Mawani: Shipping Service 'GALEX' Added to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam

Mawani has announced that Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has introduced a new shipping service named "GALEX" to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. (SPA)
Mawani has announced that Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has introduced a new shipping service named "GALEX" to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. (SPA)
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Mawani: Shipping Service 'GALEX' Added to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam

Mawani has announced that Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has introduced a new shipping service named "GALEX" to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. (SPA)
Mawani has announced that Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has introduced a new shipping service named "GALEX" to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. (SPA)

The Saudi Ports Authority, known as "Mawani," has announced that Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has introduced a new shipping service named "GALEX" to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
This service strengthens maritime connections between Saudi Arabia and East Asia, affirming the port's operational efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
This development underscores the accomplishments of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, showcasing advanced operational standards and robust logistical capabilities.
These attributes attract large vessels and major global shipping lines, aligning with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) to position the Kingdom as a pivotal global logistics hub spanning three continents.
The new shipping service will link King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam to eight regional and international ports, including Shanghai, Xiamen, Dachan Bay, and Qingdao in China; Busan in Korea; Klang in Malaysia; Sohar in Oman; and Khorfakkan in the UAE.
It will operate weekly trips with a capacity of up to 3,000 TEUs. Notably, the partnerships established by Mawani with major global shipping lines contribute to the development of the kingdom’s ports, enhancing competitiveness, infrastructure, maritime transport routes, and operational efficiency.



Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
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Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)

Recent data from Qatar Tourism reveals that the country achieved record-breaking figures in its tourism sector in 2024, with total tourism revenues reaching QAR 40 billion ($10.7 billion). Visitor numbers soared to nearly 5 million, reflecting a 25% increase compared to 2023.

The data shows that Qatar’s tourism industry experienced a 38% rise in total spending compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector marked a historic achievement by recording 10 million hotel nights for the first time ever, with projections of an additional 35,000 nights by year-end.

Qatar Tourism also noted its organization of over 100 business events, 120 entertainment activities, and 80 sports events in 2024. Key highlights included hosting the AFC Asian Cup, the Qatar Grand Prix for Formula 1, and a thriving 2024–2025 cruise season, all of which drew substantial visitor interest.

GCC nationals accounted for 41% of the total visitors, with the remaining visitors coming from a variety of international markets. Saudi Arabia topped the list of source countries, followed by India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

Regarding modes of entry, 56% of visitors arrived by air, 37% by land, and 7% by sea, highlighting ongoing enhancements in access and connectivity.

Saad Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, stated that exceeding the milestone of 5 million visitors underscores the success of the country’s tourism strategy.

“This 25% annual growth reflects our dedication to advancing the tourism sector and achieving our ambitious targets of doubling visitor numbers and increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030,” he said.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, attributed these achievements to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

“We have cemented Qatar’s position as a global leader through hosting major international events and launching innovative initiatives. We look forward to a promising future for our tourism sector,” he said.