Zones designed to enhance operational efficiency and support trade at these key Saudi ports They will also ensure the continuity of supply chains RIYADH: Two new logistics zones, spanning 150,000 sq. meters, will be established at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam with a SR160 million ($42.6 million) investment. The zones, developed in partnership between the General Authority for Ports, known as Mawani, and Aljeri Logistics Services Co., are designed to enhance operational efficiency and support trade at these key Saudi ports, according to a statement. These logistics zones will also ensure the continuity of supply chains, aligning with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. This initiative reinforces Mawani’s commitment to improving port operations and strengthening the Kingdom’s connectivity with global markets, thereby supporting national exports. The new logistics zone in Dammam emphasizes Mawani’s focus on boosting the competitiveness of King Abdulaziz Port, which is equipped to handle various types and sizes of vessels, enhancing its standing in the global maritime transport and logistics sector. The establishment of these zones also extends Aljeri Logistics Services Co.’s 35-year history in the logistics sector, contributing to the enhancement of logistics services at the Kingdom’s ports, facilitating beneficiary needs, and supporting commercial activities with high operational capabilities. Earlier in August, Mawani introduced the Mediterranean Shipping Co.’s new ‘Clanga’ service at King Abdulaziz Port in the Eastern Province to strengthen ties with the Far East. The service connects Dammam with major ports in China, including Ningbo, Shanghai, and Shekou, as well as Singapore, operating weekly voyages with a capacity of up to 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent units. In June, Mawani launched a new shipping service linking Jeddah Islamic Port to four Chinese cities and one in Egypt, further enhancing the Kingdom’s connectivity with global markets. The CBS shipping service, operated by the Chinese shipping line NewNew Line, connects Jeddah Islamic Port with Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Damietta in Egypt, through regular weekly voyages with a capacity of up to 4,000 standard containers. These developments highlight Mawani’s efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, enhancing the Kingdom"s role in global trade and economic growth.