‘Waad Al-Shamal’: Saudi Arabia’s Gateway to Global Leadership in the Phosphate Industry

The Waad Al-Shamal Industrial City serves as a strategic pillar in supporting the Kingdom’s mining sector, recognized as the third cornerstone of national industries. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and maximize the value-added benefits of natural resources.
The city has attracted investments exceeding SAR 80 billion, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the mining sector as a key contributor to sustainable development. These efforts have positioned the Kingdom as the second-largest exporter of phosphate globally, transforming Waad Al-Shamal into a comprehensive industrial hub for mineral processing.
Spanning 440 square kilometers, the city designates 290 square kilometers for development and 150 square kilometers for Ma’aden phosphate industrial projects, which serve as the cornerstone of the region’s mining renaissance. The city features an integrated industrial ecosystem comprising primary, transformative, and technological industries, supported by advanced infrastructure, including modern road networks, energy and water facilities, and a fully integrated residential area, all contributing to operational efficiency and resource sustainability.
Three major projects are currently underway in Waad Al-Shamal to enhance phosphate fertilizer production. The Ma’aden Phosphate Project has an investment of SAR 21 billion and an annual production capacity of three million tons. The Ma’aden Waad Al-Shamal Phosphate Company has an investment of SAR 31 billion and an annual production capacity of three million tons. A third project, currently under construction, has an investment of SAR 28 billion, aimed at further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s ability to meet global demand.
As part of its human capital development efforts, Ma’aden established the Saudi Mining Polytechnic in partnership with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). The institute has graduated 1,081 specialists, including 52 female graduates, reinforcing local talent in the mining sector. Additionally, Ma’aden launched Science Excellence Schools in Arar and Turaif, with an investment of SAR 180 million, to empower students in scientific and engineering disciplines in collaboration with Dhahran Techno Valley.
The Al-Jalamid Mine, one of the largest phosphate mines in the world, produces 11 million tons annually, which are transported to the Ma’aden Phosphate Industrial Complex in Ras Al Khair for fertilizer production. These fertilizers play a critical role in supporting global agricultural production.
Through Waad Al-Shamal, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its leadership in the mining industry, driven by strategic investments, qualified national talent, and a sophisticated industrial system. These efforts reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global center for phosphate production, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and maximize the utilization of natural resources.