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UAE to invest USD 1 bn in Africa’s AI infrastructure

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: UAE’s USD 1 bn in Africa’s AI infrastructure. PLUS: Kezad lands AED 1.1 bn boost from Indian partners

Good morning, folks. We’re kicking off the week with a super-packed issue, led by big investment updates from the UAE and Saudi. PLUS: A flurry of M&A and aviation updates from UAE players. Let’s get the ball rolling.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Borg Al Arab dry port project has a new interested suitor in the mix: Egypt’s Transport Ministry is in talks with UAE-based Al Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading to obtain the rights to set up, manage, and operate a new dry port in Borg Al Arab, the Chairman of the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP) Sayed Metwally told Al Borsa on Saturday. Al Ahmadiah is currently conducting a preliminary study of the potential project and is slated to submit the final financial and technical tenders by next month.

Egypt has been looking for a developer for some time: At least two players were tied to the project in 2023 and 2024, including Ocean Express Shipping, which signed an MoU with GALDP back in August 2023 to explore developing the port, but no headway has been made since.

The new port is forecasted to handle some 120k containers annually — transporting about 6.7 mn tons of dry goods. It will offer storage and logistics areas that cover nearly 85k sqm. The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase covering 40% of the site — which will feature a train station, the handling yard, and the first half of the container yard. The port is expected to streamline Egypt’s railway network — linking Borg Al Arab with Alexandria, Dekheila, and Abuqir Al Bahri ports.


#2- Qatari-backed IAG joins race to acquire Tap Air stake: British Airways owner IAG has submitted an expression of interest (EOI) to acquire a minority stake in Portugal’s flag carrier Tap Air, Bloomberg reported last week, citing an emailed statement from the firm.

The race is on: Germany's Lufthansa also submitted an EOI to acquire a minority stake in Tap Air, according to a statement published last week. Lufthansa’s move came a few hours after Air France-KLM became the first formal bidder for Tap Air’s stake last week.

REMEMBER- The Portuguese government is floating a 44.9% stake in Tap Air, subject to certain requirements, namely, maintaining the carrier’s Lisbon headquarters, expanding Tap Air’s network — especially to Portuguese-speaking nations — and preserving the Tap brand.


#3- Oman Air is looking into ways to boost its fleet of narrowbodies, exploring a potential new order and leasing options for next year, the CEO of the Omani flag carrier Con Korfiatis told Reuters. The additions are expected to be part of a five-year strategic plan that will soon be presented to the airline’s board and come as the carrier eyes growth in shorter routes focused on tourism and regional traffic.

IN CONTEXT- Oman Air’s board of directors approved a bold plan back in2023 to restructure operations in a bid to reverse accumulating losses. The effort — which saw the company trim routes, cut staffing by 25%, and push for higher fleet utilization — is set to pay off next year, with the company now expecting its EBIT to break even by late 2026, Reuters reported.

The new additions are slated to be Boeing jets, as the airline — which runs an all-Boeing fleet made up of nine 787 widebodies and 23 narrow-body jets — looks to avoid the surge in costs associated with operating jets from multiple manufacturers, Korfiatis said. Any future Airbus orders would only be made after 2030 post-expansions, he added.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices remained steady this morning as the market continued to weigh the impacts of a possible US rate cut and a Russia-Ukraine peace pact, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures were unchanged at USD 62.56 / bbl as of 04:58 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped by USD 0.02 to USD 58.04 / bbl.


#2- The Drewry World Container Index remained stable at USD 1,859 per 40-ft container on Thursday, according to the latest index readings. The Index remained stable because the decrease in Transpacific rates was offset by the increase in Asia-Europe rates.

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DID YOU KNOW that we also cover Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE ***

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Egypt will host the International Procurement Supply Chain Conference on Saturday, 6 December in Cairo. The event will gather over 1k delegates, more than 400 organizations, and over 30 global speakers to discuss the future of trade through keynotes and panel discussions. The discussions will center on Egypt’s transformation in the logistics sector, the future of smart ports and supply chains, as well as digital ecosystems.

