Mega India-MENA corridor coming

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: Enterprise Finance Forum is a week away + The global economy is on the brink of a “shallow trade recession,” according to Oxford Economics

Good morning, lovely people. It was an eventful weekend, what with the G20 summit and a devastating earthquake hitting Morocco, so without further ado…

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY- Leaders from the US, Saudi Arabia, India, and the EU inked an MoU for a logistics megaproject that will set up rail and shipping links between South Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi.

^^ We have everything on this story and more in the news well, below.

ONE WEEK TO GO- There are just seven days until the Enterprise Finance Forum, which takes place 18-19 September (Monday and Tuesday) at the St. Regis Hotel on the Nile Corniche. This flagship forum is the latest in our must-attend series of invitation-only events, where CEOs, bankers, investors, founders, and corporate leaders will meet to discuss the trends shaping the future of banking, finance, NBFIs, and fintech — and of their clients.

What to expect: Join Amr Allam (co-CEO, Hassan Allam Holding), Pakinam Kafafi (CEO, Taqa Arabia), Sherif El Kholy (partner and head of MENA, Actis), Tarek Abdel Rahman (managing partner, Compass Capital), Tarek Assaad (managing partner, Algebra Ventures), Ahmed Sobhy (chief investment officer, Banque Misr), and many others for talks on everything from how PE and VC players are tackling fundraising in a challenging climate to what major corporate customers of banking and finance need to see from their institutions.

Tap or click here to view the FULL AGENDA with SPEAKERS.

We are honored to count some of the region’s most important financial institutions as

our partners for this special event. The Enterprise Finance Forum could not take place without the support of our partners including Banque Misr, Al Baraka Bank, FAB Misr, HSBC, Mashreq, CI Capital, Global Corp, Visa, Hassan Allam Utilities, and the IFC.

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY ABROAD- Morocco earthquake devastates infrastructure in remote areas, making rescue efforts a challenge: An earthquake hitting Morocco and leaving 2k people dead has left some areas of the country, especially remote towns with little earthquake resistant infrastructure, affected, the New York Times reports. Some roads were blocked by landslides due to the earthquake, making accessibility and rescue efforts much more difficult, head of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Sami Fakhouri is quoted as saying. Only six roads have had access restored, with 14 other regional roads still blocked, the outlet cites an Interior Ministry statement as saying.

Air routes are opening up though: Most flights to Morocco resumed on Sunday following the earthquake’s aftermath, the National reports. Algeria has also opened its air space to its neighbor, with whom it had broken ties two years ago, for humanitarian and medical flights, Al Arabiya reports.

ALSO- India rallies partners in bid to promote biofuel use: India launched a Global Biofuel Alliance — which includes key producers Brazil and the US — during the G20 summit in Delhi to promote the use of biofuels and develop a global market for the trade, Bloomberg reported. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on G20 members to collaborate on boosting biofuel use, which will help reduce emissions from transport and industrial activity.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

Four major Libyan oil ports shut down as country braces for hurricane: Libya’s oil exporting ports at Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega and Es Sidra closed on Saturday for a period of three days as a precautionary measure ahead of an expected hurricanes, engineers reportedly told Reuters.

AP Moller -Maersk has partnered with Port of Salalah and Oman Airport to initiate its first sea-air logistics solution via Oman, according to a company statement. The Sea-Air solution moved cargo from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Cairo, Egypt. The first phase of transportation took place on a Maersk vessel from Colombo to Salalah port. The cargo was then shipped to Salalah airport within a customs-bonded passageway, after which it was air freighted to Cairo. The new sea-air solution can see transit times decrease by 20-40% compared to ocean transportation, as well as cut costs by 10-20% in contrast to air freight solutions.

UAE-Iran trade has surged in recent months as the UAE loosens self-imposed constraints on business activity,the Financial Times reports, citing industry experts and officials. The UAE recently eased restrictions on corporate registrations and the issuance of visas to companies from Iran, which remains isolated by stringent US sanctions, the FT adds. “Pressure from the UAE central bank has decreased and some Emirati banks have started opening bank accounts,” said former head of the Iran-UAE chamber of commerce Masoud Daneshmand. Business activity has also increased among Iranian companies in the UAE, Daneshmand adds.

