Saudi ports represent platforms for development and play pivotal role in the import and export activities.

Saudi ports handled 194.8 million tons of nonoil commodities in 2013, with an increase of 3.75 percent over the figures of last year, local media said quoting a report released by Saudi Ports Authority (SPA).

Revenues of the SPA grew by 1.64 percent to reach SR4.09 billion in the year compared to figures of the previous year as operation costs hit SR770 million, the annual report said.
Meanwhile, Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) received 4.3 million tons of food items in April (2014) compared to 4.1 million tons in the same period last year, Al-Eqtisadiah daily said quoting sources in Jeddah.

Saudi Transport Minister and Board Chairman of SPA Jabara Al-Seraisry stated that Saudi ports, which are composed of nine industrial and commercial ports, are directly linked to business and developmental projects.

The role of Saudi ports is not limited to the provision of services to incoming and outgoing ships but they have also the strategic role in socioeconomic development in attracting investments, generating income and creating jobs for young Saudis, he added.

SPA President Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri stated that seaports are considered key facilities for all countries and represent platforms for development and play pivotal role in the import and export activities.

According to the SPA report, the number of employees reached 4,120 as the Saudization rate has registered a record of 99.08 percent. Some 1,188 employees have received inland and foreign training courses, the report said.