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Damac Group to invest USD 3 bn in Southeast Asia's data center expansion

1

What we're tracking today

TODAY: Damac invests big in Southeast Asia data centers

Good morning, nice people. We’re ending the week with a packed issue with news from across the regional logistics sector, from data centers updates to port developments to fresh maritime regulation and more. First, a quick reminder on an important meeting being analyzed and picked apart in the press for days…

HAPPENING TODAY-

Opec+ is forecasted to extend its latest round of output cuts during today’s meeting, effective until at least the end of 1Q 2025, four insider sources told Reuters. The move looks to offer additional support for the oil market due to a slowdown in global demand, but a six-month extension is unlikely, one source added.

REFRESHER- Opec+ pushed back a planned 180k bbl / d output hike for December for another month in November, amid lingering concerns of soft oil demand from China and a glut in supply. This marks the second time the global oil group postpones productions restarts that were originally slated for October.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Egypt could kick off the new year with a port privatization push: Egypt is reportedly planning to offer up 20-25% stakes in Port Said Container and Cargo Handling Company (PSCCHC) and Damietta Container and Cargo Handling Company (DCHC) in 1Q 2025, Al Mal reports, citing sources it says have knowledge of the matter. PSCCHC’s offering is expected by February, with DCHC’s slated to kick off by March or April at the latest, the sources say. The IPO’s private placement is reportedly attracting interest from major players including the UAE’s AD Ports and DP World.

REMEMBER- Egypt’s Tahya Misr 1 container terminal — one of three terminals planned in the Damietta port development project — will kick off operations in April 2025, with the other two terminals to be completed in 2027. The terminal is expected to add 3.5 mn container capacity to the port.

Not the first we’ve heard of AD interest: AD Ports reportedly submitted an initial offer back in March 2023 to acquire a controlling stake in state-owned Port Said Container Handling (PSCCHC) and Damietta Container Handling (DCHC). AD Ports inked a definitive 30-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) for the development and operation of a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port in January.

IN OTHER EGYPT UPDATES- Will Egypt take over Jordan's LNG regasification unit lease? Energos Infrastructure’s floating storage and regasification unit currently docked in Jordan’s Aqaba port will set sail for Ain Sokhna in the middle of next year when Egypt takes over the lease, Asharq Business reports, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the negotiations. The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) will reportedly lease the unit for a ten-year project.

The regasification unit may be leaving Jordan, but it looks like the country will still be able to make use of the vessel. EGAS signed an agreement earlier this week with Jordan’s National Electric Power Company that will see Jordan share the use of one of Egypt's LNG storage and regasification units over the next two years. The agreement will enable Jordan to ensure it can process incoming shipments ahead of its fixed Aqaba LNG terminal slated for completion in 2026.

AND FROM THE DEPT. OF BAD NEWS- A cargo ship has sunk off Egypt’s Red Sea coast: A Comoros-flagged cargo ship – the VSG Glory – has sunk near the coral reefs of Quseir on Egypt’s Red Sea coast after being stranded for almost ten days, Reuters reported earlier this week.

What happened: The VSG Glory was en route from Yemen to Egypt’s Port Tawfik, when it sustained a 60 cm (23.6 inch) hull breach, causing seawater to flood the vessel’s engine room, Marine Insight reports. Egyptian authorities tried their best to salvage and stabilize the ship, but efforts were sabotaged by the deteriorating weather which caused the vessel to tilt further. The ship, stranded since 22 November, was carrying 4k metric tons of bran, 70 tons of fuel oil and 50 tons of diesel.

Egypt’s Red Sea governorate and the Egyptian Environment Ministry extracted 250 tons of contaminated water and fuel, but some remains on board, Reuters writes. There is concern the remaining fuel could spill and cause lasting damage to the surrounding coral reefs and ecosystem, sources tell the newswire.

#2- Pakistan has postponed its purchase of LNG from Qatar to 2026 instead of receiving cargoes in 2025, Pakistani Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik told Reuters. The country currently has a surplus of LNG, and has chosen to defer the order instead of cancelling to avoid facing financial penalties. Malik told Reuters back in June that Pakistan is unlikely to buy LNG cargoes until at least the beginning of winter due to oversupply and high prices.

