E-COMMERCE-

Cainiao lands in the GCC: Chinese Smart logistics provider Cainiao launched express delivery services in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and KSA, according to a statement here and here. The move looks to allow e-commerce platforms to complete orders under a unified express network spanning across the GCC region. The firm will operate using a range of air and ground shipping solutions, ensuring air freight delivery in three days between GCC nations, and six to eight days globally. Shipping costs will be secured at USD 1 per kg.

PROJECTS-

OQGN taps Petrojet for Fahud-Suhar pipeline: Omani state-owned OQ Gas Networks (OQGN) has awarded Egyptian petroleum projects firm Petrojet an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the 42-inch second Loop Line Fahud-Suhar pipeline, according to a disclosure (pdf) to the Muscat Stock Exchange. OQGN also inked a contract with India-based Jindal Saw Limited to supply piping for the project, according to the disclosure.

About the pipeline: The 193-km gas pipeline is set to cost OMR 105 mn and add about 9 mn cbm per day in gas pumping capacity to the country’s northern gas network. It aims to target the increasing energy needs of the Suhar and Ibri regions, Oman Observer reported late last year. Construction is expected within 24 months.

STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

GWC sets up shop in Dammam: Qatar-based logistics firm Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has launched a wholly-owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, according to a disclosure to the Qatar Stock Exchange. The subsidiary — dubbed GWC ENR — is based in Dammam. No further details were given on the subsidiary’s next moves.

Latest regional forays: GWC’s energy logistics subsidiary GWC Energy Services inked an MoU with Aramco-backed Offshore Fabrication Company late last year to develop 100k sqm of grade-A logistics and storage facilities at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair Industrial Port.

AVIATION-

SolitAir launches routes to Kuwait, Bahrain: Dubai-based air cargo operator SolitAir has kicked off routes connecting Dubai World Central (DWC) to Kuwait International Airport (KWI) and Bahrain International Airport (BAH), according to a press release. Al Hayat International for Air Shipping will act as SolitAir’s general sales agent in Kuwait, and International Agencies Co Ltd (Intercol) as its general sales agent in Bahrain. The airline’s chartered routes include destinations like Riyadh, Dhaka, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Chennai, Karachi, and Istanbul.

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