Saudi Arabia Launches New Industrial Projects in Eastern Province

01/08/2025 06:56 AST

Saudi Arabia inaugurated new industrial projects in Dammam on Thursday, as Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif opened two major facilities in the city's First and Second Industrial Zones.

The launch was attended by Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, who also chairs the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and MODON CEO Majed Al-Argoubi.

Prince Saud highlighted the rapid growth in the Kingdom's industrial sector, attributing it to strong government backing aligned with Vision 2030 objectives to enhance local content, boost competitiveness, and solidify the Eastern Province's status as a key industrial hub.

Multi-Storey and Ready-Built Factories
The projects include an eight-storey multi-purpose factory complex in Dammam's First Industrial City, housing 78 industrial units ranging between 156 and 251 square meters. The facility aims to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs with modern infrastructure, consultancy, and training services in a flexible environment designed to foster expansion and innovation.

In the Second Industrial City, Prince Saud also inaugurated a ready-built factory project comprising 84 units with floor spaces of 700 and 1,500 square meters, spanning more than 92,000 square meters in total.

This development targets light industries, offering opportunities for investors in sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, electrical goods, electronics, and 3D printing.

Among the newly opened projects was a production plant for food and beverage giant PepsiCo. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ahmed El-Sheikh, PepsiCo's President for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, said the company's latest investment reflected growing confidence in the Saudi market, fueled by Vision 2030 reforms.

"Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, making it a highly competitive and attractive investment destination," he said. "Modernized regulations, streamlined procedures, and robust incentives have opened the door to greater growth and innovation."

El-Sheikh noted that PepsiCo's recent expansions-including its Dammam plant and the launch of a regional headquarters in Riyadh-underscore the Kingdom's strategic role in the company's regional operations.

The Dammam factory is now one of PepsiCo's most advanced production sites in the region, with plans to export more than 8,600 tons of products across the Middle East this year.

Boost from Logistics and Tech Infrastructure
"Logistical and infrastructure upgrades under Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) have significantly improved our operational efficiency," El-Sheikh said.

He cited the implementation of technologies such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and a Transport Control Tower (TCT), enabling real-time tracking, better inventory control, and lower operating costs. These advances have enhanced PepsiCo's delivery speed to regional markets and improved customer experience.

Saudi Arabia's geographic location also plays a pivotal role, enabling efficient distribution via well-developed land, sea, and air networks.

The Dammam facility has achieved a 84.3% Saudization rate, with women making up more than 21% of the workforce. The expansion has created 30 new jobs in the supply chain, offering fresh opportunities for Saudi youth.

PepsiCo sources 100% of the potatoes used in its snack products from Saudi farms, reinforcing local food security and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation, which has reduced water consumption by 30% compared to 2015 levels.

The company also procures most of its packaging materials domestically, supporting local manufacturers and bolstering the SME ecosystem.

Focus on Innovation and Industry 4.0
"The Saudi snack food market is highly competitive and constantly growing, which pushes us to keep innovating and meeting evolving consumer demands," El-Sheikh added.

PepsiCo is also integrating Industry 4.0 technologies-including advanced digital systems, solar panels, and water recycling solutions-to enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

The latest expansion, valued at SAR 300 million ($80 million), has increased the plant's production capacity by 19,000 metric tons. The company plans to build on this momentum by boosting local sourcing, improving operational performance, and expanding its use of smart manufacturing technologies.

Asharq Al Awsat