WATCH THIS SPACE- Trade agreement on the way for Pakistan and UAE? Pakistan is expected to sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the UAE during a visit by an Emirati delegation in the last week of September, Arab News quotes Pakistan’s Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz as saying. The visit will focus on trade and investment, Ejaz told Arab News. Both countries are reportedly optimistic to sign the agreement, but there remains “some issues which are being negotiated” before they finalize it, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE Faisal Tirmizi told Arab News.

DATA POINT- Air cargo and mail volumes in Qatar dropped by 1.2% y-o-y in July to 195k tonnes, according to a statement by Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). Meanwhile, aircraft movements rose 20.1% to 22.6k.

The global economy is on the brink of a “shallow trade recession”: Oxford Economics predicts a “shallow trade recession,” with the global volume of goods traded potentially dropping by 1.5% this year but rebounding by 2.3% in 2024, Bloomberg reports. Global goods trade volumes fell at some 2% y-o-y in 2Q 2023, Oxford says, with indicators suggesting “more weakness ahead, but then a modest upturn at the end of 2023 and in early 2024.”

This comes as major exporters record persistent declines in trade figures, albeit while showing signs of recovery. China's exports continued to decline in August, albeit at a slower rate than before, while South Korea also saw a more moderate decline in exports during the month. Germany's industrial output is struggling, with factory weakness providing “more evidence of elevated recession risk for the German economy,” according to ING. Despite challenges, container ship traffic through Russian seaports is increasing, possibly indicating Russia's reintegration into global trade.

MARKET WATCH-

The Baltic Exchange’s m ain sea freight index inched up to its highest levels in six months,driven by improvements in the largest capesize segment, Hellenic Shipping News reports. The index rose 11.4% for the week, while the overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, and supramax vessels hauling dry bulk, increased 4% — its strongest showing since 22 August. The capesize index — which is the index’s largest component — increased 8.4%.

The Drewr y World Container Index fell by 3.4% to USD 1.68k per 40-ft container last week,according to Drewery. This is 84% below the peak of USD 10k seen in September 2021 and 37% lower than the 10-year average of USD 2.7k, indicating a return to normal prices. The recent index does, however, remain 18% higher than pre-pandemic rates of USD 1.4k.

NON-LOGISTICS REGIONAL HEADLINES-

UAE: German polymer materials manufacturer Covestro will enter into formal open-end discussions with Adnoc over a takeover, which values the company at around USD 12.4 bn . (Press release | Reuters)
KSA: Saudi Arabia is in talks with the US to secure metals in Africa needed for both countries’ energy transitions in a bid to curb China’s dominance in the electric-vehicle supply chain. (WSJ)
EGYPT: Egypt’s annual urban inflation accelerated to a new all-time high of 37.4% in August,according to data published by state statistics agency Capmas (pdf), surpassing July’s record of 36.5%.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

London International Shipping Week (LISW) will begin today and run till Friday 15 September in London, UK. The event will be held under the themes of compliance, decarbonization, business and technology, security, and skills. The event — which takes place every two years — is a week-long cluster event that will include seminars, conferences, and product launches. It brings together leaders and professionals from the global shipping industry, including ship owners, brokers, traders, regulators, and other stakeholders to network and share expertise and knowledge on the maritime sector.

The Belt and Road Summit will be taking place on 13-14 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Emirati news agency WAM reports. The event, hosted by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will bring together government officials and business leaders from countries and regions along, and beyond, the Belt and Road to cooperate and explore potential business avenues. The summit will have Middle East-focused sessions with the aim of exploring cooperation in urban transport, infrastructure projects, renewable energy, logistics, and technology.

The Libyan Moroccan Forum for Trade and Business is starting today in Tangiers, Morocco and will run till Thursday. The event will be held in partnership with the Libyan Export Development Centre and with support from the Libyan Economy and Trade Ministry. The event aims to connect Libyan and Moroccan suppliers, exporters, chambers of commerce, and freezones with Maghreb and African markets, General Manager of Outbox Team event management company Yassine Bousrewil told the Libya Herald. The event will bring together some 100 business and commercial leaders from Libya to enhance trade and economic exchange between the two countries.

The Sustainable Transportation and Legacy for Generations Conference and Exhibition, which is organized by Qatar’s Transport Ministry and sponsored by Qatar Airways Group, Mwani Qatar, and QNB, will take place on 17-18 September at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, Gulf Times reports. The event will cover transportation sector trends, strategies for eco-friendly transit systems, and Qatar's role in global aviation. The conference will include six panel discussions featuring over 20 speakers from various transportation entities.

The Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit is taking place on 19-20 September at the Address Dubai Marina Hotel, UAE. The event, hosted by Economist Impact, will bring together some 500+ business and supply chain leaders, high level government representatives, and policymakers to discuss the implications of trade policy, business logistics, supply chain diversification from China, sustainability, product traceability, digital trade, customs compliance and evolution, supply chain resilience, and trade in emerging regions, among other topics.

The Saudi Maritime Congress will take place at Dhahran Expo in Dammam, Saudi Arabia on 20-21 September. The event will bring together regional and international professionals from the maritime, shipping, and logistics sectors to meet, network, and do business with some 120 leading maritime exhibitors.

The Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit , organized by the International Chamber of Shipping, will take place on 9 December in the UAE. The event will bring together governments and leaders in energy, maritime, and all parts of the supply chain to discuss plans to address climate change and help transition the industry towards sustainability.

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

US, KSA, India and the EU ink agreement to establish multinational logistics corridor across the region at G20 summit

New India-MENA corridor plans unveiled at G20 summit : Leaders from the US, Saudi Arabia, India, and the EU inked an MoU for a logistics megaproject that will set up rail and shipping links between South Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi, Reuters reported. The bid comes as the Biden administration looks to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative by presenting itself as an alternative partner for investments in infrastructure, the newswire wrote.

REMEMBER- We first got wind of the American-led initiative in May, when White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan toured the region to drum up support for the project.

What we know so far: The initiative — dubbed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) — will consist of an eastern corridor connecting India to the GCC, and a northern corridor linking GCC states with Europe, according to details from the agreement cited by Reuters. No details concerning the project’s value have so far been revealed.

The route will also lay out the foundations for data infrastructure + clean energy transport: The participating countries will also lay cables for power and data lines along the railway route, as well as pipelines for moving clean hydrogen.

The benefits for the region: The corridor is set to benefit low and middle-income countries in the region, and bring the Middle East into the fold with a significant role in global commerce, US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said. It also has the potential to lead to a “more stable, more prosperous and integrated Middle East,” US President Joe Biden is quoted as saying.

And the benefits for the rest : “This is nothing but historic,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said (watch, runtime: 00:53) at the summit.The new gateway will provide the most direct connection-to-date between India, the Arabian Gulf, and the EU and will make trade between India and Europe “40% faster,” von der Leyen said. Lower fuel use and reduced transit costs are also expected to be upshots of the initiative, US officials reportedly said.

…And it’s good news for Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cheerily welcomed the announcement of the new logistical corridor which he considers Israel to be a focal point of, according to a statement on X. “Our country Israel will be a central junction in this economic corridor, our railways and our ports will open a new gateway from India through the Middle East to Europe, and back,” Netanyahu said. Aside from obvious economic benefits, the initiative also bolsters Israel’s efforts to seek recognition among Arab states.

REMEMBER- The US has been working to broker a detente between the US and Saudi Arabia, and Netanyahu has affirmed that the two countries can work together towards establishing an economic corridor to benefit the region even before it normalizes ties with the kingdom.

The Biden administration is reportedly hopeful that an agreement can be struck within the next nine to 12 months, as we’ve reported earlier.

Also involved: The UAE will also work alongside Saudi Arabia, India, the US and the EU to establish the corridor,Emirati news agency WAM reports.

DP World looks to invest INR 2.15 bn in South India’s Telangana

DP World eyes sou th Indian expansion: Dubai-based port operator DP World is set to invest INR 2.15 bn in the logistics and warehousing sector in India’s Telangana state, Telangana IT and Industries Minister Kalvakuntla Rao said in a stat ement.

The details: The company will deploy INR 1.65 bn in its inland container depot operation in Telangana's capital city Hyderabad, the statement adds. Another INR 500 mn will be used to establish a cold storage warehouse in Medchal with a capacity of 5k pallets.

DP World has been expanding its presence in India: DP World and India’s Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) recently signed a concession agreement valued at USD 510 mn for a new mega container terminal at Kandla . The agreement involves the operation, development, and maintenance of the new terminal through a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP).

