The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, commonly known as MODON, recently published its annual review for the year 2023, shining a light on the remarkable strides made in the realm of industrial development. The report aligns with the strategic objectives set forth in Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating considerable achievements in investment attraction, infrastructure enhancement, and the promotion of eco-friendly industrial progression.
According to the report, there was a substantial increase in total investments, with a SAR14.45 billion uptick noted for the year. Investment inflows saw a dramatic 63% rise, with MODON securing 891 new ventures from both domestic and international investors. Foreign investments, in particular, skyrocketed by 85% compared to the previous year.
MODON’s efforts in drawing the highest number of investments among governmental entities were recognized with the prestigious National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) Award. The organization also garnered 34 additional accolades from various local, regional, and global bodies, cementing its status as a leader in industrial and sustainable growth.
In its mission to create an encouraging industrial ecosystem, MODON expanded the developed land area within its industrial cities to over 209 million square meters. The number of operational factories has climbed to 6,443, complemented by 7,946 industrial and logistical facilities. The tally of ready-built factories also saw an increase, reaching 1,301 units.
The report underscores MODON’s commitment to crafting exemplary industrial cities and fostering a conducive investment climate. This is highlighted by the initiation of the MODON Oasis in Yanbu and the Industrial City in Asir. In terms of infrastructure, MODON finalized 48 development projects, with costs exceeding SAR1.3 billion.
To better service industrial cities, MODON boosted the electrical supply by 724 MVA across several sites, including the third industrial cities in Dammam and Jeddah, Taif, Waad Al-Shamal, and Najran. A significant increment of 45,000 cubic meters in daily drinking water supply was introduced to Sudair City for Industry and Businesses and the Yanbu MODON Oasis. Sanitation and industrial wastewater services were also inaugurated in Sudair City for Industry and Business and the Industrial City in Madinah, boasting a capacity of 15,000 cubic meters per day.
The authority is also steering an industrial revolution with the launch of the second phase of the National Productivity Program, which is in sync with the Future Factories Initiative. A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor is the use of the international Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) to devise transformation strategies for factories by evaluating their Fourth Industrial Revolution readiness. In 2023 alone, 239 factories were assessed, and an additional 240 are slated for evaluation in 2024.
Emphasizing its commitment to digital innovation, MODON achieved an 89.9% score in basic cybersecurity controls and engaged in 1.3 million data exchanges with various entities. The authority also transitioned over 24,000 contracts to its digital platform, and its adherence to digital governance standards reached 85.77%, underscoring its dedication to digital transformation.
Since its establishment in 2001, MODON has been at the helm of managing 36 industrial cities, including six industrial oases, and supervises private industrial complexes and cities throughout the Kingdom.