Logistics (MENA) 
Egypt Edition 
UAE Edition 
Saudi Edition 
MENA <> India Corridor 
Climate (MENA) 
Share
Read Full Issue 
STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-
DP World has expanded into Singapore with its first logistics asset in the country, the company said in a press release. The 13k sqm multi-bonder warehouse is located at the Mapletree Benoi Logistics Hub and brings the company’s total warehousing space in Asia to over 800k sqm.
REMEMBER- Earlier this week, DP World and Asia Terminals Inc. completed a USD 100 mn project to expand the Philippines’ Manila South Harbor.
STARTUP WATCH-
Bokra grants credit line to iSupply: Pharma distribution startup iSupply secured USD 3 mn in shariah-compliant financing from fintech Bokra, according to a press release (pdf). iSupply will use the fresh funds — which is structured as a revenue-based revolving facility — to scale up its operations locally and strengthen its medical supply chain.
SOUND SMART- A revenue-based revolving financing is a flexible credit line repaid as a percentage of future revenues, allowing funds to be reborrowed once repaid.
SHIPPING + MARITIME-
#1- Oman’s Asyad Group has launched a tender for consultants to conduct a feasibility study for the expansion of the Asyad Drydock at Duqm port, according to a statement. The study aims to assess the berth arrangement and dock options and will cover economic feasibility, revenue generation, environmental impact, operational efficiency, and any necessary engineering works. Interested parties can procure the application documents up until 19 May, while the bid submission should be filed by 27 May.
Asyad Group is on feasibility tenders roll: Asyad received four bids to conduct a feasibility study evaluating Oman’s logistics supply chain readiness for the firm’s planned green hydrogen projects.
#2- Shanghai-based Cosco Shipping Lines has launched a new regional subsidiary — Cosco Shipping Lines Saudi Arabia — in collaboration with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), according to a statement published last week. The new subsidiary will be based in Dammam and comes as Cosco works to solidify its presence in the region, marking the Kingdom as an operational hub, Xinde Marine News reported last week. The firm is also looking to establish its assets at Jeddah Islamic Port and support Jubail Industrial City’s rail terminal project.
A strategic move for Cosco: The US tariffs on Chinese goods and China-built vessels areexpected to have a sizable impact on global shipping — with container shipping volumes expected to drop by 1.5-2% in 2025. Cosco Shipping is especially vulnerable due to its mix of Chinese-built vessels, with its profits forecasted to slip by over 50% this year after more than doubling last year — while Japanese and Taiwanese liners are set to benefit.
AVIATION-
Morocco has issued two expressions of interest (EOIs) for a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport, Reuters reports. The expansion — scheduled for completion in 2029 — will increase capacity at the airport by 20 mn and cost USD 1.6 bn, ONDA said in a statement. Moroccan construction firm STAM was awarded a MAD 294 mn contract for the first phase of construction of the new terminal at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
REMEMBER- Morocco has reportedly been working on a new airport development in Casablanca that would accommodate about 40 mn passengers. The exact scope and the investment ticket for the new project are still unclear, with some reports citing a USD 3 bn figure and others mentioning a USD 1.6 bn ticket.
PROJECTS-
Turk Mart to follow Bharat Mart: DP World is currently developing a market for Turkish traders — Turk Mart — which will be built on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road adjacent to Dubai’s Expo City, CEO and managing director Abdulla bin Damithan told Khaleej Times. The Turkish market takes inspiration from the upcoming market for Indian traders, Bharat Mart, which is poised to be operational by 2026 and slated to operate at full capacity by 2027. The two markets will be located alongside the Yiwu Market — a 200k sqm site designated for Chinese traders composed of 1.6k showrooms, open since 2022.
Background: Dubai-based port operator DP World kickstarted the development of Bharat Mart — a warehousing and trading hub designed for Indian MSMEs — in April.
