Saudi Arabia to host Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh October 12 to 14

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2024 Global Logistics Forum (GLF) on October 12 to 14, an event which will help shape the future of global trade and logistics. Held under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, H.R.H. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the forum is expected to attract over 10,000 participants – including more than 100 industry leaders, ministers, and experts. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and supply chain resilience, the GLF will play a vital role in shaping international logistics and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in the sector. 

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has increasingly become a leader in global logistics –particularly through its leadership at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where it has been pivotal in developing global maritime policies. Due to its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents and the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a key hub for international trade. This shift is being driven by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which aims for the Kingdom to be able to handle around 40 million containers annually by 2030. 

H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, emphasized the importance of the GLF in “reshaping the global map of logistics.” He noted that by addressing challenges like infrastructure development, climate change, and the integration of digital technologies, the forum will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable logistics industry. This commitment is reflected in Saudi Arabia’s climb in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, having jumped 17 places in 2023, showcasing the Kingdom's focus on improving infrastructure and connectivity. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made impressive strides in the logistics sector, notably moving up three spots to become third in global international logistics opportunities. It also ranks third in business fundamentals and sixth in digital readiness, highlighting its potential as a future leader in digital logistics technologies. As the 15th largest handler of shipping containers in the world, Saudi Arabia has continued to invest heavily – around SAR 4.5 billion – into port infrastructure. Notably, the King Abdullah Port is transitioning towards green energy solutions, cutting carbon emissions by 20% while boosting operational efficiency. These advancements align with the IMO’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of global shipping. 

The GLF 2024 will shine a light on these achievements, illustrating how Saudi Arabia is leveraging its leadership within the IMO to advance global logistics. The forum will cover topics like autonomous freight, sustainability, and workforce development, all aimed at fostering international collaboration and innovation in the sector. By hosting the GLF, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to becoming a leader in international trade and logistics.