Arab nations attracted 146 foreign investment projects in maritime transport over the past 23 years, with a combined value approaching $4 billion, according to the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman).
Five countries—Egypt, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Mauritania—accounted for the majority of activity, securing 114 projects or 78% of the total. These investments were valued at nearly $3.8 billion, representing over 91% of total inflows into the sector, as highlighted in Dhaman’s fourth maritime transport sector report for 2025.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Kuwait City, Dhaman operates as a joint Arab institution owned by member states alongside four regional financial entities.
The organisation maintains an A+ credit rating with a stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings and is recognised as the world’s first multilateral investment guarantee provider.
The report, which evaluates key areas including fleets and ports, sector trade, foreign investment activity, and risk and incentive frameworks, identified Japan as the top investor in the Arab maritime transport sector over the review period. Japanese investments reached $784 million, accounting for 19% of the total, followed by Germany at 16% and the United States at 15%.
On intra-regional investments, six Arab nations—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, and Egypt—collaborated on 11 joint projects with a total value exceeding $218 million.
Investment activity was largely concentrated among five firms—Bahrain’s Kanoo Shipping, Saudi Arabia’s Triple F, and UAE-based Abu Dhabi Ports, Gulf Agency Company (GAC), and Gulf Marine Services—which together contributed 89% of the total.
According to the logistics sector risk assessment, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Kuwait emerged as the most attractive Arab markets for logistics investment in 2025.
