Saudi Arabia to Open Four Airports to Private Sector by 2025, Says Investment Minister

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih announced that four Saudi airports will be open for private sector management starting in 2025, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to boost its logistics and transport sectors. Speaking at the inaugural Global Logistics Forum at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh on Sunday, Al-Falih emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global logistics and its ambitions to become a leader in green energy production.

Al-Falih highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a hub connecting East and West, and North and South, positioning the country to become a key player in regional and global supply chains. He revealed plans for the establishment of logistics supply chain centers, with enhanced maritime and rail networks to better integrate the region’s economies.

“I am happy to see the signing of important agreements, such as the development of maritime communication between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman,” Al-Falih stated. He added that the Gulf Railway Grid would significantly enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure, complementing Saudi Arabia’s 30 ports, which currently handle 80 percent of the country’s transportation needs.

The Minister also stressed the need to prepare for the transition to clean energy, noting that Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a major global producer of green energy. He underscored that ports and transport infrastructure will need to meet the growing demand as the world shifts towards more sustainable energy sources.

The Global Logistics Forum, held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, is organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The three-day event, which began on Saturday, aims to bring together global logistics leaders and experts to collaborate and shape the future of the sector.

Key topics being discussed at the forum include global trade, sustainability, the latest technological advancements in logistics, and infrastructure investments. Around 120 speakers, including ministers, experts, and international leaders, are participating in the event, sharing insights into trends, challenges, and opportunities within the logistics sector.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt’s Ministry of Transport to collaborate on maritime transport research. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser signed the agreement with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Lt. Gen. Kamel Al-Wazir. Egypt, represented by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders, is an active participant in the forum.

The forum aims to foster international cooperation, enhance sustainability in the logistics sector, and explore how innovations and modern technologies can help overcome global challenges. The event will also witness the signing of key agreements to further integrate and streamline the global logistics network.