King Abdulaziz Port Dammam

King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (KAFD) is the largest port in the Persian Gulf and the third largest and third busiest port in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is located in the city of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

KAFD is a major export center for the oil industry, and also a key distribution center for major landlocked cities in the country, particularly the capital cities of provinces, such as Riyadh which is linked to Dammam by a railway line. The port is also a major transit point for goods being shipped to and from the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and Europe.

Total area

KAFD has a total area of over 19,000 hectares and can accommodate vessels of up to 200,000 deadweight tons (DWT). The port has 31 conventional berths with a total length of 6,362 meters, four container berths with a total length of 2,380 meters, and four grain silo berths with a total length of 660 meters.

Specialized facilities of King Abdulaziz Port Dammam

• A refrigerated cargo terminal.
• Two general cargo terminals.
• Shared container and bulk grain terminal.
• 95-meter (310-foot) tower.
  Special stations that handle containers, bulk cereals, and cold and frozen foods.
• Fully equipped 13.5-hectare ship repair complex with two ship repair and maintenance docks.
• An advanced training centre.

Saudi Ports Authority

KAFD is operated by the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI). The port handles a wide variety of cargo, including oil, grain, containers, and general cargo. In 2021, KAFD handled over 100 million tons of cargo, making it one of the busiest ports in the world.

KAFD is a key node on the Maritime Silk Road, a trade route that connects China with Europe and Africa. The port is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing trade between China and the Middle East. In 2019, China became Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, and KAFD is expected to play a major role in facilitating this trade.

King Abdulaziz Port Dammam’s Future

KAFD is undergoing a major expansion project that will increase its capacity to handle up to 200 million tons of cargo per year. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2025.

KAFD is also developing a number of new initiatives to further its position as a leading global port. These initiatives include:

• The development of a free trade zone.
• The construction of a new airport.
• The development of a new logistics park.

KAFD is well-positioned to become a major global hub for trade and commerce. The port’s strategic location, extensive facilities, and ambitious plans for the future make it a key player in the global economy.