1. Port Overview
Dammam Port (King Abdulaziz Port) is located in Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, on the Persian Gulf. It is the largest port in Saudi Arabia and one of the most important in the Middle East. Dammam Port serves as the maritime hub for the petrochemical and manufacturing center of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, and is the main import gateway for the capital Riyadh (approximately 4 hours by rail). Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and China's largest trading partner in the region.
Dammam Port and Jeddah Port (Red Sea) form Saudi Arabia's two main gateways—Dammam covers the eastern and central markets, while Jeddah covers the western market. Bofeng Logistics has ample capacity on Middle East routes, with Dammam being one of its strengths.
2. Port Size and Facilities
Dammam Port is operated by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and features several modern container terminals, including one operated by Saudi Global Ports (SGP). The port has a water depth of 14–16 meters, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels. Its annual container throughput is approximately 4 million TEUs, with comprehensive supporting facilities including a large free trade zone and logistics park.
Dammam Port is connected to Riyadh and inland cities via the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) network. Containers arriving at the port can be directly loaded onto trains bound for Riyadh (approximately 4 hours).
3. Main Routes from China
| Port of Origin | Estimated Transit Time | Common Shipping Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou Port | 11–15 days | COSCO, MSC, CMA CGM |
| Shenzhen Port | 12–16 days | MAERSK, ONE |
| Shanghai Port | 13–17 days | COSCO, MSC |
Routes pass through the Malacca Strait → Indian Ocean → Persian Gulf.
4. China-Saudi Trade and Logistics Points
China is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 100 billion. Major imports from China include: construction materials (driven by Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" massive infrastructure needs), machinery, auto parts, chemicals, and consumer goods. Saudi Arabia exports large quantities of oil and petrochemical products to China.
Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" plan is accelerating infrastructure development, driving sustained growth in imports of construction materials and machinery.
Bofeng Logistics Experience Sharing: The following points should be noted for imports into Saudi Arabia: ① Electronic products require SASO certification (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization); ② Food products require SFDA registration; ③ Alcohol, pork products, and religiously sensitive items are strictly prohibited; ④ Saudi customs implements a destination inspection system (inspection upon arrival), so allow time for customs clearance. Dammam Port's operational efficiency is relatively high among Middle Eastern ports, but congestion is noticeable at the port before Ramadan.
5. Shipping Precautions
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Certification Requirements | Electronic products/toys require SASO certification; food products require SFDA registration; cosmetics require SFDA approval |
| Import Restrictions | Alcohol, pork products, and religiously sensitive items are strictly prohibited |
| Free Time | 5–7 days, relatively generous among Middle Eastern ports |
| Peak Season | The two months before Ramadan are the import peak, with freight rates increasing by 15–20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to choose between Dammam Port and Jeddah Port? A: If the destination is Riyadh or the eastern/central region of Saudi Arabia → choose Dammam Port (direct rail to Riyadh); if the destination is Jeddah/Mecca/Medina → choose Jeddah Port (Red Sea route). The two ports are about 1,350 km apart and can be connected by land transport.
Q: What is the Saudi "SABER" certification system? A: Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has implemented the SABER electronic certification system. All goods imported into Saudi Arabia must be registered on the SABER platform and obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (CoC). It is recommended to complete SABER certification through a third-party agency before shipment.
6. Bofeng Logistics Services
- Full Container Load (FCL): 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Regular consolidation from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Dammam
- Customs Brokerage: China export + Saudi import customs clearance advisory (including SASO/SABER certification advisory)
- Inland Distribution in Saudi Arabia: Dammam → Riyadh/Khobar/Jubail via rail/truck intermodal
📍 Feel free to contact us for real-time freight rates.
Related port: Dubai Port (frequent transshipment routes from Dubai to Dammam)