Saudi MODON Signs Contract for First Food Factory in Jeddah

Saudi MODON Signs Contract for First Food Factory in Jeddah
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Saudi MODON Signs Contract for First Food Factory in Jeddah

Saudi MODON Signs Contract for First Food Factory in Jeddah

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) signed a contract with Nestlé to allocate a 117,000-square-meter industrial plot in the Jeddah Third Industrial City.

The contract aims to establish the first food factory in the Kingdom, scheduled to open in 2025, with an initial investment of SAR270 million to boost local production, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Chairman of MODON Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, MODON CEO Eng. Majed Al-Argoubi and Nestlé Saudi Arabia CEO Robert Helou.

In its initial phase, the project will focus on producing baby food and launching an automated production line equipped with the latest packaging technologies operated by qualified national food industry personnel.

The project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during its first phase, with an initial annual production capacity of 15,000 tons.

In line with the National Industrial Strategy, MODON seeks to boost the food industries sector through the food cluster initiative in Jeddah's second and third industrial cities. The food cluster aims to enhance supply chains and promote exports by providing an integrated and supportive environment, which positively impacts the growth and development of the food industry sector in the region.



Saudi Entertainment Sector Continues to Attract More Visitors

An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
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Saudi Entertainment Sector Continues to Attract More Visitors

An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA
An event during Riyadh Season 2024. SPA

The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia continues to attract more visitors to achieve the country's target of 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

The General Entertainment Authority announced last Friday that Riyadh Season 2024 has already welcomed over 12 million visitors since its launch on October 13 with a daily average of around 174,000 visitors.

The number of visitors to Riyadh Season 2024 has already exceeded half the total attendance of last year's season, which was 20 million visitors, with a daily average of about 150,000 visitors.

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh announced during a press conference for Riyadh Season 2024 that this year's edition will include 14 entertainment areas, 11 international tournaments, and 100 exhibitions and festivals.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib revealed earlier this year that the country had achieved the goals of Vision 2030 by surpassing 100 million visitors. As a result, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s new strategy was set to reach 150 million visitors.

In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as a major contributor to the country’s economic diversification.
An IMF report acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s success in exceeding the Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023, with net tourism income increasing by 38%. The sector’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5% in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16% by 2034.