned logistics centers, 21 have been completed through collaboration with government entities. Efforts are currently underway, in conjunction with regional authorities and the private sector, to establish the remaining 38 logistics centers, with the ambitious target of completion by 2030.

In alignment with developmental goals, there is an intention to expand the number of special economic zones. Collaborating with the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), Al-Mazrou highlighted the uniqueness of each zone, catering to the development of specific sectors.

As negotiations near finalization, the Riyadh-Jeddah land bridge initiative stands poised to significantly impact the Kingdom's logistics landscape, fostering economic growth and regional connectivity.