CEVA Almajdouie Logistics: A Saudi Powerhouse Emerges

By Simon West

Unveiled in 2024, the Dammam-headquartered company led by CEO Bassel El Dabbagh boasts a workforce of some 2,000 employees and a fleet of more than 2,000 assets, ready to revolutionize logistics in the Kingdom. In an exclusive interview with Breakbulk, El Dabbagh shares insights into the ambitious venture, followed by a case study spotlighting one of the company’s first major projects – the transport of three Boeing 777 fuselages from Jeddah to Riyadh.

From Issue 1, 2025 of Breakbulk Magazine.

Q: Can you give us an overview of the venture between CEVA and Almajdouie? What inspired the partnership?

One of the main reasons why we strongly believe in this partnership is that both entities share strong family values. From humble beginnings and a clear vision for the future, both businesses transformed into leading logistics groups that remain family owned. Opportunities and timing in Saudi Arabia were also key motivators for this JV. Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 theme of “A Thriving Economy,” there are strategic objectives around the creation and improvement of logistics hubs, and regional and international connectivity via enhanced transport networks. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to transform the country into a global hub that will enable business growth and development. In 2023, nearly 60 logistics zones were launched. Today, 22 are currently active and 37 are in development with an anticipated finish date of 2030. These will include seven Special Economic Zones. Many mega projects increasingly require elaborate logistics solutions. To add to this, Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing its own manufacturing and exporting capabilities for both local and global markets. Therefore, the Kingdom will need robust end-to-end logistics solutions, backed by advanced technology and strong local execution know-how and assets. The venture is uniquely positioned to address such demand.

Q: How do you intend to leverage the unique strengths of each company?

This is a unique partnership between a global logistics leader and a local logistics champion. It is a very complementary joint venture, with CEVA Logistics adding value through its extensive global network, global expertise and cutting-edge technology coupled with a persistent drive towards innovation. Almajdouie brings invaluable local execution expertise, local connections and know-how, presence across all key ports and airports in Saudi, over 2,300 transport and handling assets, over one million square meters of terminal space, and much more. Given its global network in 170 countries, CEVA will enable the JV to connect Saudi’s imports and exports to all corners of the world. Likewise, one cannot do business effectively in the Kingdom without a deep understanding of the local landscape. Almajdouie Logistics has been in the country since 1965, following and supporting its unprecedented growth journey. The JV will offer robust end-to-end supply chain services, with strong logistics offerings at its origin, destination and all points in between.

Q: What industries or sectors will the venture primarily focus on supporting? Are there any untapped markets you aim to explore?

We will continue to serve our conventional customer base in Saudi Arabia, especially in the fields of petrochemicals, energy and fastmoving consumer good (FMCG). With this new JV, we have won additional large energy and industrial projects in the last few months alone. Our customers are delighted that they now have a one-stop shop and a partner with an in-house capability to manage their freight forwarding and transportation needs from any country in the world to any (remote) corner in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the JV will focus on the sectors of defense & aerospace, automotive, eCommerce and luxury fashion & retail.

Q: Does the company have plans to invest in new infrastructure such as warehouses, transport fleets or technology to support its operations?

We are surely looking into investing in selected infrastructure such as state-of-the-art warehouses and implementing CEVA global technology to support our operations in KSA.

Q: How will you measure the success of this joint venture over the next 5–10 years?

First and foremost, selecting the right partner for a JV in Saudi Arabia is not an easy task. The company culture needs to be fully aligned with the vision for the future, and this can be challenging when we bring together a global corporation and a leading local company. At CEVA Almajdouie Logistics we share a joint commitment to Saudi Arabia and to excellence in logistics. We will move together focusing on continuous improvement and innovative, sustainable and resilient transport and logistics solutions across the country. Our measure of success is determined by the level of our alignment with the Kingdom’s vision and our customers’ feedback and satisfaction with our services.

Read more: CEVA Almajdouie's Milestone Aircraft Move

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Middle East 2025.