SAL Logistics Services, Saudi Arabia’s national leader in cargo handling, logistics solutions, and supply chain management, has been awarded the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) Level 1 (Suitable) certification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first company in Saudi Arabia and the second across the Middle East and North Africa to receive this certification.
The certification recognizes the effectiveness of SAL’s security management framework across its cargo handling and ground operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to implementing internationally recognized standards and fostering a proactive security culture built on risk management, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
This achievement was made possible through the expertise, dedication, and commitment of SAL’s operations and security teams. In recognition of this milestone, SAL officially received the certification during a ceremony held at IATA Headquarters in Geneva. The event formed part of a two-day program that included certification review sessions and strategic meetings with IATA executives and subject matter experts, covering the continuous improvement of security management systems, best practices in ground handling, developments in the Middle East and Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) air cargo markets, as well as IATA’s solutions and training programs for cargo and ground handling operations.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Omar Talal Hariri, Chief Executive Officer of SAL, said: “Security is the foundation of trusted cargo operations. Achieving the IATA Security Management System certification as the first company in Saudi Arabia reflects the advancement of SAL’s security practices. It is a testament to the dedication of our teams. It reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class standards that safeguard our customers while enhancing operational excellence across Saudi Arabia’s aviation and logistics sectors.”
The certification further strengthens the confidence of regulators, airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics partners in SAL’s security governance and operational readiness. It also underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and to setting higher benchmarks for security management across the region, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for trade, transport, and logistics in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
