Riyadh — October 31, 2025:
Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL) is strengthening its position as a key enabler of trade between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, establishing digital and operational corridors that connect the region’s manufacturing hubs with Saudi Arabia’s growing logistics ecosystem.
Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Global Logistics Bridge
SAL’s strategy focuses on transforming Saudi Arabia into a logistics bridge between East and West, aligning with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030. The company is enhancing ties with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China to streamline cross-border trade, particularly in e-commerce and high-value goods.
“Southeast Asia is a critical growth region for our network strategy,” said Mohammed Nahhas, President of SAL Handling. “Our goal is to integrate Saudi Arabia more deeply into Asia’s supply chains and remove barriers to seamless trade.”
Digital Transformation: A Unified Cargo Platform
At the heart of SAL’s progress lies its partnership with Elm, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital and government solutions provider. Together, the two are building an integrated digital platform that connects customers, regulators, and operators through a single interface.
The system automates scheduling, billing, and cargo tracking—reducing waiting times, improving visibility, and enabling predictive decision-making across trade corridors. SAL’s digital customer portal now allows freight forwarders to manage deliveries, track shipments, and make payments online, marking a major leap in efficiency and customer experience.
“Digitalisation and sustainability are deeply connected,” said Nahhas. “Automation reduces waste, improves efficiency, and helps us move closer to carbon-neutral operations.”
Sustainability and Smart Operations
SAL is embedding green logistics principles into its operations by promoting paperless transactions, smart scheduling, and emission reduction. The company is also investing in data analytics to forecast demand, optimise cargo capacity, and align operations with Cargo iQ global performance standards, ensuring reliability and compliance across all markets.
Specialised Cargo Handling and Capacity Expansion
The company is expanding its specialised handling capabilities to support pharmaceuticals, electronics, and other time-sensitive goods. SAL now operates temperature-controlled storage, dedicated express lanes, and customised security protocols to ensure product integrity.
With the rise of e-commerce and regional manufacturing diversification, these tailored logistics solutions are becoming critical.
Bridging Regulatory and Digital Gaps
SAL acknowledges that differing customs rules and digital maturity levels still hinder seamless trade between Southeast Asia and the Gulf. To address this, the company is investing in interoperable digital systems and fostering cooperation with regional regulators to align documentation and security standards.
“Our Cargo iQ membership ensures measurable, predictable performance standards that customers can rely on, regardless of region,” said Nahhas.
Looking Ahead
SAL’s upcoming Riyadh Logistics Zone will serve as a major hub connecting Asia’s production centres to global markets. The company plans to integrate more Southeast Asian airports into its network and further expand digital infrastructure to strengthen end-to-end connectivity.
“Ultimately, we see SAL as a bridge that connects Asia’s manufacturing power with the world through Saudi Arabia,” Nahhas concluded.
