Saudi Arabia Logistics Transformation for 2034 FIFA World Cup

The Kingdom is leveraging this global event as a key opportunity to modernize its entire transportation and logistics infrastructure, positioning itself as a regional logistics leader in alignment with its Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative. With over one million international visitors expected and a booming domestic travel market, significant investments are being made in airport expansions, new metro lines, shuttle services, and rail links, all set to be completed within the next nine years.

Major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as emerging regions like NEOM and Abha are being developed as long-term transport and logistics hubs, with a focus on high-speed rail projects and metro extensions such as the Riyadh Metro expansion to Qiddiya. These projects not only serve the needs of the World Cup, but are intended to support the Kingdom’s broader mobility and logistics goals. Robust integration of air, rail, and metro systems will provide seamless mobility for visitors and residents alike, with low-cost carriers and enhanced rail networks ensuring efficient transportation of both people and freight. Additional infrastructure, such as park-and-ride systems, disaster/crowd management solutions around large events, and advanced traffic and security management systems, will streamline last-mile access to key locations.

These infrastructure upgrades are expected to revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector and the infrastructure beyond the World Cup. Expanded airports will benefit from greater cargo capacity, while metro expansions will facilitate urban freight deliveries. High-speed rail corridors connecting key cities will reduce reliance on road transport, lowering costs and emissions while improving efficiency. The Kingdom’s strategic initiatives, including Special Integrated Logistics Zones and advanced digital platforms for mobility, aim to position Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s top logistics hubs by 2030. 

Opportunity: For logistics firms, technology providers, and investors, this transformation presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Kingdom’s ambitious infrastructure projects, driven by public-private partnerships and innovations in shared mobility and smart logistics. U.S. companies with expertise in engineering, smart city solutions such as IoT, AI, mobility solutions and sustainable logistics technologies stand to benefit significantly from this opportunity. Early engagement through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and government-backed projects will be key to securing a foothold in this dynamic market. 

For more information, please contact Saad Ahmed, Commercial Specialist at Saad.Ahmed@trade.gov