The Saudi Arabian Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) has given an operating license to Lucid, an American EV maker, for its manufacturing unit established at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
During the permit handover ceremony, Mr. Nabil Khojah, Secretary-General of ECZA, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the significance of this milestone for the Kingdom and its commitment to diversification.
Mr. Faisal Sultan, Lucid Vice President and Middle East Managing Director, expressed the company’s delight at receiving the official permit and outline its vision for the facility. Mr. Cyril Piaia, CEO of Emaar, The Economic City, shared insights into the strategic importance of this facility for the economic development of KAEC special economic zones (SEZ).
Lucid’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Mr. Steven David, concluded the event with closing remarks, emphasizing the collaborative journey ahead and the impact they aim to make in the automotive industry.
Mr. Nabil Khoja Secretary-General ECZA
“The establishment of a world-class e-vehicle manufacturing unit at KAEC SEZ in a short time frame demonstrates the efficiency, capabilities, and strengths of the SEZs in the Kingdom. This is the result of a successful government partnership and cooperation, which ECZA proudly manages as the regulatory umbrella for Saudi SEZs. It is also a testament to the conducive business environment in Saudi Arabia and the nation’s dedication to supporting investors. Today we take a step towards creating a futuristic transportation landscape while reducing emissions and promoting clean and sustainable mobility.”
Mr. Faisal Sultan stated that “We are delighted to have officially received the permit for our much-anticipated AMP-2 facility in KAEC. As the Kingdom’s first-ever e-vehicle manufacturing facility and Lucid’s first international plant, the facility will pave the way and set the standard for the automotive industry and provide the Saudi Arabian market with game-changing, advanced Saudi-assembled e-vehicles. As we collectively work towards Vision 2030 and a more sustainable and diversified economy, we look forward to attracting, training and retaining a brand-new workforce of automotive professionals.”
Mr. Piaia commented that “I would like to start by thanking ECZA for their continued support in creating a business-friendly environment which has been instrumental in our success and a very attractive unique advantage to attract major investments to KAEC. We are very delighted to see Lucid commence operations in its new manufacturing facility at KAEC. Having Lucid, a global leader in the development and production of e-vehicles, in the recently announced KAEC SEZ is a testament to the quality of our infrastructure, our well-connected strategic location, and the readiness of KAEC to support investors to prosper.”
The commencement of operations at the production unit of Lucid which utilizes innovative and sustainable technologies to design and produce luxury cars, in Saudi Arabia, marks a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to transform itself into a global e-vehicle manufacturer.
The state-of-the-art facility spans an expanse of over 1.35 million square meters, occupying about 31 percent of the total area of the KAEC SEZ’s auto hub, a designated area allocated for the automotive industry.
In August 2022, Saudi Arabia embarked on a journey to diversify its national automobile sector with the early construction permits of the plant of Lucid in KAEC SEZ. Remarkably, within just one year, ECZA handed over the operating permit that confirms the readiness of the plant for commercial operations. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of the nation to diversify its economy and realize the Vision 2030 goal of ensuring that 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh are powered by electricity.
