Jeddah port shipping means moving cargo through Jeddah Islamic Port, the main seaport on Saudi Arabia's west coast and the gateway for Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and the western region. The port is owned by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), its container terminals are run by DP World and Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), and cargo is cleared by ZATCA through the Fasah platform. This guide covers the terminals, the cargo they handle, Saudi customs rules and how we ship your cargo to Jeddah from Dubai. We ship both ways: from Dubai to Jeddah, and from Jeddah to Dubai.
Jeddah port guide: key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Jeddah Islamic Port |
| Owner and port authority | Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) |
| Customs authority | Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) |
| UN/LOCODE | SAJED |
| Location | Jeddah, Makkah Province, west coast of Saudi Arabia |
| Port area | About 12 km² |
| Berths | 62 (2023) |
| Total quay length | About 11.2 km |
| Share of Saudi seaborne imports | About 65% |
| Container terminal operators | DP World (South Container Terminal) and RSGT |
| RSGT container terminal capacity | 6.2 million TEU a year |
| DP World South Container Terminal | 2,550 m quay, 5 container berths, 18 m depth alongside |
| Cargo types | Containers (dry and reefer), general cargo and breakbulk, Ro-Ro, dry and liquid bulk, livestock, dangerous goods |
| Nearest airport | King Abdulaziz International Airport, about 30 km away |
| Customs declaration | Fasah, at least 48 hours before arrival |
| Import VAT | 15% |
| Shipping Jeddah to Dubai | Export declaration on Fasah by the shipper's broker; import declaration with Dubai Customs, 5% duty on non-GCC goods and 5% VAT |
What is Jeddah Islamic Port and who uses it?
Jeddah Islamic Port is the principal port serving Makkah and Madinah and the main import gateway for western Saudi Arabia. Mawani figures cited on Wikipedia put its share at about 65% of the Kingdom's seaborne imports. The port covers about 12 km² and has 62 berths along roughly 11.2 km of quay.
Most shippers use Jeddah for three reasons:
- The consignee is in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Taif or elsewhere in the west, so the inland leg is short.
- The cargo is on a deep-sea service from Asia or Europe that calls Jeddah directly.
- The cargo needs a terminal with breakbulk, Ro-Ro or livestock handling on the west coast.
If your consignee is in Riyadh or the Eastern Province, Jeddah is usually the wrong port. Cargo from Dubai for those areas normally goes to Dammam by sea or by truck across the land border.
Which terminals does Jeddah port have?
Container and multipurpose operations at Jeddah are split between two private operators. Your carrier's service decides which terminal your container uses, so check the arrival notice before you book a truck.
South terminal run by DP World
DP World has operated in Saudi Arabia since 1999, and Jeddah was its first concession outside the UAE. It now runs the South Container Terminal under a 30-year partnership with Mawani.
| Item | South Container Terminal |
|---|---|
| Container quay length | 2,550 m |
| Container berths | 5 |
| Depth alongside | 18 m |
| Terminal area | 947,555 m² |
| Stacking area | 564,012 m² |
| Quay cranes (terminal table) | 14 |
| Yard cranes (RTGs) | 61 |
| Warehousing | Five warehouses, 54,493 m² in total |
| Cargo examination yard | 300 shaded inspection points |
| Reefer inspection | 75 temperature-controlled chambers, down to -25°C |
DP World also lists stripping, stuffing and cross-stuffing, X-ray scanning, an empty container depot, and storage and handling of dangerous goods at the terminal. Note that DP World's page gives different crane and reefer plug numbers in different sections, so treat the table as a guide and confirm the equipment your cargo needs.
Terminals run by RSGT
RSGT started operations in 2009 as Saudi Arabia's first private build-operate-transfer terminal. The Public Investment Fund and COSCO Shipping Ports became shareholders in 2021. RSGT says it operates 36 berths at Jeddah Islamic Port across two facilities.
| Facility | Quay length | Area | Capacity or berths | Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSGT container terminal | 3,300 m | 2.8 million m² | 6.2 million TEU a year | Containers |
| RSGT multipurpose terminal | 2,500 m | 1.0 million m² | 12 berths | Containers, bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, general cargo |
RSGT reports that its container terminal handled about 39% of Saudi Arabia's container throughput in 2024. In 2019 it signed a 30-year concession for the port's northern sector, and it also runs a 223,000 m² inspection yard received from the port in 2012.
What cargo can you ship through Jeddah port?
