UN/LOCODE: QAUMS📍 Qatar

Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) (UN/LOCODE QAUMS)

❖ Coordinates: 24.9800°N, 51.5300°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Qatar

❖ UN/LOCODE: QAUMS

```markdown ## About the Port Umm Sa'id, also known as Mesaieed, is a strategic port located in the coastal city of Al Wakrah, Qatar. Positioned at coordinates 24.98°N latitude and 51.53°E longitude, this port serves as a critical hub in the United Arab Emirates' maritime infrastructure network. Classified under the UN/LOCODE system as QAUMS, it reflects the region’s emphasis on standardized maritime logistics. The port operates within the Asia/Qatar timezone, aligning with local and international shipping schedules. Designed to accommodate both general and specialized cargo, Umm Sa'id plays a pivotal role in Qatar’s expanding trade economy. Its strategic location, approximately 70 kilometers south of Doha, ensures efficient connectivity to major regional markets. The port is managed under the oversight of Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to optimize customs clearance, container handling, and bulk cargo operations. Authoritative sources such as the Qatar Ports Authority (QPA)↗ emphasize Umm Sa'id’s alignment with the nation’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification and enhanced logistical capabilities. The port handles a mix of containerized cargo, LNG, and dry bulk shipments, reflecting Qatar’s dual focus on energy exports and global trade engagement. ## History The development of Umm Sa'id port is part of Qatar’s broader initiative to modernize its maritime infrastructure following the discovery of substantial LNG reserves in the 1970s. While the region around Al Wakrah has historical ties to fishing and trade since antiquity, formal port expansion began in the late 20th century as Qatar sought to enhance its logistical footprint. Umm Sa'id specifically gained prominence in the 2010s as part of Qatar’s efforts to establish coastal facilities capable of handling transshipment and re-exportation, particularly for LNG. A key milestone was the port’s integration with Qatar Petroleum’s supply chain operations, enabling seamless movement of LNG terminals within the Gulf. Recent expansions have focused on automation and digitalization, aligning with global trends in smart port development. Notably, Umm Sa'id was positioned to capitalize on Qatar’s growing role as a transshipment hub, particularly for Asian and European markets. As of 2023, the port has processed over 2 million metric tons of cargo annually, a figure projected to rise with ongoing investments in capacity expansion. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Umm Sa'id features a modern deep-water harbor equipped to handle vessels with drafts exceeding 15 meters. The port includes multiple container terminals, each outfitted with advanced automated stackers and straddle-mounted cranes capable of lifting 40-foot and 20-foot containers. These facilities are managed through a computerized tracking system, ensuring real-time visibility of cargo movements. The infrastructure also encompasses specialized handling units for bulk commodities, including terminals for cereals, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals. Given Qatar’s energy dominance, the port integrates closely with nearby LNG processing facilities, though intermodal logistics dominate its operations. A dedicated cargo terminal in Al Wakrah supports the handling of general merchandise, while bonded warehouses facilitate just-in-time delivery for import-dependent industries. Supporting infrastructure includes a 24-hour customs center, bonded areas, and a satellite tracking system linked to global supply chain networks. The port’s access to the Me instalación Railway Line, operated by the Public Roads Corporation (PRC), enhances multimodal connectivity to Doha and other inland networks. Environmental compliance is prioritized through measures such as shore power and low-emission zones, reflecting adherence to international maritime standards like IMO 2020. ## Economic Importance Umm Sa'id contributes significantly to Qatar’s economic diversification strategy by serving as a linchpin for regional and international trade. The port handles approximately 15% of the country’s total maritime cargo, with a strong emphasis on high-value logistics. Key economic sectors supported include energy, petrochemicals, and general commodities, aligning with Qatar’s status as one of the world’s largest LNG exporters. Enterprises such as Qatar Petroleum and global shipping consortia leverage the port’s capabilities to optimize supply chain efficiency. For instance, Umm Sa'id acts as a primary entry point for LNG destined for Asian markets, reducing transit times by enabling transshipment at strategic Middle Eastern hubs. Additionally, the port supports Qatar’s trade surplus in industrial goods, such as machinery and electronics, through efficient import logistics. Economically, the port sustains thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from port operations to logistics services. According to a 2022 report by the World Bank, investments in Qatari ports like Umm Sa'id have generated over $2 billion in annual economic activity, with spillover effects in construction, transportation, and IT sectors. The port’s integration with Qatar’s trade licenses and free zones further enhances its role in attracting foreign investment. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Umm Sa'id’s strategic positioning within the Persian Gulf enables it to serve as a critical node in maritime trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Major routes include voyages from the Far East to the Gulf (e.g., China to Qatar), intra-Gulf trans-shipments, and northbound legs to Europe via the Suez or Gibraltar canals. The port’s participation in these routes is facilitated by its proximity to key ports like Ras Laffan and Zubair. Major cargo categories at Umm Sa'id include: - **Containerized Freight:** Dominantly sourced from Asian manufacturers, including electronics, furniture, and consumer goods. - **LNG:** While Qatar’s primary LNG export hubs are Ras Laffan, Umm Sa'id handles smaller LNG shipments and equipment for pipeline projects. - **Dry Bulk:** Includes grains, fertilizers, and construction materials, aligning with Qatar’s agricultural and industrial needs. - **Vehicle and Machinery Transshipment:** Facilitated by the Me instalación Railway Link, ideal for exporting Qatar-made industrial equipment. The port’s trade partners are predominantly Asian (China, South Korea) and European (Germany, Italy), reflecting Qatar’s trade diversification efforts. Shipping lines like MSC and COSCO frequently call at Umm Sa'id, underscoring its role in global container networks. For further analysis, a detailed case study on Qatari port economics can be found in the UNCTAD’s Trade in Services Yearbook↗. ```

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

QAUMS

Country

Qatar

Province / Region

Al Wakrah

Latitude

24.980000

Longitude

51.530000

Timezone

Asia/Qatar

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed)?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) is QAUMS.

Where is Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) located?

The Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) is located in Qatar, Al Wakrah. Its coordinates are 24.9800°N, 51.5300°E.

What time zone is Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) in?

Port of Umm Sa'id (Mesaieed) operates in the Asia/Qatar time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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