AVIATION-

RwandAir to double fleet, increase connectivity to Africa and the Middle East: Rwanda’s flagship airline RwandAir aims to nearly double its 13-aircraft fleet to 25 planes and expand its network to 39 destinations over the next five years to boost its reach, including to the Middle East, The National cites CEO Yvonne Makolo as saying. RwandAir aims to increase the frequency of flight to existing routes like Doha and Dubai as well as expand to other destinations in the region, Makolo said. The airline is already taking delivery of three leased Boeing 737s this year.

ZONES-

Saudi Arabia has launched the Center for Riyadh Special Economic Zones, the Saudi Press Agency reports. The center — managed by the board of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City — will supervise the special economic zones in Riyadh, provide incentives, and help create a regulatory framework for various economic activities within the zones in a bid to attract investments, SPA adds.

Korea + Egypt’s SCA discuss enhancing collaboration: The chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie met with a Korean delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Young-joo to discuss collaboration in areas of mutual interest and to showcase the latest development projects in the canal, according to an SCA statement.

POST-

Oman Post’s new AI sorting boosts efficiency 43%: Oman Post, a subsidiary of Omani logistics provider Asyad Group, recently launched an AI parcel sorting system that has boosted efficiency 43% by the end of August 2023 compared to the same period a year before, Oman News Agency reports. The system can sort 6k parcels per hour.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

Up to USD 50 bn of Emirati investment heading to India? The UAE is looking to invest up to USD 50 bn in its second-largest trading partner, India, sources with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg. The UAE is eyeing stakes in Indian infrastructure projects and state-owned assets, the sources said, adding that some of the agreements could involve Abu Dhabi wealth funds ADQ, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and Mubadala Investment Company. Provisional agreements could be announced as soon as early next year, with investment to come in during 2H 2024.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has secured two contract extensions in the GCC and a brand new contract spanning two years, Oil and Gas Middle East reports. The contract extensions extend over a duration of four years, and are set to enhance its presence and topline across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Vice Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority Mohammed Al Thani met with Rwandan Ambassador to Qatar Igor Marara to discuss cooperating to attract companies to Qatar’s free zones. (statement)
  • Qatar Airways has resumed flights between Hamad International Airport, Doha and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. (Gulf News)
  • EmiratesAirways has launched its first flight operating using sustainable aviation fuel from Shell Aviation, from Dubai International Airport, UAE. (statement)
  • The Iraqi Transport Ministry has launcheda campaign to restore and maintain cargo locomotives, particularly those used to transport crude oil and its by-products. (Statement)
Tags: