Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Discuss Investment in Hajj, Umrah

Pilgrims practice social distancing as they perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, October 3, 2020. Reuters
Pilgrims practice social distancing as they perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, October 3, 2020. Reuters
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Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Discuss Investment in Hajj, Umrah

Pilgrims practice social distancing as they perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, October 3, 2020. Reuters
Pilgrims practice social distancing as they perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, October 3, 2020. Reuters

An Indonesian delegation met on Tuesday with a number of Saudi businessmen and investors to discuss available investment opportunities in the Hajj and Umrah sector in the Kingdom.

Joko Asmoro, chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Association for Hajj and Umrah, said that pilgrims from his country would arrive successively after the re-opening of holy sites for the Umrah, following a seven-month closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vice Chairman of the Chamber Marwan Shaban said the Indonesian delegation was interested in exploring investment opportunities that would include hotels, the import of Saudi dates and trade exchange in various Indonesian products.

Mazen Darar, member of the Makkah Chamber, said that means of cooperation and available investment opportunities were discussed during the meeting. He added that the two sides agreed on an expanded agenda and the organization of future workshops that would include a large number of investors from both sides.

Dr. Houriya al-Islami, member of the Indonesian Hajj Fund Management Agency in Indonesia, said that around one million Indonesians perform the Umrah annually, while 230,000 pilgrims perform the Holy Hajj.

“This encourages us to launch investments in this field,” she said.



MAWANI Expands Jeddah Port’s Reach with FEM1 Shipping Service

MAWANI Expands Jeddah Port’s Reach with FEM1 Shipping Service
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MAWANI Expands Jeddah Port’s Reach with FEM1 Shipping Service

MAWANI Expands Jeddah Port’s Reach with FEM1 Shipping Service

The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), in partnership with CStar Shipping Company and United Global Logistics (UGL), has announced the addition of the new shipping service FEM1 to the Jeddah Islamic Port to enhance the movement of exports and imports in line with MAWANI’s vision of reliable, efficient, and sustainable port operations.
This expansion is part of MAWANI’s ongoing efforts to improve the maritime navigation network connectivity index with global shipping lines, according to SPA.

By enhancing port competitiveness and increasing connections to ports in the East and West, MAWANI is contributing to the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services that aims to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub and a bridge between three continents.
The new shipping service connects Jeddah Islamic Port with key ports in China, Malaysia, and Türkiye, including Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Kelang, and Istanbul. With a capacity of 2,758 standard containers, the addition of FEM1 further strengthens Jeddah Islamic Port's pivotal role as a gateway to Europe, Asia, and Africa. This strategic location offers a competitive advantage for exporters, importers, and shipping agents, making it the first port on the Red Sea coast for transit maritime trade as well as container and cargo transportation.