Saudi Arabia has unveiled the Gulf region’s first multi-storey industrial complex, a project officials say will reshape how manufacturers and startups operate in the Kingdom.
The facility, located in Dammam’s First Industrial City, was announced by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). With eight floors spread across 7,500 square meters, the site houses 78 ready-to-use units sized between 156 and 251 square meters.
A New Model for SMEs
Unlike conventional industrial estates that sprawl horizontally, the Dammam complex adopts a vertical design. MODON says the concept will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) launch operations faster, with fully serviced spaces that reduce setup costs and time.
Sectors such as electronics, 3D printing, food production, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies are expected to benefit most. By targeting these areas, the project also ties into the Kingdom’s broader plan to boost SME participation in the economy—a cornerstone of job creation and innovation under Vision 2030.
Maximizing Land, Attracting Investors
Officials highlight the project as a sustainable approach to industrial expansion, optimizing land use while offering flexible solutions for investors. It also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s pitch to foreign companies: a modern industrial hub with advanced infrastructure at the crossroads of global trade routes.
MODON’s Expanding Footprint
The initiative is part of a wider effort by MODON to transform Saudi Arabia’s industrial base. The authority currently manages 39 industrial cities that host more than 9,000 facilities, with total investments surpassing SAR 463 billion. Collectively, these zones cover more than 220 million square meters, making them a central pillar in the Kingdom’s bid to diversify its economy beyond oil.