SEZ boosts Saudi Arabia’s maritime capabilities

The Ras Al-Khair SEZ promises to boost the region’s maritime capabilities through state-of-the-art shipbuilding located next to the kingdom’s newest industrial port of Ras Al-Khair.

“Ras Al-Khair SEZ is transforming into a key global hub for strategic investments with its rapid growth and unique position at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, raising its economic importance in the kingdom and wider region, but also across the global maritime and offshore cluster industries,” said Ahmed M. Hassan, chief executive of Ras Al-Khair City for Mining Industries.

With an initial area of 20 square kilometres, Ras Al-Khair SEZ encompasses two focus areas, the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services, and the Offshore Cluster supply chain.

Companies will benefit from globally competitive incentives alongside technologies such as AI, access to green products and materials and renewable energy sources.

“Local and foreign investors will not only gain access to the largest and most technically advanced shipyard and fully integrated offshore cluster in the Middle East and North Africa region but will also find the facilities and materials they need to build the maritime capabilities of the future,” continued Hassan.

“Whether it is building new ships, developing innovative technology and materials, or maintaining, repairing, and overhauling existing vessels such as offshore support ships, jack-up rigs, or very large crude carriers, Ras Al-Khair SEZ offers a globally recognised marine ecosystem in which to facilitate that.”