Riyadh Metro will begin its operations this year, said the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services of Saudi Arabia, Saleh Al-Jasser. This announcement aligns with the earlier statement made by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
According to the Minister, the Riyadh Metro is the biggest metro project in the world that is being built in a single phase.
Minister's Announcement and Key Developments
During an interview with Al-Arabiya Business, Al-Jasser made these statements on the occasion of the inauguration of Maersk's largest Middle Eastern integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port.
The project, which included investments of SR1.3 billion, was a joint venture between Maersk and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). With the recently opened logistics zone, 2,500 new jobs could be created, and 200,000 standard containers per year of supply chain processes will be simplified.
Economic Impact and Strategic Goals
The zone provides comprehensive logistical solutions, adding considerable economic value to the industry and aligning with the national policy for transport and logistics services, according to Al-Jasser. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is leading this initiative.
"Our efforts aim to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location," said the minister.
Details on Maersk Logistics Zone
According to Al-Jasser, the 225,000 square meter Maersk Logistics Zone facility can process a broad variety of goods, including chemicals, perishable goods, and items requiring refrigeration down to -25 degrees Celsius.
Saudi Arabia saw remarkable progress in 2023, moving up the Logistics Performance Index to 17th position worldwide. Maritime connection indicators have also increased in the last three years, complementing improvements in air connectivity and the integration of other modes of transportation.
Future Prospects
The Maersk Logistics Zone was completed in 18 months with substantial private sector participation, and the minister lauded this speed.
In addition, Al-Jasser stated that this zone is one of eighteen logistics projects across the kingdom, aiming to increase the number of zones from 22 to 59 by 2030.
"Working with multinational corporations, we are building multiple new zones. The private sector has invested more than SR10 billion in these logistics zones within Saudi ports," said Al-Jasser.
The logistics network will be further enhanced in the future with twelve additional agreements that will connect it to the country's highway and airport infrastructures.
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