Lots of deferrals: The South Asian nation has deferred five LNG cargoes from Qatar, and is negotiating to defer five more from other markets, according to the newswire. Pakistan’s government said in November that it would slash its electricity tariffs over the winter to boost consumption and cut the use of natural gas for heating.

Is this because of talks with Russia? Pakistan has also restarted talks with Russia to solve obstacles such as “ins., reins., transaction structure, shipping lines and ship cargo size, Malik said, but no agreement has been reached. The minister also denied any importation of crude oil cargo from Russia each month from January.

#3- Turkish Airlines, Qatar + Etihad Airways resume Beirut flights: Turkish Airlines has joined other airlines including Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways in resuming flights to Beirut this week, Bloomberg reports. Qatar Airways said it will resume its flights on 9 December, while Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways will resume their Beirut services on 18 December. Foreign airlines have halted their flights to the region since September, after Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah, launching attacks on Beirut. Several airlines, including Jordan’s flagship carrier Royal Jordanian and Iraqi Airways resumed flights this week.

ICYMI: Iraqi Airways announced on Monday that it will resume its flights to Lebanon’s Beirut this week.

#4- Maritime player GulfNav is in the final stages of acquiring oil storage outfit Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Company from Brooge Energy, with plans to close the acquisition by 1Q 2025, Wam reports. GulfNav had previously provided the Securities and Commodities Authority with the required documents for the transaction as of October.

Background: The acquisition has been in the works for more than a year, with an initial proposal submitted in October 2023, and board approval coming in September. The transaction, if it goes ahead, will be a share swap, with GulfNav’s board having approved an AED 448.5 mn capital increase — equivalent to the value of the shares that will be issued to Brooge.

#5- China is plugging heaps of investment into Saudi’s green tech sector: Chinese exports and investments are piling into Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom’s demand for green tech is enriching the two countries’ trade ties, the Financial Times reports. Chinese exports to Saudi Arabia increased 15% y-o-y to USD 40.2 bn in the first 10 months of 2024.

The breakdown: China’s greenfield foreign direct investments into the Kingdom totalled USD 21.6 bn between 2021 to October this year, making it Saudi’s largest investor into the sector. Around a third of the FDI was plugged into clean tech including solar, wind, and electric battery power. China has overtaken the Saudi’s traditional investment partners, the US and France, with US being the second-largest investor in the green tech sector, plugging in USD 12.5 bn in investments during the same period.

Shifting tides: China is increasingly looking to deepen its influence outside of the US and Europe in the wake of new proposed tariffs from both parties. Heightened Saudi and China trade ties could complicate the US’ dealings with the Kingdom, European Council on Foreign Relations expert on China and Middle East policy Camille Lons told FT. Saudi Arabia has remained cautious to limit its trade with China in industries deemed sensitive by its Western partners, including defense and AI.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices remained stable in early morning trading ahead of the Opec+ meeting later today as investors await news on supply cuts, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures rose USD 0.06 trading at USD 72.37 a barrel by GMT 04.00, while US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) futures gained USD 0.07 to USD 68.61 a barrel. Both benchmarks fell nearly 2% yesterday.

#2- Baltic index continues to ease: The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index — which tracks rates for the capesize, panamax, and supramax vessel segments — fell nearly 4.6% to 1,180 points on Wednesday, easing for the sixth consecutive session. The capesize index fell 183 points to 1,609 points, while the panamax index snapped its 13-day losing streak to grow 9 points at 1,014 points. The smaller supramax index inched up 3 points to unchanged at 982 points.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Morocco will host the Rail Industry Summit from Tuesday, 10 December to Wednesday, 11 December in Casablanca. The two-day summit includes pre-scheduled business meetings with potential partners, conferences, and themed workshops on new market trends and future strategies presented by OEMs on infrastructure, rolling stock, embedded equipment and railway vehicle interiors.

