Saudi Arabia just dropped some big news, folks. They’re teaming up with China to establish a special economic zone within the massive King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. Covering 4 square kilometers, this zone aims to make the kingdom a major logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. It’s a bold move that could shake up global trade routes.
A New Hub in the Making
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill project.
- Location: Within King Salman International Airport, Riyadh.
- Area: 4 square kilometers.
- Partners: Ewpartners and the King Salman International Airport Development Company.
- Expected to Attract:
- Over 3,000 wholesalers and retailers from China and Asia.
- Approximately 200 light industry manufacturers.
Construction kicks off in 2025, and it’s set to transform how goods move across continents.
King Salman International Airport: The Bigger Picture
Ever heard of an airport with six parallel runways?
Well, King Salman International Airport is set to have just that.
By 2050, it’s expected to handle 185 million passengers annually and manage over 3.5 million tons of cargo each year.
Spanning 57 square kilometers, this airport isn’t just big—it’s colossal.
It’s all part of Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global logistics and tourism powerhouse.
What the Economic Zone Offers
So, what’s inside this special zone?
Three main areas are planned:
- Logistics/Light Industrial Park
- Attracts multinational companies.
- Boosts local supply chains.
- Enhances industrial capacity.
- International Trade Park
- Provides one-stop services.
- Simplifies entry procedures.
- Facilitates trade operations.
- Residential Area
- Offers living facilities for employees and families.
- Enhances quality of life for residents.
It’s designed to be a self-sustaining ecosystem for businesses and their people.
Leaders Speak Out
Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of the King Salman International Airport Development Company, is pretty excited.
He says this zone is a crucial step toward making the airport a global logistics hub.
Jerry Li, founder of Ewpartners, reckons the project will unlock Saudi Arabia’s potential in cross-border trade.
Both leaders see this collaboration as a game-changer for regional logistics and e-commerce industries.
