Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) achieved significant milestones, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The Kingdom saw a notable improvement for 2024 in its global ranking for container handling, climbing to 15th place worldwide, as reported by Lloyd’s List.
Jeddah Islamic Port moved up from 41st to 32nd, King Abdullah Port rose to 70th from 71st, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam advanced from 90th to 82nd, marking a significant enhancement in the competitiveness of Saudi ports.
MAWANI spearheaded substantial investments to develop the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure. Approximately SAR 2.9 billion was dedicated to eight new logistics zones at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, part of a broader SAR 10 billion plan for 18 logistics zones.
Among these projects, Maersk inaugurated its largest global logistics hub at Jeddah Islamic Port, valued at SAR 1.3 billion and spanning 225,000 square meters. Additionally, the northern expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port, in partnership with the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company, was completed at a cost of SAR 1 billion, doubling the terminal’s area to 1.5 million square meters and increasing its capacity to 6.2 million TEUs.
To enhance maritime connectivity and facilitate the flow of national exports and imports, MAWANI introduced 34 new shipping services linking Saudi ports with key global destinations. Partnerships with international ports and organizations, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, Lloyd’s Register, and the Port of Hamburg, further strengthened operational efficiency and supported the development of human capital.
In addition to infrastructure advancements, MAWANI launched the Port Community System, offering over 250 e-services to enhance port operations. Jeddah Islamic Port also gained global recognition by being listed on the London Metal Exchange.
Saudi Arabia successfully secured hosting rights for the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026, further cementing its position on the global logistics map. MAWANI concluded the year with eight prestigious local, regional, and global awards, reflecting its leadership in logistics and port operations. These achievements demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a premier global logistics hub.
