Saudi Arabia revealed at a forum that so far anchored investments in its four special economic zones have totaled $12.6 billion, confirming the country's growing status as a global trade hub.

In addition to existing investments from companies such as Lucid and Seera, the Saudi Special Economic Zone Investment Forum in Riyadh saw new investment commitments in the King Abdullah Economic City, Ras al-Hare, Riyadh and Jizan set up SEZ projects.

It was announced that Himmah Projects will invest SAR 2.15 billion in the King Abdullah Economic City to establish an export hub for automobiles and mobility to the Middle East and Africa. SIAC Construction has also pledged to invest 200 million riyals in the special economic zone of the King Abdullah Economic City. The company announced the establishment of a dedicated building materials center to support infrastructure projects in the region.

McDermott Arabia Co. will invest SAR 375 million in Ras Al-Khair to develop fully integrated engineering and construction solutions for the energy industry. Makeen Energy will make another investment worth 2.14 billion riyals in Ras Al-Khair.

In Jizan, aquaculture company Pure Salmon will invest SAR 2 billion to sustainably produce salmon locally, while Masharaq announced an investment of SAR 33 million to build food facilities in special economic zones.

Chinese industrial investor Wangkang will invest 5 billion riyals in the Jizan Special Economic Zone to produce a range of glass products. Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority has signed an agreement with Switzerland-based Valcambi and Ajlan and Brothers to build a precious metals refinery in Riyadh's Integrated Special Logistics Zone.

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft to discuss potential collaboration on cloud computing at the King Abdulaziz Science and Technology Special Zone. The committee also signed a memorandum of understanding with Oracle to explore cloud computing opportunities in the Cloud Computing Special Economic Zone in King Abdulaziz Science and Technology City.Editor/XingWentao