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Ayda Salem

Mawani Boosts Saudi Arabia's Position as Global Logistics Hub in 2024

Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) achieved significant progress in 2024, with Saudi Arabia ranking 15th globally in container handling, and key ports like Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and King Abdulaziz Port improving their global rankings.

Riyadh, January 13, 2025 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has achieved significant milestones throughout 2024, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global logistics hub. These accomplishments are in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious objectives outlined in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to further enhance the country’s infrastructure, connectivity, and competitiveness in international trade.


One of the standout achievements in 2024 was Saudi Arabia’s improved standing in global rankings for container handling. According to the latest data from Lloyd’s List, the Kingdom’s container handling capacity significantly advanced, with Saudi ports rising to 15th place globally. This marks a considerable improvement in the Kingdom's global maritime presence. Notably, three of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent ports—**Jeddah Islamic Port**, King Abdullah Port, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam—secured spots among the world’s top 100 ports. Jeddah Islamic Port saw the most remarkable improvement, climbing from 41st to 32nd in the global rankings. King Abdullah Port moved up from 71st to 70th, while King Abdulaziz Port advanced from 90th to 82nd. These advancements underscore the growing operational efficiency and international competitiveness of Saudi ports.


To further enhance the competitiveness and capacity of its ports, Mawani has been actively implementing and overseeing a series of strategic investment projects. In 2024, the Saudi Ports Authority signed a range of agreements, broke ground on new developments, and inaugurated key projects designed to foster growth in the Kingdom’s logistics sector. Among the most significant developments were the establishment of eight logistics zones and centers at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. These initiatives, which are expected to draw private-sector investments totaling approximately SAR 2.9 billion, are part of a broader plan to develop 18 logistics zones across Saudi Arabia with an estimated total investment of SAR 10 billion. One of the most noteworthy projects was the inauguration of Maersk’s largest global logistics investment, valued at SAR 1.3 billion and spanning 225,000 square meters at Jeddah Islamic Port. This massive investment aims to streamline and improve the port's logistics capabilities, further driving its competitiveness on the global stage.


Additionally, 2024 saw the completion of the northern expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port, a SAR 1 billion project undertaken in collaboration with the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company. This expansion increased the terminal’s area from 700,000 square meters to 1.5 million square meters, boosting its capacity from 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to an impressive 6.2 million TEUs. This expansion is pivotal in meeting the growing demands of global trade and positioning Saudi Arabia as a central logistics hub in the region.


In a bid to further improve Saudi Arabia's ranking in the Maritime Connectivity Index, Mawani introduced 34 new shipping services throughout 2024. These services connect Saudi ports with major international ports in both the East and West, facilitating the smoother flow of goods and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s trade connectivity. Mawani has also established numerous partnerships with international ports and key national entities, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and Lloyd’s Register, among others. These collaborations are aimed at improving operational efficiency, advancing logistics infrastructure, and developing human capital across the Kingdom’s port sector.


As part of its efforts to digitize port operations and improve efficiency, Mawani launched the Port Community System in 2024. This innovative system provides over 250 e-services across Saudi ports, streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s success in bidding to host the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026 is a testament to its growing influence in the global logistics sector.


Further reinforcing its international standing, Jeddah Islamic Port was officially listed on the London Metal Exchange (LME), marking a major milestone for the Kingdom’s ports in terms of global recognition and trade capabilities. By the end of 2024, Mawani’s efforts were recognized with eight local, regional, and global awards from esteemed organizations specializing in logistics and port operations, reflecting the significant progress made in Saudi Arabia’s port sector.


These achievements are not only a testament to the forward-thinking leadership of Mawani but also reflect the broader vision of Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global logistics powerhouse. As the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and innovation, these milestones serve as key indicators of the immense potential for Saudi Arabia to further integrate into the global supply chain and enhance its competitiveness on the world stage.

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