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QFZ + DVC join forces with Ginkgo on biosecurity initiative:Qatar’s FreezonesAuthority (QFZ) and Doha Venture Capital (DVC) have inked an agreement with American biotech company GinkgoBioworks to build a Center for Unified Biosecurity Excellence in Doha, dubbed CUBE-D, according to a statement. The center will serve as a hub for pathogen monitoring across the world, and issue early warnings for biological threats. The investment looks to position Qatar as a leader in biosecurity and to attract talents to develop the country’s bioeconomy, the statement also said.

ALSO- ZEKI to set up AI research center: QFZ and German AI-applications research outfit Zeki have inked an MoU to establish an AI applied research center in QFZ, QNA reports. The center, dubbed ZE-KI Doha Centre, will be operated by Zeki and supported by QFZ, allowing QFZ to develop channels between the center and QFZ-based investors.

Petrozo Energy unveils AED 120 mn plant in Sharjah: Singaporean oil and gas manufacturer PetrozoEnergy is set to commit AED 120 mn to build a 430k sq-ft plant in Sharjah’s Hamriya Freezone, the Hamriyah Freezone Authority said. There is no specific information disclosed on what the manufacturing facility will produce, however Petrozo’s specializes in manufacturing fuel oils, petrochemicals, bitumen (asphalt), naphtha, and waterproofing materials, according to Wam. The new plant is expected to have an annual production capacity of 72k tons, boosting Petrozo’s market share to 15%.

The company’s extensive Global Export Reach: The company’s exports aretailored to meet the requirements of the transport, aviation and construction sectors and ship to international markets including Asia, Africa, New Zealand, and the Americas, Wam notes. Picking Hamriyah Free Zone for Petrozo Energy's new facility falls in line with the company’s goal to expand its footprint across the UAE, Middle East, East Africa, and Southeast Asia to meet increased demand for its products, Wam quotes Petrozo Energy CEO Tarique Kamal as saying.

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Zamil Steel + Bahri ink agreement to construct Bahri Bonded Zone: KSA’s Zamil Steel subsidiary Zamil Steel Pre-Engineered Buildings Company has been awarded a contract by Bahri Logistics Company to build Bahri Bonded Zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, according to a statement. The project, slated for completion in September 2024, covers the design, fabrication, supply, and erection of a pre-engineered steel building spanning an area of 37 k square meters. The building is set to include office space, a warehouse, a mechanical roof, a mezzanine floor, and utility annexes, the statement said.

Milaha taps Vendia to optimize port operations: Qatari maritime and logistics company Milaha has tapped California-based data automation solutions provider Vendia to streamline vessel processing at ports, according to a press release. Vendia’s platform has the potential to cut working capital times by some 20 - 30%, the statement said.

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