The UAE will host the Middle East Business Aviation Show from Tuesday, 10 December to Thursday, 11 December in Dubai. The event will showcase innovations from over 135 exhibitors and will have over 25 jets on display, with over 55 speakers offering insight on market trends.

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

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Investment Watch

Damac Group to invest USD 3 bn in Southeast Asia's data center expansion

!_NewsLead_!

Damac Group ramps up data center investments: Damac Group plans to invest approximately USD 3 bn in establishing data centers across Southeast Asia through its subsidiary Edgnex, Bloomberg reports. The investment will primarily target Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand over the next three to five years.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Here’s what we know so far:

  • The first of three planned data centers in Thailand will launch in Bangkok in March 2025, utilizing Nvidia chips;
  • Edgnex has secured land for two additional data centers in Malaysia and Indonesia, incorporating Nvidia’s Blackwell chips;
  • Edgnex is forming a joint venture with Siam AI, a Nvidia cloud partner, allocating part of its Bangkok data center’s capacity to the partnership, with plans to acquire Nvidia chips for the facility;
  • Edgnex is exploring opportunities for similar projects in Vietnam and the Philippines, with agreements expected in 2025.

Market potential: Edgnex estimates Southeast Asia could represent a USD 5 bn market, with its projected capacity exceeding 550 MW. Regional demand for data center services is forecasted to grow from 14.3 GW in 2024 to 23.2 GW by 2029, Nayar said.

Background: Damac announced plans to invest USD 1 bn in data centers through Edgnex to address rising demand for digital infrastructure back in October. This comes as part of the group’s broader strategy of investing USD 5 bn to 7 bn globally over the next few years to expand its operations, Danish Nayar, senior vice president of investments and acquisition at Damac Group, told Bloomberg.

The company has been investing outside of SouthEast Asia as well: Edgnex is investing USD 600 mn in data centers in Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, expected to launch next year. The company also signed a MoU with Salam, Cinturion, and Emaar, Economic City, to develop a digital infrastructure hub in Jeddah. Additionally, Edgnex allocated USD 100 mn with Vodafone Turkey for a 6 MW data center in Izmir, also set to go online next year.

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Ports

CMA CGM eyes up port and logistics projects in Saudi Arabia

CMA CGM to boost its involvement in Saudi’s port and logistics projects: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of transport and logistics inked an MoU with France’s logistics giant CMA CGM to expand cooperation in maritime transport, logistics and investment in the country, according to a statement. The agreement was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the Kingdom this week.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Details are scant: Under the agreement, CMA CGM will target projects developing Red Sea port infrastructure, as well as inland multimodal and logistics services, Loadstar reported, citing comments made by CEO Rodolphe Saade.

Not CMA CGM’s first venture in KSA: Saudi Arabia’s Almajdouie Logistics formed a joint venture (JV) with France-based CMA CGM’s logistics arm CEVA Logistics back in July to boost logistic services in the Kingdom, which was finalised in October. CEVA Logistics holds majority control over the JV, though the exact ownership split was not disclosed.

That’s not all: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and CMA CGM broke ground a year ago on their new SAR 487 mn integrated logistics area in Jeddah Islamic Port. The authority inked the agreement with the new logistics area — which is set to span over 130k square — meters back in 2022. The project is slated for completion in 1Q next year.

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Investment Watch

Egypt courts transport and industrial investments from Italy

Egypt drums up Italian interest: Egypt’s Transport and Industry Minister Kamel El Wazir touched down in Italy this week to discuss transport and industrial investments and cooperation with a number of public and private sector representatives, according to a statement. This comes hot on the heels of Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib visit to Germany last weekend, which garnered much interest from German companies setting up shop in Egypt as a regional export hub.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

What we know so far about which companies have signalled interest:

#1- Home appliances manufacturer Ariston is thinking about expanding its presence in the Egyptian market. The company already has three factories in Obour City over 220k sqm.

