Mwani Qatar and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have formalized a wide-ranging Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation across maritime transport, logistics, digital systems, and investment.
The agreement was signed by Mwani Qatar CEO Capt. Abdulla Mohamed Al Khanji and Saudi Ports Authority President Eng. Sulaiman bin Khalid Al Mazroua in the presence of HE Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Saudi Arabia, and senior officials from both sides.
According to Mwani Qatar, the MoU establishes a structured framework for institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint commercial exploration.
The initiative aligns with the long-term objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the role of the maritime sector in economic diversification and regional integration.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The agreement covers eight priority domains designed to strengthen connectivity and operational performance across both markets. Core elements include:
Operational excellence: Exchange of expertise in port administration, cargo handling optimization, and performance benchmarking.
Enhanced connectivity: Assessment of direct maritime and land links to facilitate smoother cargo flows and reduce transit times.
Logistics and transit integration: Coordination on cross-border transit systems and evaluation of joint maritime corridors serving intra-Gulf trade.
Regional distribution hubs: Feasibility studies on establishing shared distribution centers to improve supply chain efficiency.
Digital innovation: Collaboration on smart platforms, advanced data governance, and development of a unified maritime single window to streamline procedures.
Safety and environmental protection: Joint initiatives addressing marine pollution response, emergency planning, risk surveillance, and compliance with international maritime conventions.
Human capital development: Implementation of joint training programs, professional exchanges, and academic cooperation in maritime transport and logistics disciplines.
Investment partnerships: Identification of domestic and global investment prospects in port infrastructure and allied services, with private sector participation.
Sustainability and global representation
The partnership also supports coordinated engagement in international maritime organizations and joint advocacy for initiatives such as ‘Green Ports’ and ‘Safe Maritime Corridors.’
Cruise tourism promotion across Gulf destinations forms another dimension of cooperation, aimed at strengthening maritime tourism linkages.
The MoU underscores a shared commitment to advancing the ports ecosystem as a strategic economic driver.
