Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced the launch of 103 new factories in January, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s industrial growth. The newly established facilities attracted investments worth $240 million and created 1,504 jobs, signaling continued momentum in the sector.

Announced on April 8, the update also noted a rise in the number of factories reaching full operational capacity. In the same period, the ministry issued 63 new industrial licenses, according to data from the National Industrial and Mining Information Center.

As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia is prioritizing economic diversification, with the industrial and manufacturing sectors playing a key role in reducing reliance on oil. Initiatives such as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are central to the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, particularly in petrochemicals, mining, and renewable energy.

The Kingdom aims to increase the number of factories to 36,000 by 2035, including 4,000 fully automated facilities, as part of its plan to build an innovation-driven industrial sector.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Production Index rose by 1.3% in January, driven by growth in manufacturing and waste management. The index held steady at 103.9, unchanged from December 2024.

The manufacturing sub-index recorded a 4% annual increase, including a 4.3% rise in coke and refined petroleum products and a 4.2% gain in chemicals and chemical products.

In 2023, the number of industrial units in the Kingdom grew by 10% year-on-year, reaching 11,549. Jarrah Al-Jarrah, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, said new industrial establishments attracted investments totaling $410.67 billion.