STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Rasmala lands in the Netherlands, again: Dubai-based investment manager Rasmala Holdings launched its newly-built EUR 38 mn robotics-powered distribution facility in the Dutch municipality of Almelo, according to a statement. The 312k sq ft facility — which took more than a year to build — boasts an automated warehouse and is located next to another Rasmala-managed warehouse, marking the company’s third investment in the Netherlands. The hub is leased for a 15-year period to an NYSE-listed fashion firm, in a bid to streamline production shipment across Europe and the MENA region.

About Rasmala: Founded over 25 years ago, the outfit provides long-term investment solutions to Gulf-based investors, including banks, retirement funds, and government institutions, according to its LinkedIn.

STARTUP WATCH-

Boxy closes USD 1.5 mn pre-seed round: Iraq-based logistics aggregator Boxy secured USD 1.5 mn from UAE venture capital fund EQIQ in a pre-seed round, Wamda reports. The tie-up will give the startup access to EQIQ’s network and resources for growth to scale up its digital infrastructure.

Boxy is Iraq’s first AI-powered logistics aggregation platform focusing on last-mile delivery, according to its website. It helps e-commerce merchants optimize their shipping by routing each shipment to the optimal courier using a data-driven approach, linking merchant preferences with courier performance. Boxy aims to integrate over 1.5k last-mile couriers in Iraq into a single platform. By establishing a one-stop-shop for logistics players, the startup aims to reduce the risks of reliance on a single carrier.

EQIQ? Abu Dhabi Global Market-based EQIQ is a VC outfit focused on Iraq’s tech ecosystem, according to its website. Its portfolio includes social commerce platform Fedshi, fintech startup Wayl, and ed-tech player Corrsy.

AVIATION-

Menzies JV secures contract for newly launched Iraqi airport: Agility Logistics’ ground handling subsidiary Menzies Aviation is set to provide ground, air cargo, and fueling services at Mosul International Airport via Masil — a four-way JV with Iraqi Airways, Air BP, and Al Burhan Group, according to a press release. Masil will operate in the airport under a 10-year contract.

Masil? The JV — initially formed by Menzies Aviation and Iraqi Airways in 2021 — delivers ramp services, load control, flight operations, cargo and mail services, and support services including “into-plane” fueling, according to its website. Masil is also active at Baghdad International Airport.

REMEMBER- Mosul International Airport officially reopened last month, after it shut its doors for over a decade following its destruction during the fight against the Islamic State. A specialized company will have the facility fully operational by September. The airport was originally scheduled to open in 2024 before being delayed to 10 June of this year. Based in the Nineveh Governorate, Mosul International will reportedly handle up to 630k passengers and 30k tons of cargo per year. Its new runway was extended to 3k meters with a width of 45 meters.

LAST-MILE-

Ajex expands regional operations: Saudi-based Ajex Logistics Services has extended its B2C last-mile, tech-based delivery services to Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, according to a statement. The newly-added countries complete the firm’s expansion across the GCC — granting them access to services including cross-border order processing, customs clearance, banknotes on delivery, return management, and ins.

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