How King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is Powering Saudi Arabia’s Economic Growth

As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam plays a pivotal role in driving the nation’s maritime development.

Strategically located along the Arabian Gulf coast in the Eastern Province, Dammam serves as a critical gateway for international trade and investment. This port has become essential in Saudi Arabia's economic landscape and its growing importance in global trade.

Mr. Hisham AlAnsari, CEO of MSC, highlights Dammam Port's connectivity. “Dammam is the eastern gateway of Saudi Arabia,” he states. “The link to Riyadh is crucial, making Dammam the natural gateway to the capital.”

This connectivity also benefits the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, making Dammam a key entry point for neighbouring Gulf countries. With integrated logistics facilities, the port is well-equipped to meet the demands of emerging markets and enhance regional cooperation.

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AlAnsari further emphasises Dammam’s strategic advantage for both domestic and international trade. “We serve Saudi Arabia’s largest ecosystems in shipping and transportation,” he says.

With road and rail networks connecting Dammam to major industrial hubs like Riyadh, Jubail, and Ras Al Khair, the port is perfectly positioned to support cargo movements throughout the region and beyond. This infrastructure supports Dammam’s role as a key axis for trade integration within the GCC and across international borders.

The importance of King Abdulaziz Port extends beyond logistics. Andrew Williams, President of the Maritime Group for Informa Markets, underscores the strategic significance of Saudi Arabia in global trade routes.

“Saudi Arabia is ideally placed for trade, development, and ship repair,” Williams says. As Dammam evolves into a maritime hub, its role in global operations is expected to expand significantly.

Williams also highlights the valuable partnerships between the private sector and Saudi Arabia’s port authority, Mawani, which he describes as a fundamental partner in Dammam’s maritime growth. “Dammam is at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s maritime industry,” he adds.

Ports like Dammam are also driving innovation, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and digitisation. Mr Ian Edwards, CEO of DNV Maritime, emphasises how ports connect various elements of maritime operations.

“Ports are the nexus of ships, infrastructure, and energy,” he states. Edwards highlights that Dammam is well-positioned to lead in decarbonisation and digitisation efforts, which are key to the future of the maritime industry. “We are keen to collaborate with Mawani and other global ports to help the industry achieve its goals.”

The demand for maritime services in Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing. Mr Tahir Aldabbagh, Senior Vice President for Operations Services at International Maritime Industry (IMI), sees immense potential in the kingdom’s maritime sector. “There is a rising need for vessels, including oil tankers and bulk carriers,” Aldabbagh explains. He believes that Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a leading maritime nation is challenging but achievable with more collaboration and effort.

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