Saudi Arabia’s ports authority is seeking a partnership with the Suez Canal Authority to develop Jeddah port and other infrastructure projects. The announcement came after a meeting between MAWANI President Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua and SCA Chairperson Osama Rabiee on the sidelines of the International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (MARLOG). The officials discussed a broad framework for future cooperation in logistics services and maritime unit construction.
Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), stated on Sunday that his organization seeks collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) on ferry construction and the use of its specialized companies for dredging and quay works. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's plans to upgrade Jeddah port and implement several major infrastructure developments.
The announcement followed a meeting on the sidelines of the MARLOG conference, where the two sides discussed enhancing logistics services and building maritime units. Al-Mazroua confirmed that both Saudi ports and the Suez Canal are ready for the return of major shipping lines to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab once regional conditions stabilize. He praised the SCA’s efforts in maintaining global navigation stability in the region, noting that the cooperation reflects “the strength of bilateral relations and unity of goals” between the two countries.
SCA Chairperson Osama Rabiee expressed eagerness to expand the partnership with Saudi Arabia into new areas, pointing to the evolution of maritime and logistical services in Egypt and the increasing requirements of Saudi seaports. He highlighted the success of prior joint projects, including a modeling initiative for Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al-Khair port by the SCA’s Maritime Simulation and Training Academy, which prepared for doubling the port’s approach channel and earned high praise from Saudi officials.
Rabiee also outlined recent advances in localizing the maritime industry at Egyptian shipyards over the past two years under the “Made in Egypt” initiative, emphasizing the delivery of international quality at competitive prices. During the meeting, he invited the Saudi delegation to visit the Suez Canal pavilion at the International Maritime Exhibition (IME 2026) to explore the authority’s latest equipment and services.