DP World launches USD 1.5 bn green sukuk to solid demand

DP World launches its maiden green sukuk: UAE port operator DP World’s has launched a USD 1.5 bn from a 10 year USD-denominated green sukuk issuance due sometime this month, according to a document from one of the arranging banks cited by Reuters. The issuance raked in over USD 3.4 bn in orders, Reuters reports. That makes it c.2.3x oversubscribed, according to our calculations. The exact allocation and pricing have yet to be announced by the port operator.

The details: The sukuk — launched by subsidiary DP World Crescent under its USD 5 bn Trust Certificate Issuance Programme — was offered at a 5.5% yield.

More to come? The UAE port operator is also reportedly eying another USD 1 bn green sukuk issuance under the same program, depending on market conditions, according to a bank document from one of the arranging banks picked up by Reuters earlier.

Advisors: Citi, Deutsche Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, JPMorgan, and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as the bookrunners for the issuance, while HSBC is serving as the sole ESG structurer.

DP World has been making moves recently: The port operator has been on an expansion spree, most recently inking a USD 510 mn concession agreement for a new mega container terminal at India’s Kandla, Gujarat with India’s Deendayal Port Authority. It has also inked an agreement to expand its presence in Indonesia by expanding and modernizing Belawan New Container Terminal with Indonesia’s state-owned port operator Pelindo. The operator is also set to snap up a 58% stake in Turkey’s Evyap port.

Why Australia is blocking Qatar Airways from increasing flights + Behind the US’ seizure of Iranian tanker Suez Rajan

Australia cites 2020 invasive search incident as reason for blocking Qatar Airways expansion: Australian Transport Minister Catherine King says that invasive body searches of five Australian women at Hamad International Airport in 2020 was one of the factors behind the decision to block Qatar Airways from selling more flights to Australia this year, denying that the move was due to pressure from rival Qantas Airways, Reuters reports.

What happened? The Australian Labor government has faced criticism for alleged favoritism toward Qantas, which has actively opposed Qatar Airways' request to increase its flights to the country. The opposing conservative party has accused the Labor government of stifling competition to support Qantas and has initiated a Senate inquiry to investigate this decision. King dismissed claims from antitrust regulator the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that increasing Qatar Airways flights would put downward pressure on international fares as “nonsense.”

The flight cap means l ess Australian meat for the Middle East: The decision to block more flights from the airline has also impacted farmers in Australia looking to expand their exports of fresh boxed meat to the Middle Eastern market, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The industry reportedly relies on cargo hold space on passenger planes to transport premium chilled meat into the Middle East, and the ramifications of this decision is now finding farmers “jostling to get whatever space we can,” Founder of Fletcher International Exports Roger Fletcher is quoted as saying by the outlet.

The US seized some 1 mn barrels of Iranian crude oil on the basis that it was being smuggled to China in violation of sanctions, the New York Times reports, citing newly unsealed court documents. The tanker, Suez Rajan, was brought to American waters after the US threatened prosecution, according to the documents, which also reveal an elaborate oil smuggling operation to evade sanctions. The seizure was part of a larger US shadow conflict with Iran, which saw Iran's Revolutionary Guard seizing two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year after Suez Rajan began making its way to the US. The US military recently increased security measures in the Strait to protect shipping lanes in response to the seizures.

British logistics outfit Zencargo sets up shop in Dubai + more India-UAE trade coming? PLUS: Lots of aviation news, and more from BFL,

LOGISTICS HANDLING-

British logistics firm Zencargo has landed in the UAE: Zencargo, a digital freight forwarding firm, has joined the UAE’s Economy Ministry NextGenFDI program, according to a press release (pdf). The freight forwarding firm plans to integrate into the UAE’s logistics, technology, and trade ecosystem, and use the platform to expand their operations further into Africa and South Asia, the release states.

About the firm: Zencargo uses proprietary software, including machine learning, and digitization to provide its clients with a digitized end-to-end inbound supply chain, an overview of their supply chain, and visibility for each stage from order to delivery, according to the statement.

About the NextGenFDI program: Launched in 2022 by the Economy Ministry, the program supports growth of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy by fast-tracking rapid incorporation, licensing, access to bank facilities, real estate, visa issuance for technology companies seeking to operate in the UAE, according to the release.