Morocco is hosting the Rail Industry Summit on Tuesday, 9 December until Wednesday, 10 December in El Jadida. The two-day event will gather 130 exhibitors, 250 companies, and over 900 participants from 15 countries. It will feature business meetings, high-level conferences, and workshops focused on new market trends and future strategies.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the Saudi Airport Exhibition on Tuesday, 16 December until Wednesday, 17 December in Riyadh. Upwards of 10k global attendees are expected to participate in the event from over 100 countries. The two-day event will focus on airport-related innovation, and will feature participation from Saudia, SolitAir, and Amadeus.

Check out our full calendar at the bottom of this email for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events and news triggers.

This publication is proudly sponsored by

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Investment Watch

The UAE launches a USD 1 bn initiative to invest in Africa’s AI infrastructure

The UAE will launch a USD 1 bn initiative to support and fund AI projects in Africa, according to Wam. The AI for Development program will be rolled out in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (Adex) and the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.

The details: The initiative will support projects that integrate AI usage into sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, climate adaptation, and government services, Bloomberg reports, citing State Minister Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri at the G20 leaders’ summit. The program will include “access to AI computing power, technical expertise, and global partnerships,” he added. It also aims to facilitate projects boosting economic and tech cooperation between Emirati firms and Africa, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi said.

The African continent is set to see its data centers sector grow by 17.5% y-o-y in 2026, with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa emerging as the continent’s top destinations for data center investments. Despite lagging behind globally, businesses are optimistic about growth opportunities in the sector, with 74% of surveyed businesses in a 2025 survey by the African Data Center Association saying they are planning to make significant investments within the next year.

DATA POINT- The UAE is the fourth-largest investor in Africa, with bilateral trade up 28% y-o-y in 2024 to reach USD 107 bn, Reuters reports, citing Al Hajeri’s statement. Its total investments in Africa exceeded USD 118 bn between 2020-2024.

MORE FROM UAE-

Kezad inks AED 1.1 bn contracts with Indian firms in manufacturing push: AD Ports Group subsidiary Kezad Group inked two land lease agreements with Indian manufacturing giants Jindal Saw Group and Haldiram Group to develop two manufacturing facilities in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The agreements are valued at upward of AED 1.1 bn and cover over 514k sqm.

The details: Jindal Saw will invest AED 1 bn to develop a seamless steel pipe manufacturing plant covering 400k sqm in Kezad Musaffah’s ICAD. The facility will produce 300k tons per annum of steel pipes and tubes for the oil and gas sector, destined for export both regionally and internationally. Meanwhile, Haldiram Snacks, India’s largest sweets and snacks manufacturer, will develop its first regional manufacturing hub in Kezad Al Ma’mourah — a 114k sqm facility that will accommodate 11 production lines, with some AED 150-200 mn in planned investments.

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Investment Watch

DHL to plug EUR 130 mn into new logistics hub in Riyadh

Global supply chain giant DHL has earmarked EUR 130 mn (SAR 561 mn) for a new Riyadh logistics hub — located in the city’s special integrated logistics zone next to King Khalid International Airport, DHL Middle East and Africa CEO Orkun Saruhanoglu told Bloomberg. The hub is scheduled to open in 2027.

Construction on the new hub is slated to launch next year. The project — spanning 78k sqm — will offer services to DHL customers across a variety of expanding industries, including tech, e-commerce, and automotive sectors. The hub will feature bonded warehouses and is expected to slash clearance times in the Kingdom.

Part of EUR 500 mn push: DHL Group is planning to invest over EUR 500 mn in the Middle East between 2024 and 2030, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The investment spans the company’s four divisions — DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce.

The region’s fastest-growing market: Saudi Arabia is DHL’s fastest-growing market in the region, Saruhanoglu said, noting that the company is mulling further expansion in the Kingdom without disclosing further details. The company’s new hub is forecasted to support domestic and regional trade flows by boosting the country’s capacity for manufacturing and distribution activities.

DHL has many interests in the Kingdom: DHL Supply Chain tapped oil giant Aramco to form a joint venture (JV) called Advanced Supply Management Operations (ASMO) in 2023. The JV inked a 15-year agreement with Aramco in January to manage procurement and logistics services for the energy firm. The JV also locked in SAR 300 mn in agreements with Aramco Digital, SAP, and Oracle to digitalize and advance the transformation of the supply chain and procurement landscape.

