RIYADH: Saudi industrial cities witnessed a 90 percent rise in residential properties meeting National Program for Group Housing for Individuals standards in 2023, compared to the previous year. According to a ministry release, 317 properties met the program’s criteria last year, a significant increase from 167 in 2022, representing a total capacity of 134,320 beds. This growth reflects the organization’s dedication to the national housing program, aiming to enhance and develop services in collective accommodation for individuals in industrial cities. Additionally, the initiative strives to meet quality and safety standards, alleviate population congestion, and foster suitable residential environments through the development of organized collective housing. These developments demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the industrial sector in the region through a strategic approach, including incentives, facilities, and relative advantages. These efforts are aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to achieve comprehensive economic development and promote domestic industries. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, oversees a network of 36 municipalities across the Kingdom, encompassing industrial and logistical assets considered among the world’s largest. The city authority has developed over 208 million sq. meters with over 6,300 factories, boosting the country’s industrial growth and economic diversification. In December 2023, MODON announced the signing of 10 agreements worth SR538 million ($133 million) with various private sector entities to raise operational efficiency in several regional cities. The Kingdom’s comprehensive roadmap for accelerating the diversification of this sector aims to increase non-oil exports, promote privatization, attract more foreign investment, and generate local employment. According to a release by the body, the agreements were funded by the National Industry Strategy, as well as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.