Apart from reflecting the scale of development in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics sectors, the project will see King Abdulaziz Port strengthen its position as a global logistics hub. The event also saw MSC name one of its international vessels after Saudi Arabia. The facility is known for its advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics facilities, which attract major international companies. It includes 43 fully equipped berths and has an annual handling capacity of up to 105 million tonnes of cargo and containers.

The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the company’s operations in the Kingdom, marking a journey of achievements and strategic partnerships in maritime transport and logistics that have supported the national transport system.

The inauguration, attended by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority Saleh Al-Jasser, featured Al-Jasser reflecting on the sector’s significant progress, which reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.

Hailing the achievement, Al-Jasser said the integrated logistics centre represents a qualitative transformation in the transport and logistics sector, firmly placing Saudi ports among leading regional and international gateways.

The integrated logistics centre will provide advanced and smart logistics services, enhancing the port’s handling capacity while boosting regional and global competitiveness by supporting trade flows and strengthening the Kingdom’s logistics standing.

Al-Jasser added that MSC’s naming of a vessel after the Kingdom, along with the logistics centre’s launch, symbolises a long-standing strategic partnership, reflecting global investor confidence in the Saudi business environment, and demonstrating the Kingdom’s growing international presence in maritime logistics.

Suliman Al-Mazroua, president of the Saudi Ports Authority, said MSC’s vessel naming underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in global supply chains. He added that the logistics centre supports Mawani’s strategy to develop advanced infrastructure aligned with the “National Transport and Logistics Strategy” and “Saudi Vision 2030,” strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a logistics platform linking three continents.

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The Dammam Integrated Logistics Zone represents an investment of up to SAR 1.3 billion (USD 346 million), while offering features like modular warehousing, cold chain and vehicle storage, re-export and light manufacturing zones, dedicated areas for petrochemical products, e-commerce storage, and container handling.

“Linked directly to SGP Container Terminals, SGP Multipurpose Terminals and SGP Intermodal (the Riyadh Dry Port Ecosystem), the zone aims to provide an integrated trade solution connecting sea, land, and industrial logistics for domestic and international customers,” reported Port Technology International.

The Eastern Province Governor also inaugurated the newly completed expansion works at the port’s Second Container Terminal, which increased its capacity from 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) to 3.8 million TEUs. The SAR 1.5 billion (USD 400 million) project also extended Berth 44 by 225 metres, raising the total quay length to 925 metres and enabling the terminal to accommodate two ultra-large vessels simultaneously.

“The two projects, representing total private-sector investments exceeding SAR 2.8 billion (USD 747 million), are expected to boost throughput capacity, improve service quality and increase integration between King Abdulaziz Port and the Riyadh Dry Port through smoother sea-rail cargo transfers,” the Mawani statement said.

Eng. Abdullah Al Zamil, Chairman of the Board of SGP, during the occasion, said, “The expansion of Terminal 2 and launch of SGP Freezones reflects SGP’s commitment to be future-ready and deliver the world-class infrastructure that strengthens the Kingdom’s logistics competitiveness. As one of the national champions for ports and logistics, SGP is proud to help position the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub and a true gateway to growth, in alignment with Vision 2030.”

“The inauguration of Terminal 2 and the groundbreaking of the Dammam Integrated Logistics Zone represent more than the physical expansion of infrastructure. They reflect our belief in Saudi Arabia’s trade potential and our commitment to meeting the growing demand. At SGP, we are creating a connected port ecosystem that will drive efficiency, capacity, and sustainable growth for years to come. We extend our sincere appreciation to Mawani and the other key government partners for their continued support and shared dedication to promoting trade diversification, job creation, and supply chain resilience throughout the Kingdom,” SGP CEO Rob Harrison noted.

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A Syrian Air aircraft departed King Fahd International Airport in Dammam for Damascus on March 19, marking the return of flights between the two cities after a 13-year break.

Syrian Air resumed operations at Saudi airports in 2024, and the morning flight is an addition to the direct service from the Kingdom’s three major cities to Syria.

When Bashar Assad’s crackdown on anti-government protesters at the beginning of the country’s civil war caused Riyadh to cut off relations with Damascus in 2012, passenger flights between the two nations were suspended.

In May 2024, services between Syria and the Kingdom temporarily resumed for pilgrims taking part in the yearly Hajj. Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel was appointed Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Syria a few days prior to the first group of 270 Syrian travellers arriving in Jeddah on May 28.

Amid improving relations, commercial flights between Saudi Arabia and Syria resumed in July 2024 after a 12-year ban. When a Syrian Air plane carrying 170 passengers from Damascus touched down in Riyadh, regular operations resumed. The reopening of flights between Damascus and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in November came next.

After arriving in Riyadh in January 2024, Syria’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Mohammed Ayman Soussan, stated that the two nations had decided to run a weekly round-trip flight between the two capitals. In April 2023, Saudi Arabia and Syria decided to resume consular services after the diplomatic lapse, and in May 2023, full relations were restored.

In January 2025, international flights started operating again at Damascus International Airport for the first time since President Bashar Assad was overthrown at the beginning of the year.

Since the overthrow of the previous president, Saudi Arabia has sent relief aircraft to Syria in an effort to help with the ongoing crisis. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, also known as KSrelief, has coordinated these humanitarian efforts and provided the Syrian people with vital supplies, such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, to help them deal with their difficult situation.

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Mawani, the organisation that oversees the maritime offering, said it will link the port to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Klang in Malaysia, Surabaya and Jakarta in Indonesia, and Nhava Sheva in India.

According to a release, freight and logistics transportation company VASI Transportation Pte Ltd plans to launch a service, called IMS.

This action is consistent with the authority’s objective to strengthen its alliances with significant global transportation companies, assist the marine industry, and promote the growth of the national economy.

Additionally, it facilitates import and export traffic, which is in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s goal of solidifying the Kingdom’s standing as a transcontinental hub for logistics.

Additionally, it is a major step in strengthening the Dammam port’s role in improving its logistics and maritime transport services.

Regular weekly voyages, with a capacity of up to 1,800 twenty-foot equivalent units, will enable the announced linkages.

Comparably, the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam handled 235,820 TEUs in February 2024, setting a new record for monthly throughput.

This accomplishment is a result of its sophisticated equipment and extensive operating services, which allow it to handle a wide range of commodities with a capacity of around 105 million tons of cargo and containers.

The port began offering shipping services in October 2023 in an effort to improve ties with seven more international locations.

It was Mawani who introduced the India Gulf Express shipping service, run by the French container carrier CMA CGM.

The new service created a direct link between the port of Dammam and seven significant marine hubs, including the Indian cities of Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Mangalore.

The hubs also included Umm Qasr in Iraq, Jebel Ali and Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates, and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

At the time, the announcement added, “With a capacity surpassing 39,000 containers, the service featured four ships weekly, enhancing trade capacity, competitiveness, and connection of the King Abdulaziz Port.”

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