Between them, the terminals handle almost every cargo type. This is how each one usually moves.
| Cargo type | How it moves | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| General goods in containers | FCL or LCL through the DP World or RSGT container terminal | Terminal on the arrival notice, free time, truck booking |
| Chilled and frozen food | Reefer containers | Set temperature, food permits, reefer inspection at the terminal |
| Vehicles and rolling equipment | Ro-Ro through the multipurpose terminal, or in containers | Vehicle import rules, Ro-Ro sailing dates |
| Steel, machinery, project pieces | Breakbulk at the multipurpose terminal, or flat racks on container ships | Lifting points, lashing, road permits for the inland move |
| Bulk cargo | Dry and liquid bulk berths | Discharge plan, receiving facility |
| Dangerous goods | IMDG containers with DG storage at the terminal | Carrier acceptance, permits, quick clearance |
| Livestock | Livestock berths | Veterinary permits and health certificates |
Reefer and food cargo at Jeddah
Food is one of the main import flows into western Saudi Arabia, and reefer containers get extra checks. DP World has invested US$13 million in cold chain at the South Container Terminal, including a reefer inspection facility with 75 chambers, remote temperature control and deep-freeze down to -25°C. DP World's stated target is to turn reefer inspections around within 12 hours, and general cargo examinations within 24 hours.
What this means for you:
- Give the carrier the exact set temperature and ventilation at booking. A wrong setting cannot be fixed at the Saudi end.
- Have food permits, health certificates and product registrations approved before sailing. The inspection facility is quick, but it cannot release cargo that lacks a permit.
- Ask the consignee's broker to book the inspection as soon as the vessel berths, so the box stays plugged in for as short a time as possible.
FCL and LCL shipping to Jeddah port
Most cargo through Jeddah moves in containers.
- FCL (full container load). You book a whole 20ft or 40ft container. It suits heavy cargo, larger volumes and goods that should not share a box.
- LCL (less than container load). Your cargo shares a container, which is unpacked at a container freight station in Jeddah before your part is released. It suits small volumes, but release depends on the whole consolidation clearing.
For LCL into Jeddah, send documents early and make sure carton marks match the packing list. One missing document on another shipper's cargo should not hold yours, but a mismatch on your own will. Our guide to FCL vs LCL costs shows where a full container starts to make sense.
Breakbulk, project cargo and dangerous goods at Jeddah
Breakbulk and project cargo
RSGT's multipurpose terminal handles containers, bulk and breakbulk, with general cargo and Ro-Ro combined in one facility. Cargo that fits a container but is too tall or wide goes on flat racks or open tops. Cargo that does not fit a container at all moves as conventional breakbulk.
When we ship project cargo to Jeddah, we plan it in this order:
- Collect drawings, dimensions, weights and centre of gravity for each piece.
- Choose between a flat rack on a container service and conventional breakbulk tonnage.
- Agree lifting and lashing with the carrier and the terminal.
- Line up the Saudi broker and any permits so the cargo can leave the port quickly.
- Plan the road move from the quay to site with the consignee's transport company.
Read how we handle flat rack, open top and out-of-gauge cargo, or see our break bulk and project cargo service.
Dangerous goods
DP World lists storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods at the South Container Terminal under international safety standards. We could not open Mawani's own DG rules for Jeddah, so we confirm class limits and storage rules with the carrier and terminal for each booking. What you need to provide:
- UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group.
- A Safety Data Sheet for each product.
- A dangerous goods declaration signed by a trained person.
- UN-approved packaging, labels and container placards.
- Any Saudi permit the product needs, approved before sailing.
Plan clearance before the vessel arrives so the container does not sit in the DG area. Our dangerous goods shipping team checks carrier acceptance before you commit to a sailing.
Customs clearance at Jeddah port: documents, duty and VAT
ZATCA clears cargo at Jeddah through Fasah, its online customs platform. The importer, or a customs broker acting for the importer, files the declaration and documents there. ZATCA's instructions say this should be done at least 48 hours before the shipment reaches the port.
Which documents does Saudi customs need?
ZATCA lists a commercial invoice, a bill of lading and a certificate of origin. The certificate of origin can be omitted if the country of origin is clearly established, but you need it for any GCC duty exemption. Product-specific documents come on top.
| Cargo type | Core documents | Usually also needed |
|---|---|---|
| General cargo (FCL or LCL) | Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin | SABER shipment certificate if the product is regulated |
| Regulated products (for example electrical goods, toys, building materials) | Core set | SABER product certificate (PCoC) and shipment certificate (SCoC) |
| Goods that need an IECEE certificate | Core set | IECEE certificate |
| Food, cosmetics, medicines | Core set | Product registration and permits from the competent authority |
| Dangerous goods | Core set | DG declaration, SDS, any permit for the product |
| Breakbulk and project cargo | Core set, with a piece-by-piece packing list | Drawings and weights for the terminal and the road move |
SABER certificates
SABER is the platform run under the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). If your product is covered by a Saudi technical regulation, you need a Product Certificate of Conformity issued in SABER and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity for each shipment. SABER lists fees of SAR 500 for a product certificate and SAR 350 for a shipment certificate, excluding VAT, and says shipment certificates are now valid for 90 days instead of 60. Start the product certificate early. It is the slow part.
