Date: 12 February 2025. Event: third edition of the PIF-Private Sector Forum. Location: Riyadh.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said, during a panel discussion titled "The Ministerial Vision for the Government's Role in Supporting and Empowering the Private Sector," that the private sector is a strategic partner in achieving the transport and logistics sector's goals, with targeted investments reaching 80% through multiple partnership and cooperation models.

Partnerships and Investments in the Transport Sector

Partnerships worth more than SR18 billion have been signed with the private sector in maritime transport and ports. Several airports have been developed and operated through the private sector, with four new airports, Abha, Taif, Qassim and Hail, put forward for investment. Four major roads have also been offered for private investment, including a new road linking Jazan and Abha, the Jeddah-Jazan expressway, a direct road between Jeddah and Makkah, and the Yanbu-Jubail road linking the Kingdom's east and west.

Results and Achievements of the National Transport Strategy

Air transport grew 26% in 2023, with the number of destinations rising 15% in 2024. Road quality and global rankings have improved, alongside raised safety standards. The sector achieved 80 million passenger trips last year through fully localized services.

Strengthening Partnership to Achieve Vision Goals

The minister said there are major ambitions to raise the level of investments and services in cooperation with the private sector, noting that progress in implementing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy strengthens the Kingdom's standing as a global logistics hub.