#2- Railway company Hitachi Rail — which recently acquired Thales ’ ground transportation unit — is looking to expand its footprint in Egypt, citing the country’s focus on developing its transportation infrastructure. Thales’ former unit is currently developing the first 19-km, 16-station phase of Cairo Metro Line 4 alongside Orascom Construction and Colas Rail.

#3- Industrial vehicles manufacturer Iveco is conducting a feasibility study to launch a new factory in Egypt for truck manufacturing. Iveco cited Egypt’s large consumer market and position as a gateway for exports as among the reasons for its interest.

#4- Railway and urban mobility company Salcef Group discussed establishing a new company in collaboration with Egyptian Railways for Track Renewal and Maintenance Company for the renewal of some 2k km of railway tracks and the provision of railway renewal machinery and equipment.

ALSO- Italian state-owned Italian State Railways discussed submitting an offer to manage and operate Egypt’s high-speed electric rail network, according to a separate statement. The talks come as Deutsche Bahn — initially tapped for the role in 2022 — has yet to submit a financial offer, violating the Transport Ministry’s regulations for awarding contracts, government sources tell Al Borsa. The ministry is reportedly planning to launch a public tender for the network’s management and operation soon, whether through public bidding or a direct award.

5

Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo + Japan Airlines ink MoU for cargo expansion

Qatar Airways Cargo + Japan Airlines partner up for expansions: Qatar Airways Cargo inked an MoU with Japan Airlines and their cargo division (Jalcargo) to expand cooperation, according to a statement. Under the agreement, Jalcargo will leverage passenger flight and their freighter network along with Qatar Airways’ newly expanded network to deliver more cargo to an even broader range of destinations, Japan Airlines Senior VP and Head of Cargo and Mail Yuichiro Kitof said in the statement.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

In numbers: Both carriers have transacted 4,462 tonnes of import and export cargo in Japan over the past 12 months, with the MoU expected to boost this figure in the upcoming years. The aim is to integrate both networks via the hubs in Doha and Tokyo to expand network connectivity by “linking Japan to Qatar Airways’ extensive network in Europe, the Middle East, the Levant, and Africa, and vice versa,” Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo Mark Drusch said.

ICYMI: Japan Airlines has launched daily flights in April from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) in Japan to Hamad International Airport in Qatar.

6

Purchasing

Lebanon’s PMI rises to a four-month high, yet its private sector continues to be weighed down by escalating security concerns

How Lebanon’s private sector performed in November: Purchasing manager indices (PMI) tracking the non-energy private sector in Lebanon told a tale of ups and downs in November, according to Blominvest Bank’s Lebanon PMI (pdf). Lebanon’s headline figure rose significantly yet still settled below the 50.0 mark threshold, as new orders, output and purchasing was hampered by Israel’s attacks and domestic security concerns.

REMEMBER- The all-important 50.0 mark is the threshold separating contraction from growth. Anything above 50 denotes expansion, while anything below indicates contraction.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Lebanon’s troubles ease: Lebanon’s non-oil private sector activity rose to a four month high, indicating the softest deterioration in market conditions since July, as rates of decline in new orders and output slowed. The country’s headline figure grew to 48.1 in November, up from 45.0 in October, when it fell to a 44-month low.

New orders and output rates contracted at a significantly slower place, signifying some “recovery in exports and in domestic demand,” BLOM Bank Chief Economist Al Bolbol said. The rate of decline in new export orders also eased considerably from last month, yet firms still cited that interest from international players was sparring, due to concerns regarding both domestic and regional conflict at large.

Hiring continues to fall and purchasing activity dipped for a fifth consecutive month, yet the decline in purchases slowed in comparison to the sharp drop recorded in October. This was buoyed by the Central Bank increase of USD liquidity in the country and a growing need for firms to “replenish inventories and to provide for the massive internal refugees”, Bolbol said.

Delivery times were extended, increasing at the fastest pace in 20 months due to poor road conditions and a lack of security. While work backlogs plummeted for the fourteenth month running.

Input costs were on the uptick, with high operational costs causing firms to increase output charges for a sixth consecutive month. Companies attributed the rising prices to Israel’s attacks on the country, which has restricted the nation’s capacity for new business orders and activity.

