Major Ports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Rankings, Capacities & Global Impact
Global trade continues to evolve, and nowhere is that evolution more visible than across the port landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Sitting at the geographic and strategic intersection of three continents—Africa, Asia, and Europe—MENA’s ports are more than just waypoints for cargo. They are trade accelerators, tech hubs, and geopolitical markers of influence.
From Jebel Ali’s towering container volumes to Tanger Med’s expanding Mediterranean footprint, these ports are no longer playing catch-up with the world—they're shaping its shipping future.
Top 5 Ports in the Middle East
Jebel Ali Port (Dubai, UAE)
Jebel Ali is the anchor of the UAE’s maritime economy—and by extension, much of the Gulf. In 2024, the port handled 15.5 million TEUs, its highest figure since 2015. That number alone speaks volumes, but there’s more: breakbulk cargo surged by 23% to 5.4 million tonnes.
This isn't just a port—it's a mega-hub. With a current capacity of 19.4 million TEUs across four terminals, Jebel Ali accounts for 18% of DP World’s global container throughput. It continues to solidify Dubai’s reputation as the region’s logistics powerhouse.
Port of Salalah (Oman)
If Jebel Ali is about scale, Salalah is about agility. It handled 3.3 million TEUs in 2024 and saw a 10% increase in general cargo to 22.6 million tonnes. It also ranked as the second most efficient port globally in 2023—a nod to its operational precision.
Despite the disruptions in the Red Sea, Salalah adapted quickly, rebounding from early-year slowdowns due to rerouting. Its strategic location along major east-west trade corridors continues to keep it relevant and resilient.
Port Khalifa (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Innovation has a home at Port Khalifa. Among the first in the region to trial autonomous port trucks, the facility now includes AI-powered tracking systems and automated gate tech—moving toward a fully digitized port ecosystem.
Its integration with industrial zones and proximity to growing free trade areas places Khalifa at the center of Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic strategy.
Port of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabia's busiest port is in transformation. Backed by a $240 million infrastructure overhaul, Jeddah aims to hit a capacity of 5 million TEUs at its South Container Terminal. It’s also home to a new logistics park and a national Port Community System that offers over 250 e-services—clear signals of digital ambition.
Port of Dammam (Saudi Arabia)
Dammam may not draw headlines, but its growth is hard to ignore. In the first half of 2024, the port managed 1.53 million TEUs, a 37% year-over-year increase. It also made news for handling 20,645 TEUs from a single ship—a regional record. Infrastructure, meet performance.
Top Ports in North Africa
Port of Tangier (Morocco) – Tanger Med
Africa’s busiest port isn’t in South Africa or Egypt—it’s in Morocco. Tanger Med moved 10.24 million TEUs in 2024, surpassing not only regional peers but also major European ports like Algeciras.
It’s not just containers: truck traffic grew 8.1% and passenger numbers climbed to 3.05 million. With 142 million tonnes of cargo handled, Tanger Med is now a magnet for automotive exports, industrial logistics, and energy materials.
Port Said (Egypt)
A key outlet to the Suez Canal, East Port Said is undergoing expansion with new deep berths and quay cranes. Trial operations of its new terminal started in April 2025. When complete, it will connect directly with industrial zones and become a vital node in Egypt’s export strategy.
Port of Alexandria (Egypt)
Handling 74.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, Alexandria remains Egypt’s cornerstone port. Ongoing expansion projects, including a $700 million investment by Hutchison Ports, aim to boost capacity and efficiency. It’s already responsible for over 60% of the nation’s maritime trade.
Port of Tunis (Tunisia)
Though smaller in volume, Tunis plays a critical role in Mediterranean logistics. It serves Tunisia’s capital and industrial centers, providing necessary capacity for both bulk cargo and short-sea container shipping.
Port of Algiers (Algeria)
Oil-rich and strategically placed, Algiers is currently undergoing upgrades to expand its general and container cargo capacity. As Algeria scales its energy exports, this port stands to benefit significantly.
Geopolitical & Trade Route Factors
The strength of MENA’s ports isn't just about cranes, cargo, or container yards—it’s about location. And right now, geography cuts both ways.
Since late 2023, Houthi-led disruptions in the Red Sea have halved Suez Canal traffic. This forced carriers to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, adding time, cost, and carbon. In fact, Suez Canal revenue dropped from $10.25 billion in 2023 to just $3.99 billion in 2024. Only 13,213 vessels passed through in that period.
At the same time, chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz remain under geopolitical scrutiny, influencing insurance rates and shipping strategies.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues to reshape port ownership and infrastructure in places like Khalifa, Salalah, and Alexandria—deepening interdependencies, and raising the stakes for trade and diplomacy alike.
Conclusion & Future Outlook
MENA’s ports are entering a decisive decade. Their growth isn’t accidental—it’s deliberate, strategic, and heavily funded.
Smart port systems, AI-powered tracking, autonomous vehicles, and next-gen logistics parks are no longer experiments—they’re happening now. These advancements aim to offset vulnerabilities like port congestion, which still challenge supply chain efficiency across the region.
But the road ahead won’t be without friction. Climate disruption, security threats, and economic cycles will test even the most advanced facilities. Yet, as the region doubles down on resilience and digital transformation, MENA’s ports are poised to remain indispensable—not only for regional trade, but for the global supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the largest ports in the MENA region by container volume?
The largest ports include Jebel Ali (Dubai, UAE), Tanger Med (Morocco), and Port Said (Egypt). Jebel Ali handled 15.5 million TEUs in 2024, while Tanger Med moved over 10 million TEUs.
Why are MENA ports important to global trade?
MENA ports sit at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Their location enables them to serve as transshipment hubs, reduce shipping times, and influence key maritime routes like the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz.
How has the Red Sea crisis affected port activity?
Red Sea disruptions have led to a 60%+ drop in Suez Canal traffic, forcing shipping lines to reroute around Africa, increasing delivery times and costs. Ports like Salalah and Jeddah have adapted quickly by absorbing rerouted volumes.
What innovations are MENA ports adopting?
Key innovations include autonomous port trucks (Port Khalifa), AI-based tracking systems, digital port community platforms (Port of Jeddah), and smart terminal expansion projects in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Which North African port is the busiest?
Tanger Med in Morocco is the busiest port in Africa, surpassing major European ports in 2024 with 10.24 million TEUs and over 142 million tonnes of cargo handled.
Are these ports investing in sustainability?
Yes. Many MENA ports are integrating green energy initiatives, shore power capabilities, and carbon efficiency technologies as part of long-term infrastructure strategies.
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