Interview: Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, on creating a gateway for the movement of goods
In what ways does the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) align with Vision 2030 in positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub?
SALEH BIN NASSER AL JASSER: Saudi Arabia is privileged with a unique geographical position connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. This advantage allows the Kingdom to serve as a natural gateway for trade and the movement of goods across continents. Situated along the Asia-Europe trade route, around 13% of global container shipments pass through the Red Sea each year, underscoring our strategic relevance. The NTLS is the blueprint guiding the expansion of our transport and logistics ecosystem. It sets out clear objectives to increase connectivity, enhance efficiency and accommodate future growth in both passenger and freight movement. Central to this strategy is positioning the Kingdom as a leading global logistics node across all modes of transport. Progress is monitored through comprehensive key performance indicators. These include a top-40 ranking in the 2023 Logistics Performance Index, the number of international aviation destinations we serve and ranking 24th in the 2025 Liner Shipping Connectivity Index.
How is Saudi Arabia’s integrated infrastructure development advancing Vision 2030’s objectives?
AL JASSER: The transport and logistics sector is a fundamental enabler of economic transformation. Our infrastructure investment is designed to support the smooth movement of people and goods, which in turn fuels growth across multiple industries. Under the NTLS, major programmes within the Kingdom are under way to expand airports, enhance the quality and safety of the national road network, increase the length of the railway system and scale public transport offerings. These efforts strengthen the competitiveness of various sectors that are central to Vision 2030, including tourism, manufacturing, mining, e-commerce and re-exporting industries.
To what extent is Saudi Arabia integrating initiatives and emerging technologies to transform its transport and logistics sectors?
AL JASSER: Technology and innovation are at the heart of our transformation. The NTLS prioritises the adoption of new mobility modes and advanced solutions that strengthen performance across the transport and logistics sectors. We have already taken steps including the introduction of autonomous Robotaxi services and robotic delivery systems in Riyadh and the operation of one of the world’s largest autonomous metro networks in the city. We are deploying internet of things and artificial intelligence (AI) across various modes, particularly in ports, to improve efficiency and forecasting capabilities. The launch of Logisti, a one-stop government platform, has also streamlined procedures for investors and operators. A major milestone is the unveiling of the Future Mobility Sandbox – the region’s first integrated testbed for multi-modal transport concepts. It provides an environment for trialling advanced solutions, supported by advanced research in data science, clean energy, AI and autonomous systems.
In what segments is the Kingdom integrating electric vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable logistics practices in reducing emissions?
AL JASSER: Environmental sustainability is vital to ensuring resilient supply chains and a futureready transport ecosystem. The Saudi Green Initiative embeds sustainability across every sector, with transport playing a leading role. As a nation, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. A shift towards clean energy and low-carbon mobility is already under way. For example, the 2750-km North Railway is moving substantial freight volumes from road to rail, reducing carbon emissions by 1.5m tonnes annually. We are also advancing the use of renewable energy in transport and warehousing.
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