Who can file the declaration at Jeddah?
ZATCA allows the importer to submit data on Fasah directly or through a customs broker. In practice most foreign shippers rely on the consignee's licensed clearing agent in Jeddah. We do not clear cargo in Saudi Arabia ourselves. We prepare the UAE side and send the agent a complete, matching document set early, which is what decides how fast the cargo leaves the port.
How much is customs duty and import VAT?
Saudi Arabia applies the GCC common external tariff, at least 5% for most goods from outside the GCC, calculated on CIF value. Some goods carry higher rates and some staples, such as rice, coffee and tea, are duty-free. Goods made in a GCC country can enter duty-free if they meet the Saudi origin rules: a valid certificate of origin, direct shipment and at least 40% local value added. Goods made outside the GCC and re-exported from Dubai do not qualify.
Import VAT is 15% on the customs value plus duty and other charges. It applies even when the goods are exempt from duty. A VAT-registered importer can apply to ZATCA to pay import VAT through its VAT return instead of at clearance.
How to ship to Jeddah port from Dubai: step by step
From Dubai, cargo for Jeddah goes either by sea from Jebel Ali Port or by truck across Saudi Arabia via the Ghuwaifat-Batha border. The sea voyage to Jeddah is long, and the road trip crosses the whole country, so we price both when the volume allows.
| Option | How it works | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL, Jebel Ali to Jeddah | Container booked on a carrier service calling Jeddah, cleared at the port | Heavy or high-volume cargo, cargo that can wait for a sailing |
| Sea LCL, Jebel Ali to Jeddah | Cargo consolidated in Dubai and unpacked at a Jeddah freight station | A few cubic metres, no deadline |
| Road, Dubai to Jeddah | Truck loaded at your site, cleared at Ghuwaifat and Al Batha, driven across the country | Door-to-door control, part loads, cargo that must not wait for a vessel |
| Breakbulk or flat rack by sea | Conventional vessel or container ship to the multipurpose or container terminal | Oversized pieces that are hard to move across the country by road |
In 2020 Mawani and DP World launched a direct service linking Jebel Ali, Jeddah and Sokhna in Egypt. Services change, so we confirm the current sailings for each booking.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers or services we use from Jebel Ali to Jeddah Islamic Port and our typical port-to-port and door-to-door transit days]
This is how we handle a typical sea shipment from Dubai to Jeddah. We book the space, prepare the UAE side and work with your Saudi consignee or their clearing agent at Jeddah.
- Send the cargo details. Commodity, HS code, weight, volume or dimensions, pickup location in the UAE and the Incoterm.
- Check Saudi product rules. We check whether the product needs SABER certificates, a permit or product registration.
- Book space. We compare services from Jebel Ali to Jeddah and confirm which Jeddah terminal each uses. For DG, reefer or out-of-gauge cargo we get carrier acceptance first.
- Collect and stuff. We arrange the empty container, stuffing at your site or a warehouse in the UAE, and the seal.
- File the UAE declaration. Export for UAE goods, re-export for goods that came in from abroad. Dubai Customs asks for the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any permit.
- Gate in at Jebel Ali. The full container goes to the terminal before the carrier's cut-off.
- Share documents with the Saudi side. We send the bill of lading, invoice, packing list and certificate of origin so the consignee's broker can file on Fasah at least 48 hours before arrival.
- Clearance and delivery in Jeddah. ZATCA assesses duty and VAT, inspects if selected, and releases the cargo. The consignee's agent collects the delivery order and trucks the container out.
- Empty return. The container goes back to the depot the line names within free time.
Our sea freight service from Dubai covers FCL and LCL to Jeddah. If your cargo starts in Abu Dhabi, we can also compare a sailing from Khalifa Port.
How to ship from Jeddah port to Dubai
We also run the lane the other way: shipping from Jeddah to Dubai, with arrival at Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah port. We book the space and handle everything on the UAE side, while the Saudi export filing stays with the shipper or its Saudi agent.
