The Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo was held last week in Riyadh under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The event, which took place at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 27-29, showcased more than 3,500 products, solutions, systems and services to improve supply chain efficiency across warehousing, transport and logistics.

The exhibition opened with a formal inauguration by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, graced by Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

A strong lineup of government entities participated under the ministry, including Saudi Arabia Railways, Roads General Authority, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Post SPL, Transport General Authority and Saudi Ports Authority.

The exhibition featured exhibitors from more than 25 countries. Some of the top exhibiting brands included Swisslog, a global leader in intralogistics, warehouse automation and material handling; El-Ajou, a Saudi enterprise delivering integrated digital solutions and workspace services that enhance operational efficiency; SAL Logistics, a leading logistics and supply chain services provider in the Kingdom; and Savoye, a technology solutions provider in logistics and warehousing, among others.

An invite-only gathering on May 27, Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Summit was headlined by more than 40 influential voices shaping the future of warehousing and logistics in the Kingdom. The CPD-accredited program explored key themes including AI integration, infrastructure transformation, ESG and future workforce development, all aligned with Vision 2030. 

Focused on strategy, collaboration and long-term value creation, the summit offered critical insight into the sector’s next phase of growth.

On May 28-29, Hala Chats presented fast-paced sessions tackling operational challenges through case studies, panels and success stories from Saudi Arabia’s logistics and warehousing ecosystem. With contributions from industry leaders at Swisslog Middle East, Smartlog MEA, Dematic, Kaden, Shipsy and more, the program offered visitors an opportunity to gain practical insights and learn how leading organizations are responding to real-world demands.

Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s $6.7 billion commercial vehicle market, Commercial Vehicles Zone highlighted manufacturers, fleet solutions, electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies and more. Brands such as Toyota, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Bin-Shihon and Petromin — Foton headlined the exhibition.

Sponsored by SADR Logistics Services, Demo Hub featured a live, intelligent shuttle system that handles real-time pallet and container movement with seamless integration into warehouse control and management systems, using RFID and barcode scanning. The setup includes high-density pallet shuttles and container shuttles for fast goods-to-person picking, offering a first-hand view of warehouse automation.

Powered by Rfufco, Pack n Stack Challenge encouraged visitors to test their speed, precision and stacking skills in a fast-paced logistics simulation.

Abdul Latif Jameel, an 80-year-old network of diversified businesses, and Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, have announced the signing of an MoU to explore opportunities to establish a distribution agreement in Saudi Arabia for Joby’s electric aircraft.

This announcement builds upon the renewed economic partnership between the US administration and the Saudi government toward shared innovation and transportation growth. Potential delivery of up to 200 Joby aircraft and related services valued at approximately $1 billion are expected by the businesses over the coming years. In the long-term, Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby also see potential revenue opportunities across the Middle East. 

Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby share complementary long-term visions to revolutionize the future of mobility through transportation services that are cleaner, safer, more efficient and more affordable, helping to improve passenger experiences while simultaneously protecting the planet. In addition, the Jameel family invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.

The direct sale of aircraft through businesses such as Abdul Latif Jameel form one pillar of Joby’s commercialization strategy. Additionally, Joby will directly own and operate its aircraft and services in certain markets, like the US, and partner for similar operations in other markets, such as Japan. 

“This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future— we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”

Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility — one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”

Joby’s collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, network and deep operational experience. The two businesses will work together to explore distribution and sales collaborations, the launch of local air taxi services, including the establishment of aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and pilot training.

Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions. The business plans to carry its first passengers in Dubai in 2026.

Given the importance of mobility to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the collaboration will drive socioeconomic growth in the Kingdom and create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, in line with Vision 2030.