SBJBC Defence & Resilience Programme
By Holly Callow, SBJBC Research Assistant
Executive Summary
Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector is undergoing a rapid and strategically significant transformation under Vision 2030, driven by the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global logistics and transport hub. This transformation is supported by large-scale investment in ports, digital infrastructure and coastal developments, aimed at improving efficiency and diversifying the Kingdom’s economy. As a result, maritime security, infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency have become core national priorities.
Recent regional developments have reinforced the urgency of this transformation. Disruption to shipping routes in the Red Sea between 2023 and 2025, alongside heightened regional tensions affecting transit through the Strait of Hormuz in 2026, have demonstrated the vulnerability of global trade flows to both state and non-state actors. For Saudi Arabia, whose economy remains heavily dependent on maritime energy exports, these developments have demonstrated the importance of infrastructure protection, diversified export routes and the unrestricted flow of trade.
The Kingdom is investing heavily in port modernisation, digital infrastructure, naval capability and coastal development. Major upgrades at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port, alongside the development of new economic zones and tourism destinations such as NEOM and Red Sea Global, are reshaping the maritime landscape. At the same time, the sector is integrating advanced technologies including AI, automation and smart systems, alongside an increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability. However, this transformation is occurring against a more complex and evolving threat environment. Risks include conflict spillover, asymmetric attacks on shipping, critical infrastructure vulnerability, and the growing exposure of digitalised port systems to cyber threats. In this context, there is a growing requirement for dual-use solutions that enhance operational efficiency and strengthen security and resilience in the maritime domain.
For the United Kingdom, these developments present a significant opportunity. The UK’s maritime, defence and technology sectors offer capabilities that align closely with Saudi Arabia’s needs, particularly in areas such as maritime domain awareness, smart port systems, cyber security and environmental monitoring. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially well placed to contribute, providing specialised and innovative solutions that support both localisation and capability development goals under Vision 2030. Success in this market depends on more than just capability, as UK companies must also navigate Saudi regulatory frameworks and industrial development goals.
Read the Full Report: [SBJBC Maritime Development in KSA]