The Saudi export side
- Export declaration. The shipper's customs broker creates it on Fasah. Fasah reuses the manifest data the shipping agent has already entered, the broker adds the export details, and the system calculates the customs fees once the declaration is accepted.
- Documents. ZATCA lists the bill of lading, the commercial invoice and the manifest as the papers behind an export declaration.
- Restricted exports. Saudi rules ban or limit the export of some goods, and ZATCA publishes the list. Check it before you book.
- Certificate of origin. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issues certificates of origin to Saudi exporters and manufacturers. Ask for one if the goods are Saudi-made and you want GCC treatment in the UAE.
- Pickup. The shipper or its trucker collects the empty, stuffs it and delivers it to the DP World or RSGT terminal named on the booking before the carrier's cut-off.
The UAE import side
We file the import declaration with Dubai Customs before the vessel arrives. Dubai Customs asks for the commercial invoice, the packing list, the certificate of origin and a permit from the relevant authority for restricted goods, and the carrier releases the cargo against the bill of lading. Customs duty in Dubai is 5% of the CIF value for most goods, with 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes. Import VAT is 5%. A VAT-registered importer accounts for it on its VAT return under the reverse charge; anyone else pays it before the goods are released.
Saudi-made goods are a different case. Under the GCC Customs Union, goods produced in any member state are treated as national goods in all member states, so they do not pay the 5% duty when the certificate of origin proves where they were made. The UAE government portal, in its section on Sharjah customs, gives the test as at least 40% of the raw materials coming from the GCC. Foreign goods that already paid duty at their first GCC point of entry are not charged again if the payment is proven. Neither rule removes the 5% import VAT.
- Send us the shipper's details in Jeddah, the cargo, the HS code and the UAE delivery address.
- We book space from Jeddah and send the booking and cut-offs to the shipper.
- The shipper or its trucker stuffs the container and delivers it to the DP World or RSGT terminal named on the booking.
- The shipper or its Saudi agent files the export declaration on Fasah.
- We check the draft bill of lading against the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
- We file the UAE declaration with Dubai Customs before the vessel arrives.
- We arrange payment of the duty and VAT and collect the delivery order from the carrier.
- We truck the container to your site and return the empty to the depot the line names within free time.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers we actually use from Jeddah to Jebel Ali/Khalifa/Sharjah and our real transit days in this direction]
Free time, demurrage and inspection at Jeddah
Shipping lines give a set number of free days for their containers. After that, demurrage runs while the full container stays in the port, and detention while you keep it outside. Free days and daily rates differ by carrier and container type, so read them on your quote and arrival notice.
Both container operators run dedicated inspection areas: DP World's cargo examination yard with 300 shaded points, and RSGT's 223,000 m² inspection yard. If your container is selected, it moves there before release. Clearance is faster when the Fasah declaration, SABER certificate and permits are ready before the vessel berths. Our article on demurrage and detention explains how the charges build up.
Checklist before you ship to Jeddah
- HS code confirmed for every item.
- SABER status checked, with the product certificate in place and the shipment certificate requested.
- Permits and product registrations approved before sailing.
- Certificate of origin issued, and origin rules checked if you claim the GCC exemption.
- Invoice, packing list and bill of lading show the same weights, piece counts and consignee.
- Saudi consignee or broker ready to file on Fasah at least 48 hours before arrival.
- Jeddah terminal confirmed from the carrier's service.
- Free time agreed with the carrier.
- For DG: SDS, DG declaration, packaging, labels and carrier acceptance.
- For project cargo: drawings, lifting points and a road plan from the quay.
- Cargo insurance arranged.
Common mistakes when shipping to Jeddah
- Late SABER certificates. Regulated goods without a shipment certificate are held at the port.
- Filing Fasah after arrival. Late declarations eat into free time and add storage.
- Mismatched documents. A different weight on the invoice and the bill of lading holds clearance until it is corrected.
- Assuming goods from Dubai are duty-free. Only goods that meet GCC origin rules are.
- Choosing Jeddah for Riyadh or Eastern Province cargo. The long inland leg usually costs more than routing via Dammam.
- Treating DG like general cargo. Misdeclared dangerous goods can be rejected or delayed.
- No plan for the empty. Detention keeps running until the container is back at the depot.
Jeddah or another Saudi port: which fits your cargo?
