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RIYADH: Electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors has become the first global automotive company to join the Kingdom’s “Made in Saudi” program as the country continues strengthening its industrial capabilities. 

The milestone grants Lucid the right to use the “Saudi Made” label on its products, symbolizing the nation’s focus on quality and innovation. 

The strategy aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to at least 20 percent by 2025, tripling the current industrial base. 

It also seeks to attract additional investments, enhance non-oil exports, and create sustainable job opportunities, aligning with Vision 2030’s economic diversification goal.

“This is a step that represents a strong push to enhance the image of the national industry and attract investments and global companies, which consolidates the Kingdom’s position as a global center for innovative manufacturing,” Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said in a post on his X account. 

In a separate statement, the minister said that Lucid Motors’ inclusion in the program underscores ��������Ƶ’s strategic transformation toward creating a fully integrated electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. 

The minister added that this initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy, which focuses on empowering promising sectors and attracting high-value investments in advanced industries.

Lucid’s participation in the program follows the launch of its first international manufacturing plant in ��������Ƶ in Sept. 2023. 

Located in King Abdullah Economic City, the facility is the Kingdom’s first-ever car manufacturing plant and represents a key milestone in its efforts to build a domestic automotive industry. 

The facility can currently assemble 5,000 Lucid vehicles annually during its first phase. Once fully operational, the complete manufacturing plant, including the assembly line, is expected to produce up to 155,000 electric cars per year. 

��������Ƶ is aggressively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. 

A critical target of the initiative is for 30 percent of all vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030, contributing to a broader goal of reducing emissions in the capital by 50 percent. 

To support the transition, the Public Investment Fund — a major backer of Lucid Motors — has been instrumental in establishing a domestic EV manufacturing sector. 

In addition to its stake in Lucid Motors, PIF has launched Ceer, the Kingdom’s first locally branded electric vehicle manufacturer, as part of its efforts to bolster the industry. 

Infrastructure development is also a core focus, with the Kingdom planning to deploy 5,000 fast chargers across ��������Ƶ by 2030 to facilitate the adoption of EVs. 

Consumer interest in EVs is steadily growing, with over 40 percent of Saudi consumers considering purchasing an electric vehicle within the next three years, according to a 2024 report by London-based professional services network PwC. 

Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director for the Middle East at Lucid Motors, expressed the company’s pride in joining the program, saying: “We are delighted to join the ‘Made in Saudi’ program and have the honor of using the ‘Saudi Made’ label, which represents quality and excellence.”

He added: “We are committed to embodying the values of this national identity, such as sustainability, innovation, and excellence. With the increasing focus on electric vehicles in the Kingdom, we aim to deliver an advanced and unique experience to our customers.”

The minister said that ��������Ƶ has emerged as a central hub for electric vehicle production, supported by modern infrastructure, incentivizing policies, and a highly skilled workforce. 

He also said that major players like Lucid Motors strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global center for future-focused industries while contributing to increased local content, non-oil exports, industrial localization, and knowledge transfer. 

Launched in March 2021, ��������Ƶ’s Made in Saudi program promotes domestic products and services, encouraging local consumption and boosting non-oil exports. 

The move aligns with ��������Ƶ’s broader industrial strategy, which aims to increase the sector’s gross domestic product contribution to 20 percent by 2025 and drive investments in advanced industries. 

It also supports Vision 2030’s goal of reducing the nation’s reliance on oil by fostering high-value sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing.

RIYADH: ��������Ƶ recorded a 45 percent annual growth in domestic flight bookings in 2024, fueled by the Kingdom’s expanding tourism offerings and increased connectivity through low-cost carriers. 

According to Almosafer’s latest travel trend report, domestic room night bookings also saw 39 percent yearly growth. Additionally, combined domestic flight and hotel reservations contributed over 40 percent to the overall travel market, an 11 percent yearly increase. 

The growth in domestic travel is largely driven by a broader range of destinations, accommodation options, and experiences that continue to attract leisure visitors to explore their home country. Family and group travel have been key contributors to this upward trend, with bookings in these segments surging by over 70 percent.

Commenting on the trends, Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, said: “These travel trends align seamlessly with the government’s vision to enhance in-destination value and increase domestic tourism as part of Vision 2030.”

Cities such as Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, and Madinah remain key attractions. 

However, emerging destinations like Abha, Al Jubail, and Jazan, as well as Tabuk and Hail, are gaining momentum due to their distinct offerings, including mountain views, beaches, landscapes, and desert experiences. 

“The growth of domestic tourism and the rise of family and group trips, with a focus on unique accommodation experiences and rich in-destination activities, showcase the success of the national agenda of building a thriving leisure tourism sector that contributes significantly to the economy,” Ahussain added.

Almosafer’s report highlights a notable shift in traveler preferences for accommodations. While luxury remains prominent, with 36 percent of room nights booked in five-star properties, budget-friendly stays in three-star or lower hotels now represent 35 percent of total bookings — a segment that has grown 100 percent for families and groups. 

Alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals and hotel apartments have also gained traction, with family bookings rising 90 percent and group reservations increasing 60 percent, reflecting growing demand for flexible and affordable lodging options. 

Low-cost airlines have also played a crucial role in the domestic travel boom. Increased capacity, expanded connectivity, and additional routes have made budget carriers more accessible to cost-conscious travelers. 

While flight bookings grew by 45 percent, the average order value decreased by 7 percent, demonstrating how expanded options are enabling travelers to secure more cost-effective deals. 

In-destination activities have become a cornerstone of travel value, with visitors increasingly opting for guided tours, adventure sports, and cultural experiences. 

Booking behavior also evolved in 2024, with mobile platforms dominating the market. App bookings grew by 67 percent and accounted for 76 percent of total bookings, while web reservations contributed 17 percent, reflecting 7 percent growth. 

Retail bookings, though representing a smaller 7 percent share, remain relevant for complex and higher-value itineraries as travelers seek in-person assistance for personalized planning. 

Flexible payment options have further transformed the travel market. Buy now, pay later plans have gained popularity, while Apple Pay accounted for 44 percent of all domestic bookings processed in 2024, reflecting the growing adoption of digital payment methods.