Saudi Arabia has launched the Al Khomra Logistics Zone- its largest so far, as part of the country’s plan to establish itself as a hub in the trade exchange movement, especially between the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The logistics zone, which will be developed in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, will support activities around shipping, freight distribution and transport of goods.
Spanning over 2.3 million square metre in Jeddah, the logistics zone will be developed in different phases. The first phase of the project will cover an area of 2 million square metre.
Minister of Transport Dr. Nabeel bin Mohamed Al Amudi told the media, “Al Khomra is an umbrella for a number of logistics zones and platforms to be launched in the coming period through a prepared comprehensive strategy and plan.”
The logistics zone is expected to have a significant impact on supply chains and logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.
According to Dr. Nabeel bin Mohamed Al Amudi, the Al Khomra Logistics Zone will turn Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub and create 10,000 direct jobs. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia wants to improve its various sectors and also its production to boost its economy.
The development of the logistics zone is a part of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme, which aims to create 1.6 million jobs and attract investments worth $427 billion over the next decade.
According to reports, the volume of the logistics market in Saudi Arabia is $18 billion which is 55 percent of the total GCC logistics services’ market. By 2020, the value of Saudi logistics market is expected to be $25 billion, which will make it the fastest-growing market globally.