Saudi Arabia has two main container gateways for cargo from Dubai. The final delivery address decides which one you use.
| Your situation | Port to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Consignee in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah or Taif | Jeddah Islamic Port | Short inland leg, main western gateway |
| Consignee in Riyadh or the central region | King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam | Short sea leg from Jebel Ali and a rail link to the Riyadh dry port |
| Consignee in Dammam, Al Khobar or Jubail | Dammam, or road across the land border | Closest to the Eastern Province |
| Oversized cargo for a western project site | Jeddah, multipurpose terminal | Avoids a long cross-country road move with permits |
| Small urgent shipment | Air to King Abdulaziz International Airport | Faster than any sea option |
If you are not sure, we can price two routings so you can compare the total cost to the door.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the port of Jeddah?
The port is owned and managed by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). The container terminals are run by private operators: DP World runs the South Container Terminal and Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) runs a container terminal and a multipurpose terminal.
What is the port code for Jeddah?
The UN/LOCODE for Jeddah Islamic Port is SAJED. You will see it on bookings, bills of lading and tracking systems.
How many berths does Jeddah port have?
Jeddah Islamic Port has 62 berths along about 11.2 km of quay. RSGT says it operates 36 of them, and DP World's South Container Terminal has 5 container berths.
What documents do I need to import through Jeddah port?
ZATCA requires a commercial invoice, a bill of lading and a certificate of origin, plus a packing list in practice. Regulated products also need SABER certificates, and restricted goods need permits from the competent authority. The declaration is filed on Fasah at least 48 hours before arrival.
What is the import duty at Jeddah port?
Most goods from outside the GCC pay at least 5% customs duty on CIF value under the GCC common external tariff, plus 15% import VAT. GCC-origin goods that meet Saudi origin rules are exempt from duty but still pay VAT.
Can I ship dangerous goods to Jeddah?
Yes. DP World lists dangerous goods storage and handling at the South Container Terminal. You need correct classification, packaging, a DG declaration, carrier acceptance and any Saudi permit for the product.
How do I ship from Dubai to Jeddah port?
Most containers go by sea from Jebel Ali to Jeddah Islamic Port. You can also truck the cargo across Saudi Arabia via the Ghuwaifat-Batha border. We price both, then handle booking, UAE export and documents while your consignee's broker clears the cargo in Jeddah.
Does Jeddah port handle reefer containers?
Yes. DP World's South Container Terminal has a reefer inspection facility with 75 temperature-controlled chambers that go down to -25°C. Food cargo also needs permits and health certificates approved before sailing.
Is Jeddah or Dammam better for my cargo?
Use Jeddah for consignees in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and the western region. Use Dammam for Riyadh and the Eastern Province, as it is a short sea leg from Jebel Ali.
Can you ship from Jeddah to Dubai?
Yes. The shipper or its Saudi agent files the export declaration on Fasah and delivers the box to the terminal. We book the space, file the Dubai Customs declaration, arrange payment of the duty and VAT, and deliver from Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah. Saudi-made goods with a valid certificate of origin do not pay the 5% duty, but import VAT of 5% still applies.
Get a quote for Jeddah port shipping
Send us your cargo details and we will come back with a routing and a price for shipping to Jeddah. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team to talk through a breakbulk, DG or SABER question first. You can also read more about our Dubai freight forwarding team.
Sources
- DP World: Jeddah South Container Terminal (specifications, services, inspection, DG)
- DP World: Saudi Arabia (operating since 1999, 30-year partnership)
- DP World: Mawani launches Jebel Ali, Jeddah and Sokhna service (June 2020)
- RSGT: Terminal and services (berths, quay, capacity, cargo)
- RSGT: About us (history, shareholders, northern sector, inspection yard, market share)
- Wikipedia: Jeddah Islamic Port (area, berths, quay length, import share; citing Mawani)
- Findaport: Port of Jeddah (airport distance)
- iContainers: Jeddah Islamic Port (UN/LOCODE)
- ZATCA: Import instructions (documents, Fasah, 48-hour rule)
- ZATCA: Guideline on imports and exports under VAT provisions
- SABER platform (SASO): certificate fees and validity
- Intertek: Overview of the SABER system
- US International Trade Administration: Saudi Arabia import tariffs
- EY: Saudi Arabia clarifies GCC origin of goods
- Dubai Customs: Submit customs declaration
- UAE Government portal: Customs duty (5% of CIF in Dubai, alcohol 50%, cigarettes 100%; GCC-origin goods and the 40% test)
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT Taxable Person Guide, chapter 9 Import of goods (5% rate, reverse charge, payment before release)
- UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security: Customs Union for GCC States (national goods, duty paid at first point of entry)
- Fasah: Customs broker service (export declarations, manifest data, fee payment)
- ZATCA: Export instructions (documents, prohibited and restricted exports)
- Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources: Certificate of origin service
Reviewed: 10 November 2026