King Abdullah Port seeks to strengthen its contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing and consolidating the private sector’s role in the development, growth and diversification of the national economy.
According to an article recently published in the periodical “Port Strategy”, a British publication dedicated to the Marine Ports and Terminals businesses and provides a roundup of the latest news and studies directly to thousands of the sector’s global key decision makers, King Abdullah Port is playing a vital role in strengthening the Saudi shipping and cargo industry in a way that serves to complement other Saudi ports that are striving to meet the demands placed on them.
With King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) providing both industrial and business support, a string of technological and capacity-related advances and the port’s convenient connection to a developing transportation infrastructure, King Abdullah Port is likely to lead the way to a future that will see less dependence on oil as the port makes significant contributions to the goal of diversifying the Kingdom’s economy.
“Although world-class and privately funded, King Abdullah Port still regards itself as a partner with the Saudi Ports Authority, the government body that oversees port operations in the Kingdom”, commented Abdullah Hameedadin, managing director of the Ports Development Company, owner and developer of King Abdullah Port, mentioning that “our ultimate objective is to play a leading role alongside other ports in advancing the national economy.”
“Also, King Abdullah Port has had the advantage of being able to incorporate state-of-the-art technology since ground was first broken. From the most modern of cranes available to tugboats to a smart-gate security system to the Port Community System, King Abdullah Port has been able to outfit its operations with the newest and most efficient port technology available”, added Hameedadin.
King Abdullah Port has significantly upgraded its capabilities and currently is moving toward important achievements in terms of the port’s development in general and, in particular, the operations taking place. In 2015, the annual throughput in King Abdullah Port tripled, reaching 1.27 million TEU, while the annual handling capacity increased by 50 percent, reaching around 3 million TEU.
King Abdullah Port vital in boosting Saudi shipping industry, say experts
King Abdullah Port vital in boosting Saudi shipping industry, say experts
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
