Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service Connecting Saudi Arabia, Syria

Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service Connecting Saudi Arabia, Syria
TT
20

Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service Connecting Saudi Arabia, Syria

Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service Connecting Saudi Arabia, Syria

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the new "EXS6" shipping service, operated by Caerus, to Jeddah Islamic Port. This direct shipping route strengthens maritime connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Syria and further integrates the Kingdom into the global trade network, SPA reported.
The initiative aligns with Mawani's efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia's global maritime connectivity index ranking, improve operational efficiency at the country's ports, and reinforce trade links with international markets.

It is also a key component of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistic hub bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The new shipping service establishes a direct link between Jeddah Islamic Port, Iskenderun Port in Turkiye, and Latakia Port in Syria, with a capacity of 858 standard containers. This expansion is expected to boost trade, support exports and imports, and enhance the competitiveness of Jeddah Islamic Port at regional and international levels.
Strategic partnerships between Mawani and leading global shipping lines continue to drive the development of Saudi Arabia's ports, strengthening their competitiveness, expanding maritime transport routes, and improving logistical and operational services.



Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.