Saudi Arabia Launches New Red Sea Shipping Route Connecting Jeddah, Salalah and Djibouti

Saudi Arabia has launched a new cargo shipping service linking Jeddah Islamic Port with the Port of Salalah in Oman and the Port of Djibouti, as the Kingdom continues expanding its regional maritime and logistics network under Vision 2030.

The new service, introduced by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), is designed to strengthen trade connectivity across the Red Sea and Gulf region while supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing import and export activity.

According to Saudi state media, the route will operate with a carrying capacity of up to 1,730 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), enhancing cargo movement between the Arabian Gulf, East Africa and regional markets.

The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a major global logistics and transportation hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe through integrated maritime corridors and modern port infrastructure.

The Kingdom has intensified investment in ports and logistics projects in recent years as Gulf countries compete to strengthen their role in international trade and supply-chain networks.

Earlier, Mawani also launched the “Red Sea Express” cargo service through King Fahd Industrial Port, connecting Saudi Arabia with Egypt’s Ain Sokhna Port and Aqaba Port in Jordan to improve regional shipping efficiency and trade flows.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme continues to prioritise logistics, transport and maritime development as key pillars of economic diversification and non-oil growth.