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Aviation

The Dubai Airshow wraps up with a slew of manufacturing, MRO agreements

The Dubai Airshow has come to a close on Friday — ending with another round of agreements across the manufacturing and MRO sectors from the UAE’s aviation giants. Let’s dive in:

MANUFACTURING-

#1- Mubadala’s aerospace manufacturing unit Strata has locked in an agreement with Airbus to develop a wing component for A320 jet models, according to a statement released last week. The aerospace unit will manufacture the ailerons at its Al Ain-based facility with a localization rate of 50%, accounting for Emirati engineers and production technicians. Strata aims to meet nearly half of the European manufacturer's demand for ailerons to produce its narrow-body A320 aircraft — which has a backlog of over 7k planes.

This has been cooking for a while: Strata disclosed on the second day of the Dubai Airshow that it was eyeing manufacturing aircraft-engine parts for the first time as the sector grapples with a global shortage. The firm was reportedly also setting its eyes on supplying carbon-fiber materials for Boeing’s 777X as well — though Strata is still in discussions with the US manufacturer.

ALSO FROM STRATA- The manufacturing unit, alongside Mubadala’s aerospace engineering and leasing arm Sanad, is partnering with UAE-based AI-driven manufacturing firm Sindan to explore integrating 3D printing, AI, and robotics into MRO operations and manufacturing in the aerospace sector, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday. The collaboration will see both Sanad and Strata use Sindan’s tech, including smart robotics to improve warehouse handling and operations, in their manufacturing activities.

#2- A new manufacturing unit lands at MBRAH: Dubai South’s Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) and Atherion Aerospace — a new aerospace manufacturing subsidiary of Economic Group Holdings (EGH) — signed an agreement to offer advanced aerospace manufacturing services and components from its base at MBRAH, according to a statement published on Friday.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND OVERHAUL-

#1- Royal Jordanian taps Sanad for engine MRO: Abu Dhabi-based aerospace firm Sanad inked a three-year engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement with Jordan’s flagship airline, Royal Jordanian, according to a statement released on Friday. Under the comprehensive agreement, Sanad will offer MRO services for V2500 engines across the airline’s fleet.

#2-Tariq Al Futtaim Group to set up aviation hub in Dubai South: Dubai South’s MBRAH has partnered with Tariq Al Futtaim Group’s aviation investment arm, Jet Park Investment, to set up a new state-of-the-art aviation facility, according to a statement published on Thursday. The facility — spanning some 15k sqm — will feature a 10k sqm apron area and offer end-to-end ground logistics, parts handling, and light maintenance services. The investment figure and project timeline were not disclosed.

REMEMBER- Dubai’s aerospace platform MBRAH is investing AED 1.5 bn in infrastructure in 2025 and 2026 to meet rising demand, the hub’s CEO Tahnoon Saif said last year.

Making moves: MBRAH launched the first phase of its 1.29 mn sq ft Aerospace Supply Chain zone in April. A further expansion of the zone is being developed with over 1.72 mn sq ft of new facilities currently underway, scheduled for completion in 2Q 2026.

#3- Emirates + Rolls-Royce partner up on MRO: Dubai’s Emirates inked an MoU with engine provider Rolls-Royce to handle maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines set to fuel its own Airbus A380 fleet from 2027, according to a statement. The airline aims to build a new facility dedicated to fan case repairs, and has extended its total care service agreement with Rolls-Royce for its A380 fleet into the 2040s.

REMEMBER- Emirates President Tim Clark has been vocal with his criticism of Airbus’ Rolls Royce engines, previously calling them “defective.” The engine manufacturer has reportedly invested big in improving the engines’ durability.

DATA POINT- Emirates is the world’s largest operator of Airbus’ A380 model — hosting some 116 of the double-decked widebodies in its fleet.

ICYMI- Emirates locked in a USD 3.4 bn order for eight Airbus A350-9 jets this week, with delivery scheduled for 2031.

CARGO-

Emirates SkyCargo + Lodd team up on drone-powered delivery: Emirates SkyCargo has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous to validate the use of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft across the carrier’s global network until the end of 2027, according to a press release published last week. This will involve feasibility studies, regulatory coordination, and live demonstrations.

Watch the skies for Lodd flights: Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November.

