Amazon to grow Saudi network with 11 new buildings and 1,500 jobs this year

RIYADH: Amazon says it is growing its operations network across Saudi Arabia with 11 new buildings and more than 1,500 jobs this year to facilitate faster and more flexible delivery options to its customers in the Middle East’s largest economy.

Amazon said its enhanced delivery network will boast a total footprint of six Fulfillment Centers that store goods, and 13 delivery stations from which the parcels are delivered, enabling the company to reach more customers with a wider geographic coverage and remote locations.

This investment will bolster Amazon’s fulfillment network’s storage capacity by 89% and increase its delivery network area across KSA by 58%. Amazon also partners with Saudi Post and a network of 10 Delivery Service Partners, enabling the company to serve more customers throughout the country.

Amazon said its investments this year will achieve an enhanced storage capacity delivered through a pipeline of new openings, closure of older buildings, and upgrades designed to deliver a smarter, faster and more consistent experience for customers.

By the end of 2021, Amazon’s fulfillment network will reach across a total floor area of over 867,000 square feet – the equivalent of more than 10 football fields – housing millions of consumer items.

“In 2021, we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our associates while delivering more products to more people in Saudi Arabia than ever before. These new investments reiterate our commitment to Saudi Arabia, contributing to the local economy through the creation of new job opportunities. Our investments in technology and infrastructure align with Saudi’s digital transformation goals, enabling world-class fulfillment offerings to our independent seller partners, and faster delivery on an expanded product selection to our customers,” said Prashant Saran, Director of Operations for Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In January this year, Amazon Prime was launched in Saudi Arabia, bringing the speed and convenience of same-day and next-day delivery to even more customers across the country. Currently, Amazon network across Saudi Arabia includes three Fulfillment Centers in Riyadh and Jeddah, 11 delivery stations, two sort centers and a network of 11 Delivery Service Partners.