The second day of Abu Dhabi’s Make it in the Emirates Forum saw the formation of a new healthcare logistics JV, along with plenty of aviation agreements. The forum — which began on Monday and is set to conclude tomorrow — brought in a slew of agreements on its first day, including in manufacturing across several sectors like oilfield services, pharma, and agritech.

Part of a larger push: The UAE is set to pump AED 40 bn (c. USD 10.9 bn) into its industrial base over the next five years in a bid to grow the sector and localize supply chains, according to a press release citing statements made by Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber during the first day of the forum.

HEALTHCARE LOGISTICS

AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings have partnered up to launch a new healthcare logistics joint venture (JV) focused on Africa dubbed Docktour, according to a statement. The launch comes after the pair agreed earlier this month to explore the formation of a new JV for the delivery of medical supplies, equipment, and pharma goods across Africa earlier this month. The investment ticket and ownership breakdown were not disclosed.

On the cards: The platform aims to modernize medical supply chains, support the development of modular healthcare units — including container-based hospitals and clinics —as well as construct full-service medical infrastructure in Africa. Docktour also looks to set up a series of medical offices across AD Port’s existing areas of operation in the continent.

Who’s doing what? The new JV will collaborate with Burjeel Holding’s operations and management subsidiary Operonix — an overseer of several large-scale healthcare projects across Africa. AD Ports will leverage its extensive logistics network in the region to facilitate inland transport, as well as provide specialized warehousing and distribution centers as part of the JV.

On the local side: The firm will engage with regional health authorities, governments, and humanitarian agencies to facilitate the rapid mobilisation of logistics in emergencies to deliver critical care. Docktour will also support local capacity-building efforts with clinical training programs and the implementation of data-driven inventory management to minimize delays.

A growing market: AD Ports retains an extensive operational portfolio across Africa, including in Egypt’s East Port Said and Safaga Terminal, Angola’s Lunada Terminal, Congo-Brazzaville, and Tanzania.

AVIATION-

#1- Sanad acquires Trent 700 engines from Etihad: Mubadala-owned Sanad has acquired a batch of Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines from Etihad Airways, as the carrier retires its A330ceo fleet, Wam reports. The Trent 700, which powers the Airbus A330, has logged over 60 mn flight hours. Sanad is currently the only independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider with a long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce for this engine type.

REMEMBER- Sanad has been expanding its engine asset base amid rising demand for mid-life platforms and ongoing supply chain delays in new aircraft deliveries. It opened new MRO facilities in February and December, following an August partnership with Airbus to provide engine servicing. Sanad currently supports about 25% of the global Trent 700 fleet.

#2- Airbus is set to source parts locally: The Tawazun Council has partnered up with Airbus to manufacture and supply cargo compartment removable tanks (CCRTs) in partnership with local defense and tech conglomerate Edge Group’s subsidiary EPI, according to a statement. The produced tanks are set to streamline aerial refueling, ground support, and extended-range missions, Wam reports. EPI will manufacture and assemble the aerostructures, operating as the sole source supplier for these parts.

ALSO- The Industry and Advanced Technology Ministry will develop a program with Airbus Africa and Middle East to boost local industrial capability, according to a statement. Under the agreement, the pair will develop a long-term collaboration framework that aligns with domestic industrial needs — focusing on supplier development, skill exchange, and the amalgamation of local firms into Airbus’ value chain.

#3- ADNOC L&S to trial Regent transport operations: Adnoc Logistics and Services is running a proof-of-concept trial to evaluate using US-based Regent ’s Viceroy electric seaglider to shuttle staff between land and offshore energy sites, according to a statement. The US-built craft can carry 12 people or 1.6 tonnes of cargo at up to 300 km/h for routes over 300km and uses a hybrid mode of floating, foiling, and flying. The craft cut operational costs by up to 80% when compared with helicopters, and would be deployed across Adnoc L&S’ offshore logistics operations after the trial period.

Local build, local ops: Regent will manufacture the seaglider in the UAE and provide maintenance services from the country as well. The trial will be run by a UAE-based operator.

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