The 21st-century global supply chain landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, placing a premium on speed, efficiency, and seamless connectivity. At the forefront of this change is Saudi Arabia, whose ambitious “Vision 2030” socio-economic diversification agenda aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics powerhouse. Leading this charge is SILZ Company, the developer and operator of the Gulf nation’s first Special Integrated Logistics Zone, “Riyadh Integrated.” Global Business Outlook (GBO) will explain in detail how SILZ Company fundamentally redefines integrated logistics, transforming a national vision into an economic reality for global businesses.
According to the leading market research company IMARC Group, the Kingdom’s logistics market size was valued at USD 52.7 billion in 2024. IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 81.2 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.
The sector is rapidly growing due to its strategic geographical location, with the Gulf nation now acting as a global trade hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. This prime positioning is being leveraged through major ports like Jeddah and Dammam, further enhanced by the GCC-Africa railway land-bridge project.
“These developments streamline supply chain operations and boost trade volumes. The Kingdom’s transportation networks and modern warehousing facilities are continuously expanding, meeting increasing demand for efficient cargo movement across multiple sectors, including automotive, food, and retail,” IMARC said.
By transforming Saudi Arabia into a regional and global trade hub, the sector is now directly facilitating economic diversification, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and generating widespread employment. Take the Riyadh Integrated Zone, for example, which alone is projected to create up to 60,000 jobs, contributing substantially to the Gulf country’s national GDP.
The logistics sector’s development is also propelling the growth of other critical areas, from light assembly to manufacturing, multiplying its positive impact across the entire national economy. And SILZ is quickly becoming the guiding force behind the sector’s transformation as a major growth engine.
Logistics: A Saudi Vision 2030 pillar
In an exclusive interview with GBO, Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan, SILZ CEO, said, “As the leading developer of integrated logistics zones, SILZ Company is directly supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030. By building the Kingdom’s first fully integrated logistics hub, it is strategically positioning Saudi Arabia at the crossroads of three continents as a global trade powerhouse. Ultimately, SILZ Company is not just constructing infrastructure; it is building the innovative, partnership-driven ecosystem that will define Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the future of global logistics.”
Using advanced technology, industry expertise, and smart infrastructure, SILZ Company has set new efficiency and value-chain integration standards. The business now aims to become the global benchmark for logistics zones by enabling sustainable, future-ready supply chains, supporting companies investing in the region, while contributing to the bigger goal: the Kingdom’s economic diversification.
As the developer of Special Integrated Logistics Zones, SILZ Company performs activities like infrastructural master planning and attracts strategic tenants and investors from across the Kingdom. The company also issues construction, operations, and occupancy permits, along with liaising with regulators and key stakeholders. Being the operator of such cutting-edge facilities, SILZ leases land, pre-built warehouses, and build-to-suit facilities, while operating a full-service “One-Stop Shop.” It is also delivering core and value-added logistics services while ensuring infrastructure performance and compliance.
Formed in 2018, SILZ Company has been driven by values like customer centricity, agile delivery, respectful collaboration, and creative innovation. For any business looking to set up its presence in Saudi-based integrated logistics zones, it gets services from SILZ across fronts like technology, facilities management, and security, apart from value-added ones like telecommunication and ICT, consolidation and advanced logistics, e-government integration, branding, media and advertising, and after-sales support and optimisation.
SILZ Company Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Saad AlMojel, who is also the CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), the key financial enabler of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Vision Realisation Programme (NIDLP), stated that SILZ is focused on establishing a robust foundation for the Kingdom’s future in global trade and logistics.
“As the developer and operator of Riyadh Integrated, Saudi Arabia’s first special integrated logistics zone, SILZ is focused on establishing a robust foundation for the Kingdom’s future in global trade and logistics. Our efforts have centred on initiating the development of world-class infrastructure that aligns with international best practices,” he said.
The NIDLP aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse and global logistics hub.
