Saudi Arabia Asks Shipping Agents to Expedite Container Retrieval at Dammam Port

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port succeeded in handling 289,787 standard containers during March (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port succeeded in handling 289,787 standard containers during March (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia Asks Shipping Agents to Expedite Container Retrieval at Dammam Port

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port succeeded in handling 289,787 standard containers during March (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port succeeded in handling 289,787 standard containers during March (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has told shipping agents and storage lessees at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam to quickly pick up imported containers after customs clearance.

This comes after Mawani noticed delays at the port. They want containers and cargo collected promptly to avoid operational issues and ensure swift delivery to recipients.

Mawani announced on Sunday that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam broke its own record by handling 289,787 standard containers in March.

This reflects the port’s ability to support trade and strengthen import and export supply chains to and from Saudi Arabia.

With 43 fully equipped quaysides and a capacity of up to 105 million tons of goods and containers, the port has advanced operational capabilities.

It also has specialized terminals, modern facilities, and equipment to handle various types of cargo, in line with the national transport and logistics strategy. This reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

To stay competitive, the port has established four integrated logistics zones, with investments exceeding SAR 1.2 billion ($320 million), in partnership with major international and national companies.

The port has added 12 new shipping services over the past year and 5 more since the beginning of 2024. This boosts services for importers, exporters, and shipping agents.

In a recent report, Saudi Arabia scored 248 points in the Maritime Network Connectivity Index, reflecting smooth goods flow and strong supply chains.

Mawani has launched 31 new shipping services with major global lines in the past year, and seven more since 2024 began.

They’ve also set up nine integrated logistics zones with investments over SAR 6 billion.

They’re also developing port infrastructure, investing SAR 7 billion in container terminals at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and SAR 1 billion in the northern part of Jeddah Islamic Port.

This aligns with the national transport and logistics strategy, cementing the Kingdom’s global logistics hub status.



Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month
TT

Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi's MAIR Group to List in Abu Dhabi Next Month

Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group, an investment firm active in sectors including food retail and commercial real estate, said on Thursday it would list on the local bourse next month.

The company, which operates over 100 stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the ADCOOP and SPAR brands, said in a statement the listing on the Abu Dhabi securities exchange (ADX) would take place on Dec. 9.

It did not disclose the amount of stock shareholders and employees plan to sell through the so-called direct listing, which takes place when a company offers shares to the public without going through a bank-backed initial public offering, Reuters reported.

As MAIR prepares to list "we are ready to amplify our impact, strengthen our foundations, and invite stakeholders to join our journey," Managing Director and CEO Nehayan Al Ameri said.

MAIR, which also manages more than 12 shopping centers through its commercial real estate division, booked revenues of 1.2 billion dirhams ($326.7 million) in the first half of 2024.

Last year, it distributed 135 million dirhams in dividends, equal to 12.11% of the share capital, to its over 12,000 shareholders.