Updates on freight forwarding, maritime, and zones from the UAE, Oman and Egypt

FREIGHT FORWARDING-

#1- Dubai South inked an agreement with international freight forwarder UPS to open a new facility in its Logistics District, according to a statement. The facility — scheduled for operation by end-of-year — is slated to boost national freight forwarding capacity and is part of UPS’s strategic expansion plans into the region. The investment ticket for the project was not disclosed.

Dubai South is on a kick: Dubai South welcomed 415 new companies in 2024, bringing the total number of companies operating in the aviation and logistics development district to 4k, with a retention rate of 94% for existing companies.

#2- China’s CULines sets up shop in Dubai: Chinese freight forwarding firm CULines West Asia Company launched its Dubai headquarters last week as part of its strategic expansion across the region, according to a statement. CULines is currently expediting the development of its route network in the region, which aims to “play a pivotal role in linking our trunk and feeder networks” to enhance operational efficiency and collaboration, chairman Raymond Chen said.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Oman to establish maritime industry association: Oman’s Social Development Minister Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar has issued a ministerial decision to establish the Oman Maritime Association, Muscat Daily reported on Sunday. The association will work with government agencies to provide advisory services to private stakeholders and specialized training and professional development services for industry talent. The decision was published on 19 February and will take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette on an undisclosed date.

Operations will be overseen by a board of five to 12 members elected for a two-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms before taking a mandatory break. The association’s budget will also be financed from member subscriptions, event revenues, and donations.

ZONES-

More Chinese firms land in Egypt’s West Qantara: Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic (SCZone) has inked a USD 4.5 mn agreement with Chinese textile manufacturer Gold Star Fashion for a project in the West Qantara Industrial Zone, according to a statement. The facility — spanning 23k sqm — will be fully dedicated for exports and foster the creation of more than 2k jobs.

Following the footsteps of other firms: SCZone inked two strategic agreements this week with Chinese textile firms for two projects in the West Qantara Industrial Zone with a total investment figure of USD 28 mn.

On a roll: The SCZone has so far attracted 15 companies to West Qantara, signing some 14 agreements over the last 20 months for new projects with total investments of USD 542.3 mn, the statement notes. The projects include a USD 30 mn factory by Chinese textile manufacturer Kelida and a USD 70 mn factory by Chinese dyeing and finishing outfit Zhejiang Hengsheng.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

• Royal Air Maroc expands cargo links: Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc has added 30 tons of weekly cargo uplift for its China-Morocco routes. (Air Cargo Week)
• Emirates expands its services to Asia: Dubai-based Emirates Airways is rolling out three new flight routes to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, effective from mid-2025. (Statement)
• Flydubai adds three new services to Iran: Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai is launching three new services to Iran. (Statement)