The ecosystem of integrated logistics
The concept of a logistics-free zone has evolved far beyond mere warehousing. SILZ Company is building a new generation of interconnected logistics hubs based on deep integration and smart technology.
“Riyadh Integrated, the Kingdom’s first logistics zone, is located just 8 km from King Khalid International Airport and 12 minutes from the King Khalid International Airport Cargo Village. With a focus on light manufacturing, logistics, and trade, it offers a full-service ecosystem including a one-stop shop, value-added services, and competitive incentives like the 50-year tax relief and 100% foreign ownership. It’s built for global industries: ICT, pharma, aerospace, and more,” Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan noted.
The Riyadh Integrated ecosystem has transformed into a connected platform where smart infrastructure, digital solutions, and streamlined government services converge. A pivotal element of this system is the bonded corridor to King Khalid International Airport, which allows for expedited and seamless air cargo movement.
The entire environment is tenant-first, featuring a one-stop shop for government services, a unified cargo community system, and tailored facilities designed for high-value industries like ICT, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace, across different activities such as light manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, and more. This holistic approach allows businesses to scale quickly and operate with unprecedented agility.
Riyadh Integrated isn’t just a logistics park; it is the Kingdom’s first Special Integrated Logistics Free Zone (SILZ), established with a unique blend of incentives and advanced infrastructure that sets it apart globally. SILZ’s core offerings have been designed to maximise investor value and operational freedom. Apart from incentives like a 50-year tax relief period, 100% foreign ownership, comprehensive VAT and customs exemptions, tenants also enjoy the benefits of relaxed labour laws and a friction-reducing environment.
“The zone provides approximately 2 million square metres of leasable space, including land plots, build-to-suit facilities, and pre-built warehouses. However, its most unique feature is the digital backbone: a smart zoning system providing real-time visibility tools and integrated customs clearance. This technology-driven approach significantly reduces friction, accelerates operations, and ensures a seamless experience for tenants,” the CEO added.
Global distinction and strategic edge
While many global zones focus narrowly on either infrastructure or fiscal incentives, Riyadh Integrated distinguishes itself by combining both unparalleled technology and direct connectivity. The bonded corridor to King Khalid International Airport provides a crucial speed and fiscal advantage that enhances its value proposition, particularly for time-sensitive, high-value goods.
Why is SILZ betting big on Riyadh Integrated? The answer is simple: it’s strategic location within the heart of the Kingdom’s capital, from where logistics players can access three continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa). Also, not to forget Riyadh’s emergence as a fast-growing urban centre and the Kingdom’s expanding aviation network, which is connecting 70% of the global population with the Gulf major through eight-hour flights.
Furthermore, SILZ Company’s deep alignment with “Saudi Vision 2030” cements its role as a national champion, ensuring sustained and strong government support. The focused strategy on industry-specific ecosystems, from ICT to pharmaceuticals and aerospace, demonstrates a commitment to building a platform for high-value global supply chains, thereby moving beyond generic logistics solutions.
Operational milestones
The transition from strategic vision to tangible achievement has been rapid. Since its launch in 2018, Riyadh Integrated has secured major international tenants, solidifying its position as a preferred Middle East hub. Notable corporate additions in the zone include Lenovo, Sapphire, iHerb/CJ Logistics, Unipart Logistics, Chalhoub Group, and Shein.
Talking about the groundbreaking of Lenovo’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Riyadh Integrated, which happened in 2025, has given a fresh boost to the Kingdom’s manufacturing dreams, as the plant will build millions of Saudi-made laptops and desktops, along with servers.
The manufacturing facility will span across a 200,000 square metre site, strategically located just 15 minutes from King Khalid International Airport within Riyadh Integrated Logistics Zone. The factory will benefit from streamlined logistics, efficient infrastructure, and seamless connectivity, and be closer to customers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between Lenovo and Alat, an innovative Public Investment Fund (PIF) company committed to transforming global industries and establishing a world-class manufacturing hub in the Kingdom.
