JEDDAH: The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) on Monday announced the launch of the first direct shipping line connection UAE’s Jebel Ali Port with Egypt’s Sokhna Port through Jeddah Islamic Port. The project has been carried out in partnership with DP World. The new shipping line in the fourth one launched by Mawani in 2020 and it will help increase the connectivity of Saudi Ports with their regional and global counterparts. Under the agreement, DP World will upgrade the Jeddah Islamic Port, including major infrastructure and superstructure development to enable to port to adopt best global practices and introduce high-tech digital solutions to serve its customers. Mawani President Saab Al-Khalb said: “We continue to build and further enhance our strategic partnerships in the industry to bring forth new services and deploy new solutions in the Saudi ports sector. “It will also help strengthen the port’s position as the regional port for vessels passing through the Red Sea trade route.” “The shipping line will directly benefit the Arab world’s three largest markets,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World group chairman and CEO.