Overview
King Abdulaziz Port lies on the Arabian Gulf in Dammam. It’s Saudi Arabia’s largest port in the Gulf and the third busiest in the MENA region. The port supports vital trade and logistics activities as it connects the Eastern Province to global markets.
Facilities of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam
Berths and Terminals
The port features around 43 berths, including container terminals, grain silos, and bulk cargo docks. It handles diverse cargo—from refrigerated goods to oil and petrochemicals.
Container Handling
Two main terminals manage container traffic: one by International Port Services and the other by Saudi Global Ports. Together, they process millions of TEUs annually.
Cold Storage & Warehouses
A.P. Moller–Maersk opened a 13 300 m² refrigerated facility in 2023, offering 168 000 pallet spaces. The port also includes 22 thermal-insulated warehouses, six of which are climate-controlled.
Ship Repair & Marine Services
Within the port is a marine complex housing two floating docks and drydocks, operated by Zamil Offshore Services and Al Balaghah Holding. This makes it a one-stop destination for ship repair.
Key Role of King Abdulaziz Port
National and Regional Trade Hub
The port handles over 100 million tons of cargo yearly and connects Dammam to Riyadh via rail. It’s a key distribution point for food, construction materials, and oil exports.
Infrastructure & Expansion
As part of a SR7 billion investment, the port added new quay and gantry cranes in 2024, increasing handling capacity by 9.7 percent. Expansion projects aim to boost annual capacity to 200 million tons by 2025.
Global Connectivity
The port is part of the Maritime Silk Road and hosts weekly shipping services, including links to China, South Asia, and Africa. New MSC and Maersk routes started in 2022–24, enhancing its international reach.
Dammam Port in the Bigger Picture
Logistics and Efficiency
Port clearance times average just 24 hours, making it one of the fastest in the region. This efficiency boosts Saudi Arabia’s appeal for global logistics players.
Economic Diversification
By supporting food, petrochemical, and industrial goods, the port aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy beyond oil.
Workforce and Innovation
Port leaders are investing in local talent, including training Saudis to operate new cranes and smart systems. This builds skilled human capital for the future.
King Abdulaziz Port is much more than a maritime gateway—it’s a powerful engine of trade and progress. With world-class facilities, rapid expansion, and smart infrastructure, it strengthens Saudi Arabia’s strategic position in global logistics. Its success plays a pivotal role in building the modern economy envisioned under Vision 2030.
