JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Co. has awarded a SR4.22 billion ($1.13 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University’s utilities and administration offices, advancing infrastructure development in one of the Kingdom’s flagship urban projects. 

The project was given to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corp.’s Saudi branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co., according to a press release. 

Part of the Public Investment Fund’s giga-project portfolio, the Diriyah development is a 14 sq. km mixed-use district poised to house nearly 100,000 residents and provide office space for tens of thousands of professionals across the technology, media, arts, and education sectors. 

Once complete, it is expected to generate 178,000 jobs, attract nearly 50 million annual visitors, and contribute SR70 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product. 

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said: “We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area.” 

He emphasized that the agreement represents a significant step in furthering efforts to enhance both educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. 

“We are proud to support one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community,” Inzerillo said. 

The contract includes the design and construction of several critical infrastructure components. These include a district cooling plant, water storage facilities, and a sewage treatment plant, as well as an LPG/SNG plant and a diesel pumping station. 

The scope also covers a utility tunnel, irrigation tanks, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops. 

Li Chongyang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group, said the project reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure to the highest standards. 

“We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University,” he said. 

This latest award brings the total value of contracts issued by Diriyah Co. in 2025 to over $2.9 billion, as the area undergoes rapid transformation into a global destination aligned with Vision 2030.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s industrial and logistics market is experiencing growth, with warehouse occupancy rates nearing saturation and rental prices in Riyadh increasing by 16 percent year-on-year, according to Knight Frank. 

The firm’s latest “Saudi Arabia Industrial and Logistics Market Review” highlighted a booming sector driven by e-commerce expansion, strategic government initiatives, and surging foreign investment. 

The Kingdom’s logistics hubs — Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam Metropolitan Area— are operating at near-full capacity. 

Riyadh leads with a 98 percent occupancy rate, while Jeddah and Dammam follow closely at 97 percent each.

This momentum was also reflected in occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi with its industrial and logistics market maintaining near-full capacity, mirroring Dubai’s tight supply.

Key hubs like Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone saw sustained demand, driven by strategic infrastructure projects and growing manufacturing activity, according to a separate report by Knight Frank.

Riyadh’s prime warehouse spaces now command rents exceeding SR250 ($66.6) per sq. meter, while city-wide averages hit SR208.

“Despite a slowdown in demand during the second half of the year, city-wide rental rates increased by 16 percent year-on-year,” the report said. 

Jeddah’s lease rates for Grade B facilities rose to SR238 per sq. meter, with the high-end Asfan district maintaining 100 percent occupancy at SR387 per sq. meter. Dammam Metropolitan Area saw rents jump 14.8 percent to SR202 per sq. meter, fueled by a chronic shortage of quality logistics space.

E-commerce and mega-projects fuel growth 

Rapid urbanization, a tech-savvy consumer base, and giga-projects like the Special Integrated Logistics Zone and Sino-Saudi Logistics Zone are reshaping demand. 

“Demographic shifts including rapid urbanization, increased female workforce participation, and a tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial consumer base are accelerating the growth of the e-commerce sector,” the report stated. 

The 3-million-sq. meter Special Integrated Logistics Zone has attracted global players like SHEIN and Apple, while the 4-million-sq. meter Sino-Saudi zone aims to strengthen trade ties with China. 

Government initiatives and private investment 

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s industrial strategy, aiming to increase the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to 10 percent by 2030, from 6 percent in 2021.

Public-private partnerships are flourishing, with projects like the Tamer Logistics Park and Agility Logistics Park set to expand supply in key regions. 

“Substantial investments to improve and expand connectivity and trade infrastructure, along with regulatory reforms are helping transform Saudi Arabia into a logistics powerhouse,” the report emphasized.

Sustainability and digital transformation 

The sector is also pivoting toward sustainability and automation. Companies like Maersk and Agility are adopting solar-powered warehouses, while digital tools streamline operations. 

“Sustainability has become a major market driver, with companies integrating renewable energy fields and LEED-certified buildings,” said Adam Wynne, partner at Knight Frank. 

With 36,000 factories projected by 2035 and FDI reforms attracting multinationals, Knight Frank predicts sustained growth. 

“Saudi Arabia is on track to become a regional logistics powerhouse,” Wynne said, citing the Kingdom’s integration of “global expertise, modern infrastructure, and green initiatives.”