The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) made remarkable strides in 2024, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. These developments included significant improvements in international rankings for Saudi ports and the initiation of major investment projects, all in line with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Improved global rankings of Saudi Ports
In 2024, Saudi Arabia saw a substantial enhancement in its global ranking for container handling, as highlighted by Lloyd’s List. The Kingdom now ranks 15th globally, with three of its ports making the list of the top 100 worldwide. Notably, Jeddah Islamic Port surged from 41st to 32nd place, King Abdullah Port moved up from 71st to 70th, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam improved its position from 90th to 82nd. These advancements are pivotal in reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a leading logistics hub.
Strategic developments and investment projects
To boost the competitiveness of its ports, Mawani has been proactive in signing agreements, initiating construction, and launching projects aimed at establishing eight logistics zones and centers at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. These private-sector investments, amounting to approximately SAR2.9 billion, are part of a larger strategy that encompasses SAR10 billion for the development of 18 logistics zones throughout the Kingdom. A highlight of this effort is Maersk’s largest global logistics investment, valued at SAR1.3 billion, which covers an area of 225,000 square meters at Jeddah Islamic Port. Moreover, the northern expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port was successfully completed in 2024, in collaboration with the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company. This SAR1 billion project expanded the terminal from 700,000 square meters to 1.5 million square meters, thus increasing its capacity from 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to an impressive 6.2 million TEUs.
Enhancing maritime connectivity
To promote Saudi Arabia’s standing in the Maritime Connectivity Index and facilitate the flow of national exports and imports, the Saudi Ports Authority introduced 34 new shipping services that connect Saudi ports with significant ports in the East and West. Additionally, Mawani forged multiple agreements with international ports and national entities, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the Saudi Logistics Academy, Lloyd’s Register, Pacific International Lines, Port of Hamburg, Hamburg Port Consulting, Reviva, and the Port of Marseille Fos. These collaborations aim to develop human capital and improve operational efficiency, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global logistics hub.
Innovative initiatives and global recognition
In its pursuit of establishing Saudi Arabia as a prominent player on the global logistics map, the Saudi Ports Authority launched the Port Community System, offering over 250 e-services across its ports. The Kingdom also celebrated its successful bid to host the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026. Furthermore, Jeddah Islamic Port was listed on the London Metal Exchange (LME), a testament to its growing importance in global trade. Mawani wrapped up 2024 with significant international accolades, receiving eight local, regional, and global awards from esteemed organizations specializing in logistics and port operations, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leading logistics hub.