Dhahran Expo
4344 Exhibition Rd, Al Saif, Dammam
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 2 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its maritime logistics sector as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to become a leading global logistics hub. Backed by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the Kingdom is expanding the capacity and capabilities of its ports, modernizing infrastructure, and integrating smart technologies. Flagship projects such as the upgrades at Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port, and the rise of King Abdullah Port reflect this shift, while new developments like Oxagon Port in NEOM signal the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in next-generation logistics. Through increased private-sector participation, strategic partnerships with global operators, and the rollout of digital platforms under the Smart Ports Initiative, Saudi Arabia is building a more efficient, connected, and sustainable maritime sector.
This session will explore how the Kingdom is leveraging its geographic advantage, regulatory reforms, and major investments to redefine its role in global trade and establish itself as a regional logistics powerhouse.
- Tarek Dajani - CEO, Jordan National Shipping Lines Co PLC
In Saudi Arabia, the Smart Ports Initiative, led by Mawani, is deploying AI, IoT, and blockchain to streamline port operations, reduce turnaround times, and enhance data-driven decision-making. Platforms such as FASAH and new Port Community Systems are enabling seamless integration between customs, terminal operators, and shipping lines—transforming how goods move through the Kingdom’s gateways. Major ports like Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port, and King Abdullah Port are increasingly adopting automated systems for terminal operations, vessel scheduling, and cargo tracking. Real-time visibility and smart infrastructure are now key differentiators, with private-sector operators like DP World and Hutchison Ports investing heavily in digital capabilities. Across the GCC, the UAE’s Maqta Gateway and CARGOES platforms are setting regional benchmarks for integrated port ecosystems.
As digital infrastructure expands, attention is turning to cybersecurity, data governance, and emerging technologies. AI and predictive analytics are being used to anticipate congestion and optimize logistics flows, while blockchain pilots are underway to secure trade documentation and customs processing. These innovations are crucial to building a resilient, transparent, and efficient maritime logistics sector. This session will explore how Saudi Arabia, and its regional peers are leveraging digital tools to modernize maritime logistics, the challenges they face in scaling these efforts, and what the future holds for smart trade in the GCC.
As the maritime industry embraces digitalisation, cyber threats have become a major concern, impacting ship operations, logistics, and global trade. To mitigate these risks, maritime companies must implement strong cybersecurity protocols, including crew training, multi-layered security defences, and real-time threat monitoring. From ransomware attacks crippling ports to phishing scams targeting crew members, vulnerabilities are increasing.
Through expert insights we'll uncover practical solutions, including AI-driven defence systems, secure access protocols, and advanced threat detection.
This session will deep dive into 3 highly specific themes:
1.Ransomware Attacks on Ports & Logistics – Preventing Operational Shutdowns
2.Securing Autonomous Ships & Drones – Navigating Cyber Risks in Maritime Innovation
3.Supply Chain Manipulation & Phishing Threats – Stopping Fraud Before It Disrupts Operations
At the end of these targeted discussions, participants will regroup for an interactive risk assessment, identifying practical strategies to strengthen maritime cybersecurity without slowing down operations.
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, driven by automation, AI, robotics, and Extended Reality (XR). The shift toward these emerging technologies is creating hybrid roles, where professionals must balance technical expertise with leadership and strategic thinking. As the industry evolves, maritime careers will increasingly require problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration alongside traditional seafaring skills. Through interactive discussions, expert insights, and real-world problem-solving, participants will gain an insights and roadmap for navigating the future of maritime careers.
Session outline:
- Opening Keynote from an industry leader
- Interactive Polls: What role will YOU play in shaping the future of maritime?
- Industry Insider Panel: Lightning talks from professionals on breaking into the industry, emerging skills, and navigating challenges.
- Hands-on Challenge: Solving real-world maritime tech problems using XR simulations, AI-driven logistics, and automation strategies.
In this session, the audience will yet again be transported into the world of parliamentary style debate. “This house believes that AI will lead to less, not more competency in shipping.”
The audience, naturally divided on opinion, will here from a series of speakers who will try to convince them that they should be for or against the motion. There will be three speakers on each side of the argument, each with a strict seven-minute window to convince the audience. At the end, the audience will vote to see which side of the argument has the majority.
- Vanessa Welch - Managing Director, V3
- Rania Tadros - President, WISTA UAE
As Saudi Arabia advances its maritime and logistics ambitions under Vision 2030, building a skilled, future-ready workforce has become essential. While institutions like the National Maritime Academy and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology have expanded training capacity, the sector still faces significant hurdles. A widening skills gap persists between industry demand and the availability of qualified Saudi professionals, particularly in technical and operational roles.
Limited access to specialized maritime programs, the need for stronger international accreditation, and low awareness of career pathways—especially among youth—pose additional barriers to workforce development. This session will explore how Saudi Arabia can strengthen its maritime education ecosystem, align training with global standards, and foster a new generation of local talent equipped to power the Kingdom’s growing role in global maritime trade and how can technology help.
To finalise this tour de force of our sector-by-sector analysis of the Maritime Industry in Saudi and the GCC, we look at shipmanagement. Ship managers in 2025 are under intense pressure to adapt to a fast-evolving landscape marked by environmental mandates, technological transformation, workforce challenges, and rising expectations from charterers, regulators, and investors alike.
In this session we discuss:
Regulatory Compliance & Decarbonisation Pressure
Crew Shortages & Welfare
Digital Integration & Cybersecurity Risks
Rising Operating Costs & Efficiency Pressure
Talent & Skills Gap in Onshore Teams
Aviation, automotive, and smart manufacturing are leading the way in AI, blockchain, automation, and digital twins, but why has adoption been slower in maritime operations? This session tackles the real barriers that prevent maritime businesses from fully leveraging cross-industry innovation, covering:
- Tech adoption vs. industry readiness – Why disruptive technologies succeed in some sectors?
- Talent gaps & cross-industry collaboration – Is maritime looking in the right places for digital expertise?
- Regulatory & scalability challenges – How other industries overcome hurdles that maritime logistics still faces.
Participants will gain first-hand insights into how other sectors overcame adoption barriers, with discussions focused on real-world applications, lessons learned, and actionable strategies for the maritime industry.