Saudi Arabia's 3,657 productive factories employ 340,000 people, reflecting the Kingdom's continuing leap forward in its industrial development and provision of employment.
Up to the end of the first quarter of this year (1425 H), a huge amount of SR 256 billions were invested in these factories. These factories are engaged in production of chemical and plastic products as well as ceramics, building materials, textiles, ready-made garments, metals, equipment and foodstuffs.
In 2003, the Kingdom exported more than SR 35.7 billion worth of non-oil industrial products to more than 120 countries. The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which was established in 1396H, has become one of the pillars of the large-scale industrial development in the country. SABIC's marketing activities cover more than 90 countries. In 2003, its productive capacity reached more than 42.3 million metric tons. Currently, the Kingdom enjoys the benefit of 14 industrial cities, encompassing an area of more than 92 million square meters. The industrial sector in the Kingdom includes the petrochemical industries, the oil refining industry and the manufacturing industries.