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M&A Watch

AD Ports acquires 19.33% of Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company

AD Ports Group acquired PIF-owned Saudi Egyptian Investment Company’s entire 19.33% stake in Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company in a transaction valued at EGP 13.24 bn, the Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ-owned ports operator said in a statement (pdf) released on Thursday. The transfer of shares, which was funded with a mix of its own funds and debt, will take place today.

ADQ will now indirectly hold a combined 51.33% majority stake in the EGX-listed maritime logistics firm when taking into account its 32% indirect ownership through Alpha Oryx.

Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling operates two terminals in Alexandria and El Dekheila with a combined annual capacity of 1.5 mn TEUs, accounting for some 60% of Alexandria’s total container capacity. The company reported EGP 8.4 bn in revenue and EGP 6.1 bn in adjusted EBITDA last fiscal year.

AD Ports is no stranger to Egypt, and its interest in the country seems to be rising. Since 2022, AD Ports Group has ramped up its presence in Egypt, acquiring majority stakes from our multimodal logistics friends at Transmar and Transcargo International, as well as Safina Shipping Services. The Abu Dhabi-based giant is also expanding through new projects, securing long-term concessions for the USD 200 mn Safaga multipurpose terminal, developing three Red Sea cruise terminals, and signing a 50-year renewable agreement to operate Kezad East Port Said, a 20 sq km industrial and logistics hub at the Suez Canal.

Not the latest M&A action for Egyptian players: Damietta Container and Cargo Handling Company sold EGP 513.6 mn worth of shares to Commercial International Bank (CIB) back in August — equivalent to a 4.9% stake — through the block trade mechanism.

More could come: Port Said Container and Cargo Handling Company was included in the government’s list of 32 state-owned companies slated for privatization, with Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority reportedly reviewing the company’s fair value assessment back in 2023. It is still unclear whether the company will be offered in a direct acquisition agreement or through an IPO.

IN OTHER M&A WATCH NEWS-

Turkish Airlines to divest from Air Albania: Turkish flag carrier Turkish Airlines is selling off its entire stake in Air Albania, of which it owns 49%, according to a disclosure published last week. The timeline and value of the divestment were not disclosed.

On Air Albania: Cleared for take off in 2018, the Albanian flag carrier operates routes to 13 destinations, including Istanbul, Brussels, and London, as well as a shipping arm, according to its website. MDN Investments owns 41% of the Tirana-based carrier, with state-owned Albcontrol retaining the remaining 10%.

Turkish Airlines has a long-term strategy for Europe: The carrier is moving ahead with expansion plans that involve doubling the size of its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2033, and is “actively evaluating selective share acquisitions,” Chairman Ahmet Bolat told AGBI earlier this year. Dovetailing with this plan, the company made a formal bid to acquire a 25-27% stake in Spanish carrier Air Europa for some USD 300 mn. The transaction was accepted earlier this month — with regulatory approval now expected within six to 12 months.

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Data Centers

US, Saudi companies partner on AI infrastructure

AI infrastructure pacts from the US-Saudi Investment Forum continued to pour in late last week, as the Kingdom pushes ahead in its ambition of becoming a regional and global AI hub. The agreements came on the back of USD 267 bn in new agreements with major US companies signed during the forum, featuring everything from AI and telecom to transportation and defense.

#1- The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (Sdaia) signed a flurry of agreements with major US tech companies focused on data infrastructure, as well as expanding AI use in the Kingdom, it said in several posts on X.

The agreements include:

  • An agreement with Supermicro covering server solutions, data center design, AI events, and training and e-learning programs to build local skills;
  • An agreement with Dell Technologies to support AI adoption through improved infrastructure, knowledge transfer, and national training initiatives;
  • An agreement with Cisco Systems to develop scalable, AI-ready data center environments and support digital transformation in the public sector;
  • An agreement with Boomi Software to help develop AI data centers using Boomi technology and expand knowledge-sharing programs.

