The Saudi Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) granted Lucid Motors, which specializes in electric cars, the operating license for its manufacturing unit, which was established in the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh, west of the Kingdom.
ECZA Secretary General Nabil Khoja said that the establishment of a world-class electric car manufacturing unit in a short time confirms the efficiency and capabilities of the economic zone facilities in the Kingdom.
Speaking during a ceremony at the authority’s headquarters in King Abdullah Economic City, Khoja said that the recent move was based on a government partnership and cooperation with the Economic Cities Authority, stressing the excellence of the business environment in Saudi Arabia and the state’s commitment to supporting investors.
“Today we are making a step towards the future of the transportation sector in the Kingdom, thus contributing to reducing carbon emissions, and promoting clean and sustainable mobility,” he stated, describing the achievement as important for the state and consistent with its commitment to diversifying the resources of the national economy.
For his part, Vice President of Lucid and Managing Director of the Middle East Region, Faisal Sultan, said that the factory would pave the way and set standards for the automobile industry, and provide the local market with advanced electric vehicles assembled in the Kingdom.
Sultan revealed the company’s aspirations to attract, train and employ new talents in the field of the automotive industry.
In turn, Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer at EMAAR Economic City, pointed to the importance of the presence of Lucid, the world’s leading company in the development and production of electric vehicles, in the King Abdullah Economic City. He said it was proof of the quality of the infrastructure and the strategic location that connects Saudi Arabia to all countries of the world.
He added that Lucid will play a major role in achieving the goal of the region to become a destination for the automotive industry and will reflect positively on the local economy by creating job opportunities, promoting technical progress, and attracting new investments to King Abdullah Economic City.
The ceremony featured a short visual presentation produced by Lucid, highlighting its main projects, innovations and contribution to the electric car industry.
The project started in August 2022, when the Kingdom launched a plan to diversify the national automotive sector, by granting building permits for the Lucid factory in the KAEC special economic zone. The move underlined the government’s firm commitment to diversifying its economy and achieving Vision 2030, which seeks to convert 30 percent of the vehicles in Riyadh into electric cars.
Lucid’s advanced facility stretches over an area exceeding 1.35 million square meters, and occupies about 31 percent of the total area allocated to the automotive industry in the KAEC Special Economic Zone.
The Saudi Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority provides all government services to investors, residents, workers and visitors in cities and special economic zones through the Integrated Government Services Center.
It also contributes to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, by developing and implementing innovative business models in partnership with the private sector, and providing government support and empowerment through strategic initiatives and projects that enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the investment environment in cities and special economic zones and generate job opportunities.