Talking about the key operational milestones that SILZ has achieved, mention must be made of the establishment of the first true operational trade zone in the Kingdom, facilitating faster customs clearance and multi-modal cargo movement. The zone has also successfully rolled out the one-stop-shop tenant portal, apart from keeping the delivery of Phase 1 infrastructure on schedule.
These achievements showcase SILZ Company’s capability to move swiftly from blueprint to execution, thereby reinforcing its pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s integrated logistics transformation.
SILZ Company’s Tenant Service is engineered to simplify every step of a business’s journey within the logistics free zone. It provides operational agility from day zero through features like expedited licensing and streamlined permitting, dedicated account managers, and 24/7 digital service portals.
“For companies looking to leverage Saudi Arabia’s vast and growing market, this translates to faster import and export processing, significantly reduced supply chain costs, and immediate access to global partners co-located within the zone. By actively removing operational barriers, SILZ Company enables businesses to focus entirely on their core objectives: growth and innovation,” Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan asserted.
Following the official inauguration of Phase 1 infrastructure of the Riyadh Integrated Project, Egis, a global leader in architecture, construction engineering, consulting, and operations and maintenance services, announced serving as a Package Administration and Supervision Consultant (PASC) at Riyadh Integrated.
Egis will contribute to the oversight of critical infrastructure works that form the backbone of Riyadh Integrated, in collaboration with other supervision partners. This includes a comprehensive network of roads, utilities, landscaping, perimeter fencing, utility buildings, and key enabling works, all planned and delivered with long-term scalability and operational efficiency in mind.
For SILZ company, 2025 continues to be a momentous year, with them signing a collaboration agreement with Finnish telecom and electronics giant Nokia to explore establishing a regional logistics hub and repair centre at Riyadh Integrated.
The agreement, which outlines a framework for strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing Nokia’s logistics and repair capabilities across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, will see the venture conducting feasibility studies, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, and defining the technical and operational requirements for the proposed logistics hub. Nokia will also work closely with SILZ to ensure compliance with local regulations, assess infrastructure needs, and conduct relevant evaluations in conjunction with SILZ and authorities.
SILZ Company will support Nokia throughout all project phases by providing guidance on establishing and operating the logistics hub at Riyadh Integrated. This includes assistance with licenses and approvals, infrastructure and development options, as well as customs clearance, regulatory compliance, and government coordination.
What’s next for SILZ Company?
As per the global property consultancy Knight Frank, more than 1.3 million sqm of new warehouse space was delivered in the first half of 2025 as Saudi Arabia’s industrial and logistics sector experienced double-digit rental growth and near-full occupancy across its major cities.
Riyadh reinforced its position as the Kingdom’s main logistics hub in H1, with warehouse stock increasing by 3.5% to 28.9 million sqm, while the Saudi capital’s industrial and manufacturing facilities expanded by 1.4% to 16.2 million sqm.
Against this backdrop, SILZ Company is all set to ramp up logistics further. Its game-changing works at Riyadh Integrated haven’t gone unnoticed either, as the venture got nominated for four prestigious industry awards recognising its outstanding achievements in logistics operational efficiency, advanced infrastructure, and technological innovation.
At the prestigious Saudi Logistics Awards 2025, SILZ Company was awarded top honours in three of the four nominated categories: “Logistics Hub of the Year,” “Logistics Real Estate Company of the Year,” and a highly commended “Logistics Leader of the Year” awarded to CEO Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan, emphasising SILZ Company’s commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia’s logistics landscape and solidifying its position as a global integrated logistics hub, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
SILZ Company, which has disrupted the Kingdom’s logistics sector by leveraging advanced smart systems for cargo tracking, digital documentation, and smart zone management, looks committed to continuous improvement and strategic expansion. As it perfects its operational playbook in Riyadh Integrated, the company is already laying the groundwork for future zones, extending its transformative impact across the Kingdom.