The Ras Al Khair Project in Saudi Arabia is one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious industrial developments along the Arabian Gulf coast. Ras Al Khair, being one of the largest industrial cities in the Kingdom, is vital for processing and exporting minerals to international markets. The Ras Al-Khair Industrial City spans over 180 square kilometres and features advanced facilities that will help position Saudi Arabia as a global manufacturing hub.
IF you want to learn more about the city – keep reading – as we explore the city’s advantages, investment opportunities, and practical insights for starting or expanding your business to Ras Al Khair.
Ras Al Khair Economic Zone
Ras Al Khair Industrial City is more than just another city by the Arabian Gulf. It’s a purpose-built special economic zone aimed at developing the Kingdom’s mining, maritime, and manufacturing sectors. Situated on the eastern coast of the Kingdom, 80 km north of Jubail (one of the major petrochemical centres globally), the zone is the result of the Kingdom’s effort to redirect the economy beyond oil revenue.
The zone has top-notch infrastructure, which includes the 2,400 MW Ras Al-Khair Power and Desalination Plant, modern worker camps and the International Maritime Industries (IMI) shipyard – one of the largest shipbuilding facilities globally. The International Maritime Industries (IMI) has already entered into a contract worth $10 billion over 10 years with partners Aramco and Bahri, for delivering 20 rigs and 52 vessels. With simplified regulations and attractive investment incentives, this special economic zone is actively drawing in international businesses.
Advantages of Ras Al Khair
Strategic Location:
Easy access to global shipping routes through a world-class port facility, allowing for smooth exports to Asia, Europe and Africa markets.
Integrated Supply Chain:
Near to Saudi Arabia’s rich mineral deposits, with existing processing facilities like the world’s largest vertically integrated aluminum production facility and phosphate plants, providing efficient value-added manufacturing opportunities.
Exceptional Incentives:
The Corporate tax rate is 5% for 20 years and a permanent 0% withholding tax on profits sent back from the SEZ to overseas countries, along with full foreign ownership rights and simplified business registration processes.
World Class Infrastructure:
Features power plants with a capacity of more than 2,400 MW, major water desalination facilities, and the IMI shipyard complex made for international maritime manufacturing.
Clustered Developments:
Significant opportunities in aluminum smelting, phosphate processing, shipbuilding, and energy sectors, promoting local suppliers and partnerships.
Sustainability Focus:
A focus on green manufacturing technologies, energy efficiency standards, and eco-friendly industrial practices that match global sustainability trends.
Why Invest in Ras Al Khair Economic Zone?
The zone offers a unique blend of government support, infrastructure investment, and market access, offering exceptional opportunities for international investors. Ras Al Khair Industrial City is the core of the mining sector in Saudi Arabia, having attracted investments more than SR130 billion, indicating continued trust from global businesses.
The latest developments in the Ras Al Khair new project include the development of major high-density aluminum fluoride facilities and two steel plants, worth $4.6bn, to be established at the King Salman Global Maritime Industries Complex.
A few highlights:
High-Growth Sectors:
There are immediate opportunities in mining and minerals processing, aluminum production and fabrication, maritime industries, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Massive Scale Investments:
More than $35 billion has been committed in various stages, with significant funding expected through 2026 and later.
Business-Friendly Environment:
Easy to access Industrial land, utilities at lower rates, fast-tracked approvals, and accommodations specifically built for the workforce make it more attractive for businesses.
Export Excellence:
Being Saudi Arabia’s primary minerals export port and shipyard facilities, allowing for global distribution of raw materials and finished goods.
Skilled Workforce:
Advanced training programs, quality worker accommodations, and partnerships linked to technical institutes guarantee skilled workers.
Looking to Start a Business in Ras Al Khair?
Setting up a business in Ras Al Khair means connecting with one of the world’s most ambitious and well-supported industrial zones. Whether you are working on aluminum processing, maritime services, energy solutions or logistics, this economic zone offers simplified setup processes, full licensing support and operational assistance that can minimise common challenges during market entry.
However, you will need professional assistance as it’s not that simple. Even though the government has been making continuous efforts to simplify processes, there still lies a bit of complexity. That’s why companies choose us, to make processes easier, simpler, and faster! Be it registering new maritime or manufacturing businesses, obtaining incentives, setting up banking connections, or creating local partnerships, we handle it all!
Conclusion
Ras Al Khair’s scale and international appeal makes it one of the main pillars of Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation, providing investors with special access to integrated supply chains, top-notch infrastructure, and attractive economic incentives. With Ras Al Khair new project’s developments in various sectors and billions invested, the zone offers a golden chance for businesses looking for business setup in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
If you are ready to explore opportunities here, book a FREE consultation with our experts. We’ll give you a clear idea of the market insights, opportunities and growth strategies for your business and we’ll help you not only set up your business in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City but also thrive in the market.
