Saudi Arabia’s ports handle over 5.2mln containers through August 2026

Saudi Arabia's ports processed more than 5.2 million containers during the first eight months of 2026, as the country bolstered its maritime fleet and enhanced transport connections to facilitate regional and global trade. Fawaz Al-Sahli, President of the Transport General Authority (TGA), revealed at the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress that the Saudi-flagged maritime fleet had expanded by 5 percent this year, alongside a 24 percent rise in the number and efficiency of Saudi seafarers and maritime personnel.

He emphasized that the Kingdom's strategic ports along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, coupled with integrated land, maritime, and rail transport networks, were crucial in keeping goods moving despite shifting regional trade dynamics. The seamless integration of various transport modes has provided alternate routes for cargo transportation across Gulf nations, thereby supporting the resilience of regional and international supply chains, according to Al-Sahli.

He reiterated that Saudi Arabia's National Transport Strategy objectives would remain steadfast until 2030, with operational modifications being implemented to tackle emerging challenges.