LOGISTICS HANDLING-

British logistics firm Zencargo has landed in the UAE: Zencargo, a digital freight forwarding firm, has joined the UAE’s Economy Ministry NextGenFDI program, according to a press release (pdf). The freight forwarding firm plans to integrate into the UAE’s logistics, technology, and trade ecosystem, and use the platform to expand their operations further into Africa and South Asia, the release states.

About the firm: Zencargo uses proprietary software, including machine learning, and digitization to provide its clients with a digitized end-to-end inbound supply chain, an overview of their supply chain, and visibility for each stage from order to delivery, according to the statement.

About the NextGenFDI program: Launched in 2022 by the Economy Ministry, the program supports growth of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy by fast-tracking rapid incorporation, licensing, access to bank facilities, real estate, visa issuance for technology companies seeking to operate in the UAE, according to the release.

TRADE-

UAE + India to bolster their investment and trade t ies: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) and the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) have inked an agreement to strengthen investment and trade between India and the UAE, WAM reports. The collaboration will focus on initiating trade missions and investment forums to help potential investors and Indian businesses gain insight into Rakez’s offerings. Rakez will also streamline market entry for Indian businesses looking to set up in the UAE by providing assistance in navigating regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary licenses. The two countries' ties have been gathering pace since they signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement back in 2022.

Oman + Dubai to bolster customs relations to increase trade: Oman’s Director of Dhofar Customs Khalifa bin Talib Al Masqari and Dubai customs officials agreed to exchange expertise to achieve mutual economic growth and streamline passenger movement, WAM reports. They also discussed collaboration to boost bilateral trade, and visited key customs facilities in Dubai.

AVIATION-

ADQ’s Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi’s General Administration of Customs have inked a service level agreement (SLA) to enhance the quality of airport services, according to a press release. The SLA involves streamlining travel procedures, baggage checks, and passenger and cargo movement at airports, the statement said, adding that the move aims to boost Abu Dhabi's position as a premier hub for tourism, trade, and commerce.

Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM Group have signed an MOU to enhance collaboration in various areas, including passenger operations, loyalty programs, talent development, and maintenance, WAM reports. As an initial phase, the airlines have made available 40 new routes spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, for booking for travel in the winter season. The two airlines will also look into other collaborations such as terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access, and ground handling as part of the agreement, which builds on their existing codeshare and interline agreements from 2012.

Qatar Airways and Xiamen Airlines launch new codeshare agreement: Qatar Airways and Beijing’s Xiamen Airlines will launch daily flights from Beijing's Daxing International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha starting 20 October, according to a Qatar Airways press release. Two weekly flights from Xiamen to Doha will also start on 31 October. Qatar Airways will codeshare on these flights, expanding its presence in mainland China.

An Air Car go Control Unit (ACCU) has been inaugurated at Baghdad Airport, the Iraqi News Agency reports, citing Chairman of the Border Ports Committee Omar Al Waeli. The new unit will oversee container control and identify potentially dangerous cargo through an assessment of risk indicators in shipping documents, Al Waeli said. “The project is a step in addressing smuggling and trafficking in drugs and prohibited goods and manipulating the country's economy and societal security,” he added.

STORAGE & WAREHOUSING-

BFL to deploy UAE’s IQ Robotics for its KSA expansion: UAE-based AI and logistics firm IQ Robotics has inked a multi-mn AED agreement with the region’s off-price retailer Brands For Less Group(BFL) to facilitate BFL’s expansion into Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. The agreement will see IQ Robotics deploy 130 robots to help BFL process omnichannel orders to create a more efficient and sustainable retail experience, according to the release.

ICYMI- BFL launched a new 38k sqm logistics distribution center in Saudi Arabia’s Sudair City for Industry and Businesses in Riyadh last week. The new facility will allow the retailer to manage its retail operations in the kingdom and “meet the evolving demands of the Saudi market.”

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Oman’s first low-cost carrier SalamAir will permanently operate year-round flights on the Muscat-Beirut route starting 30 September to meet high demand, and will add extra flights during the New Year’s holiday. (Press release)
  • Dubai-based Teodor Shipping has let go of its sole VLCC — dubbed Hansika — shortly following its purchase. (Splash)
  • Saudi national carrier Bahri has pledged to reduce 50% of its carbon emissions by 2050 as part of the company’s participation in the Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC) as a gold sponsor. (Trade Arabia)
  • Iraq ’s Director General of Iraq’s General Company for Ports F arhan Al Fartousi met with a delegation of DP world subsidiary Drydocks World to discuss cooperation and the sharing of expertise in the field of docking marine units. (Ministry statement)
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