Northern Borders is Saudi Arabia’s emerging metals and chemicals hub. Supported by an abundance of natural resources, well-established mining and chemical production sectors, and a reliable rail and road network, this booming ecosystem is bringing vital metals and chemical products to national and international markets. Home to one of the largest phosphate reserves in the world, and enabled by large-scale initiatives, the region’s emerging sectors – chemicals and chemical products; as well as transport and logistics – are strongly contributing to economic growth with future opportunities on the horizon. Specifically, Northern Borders’ growing chemical production capabilities and transportation networks are further supporting the region’s growing industrial ecosystem. The region is home to two high-production capacity industrial cities one of which is Wa’ad Alshamal – the Kingdom’s leading phosphate and chemical production site. With unparalleled government support and ambition, opportunities in Northern Borders await.

390,656

population (2020)

104,000 km2

in landmass area

3

Governorates

STRATEGIC SECTORS
  • Chemicals and Chemical Products
  • Transports and Logistics
  • Mining

REGION AT GLANCE

383,051

population

44

Active Factories (Q2 2022)

3

domestic airport

90.8%

Employment Rate (Q2 2022)

14

Hotels

1

Sport City

11

dams

1

Chambers of Commerce

2

industrial city

98,011 km

Road lengths

2

Public and Private Universities and Colleges

11

Public & Private Hospitals

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

RICH PHOSPHATE RESERVES - 7% OF THE WORLD'S PHOSPHATE RESERVES
A leading freight network equaling over 1,550 kilometers in length
Home to the Wa’ad Al-Shamal industrial city, a hub for phosphate production in the Kingdom
Important link between GCC and Asian markets and the Kingdom – Supported by the new Arar port located between the Saudi-Iraqi border
Home to the Wa’ad Al-Shamal industrial city, a hub for phosphate production in the Kingdom

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Solar energy

The Renewable Energy Project Development Office has so far identified one site with promising sun energy potential