JD.com’s Smart Logistics Enters Saudi Arabia: “Super Supply Chain” Opens a New Chapter in the Middle East
- The 37th World Trade Expo Saudi, Your Gateway to the New Frontier of Smart Logistics
01 Super Supply Chain Debuts in the Middle East: JD.com Announces 3-Million Robot Initiative
At the APEC CEO Summit, JD.com founder Richard Liu announced a bold initiative to deploy 3 million robots, 1 million autonomous vehicles, and 100,000 drones, building a smart supply chain network rooted in China, anchored in Asia-Pacific, and spanning the globe. This “super supply chain” strategy aims to enhance the resilience and efficiency of global logistics networks in response to an increasingly complex and volatile international trade environment.
As a key milestone in this strategy, JD.com’s sixth-generation autonomous delivery vehicle, the “Lone Wolf,” has arrived in Saudi Arabia and is undergoing comprehensive testing at local logistics parks. Equipped with L4 autonomous driving capabilities and a maximum payload of 1,000 kg, the vehicle is being rigorously tested in Saudi Arabia’s unique high-temperature, sandy conditions to validate its exceptional performance and adaptability.
02 Smart Logistics Evolution: Advancing “Human-Machine Collaboration” and Deep Localization
The deployment of the “Lone Wolf” autonomous vehicle marks a new era of intelligent logistics in Saudi Arabia. The vehicle will operate as part of a “human-machine collaboration unit” alongside JD’s international express delivery brand, JoyExpress. Through intelligent system dispatching, it will automate short-haul goods transport from warehouses to couriers, allowing couriers to focus more on core tasks such as pickups, packaging, and door-to-door services.
JD.com’s footprint in Saudi Arabia extends beyond last-mile delivery. In June of this year, JD Logistics officially launched its proprietary express delivery brand, JoyExpress, in Riyadh, establishing an integrated logistics network covering warehousing, trunk lines, sorting, and last-mile delivery. Remarkably, within just five months of launch, the brand achieved explosive order volume growth of 700%, underscoring the strong demand and recognition for China’s intelligent logistics services in the Saudi market.
03 Global Network Support: JD.com’s Long-Term Vision for International Expansion
JD.com’s internationalization strategy reflects a unique blend of patience and foresight. Richard Liu has previously stated, “International business is a key focus for JD.com’s future, but we are not pursuing cross-border e-commerce as a model.” This positioning underscores JD’s approach to going global: not chasing short-term traffic, but building sustainable competitive advantages through deep localization.
To date, JD Logistics has established over 130 bonded and overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions worldwide. Among them, a 40,000-square-meter self-operated warehouse opened in Mexico City in May of this year demonstrates JD’s ambition and capability to replicate its smart logistics model globally. In the Middle East, JD.com has gone a step further by building specialized spare parts warehouses for automakers and offering “delivery + installation” services for large items, showcasing its exceptional ability to adapt to local market needs.
04 From Saudi Vision 2030 to JD.com’s Practice: Aligning with the Times
Saudi Vision 2030 is driving economic transformation with unprecedented momentum. From national digitization strategies to the tangible implementation of JD.com’s smart logistics, the traditionally oil-dependent kingdom is demonstrating a firm commitment to diversifying its economy. Amid this historic transformation, we have consistently aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, deeply rooted in the Saudi market for years, witnessing and participating in this remarkable journey of change.
From November 26 - 28, we will host the 37th World Trade Expo Saudi in Jeddah. As a continuation of our long-standing presence in the Saudi market, this edition of the expo will focus on four core sectors:
• Smart Robotics and Automation
• Smart Logistics and Supply Chain
• New Energy and Electric Vehicles
• Digital Economy and Localization Services
From national strategies to corporate initiatives, we remain at the forefront of market trends. If you have not yet entered the Saudi market, 2025 represents an unmissable window of opportunity! Participating in the 37th World Trade Expo Saudi offers you:
• Direct access to Saudi government entities and leading enterprises
• A professional platform to gain in-depth insights into local market demands and policy directions
• A prime opportunity to secure a foothold in emerging sectors such as smart logistics and new energy
With years of deep rooted in the Saudi market, we have accumulated extensive local resources and proven expertise. Let us join hands to write a new chapter in China-Saudi economic and trade cooperation on this promising land.
