Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) Bandar Alkhorayef oversaw the signing ceremony for several contracts and memoranda of understanding.
These agreements represent investments totaling SAR8.8 billion and cover a total area exceeding 3.3 million square meters, aimed at developing industrial and logistics projects, according to SPA.
The event took place during MODON's participation in the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), also known as the Global Industry Summit, hosted in Riyadh from November 23-27.
Among the new investments is a contract to develop a private industrial complex in the Dammam Third Industrial City, spanning 1.8 million square meters and representing a SAR5 billion investment. This project aims to enhance industrial productivity and create an attractive environment for high-quality investments.
Additionally, MODON and China’s JINGDONG Property company signed a contract to develop warehouses with a total area of 50,000 square meters and an investment of up to SAR100 million in MODON Oasis in Jeddah. This development will improve storage and distribution efficiency, enhancing the logistics services ecosystem. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to facilitate cooperation in studying, developing, and operating industrial and logistics projects, with investments amounting to SAR3.75 billion and covering an area exceeding 1.5 million square meters across several industrial cities in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, MODON and JINGDONG are collaborating to create innovative financing and investment solutions through a dedicated investment fund focused on developing industrial and logistics assets. They are also exploring future exit strategies, such as listing assets in real estate investment trusts (REITs), to enhance the attractiveness of investment opportunities.
This innovation in financing and investment solutions through city development funds, specialized industrial complexes, logistics and technology centers, and other diverse projects in partnership with the private sector is expected to improve financing capacity, expand development areas, increase gross domestic product, enhance local content, boost exports, and provide job opportunities.
Additionally, this collaboration will strengthen private sector participation, finance infrastructure superstructure projects, and positively impact national economic development and quality of life.