The Port of NEOM has successfully concluded a trial run of a new intra-regional trade corridor designed to enhance logistics connectivity between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. According to the Saudi Press Agency, this pilot initiative developed in partnership with the Logistics Private Sector Engagement Council aims to deliver a faster, integrated trade route that reduces transit time by more than half when compared to conventional paths.
The newly tested corridor covers over 900 kilometres, combining sea and road transport. Goods departed from Cairo, passed through Egypt’s Safaga Port, then crossed the Red Sea to arrive at the Port of NEOM. From there, the shipment continued by road through the Arar border crossing into Iraq, eventually reaching Erbil. This strategic route is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional trade infrastructure and better link key economic markets across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Industrial innovation
Oxagon, NEOM’s industrial innovation zone, highlighted the pilot’s success, describing the route as a “smarter, faster, and strategically connected” trade solution. The pilot was coordinated by the Port of NEOM alongside the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP), digital freight network TruKKer, and dairy company Bel Egypt. The project showcases the potential of public-private partnerships to improve trade efficiency across borders.
Oxagon itself is envisioned as a hub for advanced and sustainable industry, leveraging clean energy and cutting-edge technologies including AI, robotics, and automation. This pilot corridor is expected to serve as a key component in NEOM’s plan to transform the region into a logistics powerhouse and facilitate seamless movement of goods.
In a separate development, the Port of NEOM recently announced the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes—marking a leap forward in port digitization. These include Ship-To-Shore (STS) and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes, which will help reduce vessel turnaround times and support large-volume trade operations. The upcoming Terminal 1, set to open in 2026, will feature a 900-meter quay and deep-water channel capable of accommodating the world’s largest cargo ships.
Workforce training is also underway to equip Saudi professionals, including women, with skills in high-tech logistics roles, reflecting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective to diversify the economy and lead in global logistics innovation.