#2- Microsoft is looking to offer its sovereign-cloud services in the Kingdom, after signing a non-binding MoU with the Public Investment Fund and the Saudi Information Technology Company (Site), according to a statement from Microsoft. The partnership aims to study how Microsoft’s cloud model can support the Kingdom’s data security, compliance, and local storage priorities, as well as collaborate on research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

#3- Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication (Go Telecom) launched an AI platform in Silicon Valley, CEO Yahya Al Mansour told Asharq Business (watch, runtime: 3:57). The company is also building AI infrastructure through its Go Cloud platform to run AI models and has set up Go Cyber to provide security solutions across several sectors, he added. Additionally, the company signed 43 agreements with US-based AI firms, enabling them to offer their products and services in the Saudi market.

ON ANOTHER NOTE- Solutions secures data center hosting services from sister company: Arabian Internet andCommunications Services Company (Solutions by STC) signed a SAR 261.9 mn, five-year contract with Center3, an stc digital infrastructure subsidiary, to receive data center hosting services across several locations in the Kingdom, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul. The agreement will help Solutions support its cloud services and improve operational readiness.

ICYMI- Solutions sealed a SAR 313.4 mn, three-year contract with stc in September to establish stc’s internal internet and communication networks, including upgrading stc’s network infrastructure to support 5G growth, expanding network capacity, replacing old hardware, and establishing internet infrastructure in stc’s data centers.

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Startup Watch

UAE-based SaaS firm Kingpin bags USD 3.5 mn in a seed funding round

UAE-based, AI-powered e-commerce software startup Kingpin has raised USD 3.5 mn in a seed funding round, according to a press release (pdf) released on Thursday. The round was backed by a handful of venture capital firms: US-based Infinity, Red Swan, and Mu, as well as the UAE-based Cotu, Outliers, and Hub71.

Building for global distribution: The funding will be used to support Kingpin’s global distribution model through investing in engineering and product teams, strengthening its AI capabilities, and setting up operations in new markets beyond the Middle East to Europe and North America.

About Kingpin: Founded by Harsh Sajnani (LinkedIn) and Guilherme Soares (LinkedIn), Kingpin is a B2B SaaS platform that streamlines product discovery and sales workflows, enabling companies to find suitable partners, validate prospects, and automate outreach. It currently serves over 300 distributors and brands across sectors, including beauty, fashion, and sports.

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Aviation

Masdar + Tadweer team up to build Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale waste-to-SAF facility

Abu Dhabi to get its first commercial-scale waste-to-SAF facility: Mubadala-owned renewables giant Masdar has inked a joint development agreement with ADQ-listed waste treatment firm Tadweer to develop Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project, according to a statement released on Thursday. The new facility will use a hybrid production method — combining renewable energy-powered electrolysis to convert nearly 500k tons of waste per annum into SAF.

DID YOU KNOW- SAF has the potential to cap lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% when compared with conventional jet fuel.

The UAE is looking to produce some 700 mn liters of SAF annually by 2031, aligning itself as a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuel. On a global level, SAF production is projected to hit 18.1 mn metric tons (c. 22.6 bn liters, assuming SAF density of 0.8 kg/liter) by 2035 — falling short of forecasted demand by over 23 mn metric tons, according to data from S&P Global.

A big month for SAF in the UAE…: Emirates National Oil Company inked an MoU with Emirates Airlines to explore and establish joint ventures for the supply of SAF in the UAE, as well as another MoU with Mercantile & Maritime Group’s subsidiary MENA Biofuels to explore collaborating on SAF offtake, supply, and distribution. MENA Biofuels also began construction of the UAE’s first commercial SAF plant in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone — which is set to produce around 250 mn liters of SAF annually when the project’s two phases are completed.

…to close off a big year: Lootah Biofuels began supplying SAF in the UAE market in September. Dubai-based sustainable aviation fuel developer SAF One Energy Management (SAF One) inked an MoU with Airbus to advance the adoption of SAF in the aviation industry earlier in February.

IN OTHER SAF-RELATED NEWS

Flydubai inked an MoU with Enoc Group to expand its strategic aviation fuel supply, according to a press release published on Friday. The agreement covers fueling services, joint supply-chain assessments, and operational support to meet the carrier’s growing network demands.

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Also on Our Radar

Easy Lease partners with US, UAE, Malaysian players in Southeast Asia expansion

AVIATION-

Easy Lease enters Malaysia to support AI-driven aerospace hub: ADX-listed mobility solutions outfit Easy Lease expanded to the Malaysian market after signing an MoU with US-based AI and data analytics company BigBear.ai, Malaysia’s Pahang Aerospace City (PAC), and UAE-based Vigilix Technology Investment, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf) released last week. The partnership aims to use AI to boost Malaysia’s infrastructure, security, and logistics sectors.

