Saudi Arabia, the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, is strategically located in global trade. With vast coastlines along the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east, the country has established itself as a hub for marine transportation. Its geographical advantage allows it to connect major global trade routes, seamlessly linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The country’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly oil and petrochemicals, and the ports play a vital role in making this possible. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 has significantly propelled the importance of its ports, making them integral to the nation’s growth in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and commerce. These major ports in Saudi Arabia not only handle the bulk of the nation’s imports and exports but also act as gateways for regional trade and industrial development.

From the bustling operations of the largest port in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah Islamic Port, to specialized facilities like King Fahad Industrial Port, these maritime hubs are crucial in guaranteeing the smooth transportation of important goods. Advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art cargo protection measures, and a growing focus on technological advancements make Saudi Arabia’s ports competitive players on the global stage.

For businesses that are focusing on the country and relying on its ports, partnering with a trusted logistics company is crucial for success and growth. Such companies streamline supply chains, improve efficiency, and provide tailored solutions to meet diverse shipping needs. In this guide, we get into the top 10 ports in Saudi Arabia, exploring their unique features, capacities, and economic significance.

Jeddah Islamic Port

Jeddah Islamic Port, located on the Red Sea, is one of the important gateway for Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports. Its unique location which places it on international shipping routes connecting the East and the West makes it one of the most significant ports in the region. Jeddah, the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, thrives on the operations of this port.

The port handles over 65% of the Kingdom’s imports and is central to the country’s crude oil export. Equipped with 62 advanced berths and modern facilities, it can accommodate all types of cargo, including containers, bulk grain, and livestock. The port’s capacity of 130 million tonnes annually is an indicator of its importance as the largest port in Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia continues its push for technological advancements, Jeddah Islamic Port with its 5 terminals is on its roadmap to become a fully automated, world-class facility soon enough.

King Abdulaziz Port Dammam Port

King Abdulaziz Port, often called Dammam Port, is the biggest port on the Gulf Coast of Saudi Arabia and is situated on the Arabian Gulf. It is a vital hub for marine trade, acting as the main gateway to Riyadh, the capital city. The port is the second busiest in the region after Jeddah Islamic Port, making it indispensable for the Kingdom’s economy.

Bulk grain facilities, container terminals, and refrigerated terminals are among the specialized amenities at Dammam Port. Its self-sufficient infrastructure includes a residential complex, a commercial market, and advanced maritime training centers. For any leading logistics company, Dammam Port is a critical partner in managing supply chains for exports and imports across the Arabian Gulf.

King Fahad Industrial Port Yanbu

King Fahad Industrial Port Yanbu plays an integral role in Saudi Arabia’s oil export operations. Situated along major global trade routes such as the Suez Canal, this port is commonly preferred for transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, and petrochemicals to international markets.

With a capacity to handle 130 million tonnes annually and 34 specialized berths, this port caters primarily to the industrial sector. It imports machinery and equipment essential for the Kingdom’s industrial development while also guaranteeing efficient exportation of oil and petrochemical products.

King Fahad Industrial Port Jubail

Developed to support the Jubail Industrial City, King Fahad Industrial Port Jubail primarily focuses on importing raw materials and exporting industrial products. This port is a critical asset for Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector, allowing for the seamless movement of refined petroleum, fertilizers, and chemical gases such as butane and ethylene.

The port’s operations are designed to specifically focus on the needs of Jubail Industrial City, making it a key player in Saudi Arabia’s industrial and economic growth. Its capacity to handle diverse cargo types also helps to make smooth trading with regional and international markets possible.

Jubail Commercial Port

The Jubail Commercial Port is an important maritime hub in Saudi Arabia, located strategically to support the growing commercial needs of the Jubail Industrial City and the surrounding regions. It handles a diverse range of cargo, including general, container, and bulk cargo, making it an essential gateway for both regional and international trade. With its impressive handling capacity of over 1 million TEUs annually, the port contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economy by guaranteeing easy trade and logistics operations.

Situated approximately 80 kilometers north of Dammam, another major commercial city, the Jubail Commercial Port benefits from its proximity to key economic centers. It also serves as an important link to Riyadh, the capital city, allowing a smooth flow of goods across the nation. This location not only improves its role in supporting the Jubail Industrial City but also positions it as a vital alternative trade gateway within the Kingdom.

The port is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to efficiently manage its operations. The general cargo and bulk cargo terminals boast advanced equipment, including grain discharging systems with capacities ranging from 50 to 400 tonnes per hour. These modern facilities permit the port to handle substantial cargo volumes with remarkable efficiency and reliability, guaranteeing the smooth movement of goods for local and international stakeholders.

The container terminal at Jubail Commercial Port is equally well-developed, with berths capable of managing up to 36 million tonnes of cargo annually. Its smooth operations are supported by a well-organized terminal structure. The port is divided into three primary terminals: the container terminal with four berths, the general cargo terminal with eight berths, and the bulk cargo terminal with four berths. This segmentation allows for proper and easy handling of different types of cargo, reducing delays and optimizing turnaround times for vessels.

Gizan Port

Gizan Port, also known as Jizan Port, serves as a mid-sized facility on Saudi Arabia’s southern Red Sea coast. Its proximity to major ocean routes connecting Europe and Asia makes it an important destination for regional and international trade.

The port is equipped with modern infrastructure, capable of handling moderate volumes of containerized and bulk cargo. Its strategic location makes it a valuable asset for businesses looking to make the most of their marine transportation needs.

Ras al Mishab Port

Located on Saudi Arabia’s northeast coast, Ras al Mishab Port primarily serves the nearby military city of Al Batin. Even though its primary function is military logistics, the port is also equipped to handle containerized, bulk, and break-bulk cargo, contributing to the country’s trade and defense capabilities.

Ras al Ghar Port

Ras al Ghar Port is another facility on the northeast coast, primarily focusing on the smaller, regional shipments. Although it lacks the capacity for large-scale cargo handling, it plays an important role in making trade within the region possible and easier. Its infrastructure includes transport facilities and local support services, making it an important port for regional trade.

Ras Tanura Port

Located near Dammam, Ras Tanura Port is a mid-sized facility supporting regional trade and logistics. Its proximity to highways and airports ensures smooth connections for imports and exports. The port is capable of handling various types of cargo, including military goods, making it a versatile asset for Saudi Arabia’s trade infrastructure.

Dhuba Port

Dhuba Port, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is the closest port to the Suez Canal. This unique location provides vital connectivity to Europe and other international markets. The port is equipped to handle both passenger and cargo shipments, making it a versatile hub for trade and tourism.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s ports are integral to its position as a global trade leader. From Jeddah Islamic Port, the largest port in Saudi Arabia, to regional facilities like Ras al Ghar Port, these ports make it possible for the seamless movement of goods across continents. They play a critical role in supporting the Kingdom’s economy, from oil exports to industrial goods and general cargo.

For businesses that aim to tackle Saudi Arabia’s trade network, partnering with a reliable logistics company is essential. Companies like Codot Logistics specialize in optimizing supply chains and guaranteeing smooth freight operations. With expertise in marine transportation and cargo protection, we provide tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs. Explore Codot Logistics to learn more about how our services can assist your global trade operations.