Saudi Arabia is standing at the threshold of an extraordinary economic shift away from its historical reliance on oil. The nation’s grand Vision 2030 plan is underpinned by a colossal investment of more than $1 trillion from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), supporting gigaprojects and mega projects alike. These ambitious undertakings include NEOM, ROSHN, the Red Sea Project, the Diriyah Gate Project, and Qiddiya, along with at least 15 other mega projects at various phases of construction around the kingdom.
This investment is expected to significantly boost the demand for heavy machinery and commercial vehicles within the country. Research and Markets predicts that the Saudi Arabia construction equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.47% from 2022 to 2029. More than a mere regional shift, this undertaking is anticipated to ripple across the international landscape of heavy machinery, commercial vehicle industries, and beyond.
Rapid infrastructure development: The Saudi government’s Vision 2030 plan is fuelling an extraordinary surge in construction activity. Knight Frank’s ‘The Saudi Report’ reveals that by 2030, over 555,000 residential units, 275,000 hotels, and millions of square meters of retail and office space are anticipated to be built. Furthermore, NEOM, the most extensive gigaproject announced to date with a $500 billion valuation, is projected to comprise at least ten separate projects spread across four regions.
Away from NEOM, Riyadh is preparing for an exponential expansion, with its population anticipated to soar to 17 million by 2030 from the current population of around 7.5 million, the report states. The city has unveiled real estate projects worth $104 billion to accommodate this immense growth target in the last six years.
This figure does not take into account the plans for the recently announced Red Sea International Airport and the King Salman International Airport, which is projected to become the world’s largest airport by its completion in 2050. Spanning a vast 57 square kilometres, the airport, equivalent to a city in size, is under development at an estimated cost of $147 billion and will be responsible for approximately 74% of the $200 billion spent nationwide on infrastructure.
This vast scale of infrastructure development is triggering an increased demand for heavy equipment, particularly excavators in the earthmoving segment, according to a report by
Research and Markets.
The research highlights that this sector accounted for 47.7% of Saudi’s construction equipment market in 2022, a percentage likely to rise in 2023. This prediction is based on continuous investments in infrastructure, road development, and waste management projects, which are expected to sustain the demand for heavy-duty machinery.
Investments in transportation and logistics: The Saudi government’s proactive investment in transforming the nation into a global logistics hub has also led to significant budget allocations to improve transportation infrastructure. This includes the development of airports, railroads, highways, and ports, including the construction of eight new terminals in key Saudi ports.
The construction of these terminals, designed to handle a wide range of cargo types, presents a substantial opportunity for heavy equipment manufacturers. It necessitates a broad range of machinery, from massive cranes for lifting and moving containers to earthmovers for port construction, along with many specialised marine construction vehicles. Once operational, these terminals will also require a fleet of vehicles for cargo handling and ground support.
Furthermore, the country’s aim to efficiently connect air, land, and sea transport will boost the demand for commercial vehicles. As these facilities become operational, the need for commercial trucks and trailers for intra-country goods movement is also anticipated to grow.
Waste management initiatives: Saudi Arabia’s commitment to waste management, intending to eliminate 82% of waste by 2030, has led to the allocation of funds for new waste management facilities across the country, fuelling the demand for loaders, excavators, and dump trucks.
Parallelly, the kingdom’s substantial commitment to renewable energy projects is not only steering the country towards a more sustainable future but is also fuelling the demand for specific heavy machinery. Mini excavators, cranes, and aerial platforms are quickly becoming indispensable in this green revolution since their capabilities are crucial in installing and maintaining wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy infrastructures.
The National Renewable Energy Program: The government’s ambitious National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) launched ten renewable energy projects in 2023, intending to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for electricity. According to industry reports, as the kingdom strides forward in its quest for green energy, the need for specialised machinery is projected to grow even more.
Saudi Arabia’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 has stimulated demand for environmentally friendly construction equipment. Companies are introducing electric versions of their heavy equipment or replacing older fleets with energy-efficient alternatives. Demand for electric excavators, loaders, bulldozers, and cranes have also risen significantly. Advanced features such as GPS tracking, telematics, and automation have improved operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making them attractive investments for construction companies.
A conducive environment for the trucking industry
A defining aspect of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is the commitment to develop the kingdom into a global logistics hub. Extensive investment in the development of transportation infrastructure, such as highways, railroads, airports, and ports, creates a conducive environment for the trucking industry to thrive.
The efficient linking of air, land, and sea transport, as envisioned by the kingdom, will necessitate an upsurge in the commercial vehicles sector. The new facilities will require trucks not only for cargo handling but also for providing ground support, driving the need for commercial vehicles.
SPER Market Research projects that Saudi Arabia’s commercial vehicles market is slated to reach $6.59 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.13%, and predominant factors driving this anticipated growth are the rising usage of commercial vehicles in the logistics and transportation industries.
Influence of SMEs and technology: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning SME landscape is another sector significantly contributing to the demand for commercial vehicles. As these businesses mature and expand, they are unintentionally influencing the future of the commercial vehicle market. This is particularly true in the context of technological advancements, the swift pace of which introduces both opportunities and obstacles for this market. The rise of electric and autonomous vehicles demands considerable investments in infrastructure, charging stations, and cutting-edge technology. For market players, this might translate into substantial increases in capital expenditure and a need for workforce training to adapt to these nascent technologies.
The double-edged victory
The investment and growth of heavy equipment and commercial vehicles in Saudi Arabia signifies a two-pronged victory – for the economy and the environment. It denotes job creation, a boost in economic activity, and strides towards a more sustainable future. Furthermore, as the country navigates its ambitious journey, it will trigger opportunities and challenges across industries and economies, taking into account the global and regional significance of manufacturers and the local reach and support provided by distributors. As always, businesses willing to adapt to the changing market demands and align with the latest goals will flourish in this era. The unfolding of these economic changes promises to be a fascinating phenomenon for the global community.