Sudair Industrial City

Sudair Industrial City, a planned city covering 258 square kilometers, commenced development in 2009. Positioned approximately 120 kilometers from the capital city of Riyadh, Sudair Industrial City is strategically located on the road linking Riyadh with the northern part of Saudi Arabia. Its proximity to Riyadh Airport and the North-South railway line, which connects Riyadh to Jordan and passes through districts with significant raw materials, such as phosphate and bauxite, provides a key advantage.

Over the past decade, Sudair Industrial City has attracted light-to-medium manufacturers and logistics companies, with plans for a dry port in the area. However, progress in the city’s development has been slow, as it has had to compete with numerous new industrial estates in the country. Despite infrastructure work starting in 2011, no major announcements have been made regarding the construction of major industrial plants at the site.

Collaboration with Japan

Sudair Industrial City recently entered into a partnership agreement with Japan, marking the Middle East’s first partnership agreement in the industrial sector. The collaboration aims to produce and localize concrete materials for 3D printing and export products from Saudi Arabia to global markets. This partnership represents a significant advancement in construction technology, particularly in the use of concrete. The new technology is expected to be employed in the construction of towers, bridges, and non-load-bearing insulated panels for walls.

Future Outlook and Impact on Regional Development

While progress has been slow, Sudair Industrial City is expected to bring significant industrial development to a relatively remote area located 120 kilometers north of Riyadh. The city is being developed by the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (Modon), and it is anticipated that it will not be fully completed until 2029. Once finished, the city will cover an area of 264 square kilometers, making it 70% larger than the King Abdullah Economic City near Jeddah. Sudair Industrial City currently hosts 302 factories, with plans to reach 400 tenants by 2030.

Sudair Industrial City serves as a hub for entrepreneurs, with 98% of its tenants being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These SMEs contribute to the regional specialization and skills structure, with 94% of them having between 6-49 full-time employees and generating revenue between SAR 3 million and SAR 40 million. The city’s development aligns with the UNIDO International Guidelines for Industrial Parks and supports KSA’s regional development goals by alleviating congestion in Riyadh, reducing migration to the capital, and increasing employment in underdeveloped areas.

Connectivity and Infrastructure at  Sudair Industrial City

Sudair Industrial City benefits from excellent transport connectivity. It is strategically located approximately 150 kilometers north of Riyadh and 160 kilometers southeast of Qassim. The city is connected to all parts of Saudi Arabia through surrounding highways, including Highway 65 to Riyadh, Highway 50 to Makkah/Jeddah, and Highway 40 to Dammam. Additionally, the North-South railway line runs through Sudair, connecting the central part of Saudi Arabia with the northern boundaries of the Kingdom. The city is also close to the Majma’ah Railway station and the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Utilities at Sudair Industrial City

In terms of utilities, Sudair Industrial City is digitally connected through high-speed internet. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has built an electricity substation and a new sewage disposal plant. The city also benefits from a reliable drinking water supply.

Sudair Industrial City represents a significant economic and social development in the central region of Saudi Arabia. While progress has been slow, the city’s strategic location, collaboration with Japan, and focus on technological advancements in construction position it for future growth and industrial development.