Amazon KSA doubles storage capacity with a new fulfilment centre in Riyadh

Amazon Saudi has opened a new fulfilment centre in Riyadh with a storage capacity of 2.7 million cubic feet. As the Kingdom accelerates towards a digital economy with a growing e-commerce market, the new fulfilment centre will double Amazon’s total storage capacity in Saudi Arabia. The facility spans 390,000 square feet across five floors and will be able to house over 9 million products including appliances, groceries, fashion, books and more.

The new fulfilment centre is Amazon’s most advanced in Saudi Arabia and brings 25+ years of global logistics technology and innovation in line with the Vision 2030 goal of establishing the Kingdom as the go-to logistics hub for the region. The new facility incorporates innovative solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in its operations and more than two and a half kilometres of conveyance equipment to ensure seamless fulfilment operations.

“Technology is at the heart of our operations, and with the opening of our most advanced fulfilment centre in Saudi Arabia, we are all set to bring an enhanced fulfilment offering to Saudi sellers. At Amazon, we relentlessly innovate on behalf of our customers and continue to strengthen our operations with state-of-the-art technology and global processes and programmes to ensure a fast, convenient and reliable shopping experience,” stated Prashant Saran, Director of Operations for Amazon MENA.

In support of Saudi Arabia’s rising entrepreneurship culture and rapid development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the enhanced capacity will empower independent sellers to scale their businesses online. To reach a wider customer base faster and more efficiently, Saudi sellers can take advantage of the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) offering that allows them to store, pick, pack and ship customer orders through Amazon. The company has been working closely with Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, to empower this segment of the economy, with an aim to host 40,000 Saudi sellers by 2025 on Amazon.sa.

In addition, delivering on its commitment to support local talent the fulfilment centre will create several job opportunities and Saudi women will occupy a variety of leadership roles across departments. Further, the facility provides various accommodations for people with disabilities that aim to ensure their full and active participation.

“Our expansion and investment in our network underscore our commitment to delivering an enhanced shopping experience for customers, providing Saudi businesses with greater access to Amazon’s expertise in fulfilment, reliable countrywide delivery and customer service, while unlocking opportunities for local talent. Led by a diverse cohort of talented Saudi nationals in managerial positions, we expect this fulfilment centre to support the Kingdom’s digital economy goals,” said Abdo Chlala, Country Manager, Amazon Saudi Arabia.

Finally, as part of Amazon’s commitment to be net-zero carbon across its business by 2040, the facility is powered 100% by electricity, including its heating and hot water systems, avoiding the use of fossil fuel combustibles and with energy efficiency as a top priority. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) is controlled by a building management system that ensures a comfortable working environment for employees while reducing unnecessary energy consumption. In addition, LED lighting adjusts according to natural light availability and building occupancy, and indoor air quality is constantly monitored.