Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market size in 2026 is estimated at USD 2.26 billion, growing from 2025 value of USD 2.17 billion with 2031 projections showing USD 2.76 billion, growing at 4.12% CAGR over 2026-2031.

The growth trajectory mirrors Vision 2030’s goal of economic diversification, which frames cold chain infrastructure as a cornerstone for safeguarding food security, modernizing healthcare distribution, and deepening regional trade integration. Government targets, such as achieving 80% poultry self-sufficiency by 2025, compel investment in temperature-controlled networks that can handle 950,000 MT (metric tons) of chicken production and simultaneously support imported protein flows. Regulatory tightening by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) stimulates specialized storage for biologics and vaccines, while AI/ML-enabled energy-optimization pilots cut refrigeration energy use by 20%, showing direct operating-cost advantages. Logistics corridors anchored on the 5,500 km rail network harness multimodal efficiencies, lowering long-haul costs by 15% versus road-only freight and improving service reliability for temperature-sensitive cargo.

Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends and Insights

Vision 2030 Logistics Infrastructure Investments Drive Capacity Expansion

The government has earmarked USD 133 billion for new roads, ports, airports, and 59 logistics centers spanning 100 million m² to be delivered by 2030. Twenty-one of these centers are already in execution, and their integration with the Fasah customs portal will compress import dwell times that have historically jeopardized cargo integrity. Coupling these hubs with the national rail grid lowers inland transport costs and widens cold storage access for food importers and pharmaceutical distributors. As each hub comes online, small and mid-sized shippers gain entry to GDP-certified facilities without investing in proprietary assets, a dynamic expected to accelerate competitive intensity.

Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Requirements Accelerate Specialized Infrastructure Development

SFDA’s Breakthrough Medicine Program compels logistics firms to meet GDP standards, spurring EUR 500 million (USD 581.56 million) of regional spending under DHL’s global health-logistics initiative. NAQEL Express mirrors this focus with an SAR 200 million (USD 53.25 million) warehouse in Jeddah featuring multi-temperature zones dedicated to biologics and vaccines. These investments underpin the segment’s 5.40% CAGR, outstripping overall market growth, while also raising the entry bar for non-certified competitors. Future demand will intensify as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional clinical-trials center requiring ultra-low storage down to -80 °C.

High Capital and Energy Intensity Constrain Market Entry for Smaller Players

Grade-A cold-storage projects can exceed USD 50 million, deterring smaller entrants without a deep balance sheet. Energy accounts for 25-35% of OPEX, and HVAC alone consumes 65% of facility electricity in peak summer months. Upgrading to SEER-compliant chillers raises up-front costs but reduces life-cycle expenses, creating a capital-versus-operating cost trade-off that many mid-tier operators find difficult to balance.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Government Push for Poultry Self-Sufficiency Creates Domestic Cold Chain Demand
• AI/ML-Driven Optimization Systems Enable Energy Efficiency Breakthroughs
• Skilled Workforce Shortage Threatens Operational Efficiency and Safety Standards

Segment Analysis

Refrigerated storage controlled 46.35% of the Saudi Arabian cold chain logistics market share in 2025 by virtue of the country’s heavy reliance on warehousing for both imported and domestically produced temperature-sensitive goods. Public warehouses capture smaller shippers seeking economies of scale, whereas private facilities like Almarai’s integrated network ensure quality control across vertically linked dairy and poultry lines. Road transport remains essential for last-mile delivery, yet rail is gaining favor as the rail grid extends its reach to inland consumption centers.

Value-added services, while holding a modest share today, are expanding at a 4.42% CAGR and encompass kitting, relabeling, and quality testing tailored to SFDA rules. Multi-temperature vehicles able to segregate SKUs within single trips lower transport costs and curb product spoilage. Intermodal solutions that stitch together sea-rail-road legs now differentiate full-service providers from asset-light competitors. Growing demand for e-commerce fulfillment accelerates take-up of cross-docking and pick-and-pack services that shorten delivery lead times to same-day or next-day standards in major cities.

The Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market Report is Segmented by Service Type (Refrigerated Storage, Refrigerated Transportation, and More), Temperature Type (Chilled, Frozen, Ambient, and More), Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Dairy & Frozen Desserts, and More), and Geography (Makkah Region, Riyadh Region, Eastern Region, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

List of companies covered in this report:

• Almajdouie Logistics
• Wared Logistics
• NAQEL Express
• Aramex Saudi Arabia
• United Warehousing & Distribution Services
• United Warehouse Company
• Four Winds Saudi Arabia
• DHL Supply Chain
• AJEX Logistics Services
• SAL Saudi Logistics Services
• Cold Chain Packing & Logistics
• Arabco Logistics
• CEVA Logistics
• Leha Logistics
• Globus Logistics
• Global Star Cold Storage & Logistics
• Hala Supply Chain Services
• GWC (Gulf Warehousing Company
• COLDT
• CCP Logistics

Additional benefits of purchasing this report:

• Access to the market estimate sheet (Excel format)
• 3 months of analyst support