SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1- DP World launches Jebel Ali-Berbera shipping route: DP World introduced a new shipping service linking Jebel Ali Port in Dubai with Berbera Port in Somaliland, with the new route set to run every nine days, Gulf News reported on Thursday. The route — which stops at Aden and Djibouti — aims to boost trade connectivity between the Gulf and East Africa, offering inland access to Ethiopia and reducing reliance on Djibouti Port.

IN CONTEXT- DP World took over operations of Berbera Port back in 2017, with cargo throughput up by 90% since then. The port is close to Berbera Special Economic Zone — run jointly by DP World and the Somaliland government.

#2- du, Elcome to bring 5G and Starlink to sea: UAE telecom operator du partnered with maritime electronics player and Starlink reseller Elcome to provide better connection at sea, according to a press release published last week. The tie-up will combine du’s 5G and Starlink satellite systems to extend broadband and connectivity to hard-to-reach offshore locations, including on cargo ships, offshore gas rigs, merchant vessels, and private yachts.

DATA CENTERS-

Data analytics firm Presight will launch an AI facility management system across Khazna’s 30 UAE data centers, according to a press release (pdf) released on Thursday. It will deploy an AI-powered command and control platform to monitor energy, cooling, equipment performance, and security to reduce downtime across the 30 facilities and flag any issues before they arise. It will also improve operational efficiency by implementing smarter cooling systems and predictive maintenance.

AVIATION-

#1- World Star Aviation taps Joramco for MRO services: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s engineering arm Joramco inked a maintenance agreement with aircraft and engine lessor World Star Aviation, according to a statement released last week. Under the agreement, Joramco is set to offer heavy base maintenance on World Star Aviation’s fleet over 10 weeks. This includes C-checks, painting, lease transition, and re-delivery services primarily for Boeing 737-8 jets.

#2- Iraq adds 13 aircraft, edges closer to lifting EU ban: Iraqi Airways has added 13 jets to its fleet, which were provided under a multi-year agreement with Boeing and Airbus, Shafaq News reported last week, citing comments by Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis. This brings the carrier’s fleet to upwards of 40 jets and is expected to reach 53 jets by 2027. Iraq has also fulfilled 78% of the requirements needed to lift the EU’s 2015 ban on its national carrier, which arose from security concerns.

ALSO- Iraq’s Al Nasiriyah International Airport has wrapped up its modernization upgrades, Muhaibis reportedly said. The airport was expected to launch by the end of this year and is slated to span 16 mn sqm and feature a 3.4 km runway.

CUSTOMS-

Abu Dhabi + Ras Al Khaimah customs team up: The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Customs and Ras Al Khaimah Customs inked an agreement to boost cooperation and unify customs operations at both federal and local levels, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday. The goal is to develop a robust customs compliance framework to streamline operations. Under the agreement, the two authorities will exchange knowledge, expertise, and information, as well as integrate modern systems and AI technology to ensure efficient operational management.

ENERGY-

Sonatrach extends natgas supply pact with Czechia: Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach has inked an agreement with Czech firm ČEZ to extend their current natural gas supply contract, according to a statement published last week. The agreement extended their arrangement by one year, starting 1 October 2025, utilizing a gas pipeline linking Algeria to Italy.

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