Saudi Roundup: Green Logistics & Industrial Projects

This edition explores the rapid pace of investment in key logistics and industrial projects across Saudi Arabia and the continued expansion of the Kingdom's e-commerce and delivery sector.

Tourism

Saudi International Leisure Tourism Forecast to Grow 93% by 2030

Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism market is projected to grow by 93% between 2025 and 2030, significantly exceeding the expected growth of 64% across the Middle East and 30% globally. The forecast, based on overnight arrivals, was published by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, in a report presented at WTM Spotlight Riyadh.

E-commerce

Delivery Sector Soars 30.5% To 132 Million Orders In Q2 2026

The Saudi delivery sector recorded strong growth in the second quarter of 2026, with orders surpassing 132 million, marking a 30.5% increase from the same period a year earlier. The growth reflects the continued expansion of the Kingdom’s logistics and e-commerce sectors, driven by digital transformation, technology adoption, and evolving delivery business models. These developments are helping improve operational efficiency, service quality, and overall economic activity.

Saudi Commands 93% of Gulf E-Commerce Investments

Saudi Arabia accounted for about 93% of e-commerce investments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by 2025, up from 46% in 2021. Data presented during the “New Geography of Growth” session, organized by the RLC Global Forum in partnership with Selfridges in London, showed that e-commerce currently represents 11% of Gulf retail sales.

Industrial

SABIC AN’s Ammonia-Urea Complex To Go Live In 2030; $3.5 Billion Contract Awarded To Samsung E&A

SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co. has awarded Samsung E&A Co., Ltd. a $3.46 billion engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to develop a new ammonia and urea production complex in Saudi Arabia. According to the company, the facilities are expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2030, with commercial operations set to begin in the fourth quarter.

Manar Al Omran Unveils $320 Million Industrial Complex To Take Saudi-Made Scaffolding To Global Markets

Manar Al Omran (MAO), a Saudi scaffolding and formwork specialist established in 1974, has announced the launch of the MAO Industrial Complex, an integrated manufacturing platform spanning approximately one million square meters in the Eastern Province. The development will bring together five production facilities, a flagship corporate headquarters, and a residential community designed to accommodate 7,000 employees, with Saudization already exceeding 60% and targeted to increase further.

FIFA World Cup 2034

Qatar’s Estithmar Holding Unit Secures $228 Million Deal For Saudi Stadium Hosting FIFA World Cup 2034

Elegancia Arabia Trading, the contracting services arm of Doha-listed Estithmar Holding, has won a $228 million contract for Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which is set to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2034. As the project’s engineering and contracting partner, Elegancia will provide energy-efficient HVAC systems, electromechanical services, public health systems, and Building Management System (BMS) packages.

Technology & AI

World’s First Robot Sports League Launches In Riyadh, Plans To Expand To 8 Global Cities

CyberHero, billed as the world’s first global humanoid robot sports league, launched in Riyadh on September 9, with host Hero Esports announcing plans for an inaugural season across eight cities worldwide. The first CyberHero x Riyadh humanoid robot combat competition was held at Boulevard City and was created by Hero Esports, Asia’s largest esports company.

Saudi to Develop More Than 14 GW Of Computing Capacity to Accelerate AI Growth

Saudi is partnering with the private sector to develop more than 14 gigawatts of computing capacity as part of efforts to attract artificial intelligence companies and support their expansion in the Kingdom, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha said. Speaking at the opening of the fourth Frontier Leaders Forum 2026 in Silicon Valley, California, Al-Swaha said Saudi Arabia’s strategy focuses on providing AI companies with three key enablers: computing capacity, capital, and access to customers.

Logistics

SAL And Huawei Sign MoU To Advance Smart, Digital Logistics In Saudi Arabia

SAL Logistics Services, Saudi Arabia’s leading provider of cargo handling, logistics, and supply chain solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation in transportation, logistics, and digital transformation. Under the agreement, the two companies will explore joint solutions and services, including the use of Huawei’s technologies in 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and green energy. The collaboration aims to support the digitalization of logistics zones and improve operational efficiency across the Kingdom.