Saudi Arabia’s Port of NEOM is now open for business

n In line with NEOM’s strategy and the Saudi Ports Authority’s efforts to transform local ports into globally competitive logistics hubs, the management of the Duba Port was transferred from national maritime regulator Mawani, to NEOM in 2022, according to a corporate press communique.

Located in Oxagon, the home of advanced and clean industries in NEOM, the port, which is the primary seaport of entry to the northwest of Saudi Arabia, is renamed as Port of NEOM. Since the transfer, key capabilities have been expanded to match the rising volume of cargo coming into NEOM, including container and general cargo handling.

“The Port of NEOM will be pivotal to the continued commercial competitiveness, economic diversification and maritime trade ambitions of the Kingdom. Our vision is to build one of the world’s most technologically advanced, efficient and sustainable ports with the first fully integrated and automated supply chain and logistics network, and this first phase of development is a step towards realizing that,” affirmed Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO, NEOM.

Located on the Red Sea, at the crossroads of global trading routes, the port will be a critical enabler for NEOM and a catalyst for broader economic development in the region. The investments to date of over SAR 7.5bn (US$ 2bn) and the

Port’s intention to open the first advanced terminal in 2025 demonstrates its commitment to the vision.

“The Port of NEOM will be a critical enabler to the overall build, operations and economic ambitions of NEOM, from the import of goods and materials during the development phase and as a new global port serving the region,” stated Sean Kelly, Managing Director, Port of NEOM.

In addition, the port will see multiple ad-hoc vessel calls with consignments carrying materials and goods that support the ongoing development across NEOM, the press note concluded.