The inauguration of the project took place at Faisaliah Hotel in the presence of Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Ahmed Zainal Alireza and Saudi Research and Marketing Group Chairman Prince Faisal bin Salman, prominent industrialists and other senior government officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Salman said the city, which is to house more than 300 factories, will create jobs and provide more locally manufactured items.
Citing the project was on the cards for some years, the prince recalled that the location was chosen by the former Commerce and Industry Minister Hashim Abdullah Al-Yamani. He said some years ago, the place was filled with hunters looking for houbara bustards in the outskirts of Riyadh.
The governor said that such projects outside the capital will help reduce urban immigration since new facilities, such as universities and business houses, would be formed in the vicinity of the new industrial city.
“Thanks to the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Cities King Abdullah and the support offered by Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, and Interior Minister Prince Naif, rapid economic developments are taking place in the Kingdom,” said Prince Salman.
Minister Alireza said the Kingdom is forging ahead with new industrial cities that would provide a better business climate for investors.
On his part, Tawfik Al-Rabeeah, general manager of the Saudi Industrial Property Authority, said there are 18 industrial cities currently under the umbrella of the organization. He said his organization will seek the assistance of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to ensure the quality of products manufactured in the city.
