Located in a prime position overlooking the Red Sea coast, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) was established as a vibrant and diverse city, serving as a gateway to the world's most important trade routes, giving it an exceptional competitive advantage over other similar cities.

Thanks to its location along a unique strategic route through which approximately 13% of global trade passes, the city has become a major gateway to global markets, including Chinese markets linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and the growing African markets.

The city's establishment dates back to 2006 when the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, directed its construction as part of the Economic Cities initiative. In 2023, a special economic zone spanning 60 square kilometers was established within the city, making it one of four special economic zones under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia's Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA).

Today, King Abdullah Economic City consists of the Economic City and the Special Economic Zone, which also includes King Abdullah Port.

The city aims to become a prominent investment destination in the Kingdom by offering competitive advantages within a business-friendly environment supported by advanced infrastructure, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The city boasts a unique blend of modern residential living, international hotels, recreational facilities, and a dynamic business environment that meets investor aspirations. Additionally, the Industrial Valley hosts over 100 companies from around the world, reinforcing the city's position as a vital industrial and economic hub attracting major industrial investments.

The city contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by developing an integrated investment infrastructure network that connects local, regional, and global levels, building a comprehensive economic city with world-class facilities that enhance quality of life and support social and economic development in the Kingdom.

In the context of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the city will host one of the most important stadiums for the tournament, featuring a multi-purpose design inspired by the coral reefs of the Red Sea and a capacity of 45,000 spectators, reflecting the city's commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience in a state-of-the-art environment.

King Abdullah Economic City boasts advanced infrastructure, including King Abdullah Port, the second-largest port on the Red Sea, which was ranked by the World Bank in 2022 as the most efficient container port in the world. The city is also connected to the Haramain High-Speed Railway, providing direct access to Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdulaziz International Airport.

The city aspires to become a smart city through its advanced technological infrastructure, including a modern fiber-optic network for communication services. It also features reliable water and electricity supplies, along with numerous renewable energy initiatives, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and innovative future solutions.

In the industrial sector, the Special Economic Zone of King Abdullah Economic City focuses on establishing the Kingdom's first integrated automotive manufacturing cluster by attracting major automotive companies and suppliers, making it the largest of its kind in the region.

Recently, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman announced the naming of the "King Salman Automotive Manufacturing Complex" in the Special Economic Zone dedicated to automotive manufacturing activities.

The King Salman Automotive Manufacturing Complex will be a key milestone in achieving economic diversification in the Kingdom, serving as a hub for the automotive industry and sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to non-oil GDP growth, increasing exports, and developing sector capabilities.

The complex will be a central hub for local and international automotive companies, including Ceer, the first Saudi electric vehicle brand, and Lucid Motors, which opened its first international factory in King Abdullah Economic City in 2023, alongside several joint ventures by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) with global manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor to establish a highly automated car manufacturing plant and a joint venture agreement with Pirelli to establish a tire manufacturing plant in the Kingdom.

King Abdullah Economic City attracts major value-added companies to invest due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a package of business-friendly incentives. The Special Economic Zone offers a range of incentives, including tax exemptions, full foreign ownership, and competitive service prices, helping companies in the zone enhance operational efficiency and focus on growth and innovation.

The city's strategic location at the crossroads of global trade routes, combined with its advanced infrastructure, provides an opportunity to strengthen its position as a leader in industrial growth and global trade, making it a key player in shaping local, regional, and global markets.

King Abdullah Economic City and Saudi Arabia offer a range of promising investment opportunities in both the Special Zone and the Economic City, making it an ideal destination for investors due to its advanced infrastructure supporting investment, including cutting-edge digital solutions and world-class infrastructure networks, as well as streamlined business setup procedures that provide investors with an easy experience and high operational efficiency.

The city reinforces the Kingdom's position as a hub that enhances Saudi Arabia's global competitiveness amid its ongoing economic and social transformation, turning it into a global investment center and an attractive destination for those looking to invest in various sectors.