A step towards digital transformation and sustainable development
The Jeddah Municipality, through its investment arm Jeddah Company, announced the launch of the registration phase for the “Digital Scrap Yard Platform,” a strategic step aimed at regulating and developing scrap metal and waste management activities within the city. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency, improve the quality of services provided, and keep pace with the digital transformation adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 objectives.
The supervisory authorities called on all tenants and workers in the scrap yard complex to register via the designated electronic platform, stressing the need to fulfill the basic requirements, foremost among them entering the lease agreement number concluded with Jeddah Company, in order to ensure full benefit from the package of available digital services and to facilitate all operational procedures.
General context and importance of regulating the scrap sector
Historically, many major cities, including Jeddah, have faced challenges in regulating the scrap metal and junkyard sector. These activities were scattered across haphazard areas lacking organization and proper infrastructure, resulting in visual pollution and environmental and security risks. The “Metals City” project, which includes a scrap yard complex, offers a radical solution to this problem, aiming to consolidate all related activities into a single, fully organized and equipped site.
Regulating this vital sector is a cornerstone of supporting the circular economy, which relies on recycling resources and reducing waste. Through effective scrap management, essential raw materials are made available to manufacturing industries, such as iron, steel, and aluminum, thus contributing to increased local content and reduced reliance on imports.
Expected impacts of the project on various levels
Locally, the project will contribute to improving Jeddah’s urban landscape, eliminating informal settlements, and enhancing environmental safety. It will also provide a model and safe working environment for investors and employees in the sector, supported by integrated infrastructure and digital services that facilitate business operations. At the national economic level, the project supports the goals of Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) by attracting investment, creating new job opportunities, and promoting light and medium industries.
The new digital platform is a key enabler for achieving these goals, providing a unified technological environment that enhances transparency and compliance with regulations, and facilitates oversight by regulatory bodies. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including enabling users to view and participate in auctions electronically, manage vehicle and equipment data, register employee data, and issue digital entry and exit permits, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Integrated infrastructure for a promising future
The “Metals City” project, dedicated to scrap metal and dismantling activities, is located south of Jeddah on the Al-Laith Road, spanning a vast area of approximately 5 million square meters. The project includes the development of a comprehensive infrastructure comprising designated areas for various activities, service and industrial facilities, a state-of-the-art control center, and modern security and technological systems for traffic management and operations monitoring, thereby enhancing safety and environmental sustainability.
