In a signal of Saudi Arabia’s growing role in regional trade, the nation’s ports recorded a 13% year-over-year increase in container traffic during May 2025. According to data released by Mawani, the Saudi Ports Authority, terminals across the Kingdom processed 720,684 TEUs—marking a new monthly benchmark.The rise isn’t accidental. It reflects broader changes in Gulf shipping patterns, fueled by investment in infrastructure and a push to make Saudi Arabia a top-tier logistics hub.“Trade isn’t just passing through Saudi ports anymore—it’s flowing through them by design,” said Sami Al-Harbi, an independent logistics analyst based in Riyadh. “This growth shows what happens when port operations are modernized and policy aligns with economic ambition.”Over the past two years, the Kingdom has po...