The ports overseen by the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani” recorded an increase in container throughput during January 2026, rising by 2.01% to reach 738,111 TEUs, compared to 723,571 TEUs in the same period of 2025. Transshipment containers also recorded an increase of 22.44% totaling 184,019 TEUs, compared to 150,295 TEUs last year. Imported containers decreased by 3.23% to reach 284,375 TEUs, compared to 293,855 TEUs in the same period last year, while exported containers declined by 3.47% to reach 269,717 TEUs, compared to 279,421 TEUs in the same period last year.
Passenger numbers increased by 42.27%, reaching 143,566 passengers, compared to 100,909 passengers last year. The number of vehicles also rose by 3.31% to reach 109,097 vehicles, compared to 105,601 vehicles last year. In addition, the ports received 886,908 cattle heads, marking an increase of 49.86% compared to 591,824 heads in the same period last year.
Total liquid bulk cargo recorded an increase of 0.28%, reaching 14,102,495 tons. Meanwhile, total cargo handled (general cargo, dry bulk cargo, and liquid bulk cargo) declined by 3.04%, reaching 19,205,650 tons, compared to 19,807,069 tons in the same period of 2025. General cargo reached 839,987 tons, while dry bulk cargo amounted to 4,263,168 tons. Maritime traffic decreased by 1.75%, reaching 1,121 vessels, compared to 1,141 vessels in the same period last year.
The increase in container throughput contributes to achieving several economic benefits, including boosting trade activity, stimulating industries and sectors related to maritime transport, supporting the growth of tourism, maritime activity and associated services, strengthening supply chains, and contributing to the Kingdom’s food security. This aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global logistics hub.
It is worth noting that the ports overseen by the Saudi Ports Authority recorded an increase of 10.58% in container throughput during 2025, reaching 8,317,235 TEUs, compared to 7,521,306 TEUs in 2024. Transshipment containers also increased by 11.78% totaling 1,927,348 TEUs, compared to 1,724,184 TEUs in the previous year.
