Why attend Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress?

When: 16 - 17 September 2026
Where: Dhahran Expo, Dammam, KSA

Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress is the largest event of its kind, attracting the highest calibre of maritime professionals from the global shipping and logistics industry. If networking is important to you, this is the place to be.

From the latest government initiatives to tech innovations, new products and a free-to-attend conference, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress has got you covered.

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Where networking comes first…

Connect with shipping & maritime professionals who attend from right across the world

With over 15,000 attendees expected at this year's Congress, the capacity for creating new partnerships, wth fellow guests attending from across the globe, is second to none.

Explore over 200 companies showcasing the very latest products and services

Visitors can enjoy a world-class exhibition featuring many of the leading manufacturers and suppliers displaying the very latest maritime equipment and logistics services.

Future-proof your operations with our high profile maritime conference

An essential part of the event, the conference will see 70+ speakers address key topics ranging from new government initiatives to alternative fuels, cyber threats & offshore boats.

2025 Conference Spotlight

State of the Industry Address

Main Stage - Wednesday 1st October - 13:05pm

Shipping is an industry increasingly under pressure to withstand and adapt to rapidly changing realities. Key chokepoints like the Suez and Panama Canals are increasingly vulnerable.

We ask our panel to give their thoughts on five major issues:

Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Decarbonisation & Regulatory Pressure
Digitalization & Cybersecurity
Safety and Strategic Vulnerabilities
Opportunities in the GCC and in the Kingdom, specifically

Cyber Threats at Sea and Ashore

Tech Stage - Wednesday 1st October - 3:00pm

Cybersecurity has become a critical operational priority as maritime and logistics industries accelerate digital transformation, from smart ports to autonomous vessels.

Recent ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and supply chain breaches have exposed vulnerabilities across the ecosystem, threatening port operations, fleet movements, and global trade continuity.

This session will feature expert insights into how digital threats are evolving, what’s working in cyber defence, and what leading experts are doing to mitigate risk, protect assets, and build long-term cyber resilience.

Saudi Maritime Logistics

Main Stage - Thursday 2nd October - 11:00am

The Kingdom is expanding the 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.

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.

Smart Ports: Autonomous Ships, Drones and Robotics

Tech Stage - Thursday 2nd October - 12:00pm

From autonomous ships navigating global trade routes to drones and robotics transforming cargo management, smart ports are reshaping maritime logistics.

This session promises expert led analysis into the systems shaping the next generation of smart port automation.

Breakthrough technologies: AI-driven routing, edge computing, and swarm robotics in port operations
Case studies: autonomous systems in action from leading global ports
Infrastructure & security: strategies to build robust, future-ready port environments

AI-Powered Fleet Optimisation

Tech Stage - Wednesday 1st October - 1:00pm

From predictive maintenance that prevents breakdowns to real-time adjustments for unpredictable conditions, AI is reshaping how fleets operate.

But integration challenge (legacy systems, connectivity issues & regulatory concerns) must be addressed to unlock full potential.

How can businesses scale AI solutions without disrupting existing workflows?

How predictive maintenance cuts delays before they happen
AI-powered adjustments for unpredictable maritime conditions
What works in real-time fleet tracking
AI for smarter decision-making
AI strategies that drive sustainability

Offshore Energy in the GCC

Main Stage - Wednesday 1st October - 2:20pm

Saudi Arabia and the GCC are actively scaling up offshore gas transportation with several major projects under way.

These combined efforts mark a significant upgrade in offshore gas transport infrastructure, enhancing supply security and enabling export flexibility across the region.

In this key discussion we ask our panellists to share their thoughts on:

Update on Infrastructure and Transportation Modalities
Safety, Reliability & Environmental Considerations
Regional Collaboration & Technology Integration
Regulatory and Investment Landscape

See Agenda

Reflecting on the voices of 2025

Eng. Essam M. Alammari

Deputy for Maritime Transport
Transport General Authority

Poul Hestbaek

Chief Executive Officer
Folk Maritime

Akshay Anand

General Manager & Member of The Board of Directors
ABSA Al Barrak Group

Muhammad Jawad Ali

General Manager
Sealand Maritime Group

James Frew

Business Advisory Director
Lloyd’s Register

Capt. Zarir S. Irani

Managing Director UAE, China, Singapore, Germany, UK, Netherlands
Constellation Marine Services

See 2025 Speakers

You're in Great Company...

Take look at just some of the companies who have representatives attending the Congress:

Free access to the 2-day conference

The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress conference content has been carefully curated to offer maximum value.

Which topics are relevant to you?

>> View Agenda

What to expect...

We never underestimate the importance of networking with colleagues and counterparts as well as industry leaders, stakeholders and key influencers.

And thanks to our partnerships with organisations such as Bahri, The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and the Transport General Authority (TGA), not to mention our extensive media partnerships, and 25 years' experience organising maritime events in the Middle East, you can be 100% sure that you will meet a very high calibre of attendee at the event, in the conference, on the stands and at our numerous networking events.

... and what they say about the event:

"Extremely well-organized with top-notch speakers

The congress was extremely well-organized, and the speakers were all top-notch. I learned a great deal about the latest trends in the maritime industry, and I was able to network with some of the most influential people in the field. I am confident that these new connections will help me to grow my business in the years to come."

"Lots of relevant service providers and manufacturers

It was a great opportunity to visit lots of relevant service providers & manufacturers at the same place in order to communicate & establish new relations as well as creating new business opportunities in future. The congress was a very good platform to achieve these goals in very short span of time & under one roof."

"A thoroughly professional, and very engaging Congress

As a representative of one of the world's largest and longest-established agencies in seafarers' welfare, we were really pleased to have many positive engagements with potential partners across the maritime sector of Saudi Arabia, in prospect of development of new service centres into one or more KSA ports, in due course."

"People from all around Saudi Arabia & the world are in the Congress

A great congress, Definitely got to know more people for business, strategies and the most amazing thing is that people from all around Saudi Arabia & the world are in the congress. Saw companies from Japan, Holland, Switzerland and this shows how business is growing in KSA."