Saudi Arabia is poised to invest over $267 billion in its logistics sector as part of its broader goal to become a global hub by 2030.

Speaking at the Global Logistics Forum 2024, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, announced that $53.2 billion has already been deployed. The investment will enhance the kingdom’s infrastructure and support its vision of becoming a key global trade and logistics player.

“These investments have translated into leapfrogs in the Saudi logistics sector, leading us to rise in global rankings, jumping 17 ranks in the Logistics Performance Index issued by the World Bank and 14 places in the Global Connectivity Index of the International Air Transport Association,” he added.

Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics plan, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to connect three continents, modernize transportation systems, and enhance integration within the logistics network.

“Current disruptions highlight the fundamental needs to ensure the safety and security of the supply chain and the seamless functioning of the backbone of global commerce, so economies thrive, goods get delivered, and people are connected,” said Al-Jasser

Drawing reference from the kingdom’s ancient trade routes, such as the Incense Road, the Spice Road, and the sea route of the Silk Road.

“These routes, which spanned continents, carried not only goods but also ideas and cultures that shaped civilizations. Now, once again, we are at the forefront of global trade through cutting-edge infrastructure, such as King Salman International Airport, state-of-the-art seaports, and a robust rail network,” Al-Jasser added.

Moreover, stressing on the Saudi Green Initiative, he said, “Last year alone, using the Saudi rail network, we eliminated the equivalent of 1 million truck journeys from our roads, drastically reducing carbon emissions.”

Al-Jasser highlighted that technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and smart infrastructure are transforming the global supply chain, cutting costs, speeding up processes, and contributing to environmental protection.