RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector marked a significant milestone this February, with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources greenlighting 221 new industrial permits. This wave of licensing was matched by a surge in operational activity, as 112 production facilities officially moved from development to active manufacturing.

These initiatives represent a capital commitment of approximately SAR 2.6 billion, reinforcing the Kingdom’s strategy to diminish economic reliance on raw resource exports. The newly authorized projects are expected to generate over 2,000 employment opportunities, directly contributing to the nation’s labor market transformation.

The factories that transitioned into the production phase in February contributed an additional SAR 890 million to the industrial landscape. Driven largely by the chemical and refined petroleum sectors, the National Industrial Production Index saw a notable 8.9% year-on-year climb. This steady uptick highlights the Kingdom’s evolving capacity as a self-sustaining industrial powerhouse and a vital node in global supply chains.