Under the partnership, Easy Lease will provide smart mobility expertise and AI-based insights to support PAC, which is slated for a new international airport, integrated zones, a spaceport, and an MRO cluster.

REGULATION WATCH-

The Kingdom now recognizes the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as fully meeting the Kingdom’s automotive safety requirements under an agreement signed by both countries, according to a letter exchange (pdf) published last week. Adopting FMVSS is expected to improve safety and reliability in the Saudi market, protect consumers, and support the growth of the Kingdom’s industrial, transportation, and logistics sectors, state news agency SPA reports.

SUPPLY CHAINS-

NMDC Energy expands footprint with Taiwan, Shanghai offices…: The ADX-listed EPC unit of National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), NMDC Energy, opened a commercial office in Shanghai and a branch in Taiwan, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf) published last week. The firm is looking to tap into Southeast Asian markets, move closer to key project locations, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen vendor relations.

… + partners with Chinese heavyweight: NMDC Energy inked an MoU with Citic Steel, China’s second-largest steel producer, in a bid to boost its supply chain for major projects.

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Around the World

APM Terminals is set to invest USD 550 mn to expand Peru’s Callao port, beginning next January

APM Terminals is set to invest USD 550 mn to expand Peru’s Callao port, beginning next January, Reuters reported last week. This two-year project is designed to boost the terminal’s capacity to 24k containers, positioning the ports as a major logistics hub. APM Terminals operates one of the port’s two terminals — the multipurpose terminal in the northern leg of the port.

China-Peru trade on the rise: Peru’s Callao port, alongside Chancay port, is at the center of a new push to expand Peru-China shipping links amid a surge in bilateral trade between the two countries. The surge has raised the demand for China-Peru shipping, making direct services with shorter turnaround times more feasible economically, Bloomberg reported last week.

More direct links: This surge in trade, in turn, has sparked the launch of new direct Peru-China links, including the Ningbo-Callao service from shipping giant the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). China’s Cosco — which had just wrapped a USD 1.3 bn development in Chancay Port — also launched a direct Chancay-Shanghai service last year.

REMEMBER- DP World has a foot in Callao: The Dubai-based logistics giant invested overUSD 3 bn in the port since 2010 after it took over the operations of the port’s main containers terminal in its southern leg. This significant investment has supported a nearly 3 mn TEUs increase in the port’s annual capacity.


DECEMBER

6 December (Saturday): International Procurement Supply Chain Conference, Cairo, Egypt.

9-10 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Rail Industry Summit, El Jadida, Morocco.

16-17 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Saudi Airport Exhibition, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JANUARY 2026

19-23 January (Monday-Friday): World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos, Switzerland.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): SkyMove Air Cargo MENA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East ProcureTech Summit, Dubai, UAE.

FEBRUARY 2026

3-4 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East Bunkering Convention, Dubai, UAE.

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): Breakbulk Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): MRO Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

9-11 February (Monday-Wednesday): Future Warehouses & Logistics, Dubai, UAE.

10-12 February (Tuesday-Thursday): Sustainable Aviation Future MENA, Dubai, UAE.

15-17 February (Sunday-Tuesday): World Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Summit and Expo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

20-22 February (Friday-Sunday): Dubai Freight Camp, Dubai, UAE.

24-25 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Green Shipping Summit, Athens, Greece.

25-27 February (Wednesday-Friday): Air Cargo Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

MARCH 2026

5-6 March (Thursday-Friday): CargoIS Forum, Miami, United States.

9-13 March (Monday-Friday): WCA Worldwide Conference, Singapore.

10-12 March (Tuesday-Thursday): World Cargo Symposium, Lima, Peru.

18-19 March (Wednesday-Thursday): IntraLogisteX, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

18-19 March (Wednesday-Thursday): Green Marine Transport Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

26 March (Thursday): Gulf Ship Finance Forum, Dubai, UAE.

APRIL 2026

12-15 April (Sunday-Wednesday): Saudi Smart Logistics, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

16-17 April (Thursday-Friday): Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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