JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed seven agreements worth nearly SR1 billion ($267 million) with local and international companies to establish and expand logistics centres at Jeddah Islamic Port and the Al-Khumra Logistics Zone.
The agreements are aimed at enhancing logistics infrastructure along the Kingdom’s western coast, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global trade and logistics hub under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030.
The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Logistics and Mawani Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser, Mawani President Sulaiman Al-Mazrou and other senior officials, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Al-Jasser said the projects reflected the Kingdom’s continued commitment to developing its transport and logistics sector, adding that the new facilities would enhance the capabilities of Jeddah Islamic Port and Al-Khumra Logistics Zone.
He said the initiatives would improve cargo-handling efficiency, support commercial activities and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a major regional and international trade gateway on the Red Sea.
The minister added that the agreements would encourage increased private-sector participation by providing advanced logistics infrastructure and creating new opportunities for businesses operating in the Kingdom.
Mawani President Sulaiman Al-Mazrou described the projects as a key milestone in the authority’s port development programme, saying they would increase operational capacity, improve readiness and support the localisation of logistics services and related industries.
He noted that Saudi ports were increasingly transforming from traditional transit points into investment and economic centres that contribute significantly to regional and global trade.
Total number of logistics centres at Saudi ports has risen to 34
With the latest agreements, the total number of logistics centres at Saudi ports has risen to 34, including 17 facilities at Jeddah Islamic Port. The cumulative investment in these centres has now exceeded SR14 billion.
The newly announced logistics centres will cover more than 384,000 square metres and will provide facilities for storage, assembly and re-export operations.
Mawani said the projects are expected to generate more than 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting integrated logistics services and strengthening domestic and international supply chains.
The new facilities will feature modern cargo-handling infrastructure and digital logistics platforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, accelerating distribution networks and supporting the expansion of local and global companies in Saudi Arabia.
Among the projects is the expansion of Maersk’s logistics centre at Jeddah Islamic Port, which will add 60,000 square metres of container and storage yards through an investment of SR40 million.
The expansion is expected to enhance logistics solutions for importers and exporters and improve cargo management capabilities at the port.
The latest investment drive underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop world-class logistics infrastructure and establish the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
