FedEx, the world's largest express transportation company, today announced the completion of its transition to direct services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This achievement comes amid the Kingdom's rapid and robust economic growth, and includes the launch of the company's first direct flights to the Kingdom, the development of its new regional hub for freight and distribution at King Salman International Airport, and the launch of FedEx Logistics (its freight forwarder arm). These initiatives will enhance the company's operational capacity, create more job opportunities in the Kingdom, and are in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify sources of economic income and enhance integration with the global trade system.
FedEx takes strategic expansion steps
These achievements were celebrated at a ceremony held in Diriyah, a historic center of Saudi heritage and culture in Riyadh, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Transport Authority; His Excellency Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Acting Chairman of the General Transport Authority; and FedEx executives: Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation; Richard Smith, Chief International Officer and CEO of FedEx Airlines; and Kami Viswanathan, Regional President of FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, along with other company officials.
On this occasion, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Transport Authority, said: “The steps taken by FedEx to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom reflect its growing appeal as a prominent global destination for logistics services and investment. This clearly demonstrates the Kingdom’s growing influence as a major global logistics hub and a strategic gateway for trade and transport services. The increasing number of leading global logistics and express mail companies establishing direct operations in the Kingdom is a clear indication of the strength of the Saudi logistics sector and its attractive investment environment, as well as the world’s confidence in the transformation our country is witnessing today.”
Vision 2030
“FedEx’s recent strategic developments highlight Saudi Arabia’s role as a critical link in our global network, connecting major economies in Asia, Europe, and the Americas,” said Richard Smith, President of International Operations and President of Airlines at FedEx. “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia will contribute to expanding our network and establishing faster and more reliable trade logistics routes. The Kingdom’s strategic location enhances our ability to move shipments faster and on a wider scale, as the global trade system evolves.”
For her part, Kami Viswanathan, FedEx Regional President for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, affirmed, “Offering FedEx services directly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a pivotal step in our regional expansion strategy aimed at enhancing direct connectivity and improving services provided.” She added, “By combining modern infrastructure, digital innovation, and integrated solutions, we are keen to facilitate trade and enable companies in the Kingdom and across the region to compete globally. This reflects our serious commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and consolidating its position as a prominent logistics powerhouse in the region.”
Providing FedEx services directly to the Kingdom will enhance the overall shipping experience for customers. The company has begun managing delivery, receiving, and customs clearance operations directly, leveraging its local infrastructure, which includes four air cargo centers and four new sorting and distribution stations. These facilities are supported by a modern, integrated technology system that enhances shipping capabilities, improves operational efficiency, and increases transparency in customer service and supply chains, according to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and accuracy.
As part of its expansion, FedEx launched its first dedicated direct fleet service to Saudi Arabia, becoming the only express logistics company to establish a direct air route connecting the Kingdom to the United States and Europe. This new service will enhance cargo capacity and improve transit times from these global markets, which will contribute to supporting trade flow. FedEx is also scheduled to open a regional hub in Riyadh, connecting global markets to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. This comes in conjunction with the Kingdom's developing position as a major global logistics hub in the region.
In addition, FedEx launched FedEx Logistics, a division specializing in freight forwarding services in the Kingdom. This division offers a comprehensive package of air, land, and sea freight services, in addition to supporting transit traffic and customs clearance. This stems from the company's commitment to supporting all forms of commercial development in the Kingdom. These services will enhance connectivity to key markets in the GCC, South Asia, and Africa, contributing to the creation of additional strong and reliable supply chains in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia recorded a trade surplus of $2025 billion (SAR 16.8 billion) in the first quarter of 63, a 52% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This reflects strong export performance, which has led to a significant increase in demand for reliable logistics services based on robust infrastructure.
These developments are part of FedEx's comprehensive strategy, which goes beyond mere operational expansion. FedEx is strengthening its commitment to the Kingdom, from major infrastructure investments to digital innovation, technology, and human capital development. It is also supporting the Kingdom's transformation into a leading global logistics platform for trade, ensuring its operations align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
