Madinah - The 40th edition of the Economic Bulletin issued by the Al Madinah Al Munawarah Chamber highlights Madinah Region as a strategic hub for maritime transport and supply chains, benefiting from its prime location on the Red Sea coast and its key role in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics network, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global logistics center.

The bulletin noted that Madinah Region hosts two major ports in Yanbu Governorate: King Fahd Industrial Port and Yanbu Commercial Port.

The ports are a key pillar of the Kingdom’s import and export operations, particularly for petrochemicals and heavy industrial materials, strengthening the region’s role in both national and international supply chains.

The bulletin reviewed maritime transport statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) for 2024, showing that total cargo handled through the Kingdom’s ports reached 331 million tons.

Exports accounted for 222.4 million tons, achieving a 9.3% annual growth, while imports totaled 108.9 million tons, marking a 3.6% increase compared to 2023.

The bulletin indicated that King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu alone accounted for 51% of total exports, handling 114 million tons, highlighting Madinah Region’s pivotal role in the Kingdom’s supply chains.

Overall, cargo throughput across Saudi ports exceeded 334 million tons, with King Fahd Industrial Port leading in volume at 133 million tons, representing 39.7% of total cargo handled.

The bulletin also indicated that this exceptional performance positions Madinah Region at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s logistics transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, opening promising investment opportunities for international distribution centers, ship refueling stations, and export and re-export warehouses, while supporting local manufacturing through the integration of production, export, and distribution operations.