DATA CENTERS-

Dubai’s Green Data Center gets a second phase: Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the second phase of the Green Data Center at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The project is being implemented in 10 phases, with the first phase launched in 2023.

About the center: The 100k sqm data center, which is operated by Digital Dewa subsidiary Moro Hub, integrates renewable energy with digital solutions, offering advanced solutions in digital transformation, cloud computing, smart cities, IoT, and cybersecurity, while operating on 100% solar energy with a total capacity exceeding 100 MW. The center is the largest single-site solar park globally, and the world’s largest solar-powered data facility.

STARTUP WATCH-

#1- Egypt’s SideUp expands to Oman: Egyptian e-commerce logistics platform SideUp — formerly Voo — is launching its services in Oman with a regional branch in Muscat by early 2025, according to a statement. The platform offers smart shipping, payment, and operational solutions to e-commerce businesses.

Previous expansion in the GCC: The platform moved its HQ to Riyadh as part of its regional expansion plans after raising USD 1.2 mn in a seed round in late 2022.

#2- Sampo closes pre-seed funding round: Oman-based e-commerce provider Sampo AI has closed a USD 750k pre-seed funding round co-led by Omantel Innovation and Waad VC, with participation from Hexnture and a group of Saudi angel investors, Wamda reported. The funding will help Sampo AI enhance its AI-driven tools and expand into Saudi Arabia and the UAE to serve their growing e-commerce sectors.

About Sampo AI: The company — founded in 2024 by Saif Al-Essai and Khalifa Manaa — is a Software as a Service (SaaS) provider that helps e-commerce businesses optimize their pricing strategies based on supply and market conditions, according to Wamda.

LOGISTICS HANDLING-

Roll Group expands in KSA: Heavy haul and lifting solution provider Roll Group ’s Saudi Arabia unit has launched a new 15k sqm facility in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to provide storage and logistics support to clients in the region, according to a statement. The facility will enable Roll Group to handle its complex heavy transport and lifting operations.

About Roll Group: The Netherland-based company specializes in providing solutions for heavy lifting, transportation, and installation onshore and offshore. It boasts a fleet of advanced and versatile heavy-duty equipment, such as SPMTs, trailers, high-capacity cranes, and gantries. In February 2025, the company plans to roll out its heavy-lifting RollBarge 1 barge.

CUSTOMS-

FedEx launched a new customs clearance facility at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez), according to a press release. The facility will handle packages shipped to and from Rakez through several FedEx express air and ground services in a bid to facilitate local companies’ access to logistics services.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Qatar + Argentina partner up to develop air transport: Qatar has inked an MoU with Argentina allowing for the operation of an unspecified number of passenger and cargo flights with full transportation rights, and to operate codeshare flights for designated airlines. (Al Sharq)
  • Oman Air Cargo partners with Switzerland’s Nav Aero: Oman Air Cargo has joined Swiss-based aviation and cargo manager Nav Aero’s network to offer more flight options, enhanced scheduling flexibility, and customized logistics services. (Time Aerospace)
  • Yemen Red Sea port capacity down after Israeli attacks: Yemen’s Hodeidah Harbour in the Red Sea — essential for the country’s humanitarian aid operations— has seen its capacity for aid imports fall to about a quarter due to Israeli attacks, a UN official said. (Reuters)
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