TRADE-

Oman + KSA to digitalize logistics solutions: Oman’s digitalization services firm Rihal and KSA’ smart solutions provider Thiqah — alongside the Omani Industry Ministry — have inked a USD 10 mn MoU that aims to boost smart solutions and strengthen digital transformation partnerships in the logistics sector, according to a statement published on Sunday. The agreement — which is projected to eventually reach USD 30 mn in investments — aims to facilitate tracking of imported and exported goods, help expedite procedures in trade clearance and customs, as well as ensure regulation compliance and electronic integration.

STARTUP WATCH-

Saudi logistics startup Leajlak raised SAR 10 mn in a seed funding round that saw contributions from undisclosed angel investors, according to a statement published on Friday. The funds will fuel the startup’s geographic expansion, entrance into new e-commerce and modern retail sectors, R&D, and the recruitment of new talents.

About Leajlak: Founded in 2020 by Bader Alharbi (Linkedin), CEO Khalid Albakry (Linkedin), CCO Ahmed Rashid (Linkedin), and CTO Haseeb Rahman (Linkedin), the on-demand last-mile delivery service is specially geared towards e-commerce platforms. The startup also leverages a hybrid system that optimizes captain assignments for both express and parcel deliveries.

AVIATION-

Satys gets a new facility at Dubai South: Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) has inaugurated a new facility for aircraft painting, sealing, and manufacturing interiors for French aerospace group Satys at Dubai South, according to a statement released on Thursday. The facility is planned to be operational in 2Q 2025. The investment ticket for the facility has not been disclosed.

MBRAH has been on a roll: MBRAH inked an agreement with France-based aerospace and transport firm Liebherr-Aerospace in October 2024 to establish a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Dubai South. MBRAH also inked an agreement with International Energy Resources (IER) MRO Industries the same month for an MRO and engine testing facility at Dubai South.

CUSTOMS-

Egypt’s Cabinet has approved a proposed set of measures to speed up customs clearance, according to a statement released on Thursday. The details of the plan were not disclosed, but the plans aim to improve the process of exporting and importing goods in a bid to cut customs clearance times down from eight days to just two. They will also allow businesses to pay import duties on raw materials in installments for the first time, the Deputy Finance Minister for Tax Policies Sherif El Kilani said at PwC Middle East’s annual Tax and Legal Seminar attended by EnterpriseAM.

Kilani also told EnterpriseAM late last year that the government is revisiting customs procedures to align with global standards and improve efficiency. This includes a plan to introduce a four-tier system — green, red, blue, and orange — for importers, allowing for faster clearance for compliant businesses.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Saudi Arabia to get its first offshore jack-up rig: KSA’s Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling has partnered with maritime construction and repair firm International Maritime Industries to build the Kingdom’s first offshore jack-up rig, dubbed Kingdom3, according to a statement released last week. Under the agreement, the pair look to expand the Kingdom’s maritime industry by building robust maritime supply chains.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Saudia boosts its network: KSA’s Saudia is flying to more than 10 new destinations in 2025. (SPA)
  • SAL + STC partner up on digital solutions: Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services has inked an MoU with transport consultancy STC Group to boost digital logistics solutions and enhance supply chain management. (Statement)
  • Iraq’s BGT receives new harbor crane: The Iraqi Port of Umm Qasr’s Basra Gateway Container Terminal (BGT) has received a new Konecranes Gottwald ESP.8 mobile harbor crane with a 54-meter boom and a 125 tons of lifting capacity. (Iraqi News)
  • Etihad Airways is flying to Sochi: ADQ’s Etihad Airways is launching three weekly flights between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Sochi International Airport (AER) next summer. (Statement)
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