The other project, worth SR21 million, will build a new passenger hall at the port. Advanced Contracting Company is the contractor for this project. The port is a primary entry and exit point for religious pilgrims.

A number of other development projects are currently underway at the port including a new administration building and a naval control tower. The port will also be dredged to accommodate larger vessels. A new 280-meter-long quarry is also being constructed to handle fluid materials.

Companies involved in the various improvement projects in this port include Floating Dock Company for Shipbuilding, Al-Yamamah Reinforcement Iron Company, the Advanced International for Lubricating Oils and Delmon Edible Oil Company.

Last year, the port handled about two million tons of various goods and received more than 160,000 passengers and 300 ships.