LOGISTICS HANDLING-

Dubai South debuts new logistics facility: Dubai South Zone and Expeditors International of Washington have launched a new logistics facility in the zone’s Logistics District, according to a statement. No investment ticket has been disclosed. The 23.2k sqm facility is slated to support Expeditors International’s warehousing and fulfillment services, offering comprehensive services including container freight station operations. The services would also cover inventory and order management, kitting, labeling, compliance and quality inspections, returns, transportation, and pick-and-pack operations. The parties inked an agreement for the project last January, with the launch date initially scheduled for February.

ALSO- Jas Middle East lands in Dubai South: Logistics and supply chain solution provider Jas Middle East has inaugurated its new 19k sqm regional mega headquarters in Dubai South, according to a statement released on Thursday. The ESG-compliant warehouse features three temperature-controlled chambers, racked and bulk storage areas, and 12 loading bays with dock levellers and roller shutter doors. Jas’ office space will span two floors, and the HQ will be equipped with solar panels installed on the roof to cut utility consumption and costs.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1- Mawani launches a new shipping line from Jeddah Islamic Port: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) inaugurated a new Shipping service — dubbed IMB1 — operated by Dubai-based Cstar Line to Jeddah Islamic Port, according to a statement. The new service — which boasts a carrying capacity of 2.1k TUES — will call at the UAE’s Jebel Ali Port, India’s Nhava Sheva and Mundra Ports, Turkey’s Evyap Port, and Russia’s Novorossiysk Port.

#2- AD Ports subsidiary Noatum Maritime and the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company kicked off the operations of their JV ASRY Marine, Wam reported on Thursday. The integrated marine services JV — first announced in February — marked its operational start with the arrival of four modern tugboats from Noatum Maritime’s fleet at ASRY’s headquarters in Bahrain last week.

#3- DP World debuts new vessel at Jebel Ali: UAE port operator DP World has incorporated a new vessel — dubbed DP World Jebel Ali — to its Unifeeder fleet at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, according to a statement released on Thursday. The vessel — a Sapphire 5300 compact gearless container vessel — is equipped with compact design and a maritime tech to enhance cargo handling efficiency and allow access to smaller ports and terminals, Wam reported on Thursday. The vessel will also save nearly 1.7k metric tonnes of bunker fuel annually, reducing carbon emissions by 15-20%.

AVIATION-

#1- Syrian Air has resumed direct flights between Syria and the UAE, marking the first step of a phased return, according to a statement released on Sunday. Services to Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi commenced yesterday. Currently, the airline operates four weekly flights between Damascus and Dubai, with plans to increase to daily service, Asharq Business reported on Friday. Flights to Sharjah have also commenced, with expansion to daily service expected soon.

#2- Etihad Airways to launch new Kenya service: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is set to double its flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi to operate 14 weekly services as of 15 December 2025, according to a statement issued on Thursday. The carrier will expand its services to Africa to tap into the continent’s growing market potential, with plans to add additional services to the Seychelles in May as well as Morocco’s Casablanca and South Africa’s Johannesburg in August. The airline will also be launching new services to Egypt’s Al Alamein in September, Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa in October and Algeria’s Algiers and Tunisia’s Tunis in November.

TRUCKING-

SkyCargo taps hydrogen-powered trucks: Emirates Skycargo has partnered with UAE-based land freight cargo firm Allied Transport Company to integrate five hydrogen-powered trucks into its fleet by 1Q 2026, according to a statement released on Thursday. The new trucks will have a carrying capacity of 28 tonnes of cargo each, with a full tank offering a range up to 700 km. Hydrogen fueling will be available in Dubai Expo City and Al Qudra Dewa Station,

Trucking in numbers: Skycargo currently boasts over 60 trucks in its trucking fleet, which serves as a crucial link between Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and the wider region.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Saudia Cargo + China Cargo ink MoU to boost trade: Saudia Cargo inked an MoU with China Cargo Airline to enhance collaboration in air cargo operations and develop specialized logistics services to boost bilateral trade between the countries in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. (Statement)
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