A bleak forecast for Lebanon: Lebanon’s economy managed to slightly stabilize itself in the aftermath of a steep slump in October, leaving some hopeful that “the good news is reinforced by a quick end to the war,” Bolbol stressed. Yet, survey respondents still remained pessimistic, as fears of an escalation in conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continued to pummel confidence.

7

Regulation Watch

Oman issues new security regulations for ships and ports

Oman’s Transport Ministry issued a new regulatory framework that aims to boost maritime safety and adhere to global standards, according to a ministerial resolution (pdf). The regulations require ships and ports to develop integrated security plans based on risk evaluations and mandate advanced monitoring systems which include issuing international compliance certificates to the IPS code-compliant entities, conducting specialized training programs for maritime staff, and establishing security committees to boost coordination.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Who is affected? The new regulations will be applied to cargo ships with a 500 ton capacity or more, high-speed craft, mobile offshore drilling units, ports receiving global vessels, and passenger ships.

The details: Every Omani ship must carry a Ship Security Plan — approved by the Maritime Authority or authorized entities — written in Arabic and English. The plan must include the details of each security level, security measures for passengers and cargo, procedures for incidents, and others.

ISSC-approved: Omani ships are subject to inspections before the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is issued, which includes an initial inspection before the ships enter services to check on the ship’s security system and required equipment, annual inspection after entering into service, mid-term inspection between the second third years of issuance, and renewal inspection.

More about the certifications: The International Ship Security Certificate is issued by the Maritime Authority with a validity period not exceeding five years. The owner of the ship — in the case of being registered under the Omani flag — must provide the authority with the copy of the ISSC and becomes invalid if it's transferred from one company to the other, under which the previous company must renew the certificate and notify the authority for this transfer.

Port authorities are also included: The port authority must develop a port security plan in compliance with the code requirements, appoint a port security office, report any incidents to the coast guard, and follow procedures for delivery ship supplies and handling vendors. Ports are subject to inspection by the port and ship security officers, to ensure the integration of an updated security assessment, an approved security plan, and availability of physical and technical security systems.

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A MESSAGE FROM AK-SHIPS

The rise of AI in shipping: how data science is revolutionizing logistics

When we launched AK-Ships last year, we set out with a bold vision: to redefine third-party ship management by leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights. Our goal was to transform the industry by tackling inefficiencies head-on. From reducing financial costs and minimizing delays to addressing recruitment challenges, we saw a future where machine learning could align our clients’ immediate needs with their long-term investment strategies seamlessly.

Our approach combines the precision of deterministic and stochastic optimization with advanced simulation models. By integrating tools like linear programming and econometric analysis, we uncover patterns, identify correlations, distinguish causation – such as using predictive maintenance models that foresee engine breakdowns and hull fouling to enhance overall vessel productivity. The result? Clear, transparent, and actionable insights that enable unbiased, automated decision-making for our clients, even in the most uncertain environments.

In logistics and supply chain management, where the smallest inefficiencies can cascade into massive downtime, data-driven strategies are a game changer. As Head of Operations, my mission is to ensure that every vessel under our care operates at peak efficiency, achieving higher utilization levels across our feeder networks. By harnessing data science, we’ve increased ship availability while adhering to strict environmental, health, and safety standards.

Yet, the real revolution lies in artificial intelligence. While the maritime industry is still catching up to sectors like aviation and tech, AI is slowly but surely transforming how we think about shipping. At the forefront of this evolution is decarbonization—the industry’s most pressing challenge. AI-driven tools are paving the way for low-carbon solutions, setting the foundation for a more sustainable future.

One of the most promising innovations is Digital Twin Performance, which enables real-time monitoring to optimize voyage routes and reduce fuel consumption. These advancements are practical, measurable steps toward meeting decarbonization targets. Meanwhile, neural networks are pushing boundaries by detecting patterns and anomalies with ever-increasing accuracy, unlocking new levels of operational intelligence.

By combining technological innovation with a relentless focus on efficiency and sustainability, we’re shaping a maritime future that’s smarter, cleaner, and more resilient than ever before.

