ZONES-

Sohar earmarks land plot for meds factory: Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone has inked a land lease agreement with Omani-Algerian JV Pharma Investment Group to establish a USD 20 mn (c. OMR 7.7 mn) pharma plant, according to a press release. Construction on the facility — set to span 40k sqm — will begin in 2027, featuring sterile and non-sterile production lines, quality control labs, and R&D capabilities, the press release said.

The latest developments from Sohar: The freezone signed an agreement with MoonRock R&D and PowerCon to establish an electricity power connection for ships docked at the port’s container terminal. Known as shore power or onshore power supply (OPS), the connection capacity allows berthed vessels to switch off auxiliary power and connect to the onshore electricity grid, thereby lowering emissions in compliance with International Maritime Organization guidelines.

CARGO-

#1- Emirates SkyCargo starts weekly freight service to Bangkok: Dubai-based Emirates SkyCargo has introduced a new weekly freight route to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to a press release. The new route brings its East and Southeast Asia freight network to 11 destinations, and its overall global network to 43.

Behind the move: Emirates SkyCargo aims to tap into Thailand’s current focus on importing and exporting tech products, as the country looks to develop its advanced manufacturing sectors. The UAE is a key global trade connector to China and ASEAN markets, with the area forming a central part of SkyCargo’s 2026 expansion plan, according to the statement.

AND- Etihad Cargo boosts its Southeast Asia cargo network: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo has partnered with Malaysian logistics provider Teleport to deploy a new freighter service between Abu Dhabi and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh — effective in winter 2025, according to a statement, without clarifying an official date. The new service — operating two weekly Airbus A321F flights — will boost the airline’s cargo capacity by some 50 tons per week on its Southeast Asia network.

ICYMI- Etihad Cargo partnered with Teleport to add freighter services to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur last year.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Gulftainer launches India-Gulf maritime service: Emirati ports operator Gulftainer has kicked off its India-Gulf Express (GIX) service connecting West India to Gulf states, according to a press release. The GIX service will link Indian ports — Nhava Sheva and Mundra — with major Gulf gateways, namely Sharjah, Sohar, Hamad Port, and Jebel Ali via direct weekly departures.

TRADE-

Turkish flights resume at Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah Airport: Flights between Turkey and Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah International Airport have reportedly resumed, with a Turkish aircraft landing at the airport on Sunday, Shafaq News reports. This marks a step towards the return of regular weekly flights between the countries, the airport’s Director of Media and Public Relations Dana Mohammed told the news outlet.

This development follows Turkey’s lifting of the 2023 ban on the airport last month, which had been imposed due to security concerns over the use of the airport by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

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