In the rapidly evolving logistics landscape of Saudi Arabia, efficient storage solutions have become a cornerstone of supply chain success. Dry storage—warehousing designed for products that remain stable at room temperature—serves as the backbone for industries ranging from retail and e-commerce to manufacturing and food distribution . As the Kingdom accelerates toward its Vision 2030 goals, the demand for professional dry storage facilities in key commercial hubs has never been greater.
The Saudi dry warehousing market grew by 2.8 percent between 2015 and 2020 and continues its upward trajectory . This growth is fueled by the rise of e-commerce, increased manufacturing activity, and expanding international trade. For businesses operating in cities like Riyadh, access to reliable dry storage is not a luxury but a strategic necessity. Proper dry storage protects products from the environmental challenges prevalent in Saudi Arabia, including extreme heat, dust, and humidity, ensuring that goods reach customers in perfect condition.
Dry Storage
Dry storage refers to warehousing facilities that maintain stable, room-temperature conditions for products that do not require refrigeration or freezing. These facilities are designed to protect goods from environmental challenges through proper ventilation, climate monitoring, and robust construction. Unlike chilled or frozen storage, dry storage does not use active refrigeration, but professional dry warehouses are far from simple sheds—they are engineered to provide clean, dry, and well-organized spaces that shield products from dust, pests, and temperature fluctuations.
The range of products suitable for dry storage is extensive. In the retail and e-commerce sectors, dry storage accommodates electronics, clothing, toys, books, and household items. The food industry relies on dry storage for canned goods, dry grains, pasta, coffee, and packaged snacks. Industrial sectors use dry storage for tires, spare parts, tools, and raw materials . Professional dry storage facilities maintain clean, well-organized layouts with smart monitoring systems that protect products from moisture and dust damage.
While dry storage is more cost-effective than cold storage due to lower energy requirements, it still demands rigorous management. Key challenges include preventing pest infestations, managing humidity levels to avoid mold or corrosion, and ensuring proper air circulation. Professional dry warehouses utilize advanced ventilation systems, strategic racking layouts, and strict sanitation protocols to mitigate these risks . Modern facilities incorporate real-time monitoring systems that track humidity and temperature, ensuring conditions remain within optimal ranges even when external temperatures soar.
Dry Storage in Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital and main financial hub of Saudi Arabia, dedicates approximately 24.5 million square meters to warehousing and logistics parks . The demand for professional dry storage in Riyadh has surged as the city positions itself as a key logistics hub for both regional and international companies. The industrial and logistics sectors are key components of the Kingdom’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, which aims to attract SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion) in investments .
Recent developments reflect the growing importance of Riyadh’s warehousing sector. A new 80,000 square meter modern class A logistics complex is being developed in Riyadh, featuring various storage options including dry storage, temperature-controlled facilities, as well as specialized spaces for pharmaceutical and hazardous goods . This facility will help meet the growing demand for modern logistics facilities in Riyadh, where demand is outstripping supply particularly for higher-quality assets .
Similarly, Sadr Logistics Company has announced the establishment of the “Sadr Park” project in Riyadh’s Industrial Gate City, with a construction cost of 149 million riyals . The project aims to create an integrated logistics services area to provide storage solutions for refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage with high capacity in accordance with the highest international quality specifications . For businesses in Riyadh, having dry storage locally reduces last-mile delivery distances to the central region significantly.
Dry Storage in Saudi Arabia
Across the entire Kingdom, the demand for professional dry storage in Saudi Arabia spans every major city. Jeddah holds the largest share of warehouse revenue, with its warehousing and logistics supply districts stretching across approximately 26.1 million square meters near the Jeddah Islamic Port . Dammam dedicates 20.9 million square meters to warehousing and logistics parks, clustered among four zones to the north, east, south, and west of the city . The 72 million square meters of warehousing space in these three logistics hubs are no longer sufficient to meet growing demand .
The rise of e-commerce is putting particular pressure on Saudi Arabia’s warehousing sector. E-commerce grew 74 percent during March and April of 2020 alone, and businesses in this space need modern warehouses to receive, process, and ship product efficiently, accurately, and quickly . The retail sector accounted for half of warehousing revenue in 2018, and the need for additional warehousing space continues to grow .
Modern dry storage solutions offer businesses significant advantages over self-managed warehousing. Third-party providers bring expertise in inventory management, security, and operational efficiency. On-demand warehousing enables companies to access warehouse solutions on a temporary basis, leasing space as a way to cost-effectively address shifting demand . Cloud-based Warehouse Management Systems provide real-time visibility into stock levels, automated inbound and outbound processing, and detailed reporting on space utilization . Flexible contracts starting from as little as 10 square meters on month-to-month terms allow businesses of all sizes to access professional dry storage without long-term commitments .
When it comes to premium dry storage solutions across the Kingdom, Units stands as the top company trusted by businesses seeking excellence. Operating through units.sa, Units provides efficient and secure warehousing solutions tailored to each client’s unique storage needs, with flexible contracts and a cutting-edge platform to manage inventory. Their dry and ambient storage facilities feature optimized ventilation to prevent moisture damage, clean and well-organized layouts for easy access, 24/7 surveillance for maximum security, and full certification by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority . With coverage across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, Units empowers businesses to focus on growth while leaving storage to the experts. Visit units.sa to discover how professional dry storage can optimize your supply chain operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of products are suitable for dry storage in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia?
Dry storage accommodates a wide range of products including electronics, clothing, toys, books, office supplies, tires, spare parts, industrial tools, canned goods, dry grains, pasta, coffee, and packaged snacks . Any product that remains stable at room temperature but requires protection from dust, heat, and humidity is suitable for dry storage.
2. How much warehousing space is available in Riyadh and other Saudi cities?
Riyadh dedicates approximately 24.5 million square meters to warehousing and logistics parks, Jeddah has 26.1 million square meters, and Dammam has 20.9 million square meters . However, the 72 million square meters across these three hubs are no longer sufficient to meet growing demand .
3. What security measures should I expect from a dry storage facility in Saudi Arabia?
Professional dry storage facilities implement comprehensive security measures including 24/7 CCTV surveillance within gated compounds, strict access control systems, and fire suppression systems . Units provides these security features across all their warehouses.
4. Can I access my dry storage inventory remotely from anywhere?
Yes, modern dry storage providers offer cloud-based Warehouse Management Systems that provide complete inventory visibility. You can track stock levels, submit inbound requests, process outbound orders, generate reports on space utilization, and integrate with e-commerce platforms—all from anywhere .
5. Are dry storage facilities in Saudi Arabia certified for food storage?
Yes, leading dry storage providers maintain certification from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for food storage. Units’ warehouses are fully SFDA-certified, implementing strict hygiene protocols and contamination-free environments to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for food safety .