By Youssef El Akkad, Head of Operations of AK-Ships

9

Diplomacy

Oman and Belgium in talks to enhance bilateral cooperation

Oman + Belgium to bolster ties: Oman inked a joint declaration of intent on Tuesday with Belgium in a bid to boost ties and strengthen bilateral cooperation, ONA reported. Both sides aim to bolster cooperation across key economic sectors and explore long term partnerships in several fields, including maritime, port development, trade, and renewable energy, according to a statement. Oman and Belgium are in discussions to reach a mutually beneficial extension of Oman’s Duqm port concession.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Trade ties: Belgium was Oman’s second biggest European trade partner, in which Belgium exported OMR 100.9 mn worth of goods to Oman and imported goods valued at OMR 6 mn in the first five months of 2024.

10

Moves

Airbus appoints Eid Al Qahtani as President for new Saudi Arabia headquarters

Airbus appoints President for new Saudi Arabia headquarters: Airbus has appointed Eid Al Qahtani (LinkedIn) as Airbus President for the new Regional Headquarters in Riyadh, according to a statement. Al Qahtani has more than 20 years of experience in leadership, especially as Head of Operations for Airbus Helicopters in Riyadh, he will focus on strengthening partnerships with governments and stakeholders while advancing new business in the region.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

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Also on Our Radar

Aviation and cargo updates from KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE

AVIATION-

#1- Kuwait Airways is mulling over plans to expand its flight network and boost its connectivity, chairman of Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) Captain Abdul Mohsen Al-Faqan told Arab Times. KAC is exploring the addition of new tourist destinations over the next few years to popular places in line with fleet growth plans and increased international routes. The airline is studying the feasibility of raising flights to Barcelona to four or five per week as well as the resumption of flights to Lebanon pending government approval.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

#2- Air France-KLM + Saudia boost cooperation: French-Dutch carrier Air France-KLM inked an MoU with Saudi Arabia’ ’s flagship carrier Saudia to boost cooperation in aircraft maintenance and passenger transport, according to a press release. Both carriers will expand their existing codeshare and interline commercial agreements to offer more travel destinations.

There’s more: Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance was awarded a firm minimum of 50% of the maintenance work on Saudia’s GE90 engines, according to the statement. Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance and Saudia Technic will explore the possibility of establishing a joint venture for GEnx engines in a bid to help expand and localize Saudia’s MRO capabilities, the press release added.

AND- Air France-KLM plans to launch new flights operated by Air France between Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport in summer of 2025, according to a statement.

#3- Gulf Air aims to expand its UK service: Bahrain’s flag carrier Gulf Air wants to boost its services to London by up to 30% and is mulling over launching the services from London Gatwick to avoid congestion at Heathrow, CEO Jeffrey Goh told Travel Weekly. The airline currently operates two daily flights from London Heathrow to Bahrain International Airport. The airline also plans to increase its operations to India and is evaluating the potential of launching direct flights to the US, with New York’s JFK airport the likely candidate.

LOGISTICS HANDLING-

NMDC Group taps into logistics, technical services market: NMDC Group launched a new business arm, NMDC LTS, focusing on marine logistics and technical operations, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The move comes as part of the company’s strategy to diversify its portfolio.

CARGO-

A new cargo facility at Sohar Airport: Oman is accepting bids for the development, ownership and operations of an air cargo facility at Sohar Airport, Oman Daily Observer reports. The last date to submit the bids is 26 February. The airport operated 580 flights in ten months in 2024, including 437 international, catering to 65.4k passengers, an increase of 53.6 % y-o-y during the same time period.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Emirates renews partnership with Tennis Australia: Emirates inked a five-year renewal of its partnership with Tennis Australia, allowing it to remain as the Official Airline of the Australian Open until 2029. (Statement)

DECEMBER

10-11 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Rail Industry Summit, Casablanca, Morocco.

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Business Aviation, Dubai, UAE.

