The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed contracts with several national and international companies to establish and expand seven logistics centers at the Islamic Port of Jeddah and Al-Khumrah area, with investments approaching one billion riyals, under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Chairman of the Authority’s Board of Directors, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and in the presence of the Authority’s President, Eng. Suleiman bin Khalid Al-Mazrou', and a number of officials.

This step comes within the Authority’s efforts to expand the network of logistics centers in pivotal locations on the western coast, aiming to raise the readiness of Saudi ports to accommodate the rapid growth in trade movement, support the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services said that the launch and expansion of these centers embody the continuous support and care that the transport system receives from the wise leadership, affirming that the development of the Islamic Port of Jeddah and Al-Khumrah area contributes to achieving the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which made the transport and logistics sector one of the main drivers of economic transformation, by raising the efficiency of supply chains and enhancing the Kingdom's role in the global economy.

He added that the signed contracts will support the empowerment of the private sector and provide advanced infrastructure that enhances the growth of commercial and logistics activities, thereby consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a global trade hub via the Red Sea and enhancing the role of its ports in serving regional and international trade.

For his part, the President of the Saudi Ports Authority explained that the establishment and expansion of these centers represent a strategic step within Mawani’s program to develop the port system and enhance its operational readiness, in line with the rapid growth in trade movement and meeting the aspirations of the private sector.

He pointed out that the new projects will raise the efficiency of services and the capacity of the ports, support the localization of industries and logistics services, provide a more reliable operational system, and contribute to diversifying commercial activities inside and outside the Kingdom.

He stressed that these projects reflect the transformation of Saudi ports from mere transit stations for goods into pillars of economic growth, drivers of investment, and main enablers of trade and logistics services, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness and supporting the sector’s targets.

With the signing of the new contracts, the number of logistics centers in Saudi ports rises to 34 logistics centers, including 17 centers at the Islamic Port of Jeddah, with total investments exceeding 14 billion riyals, as part of the continuous expansion to develop infrastructure supporting supply chains and keep pace with global trade growth.

The new centers cover an area exceeding 384,000 square meters designated for storage, consolidation, and re-export, supporting the creation of a smart logistics environment that offers diverse services and integrated solutions, in addition to providing more than 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, and enhancing commercial activities inside and outside the Kingdom.

These centers will also contribute to linking value chains through an integrated logistics system and storage complexes that connect ports and logistics centers, accelerating distribution processes, in addition to providing dedicated facilities for cargo services that support integration and supply chains at the national and regional levels.

The centers also provide integrated logistics solutions supported by digital platforms, helping national and international companies expand their businesses and reach a larger customer base, in addition to operational services that contribute to raising performance quality, accelerating commercial operations, and improving customer experience.

The projects also include the expansion of the logistics center of the global company Maersk at the Islamic Port of Jeddah, by establishing future containers and yards on an area of 60,000 square meters, with investments amounting to 40 million riyals, enhancing logistics services and providing more efficient operational solutions for importers and exporters.

Al-Khumrah area is distinguished by its connection to a highly efficient road network linking the Islamic Port of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz International Airport, in addition to its proximity to the land bridge route and the main roads in the Kingdom, enhancing its role as a pivot point for transport and services, and raising its ability to serve regional markets quickly and efficiently.