Exploring the Future of Green Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities — A Case Study of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract The global shift towards sustainability has elevated green logistics as a strategic priority for reducing environmental impacts across supply chains. While widely explored in advanced economies, its implementation in emerging contexts—particularly in Saudi Arabia—remains insufficiently examined. Under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has outlined ambitious environmental and economic goals. However, operationalizing these aspirations presents complex challenges. This study investigates the challenges, opportunities, and enabling conditions for green logistics adoption in Saudi Arabia. Anchored in an interpretivist paradigm and inductive reasoning, it employs a qualitative single-case study methodology based on secondary academic literature published between 2020 and 2025. Institutional Theory and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) Framework guide the analytical lens. The findings reveal a pronounced gap between high-level policy ambition and practical implementation. Major challenges include the high cost of sustainable technologies, fragmented regulatory enforcement, limited digital infrastructure, and underdeveloped sustainability culture—particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nonetheless, significant opportunities exist, such as flagship mega-projects like the New Enterprise Operating Model (NEOM), growing investments in renewable energy and smart mobility, and increased professional awareness. Key enablers identified include improved access to green finance, organizational capacity-building, and enhanced public–private collaboration. The study concludes that strong institutional commitment must be matched with systemic readiness to ensure inclusive, sector-wide transformation. It offers policy recommendations focused on enhancing SME access to green finance, embedding sustainability in education and training, and clarifying regulatory pathways. Addressing these gaps would position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in sustainable logistics. Keywords: Green logistics; sustainability; Vision 2030; Saudi Arabia; Institutional Theory; TOE Framework