20 December (Wednesday): The Iran-Senegal Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, Dakar, Senegal.

JANUARY 2025

20-24 January (Monday-Friday): World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos, Switzerland.

27-29 January (Monday-Wednesday): World Cargo Summit, Ostend, Belgium.

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Green Shipping Summit, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

29-30 January (Wednesday-Thursday): ShipTek International Conference, Dubai, UAE.

FEBRUARY

3-5 February (Monday-Wednesday): Middle East Bunkering Convention, Dubai, UAE.

4-5 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Seatrade Maritime Qatar, Doha, Qatar.

4-5 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Airport Expansion Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

10-11 February (Monday-Tuesday): Middle East Breakbulk conference, Dubai, UAE.

10-11 February (Monday-Tuesday): MRO Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

10-12 February (Monday-Wednesday): Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

10-12 February (Monday-Wednesday): Japan Kyoto Trade Exhibition, Dubai, UAE.

10-13 February (Monday-Thursday): Future Warehouses & Logistics, Dubai, UAE.

18-19 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Argus Green Marina Fuels Asia Conference, Singapore.

18-19 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East Procuretech Summit, Dubai, UAE.

19-21 February (Wednesday-Friday): Air Cargo Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

20-22 February (Thursday-Saturday): Dubai Freight Camp, Dubai, UAE.

25 February - 1 March (Tuesday-Saturday): WCA Worldwide Conference, Dubai, UAE.

MARCH

No events announced at the moment.

APRIL

2-4 April (Wednesday-Friday): Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

3-4 April (Thursday-Friday): Africa Supply Chain Optimization, Johannesburg, South Africa

10 April (Thursday): Gulf Ship Fiance Forum, Dubai, UAE.

14 April (Monday): CargoIS Forum, Dubai, UAE.

15-17 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Transport Middle East 2025, Aqaba, Jordan.

15-17 April (Tuesday-Thursday): IATA World Cargo Symposium, Dubai, UAE.

16-17 April: Global Ports Forum, Dubai, UAE.

MAY

6-8 May (Tuesday-Thursday): Airport Show, Dubai, UAE.

12-15 May (Monday-Thursday): Saudi Smart Logistics, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

13-14 May (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global Ports Forum, Dubai, UAE.

20-22 May (Tuesday-Thursday): Seamless Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

27-29 May (Tuesday-Thursday): Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JUNE

1-3 June (Sunday-Tuesday): Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit 2025, Delhi, India.

2-4 June (Monday-Wednesday): Propak MENA, Cairo, Egypt.

5-6 June (Thursday-Friday): Supply Chain & Logistics Innovation Summit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

11-13 June (Wednesday-Friday): Sustainability World Summit, Frankfurt, Germany.

17-19 June (Tuesday-Thursday): Terminal Operations Conference & Exhibition, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

19 June (Thursday): East Med Maritime Conference, Athens, Greece.

25-26 June (Wednesday-Friday): Decarbonizing Shipping Forum, Hambury, Germany.

JULY

1-3 July (Tuesday-Thursday): ASEAN Ports and Logistics, Jakarta, Indonesia.

SEPTEMBER

24-26 September (Wednesday-Friday): Routes World, Hong Kong.

OCTOBER

1-2 October (Wednesday-Thursday): Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

14-15 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Investing in Africa Conference and Expo, London, UK.

NOVEMBER

3-6 November (Monday-Thursday): ADIPEC Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

4-6 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Air Cargo Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

17-21 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Dubai, UAE.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

Mid-2025: Iraq will complete phase one of the construction of the Grand Faw Port.

DHL and Aramco’s logistics and procurement hub in Saudi Arabia will commence operations.

AD Ports-operated Safaga Port’s multi-purpose terminal will become operational.

Phase 3 of APM Terminals Tangier MedPort to be complete and operational.

1Q 2025: Sadr Park’s Logistics Center in Riyadh to be completed.

1Q 2025: Phase twoof Jafza Logistics Park to be completed.

2026

2026 UNCTAD Global Supply Chains Forum, Saudi Arabia.

2027

4Q 2027: Oman’s Musandam Airport construction to be completed.

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