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RIYADH: ��������’s ports saw robust growth in 2024, with exports climbing 9.3 percent to 222.4 million tonnes, pushing total cargo volumes to 334.5 million tonnes and reinforcing the Kingdom’s expanding role in global trade.

Data from the General Authority for Statistics showed that King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu led in exports, handling 114 million tonnes — or 51 percent of the total. Imports also rose 3.6 percent to 108.9 million tonnes last year.

The surge in cargo aligns with ��������’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

GASTAT’s report highlighted container activity, noting that more than 2.5 million inbound and outbound containers were handled in 2024, including 1.3 million outbound and over 1.2 million inbound units. Of these, 20-foot containers exceeded 1.3 million, while 40-foot containers surpassed 1.1 million, alongside roughly 1,400 containers of other sizes.

In terms of port throughput, Yanbu led with 39.8 percent, followed by King Fahad Industrial Port in Jubail at 19 percent. King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam accounted for 15.5 percent, Jeddah Islamic Port handled 14.1 percent, and the remaining 11.6 percent was distributed among other ports nationwide.

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam also received the largest share of imports, totaling 38 million tonnes (35 percent of inbound cargo), while Yanbu dominated exports with 114 million tonnes (51 percent of outbound shipments).

Liquid bulk cargo topped all categories, exceeding 177 million tonnes, underscoring the continued importance of oil and petrochemical trade. Transshipment cargo surpassed 21 million tonnes, including nearly 11 million tonnes loaded and 10.4 million tonnes unloaded — equivalent to around 2 million standard containers.

Vessel traffic remained strong, with 8,693 ships docking at Saudi ports. Jeddah Islamic Port received the highest volume at 3,805 vessels, followed by King Abdulaziz Port with 1,980, Neom Port with 951, and Yanbu with 554.

Passenger traffic, however, fell 19.6 percent from 2023, totaling 912,800 travelers. Jazan Port recorded the highest passenger activity at over 485,000, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 217,600 and Neom Port with 205,100.

Compiled using data from the Saudi Ports Authority and related entities, the annual maritime report provides valuable insights into the flow of goods, passengers, and vessels, offering a foundation for future transport sector planning and development.

JEDDAH: ��������’s Al-Baha region has unveiled SR89 million ($24 million) in industrial projects aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and developing its mining and small and medium enterprises sectors. 

Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of the southwestern region, inaugurated several infrastructure and utility projects at the First Industrial City in Al-Baha, part of efforts to strengthen the local industrial and investment environment. 

The launch was attended by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, who also chairs the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, along with its CEO Majed bin Raed Al-Argoubi, according to a statement. 

Al-Baha holds significant untapped mineral wealth, which �������� aims to explore as mining emerges as a key driver of economic diversification under Vision 2030. 

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources recently highlighted the region’s deposits of precious and base metals — including gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead — alongside industrial rocks and ornamental stones such as feldspar, marble, and pozzolan, estimating the value of these resources at SR285.4 billion. 

The newly launched projects include integrated service and logistics facilities in the industrial city, which “will help attract more quality investments, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to support regional development and empower the industrial sector,” the statement said. 

Multiple memorandums of understanding were also signed to promote investment, develop national competencies, and strengthen cooperation with academic and professional institutions, including the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. and Al-Baha University. 

“The agreements aim to enhance collaboration in training, exchanging experiences, qualifying graduates for employment in the industrial sector, and supporting small and medium enterprises through joint programs that contribute to both investment and industrial efficiency in the region,” the statement added. 

Prince Hussam said the projects underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the sector, attracting investment, creating youth employment, and boosting SMEs through collaboration with universities and educational institutions. 

Alkhorayef stressed that the industrial and mining sectors are vital for Vision 2030, contributing significantly to economic diversification. 

“He explained that the ministry seeks to extend its initiatives to all regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Baha, by enabling the local industrial environment and promoting unique industries that will enhance the region’s economic role,” the statement said. 

The ministry is collaborating with major companies on exploration, creating investment opportunities in mining and downstream industries, and encouraging investors to seize these prospects. 

By July, the region had granted 39 mining licenses, representing total investments of SR117 million. 

Al-Baha’s industrial base comprises 49 factories: 34 in building materials, nine in food production, five in plastics and rubber, with the remainder in chemicals, metals, and other sectors, according to ministry spokesperson Jarrah Al-Jarrah.