TRADE-

UAE + India to bolster their investment and trade t ies: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) and the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) have inked an agreement to strengthen investment and trade between India and the UAE, WAM reports. The collaboration will focus on initiating trade missions and investment forums to help potential investors and Indian businesses gain insight into Rakez’s offerings. Rakez will also streamline market entry for Indian businesses looking to set up in the UAE by providing assistance in navigating regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary licenses. The two countries' ties have been gathering pace since they signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement back in 2022.

Oman + Dubai to bolster customs relations to increase trade: Oman’s Director of Dhofar Customs Khalifa bin Talib Al Masqari and Dubai customs officials agreed to exchange expertise to achieve mutual economic growth and streamline passenger movement, WAM reports. They also discussed collaboration to boost bilateral trade, and visited key customs facilities in Dubai.

AVIATION-

ADQ’s Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi’s General Administration of Customs have inked a service level agreement (SLA) to enhance the quality of airport services, according to a press release. The SLA involves streamlining travel procedures, baggage checks, and passenger and cargo movement at airports, the statement said, adding that the move aims to boost Abu Dhabi's position as a premier hub for tourism, trade, and commerce.

Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM Group have signed an MOU to enhance collaboration in various areas, including passenger operations, loyalty programs, talent development, and maintenance, WAM reports. As an initial phase, the airlines have made available 40 new routes spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, for booking for travel in the winter season. The two airlines will also look into other collaborations such as terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access, and ground handling as part of the agreement, which builds on their existing codeshare and interline agreements from 2012.

Qatar Airways and Xiamen Airlines launch new codeshare agreement: Qatar Airways and Beijing’s Xiamen Airlines will launch daily flights from Beijing's Daxing International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha starting 20 October, according to a Qatar Airways press release. Two weekly flights from Xiamen to Doha will also start on 31 October. Qatar Airways will codeshare on these flights, expanding its presence in mainland China.

An Air Car go Control Unit (ACCU) has been inaugurated at Baghdad Airport, the Iraqi News Agency reports, citing Chairman of the Border Ports Committee Omar Al Waeli. The new unit will oversee container control and identify potentially dangerous cargo through an assessment of risk indicators in shipping documents, Al Waeli said. “The project is a step in addressing smuggling and trafficking in drugs and prohibited goods and manipulating the country's economy and societal security,” he added.

STORAGE & WAREHOUSING-

BFL to deploy UAE’s IQ Robotics for its KSA expansion: UAE-based AI and logistics firm IQ Robotics has inked a multi-mn AED agreement with the region’s off-price retailer Brands For Less Group(BFL) to facilitate BFL’s expansion into Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. The agreement will see IQ Robotics deploy 130 robots to help BFL process omnichannel orders to create a more efficient and sustainable retail experience, according to the release.

ICYMI- BFL launched a new 38k sqm logistics distribution center in Saudi Arabia’s Sudair City for Industry and Businesses in Riyadh last week. The new facility will allow the retailer to manage its retail operations in the kingdom and “meet the evolving demands of the Saudi market.”

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

Oman’s first low-cost carrier SalamAir will permanently operate year-round flights on the Muscat-Beirut route starting 30 September to meet high demand, and will add extra flights during the New Year’s holiday. (Press release)
Dubai-based Teodor Shipping has let go of its sole VLCC — dubbed Hansika — shortly following its purchase. (Splash)
Saudi national carrier Bahri has pledged to reduce 50% of its carbon emissions by 2050 as part of the company’s participation in the Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC) as a gold sponsor. (Trade Arabia)
Iraq ’s Director General of Iraq’s General Company for Ports F arhan Al Fartousi met with a delegation of DP world subsidiary Drydocks World to discuss cooperation and the sharing of expertise in the field of docking marine units. (Ministry statement)

Mitsui, Shell partner up on sustainable marine fuels + Flexport shuffles C-suite

Mitsui OSK Lines and Shell Marine partner on marine sustainability: Japanese transport company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Shell Marine Products Singapore, a division of Shell Eastern Trading, inked an MoU to advance alternative maritime solutions and address carbon emissions, according to a press release. As part of the agreement, both companies will engage in trials to assess the feasibility of bio- and synthetic fuel alternatives as pragmatic routes toward decarbonization.

Flexport founder Ryan Petersen has taken back control of the company after former Amazon executive Dave Clark resigned as CEO due to disagreements over the company's direction and spending, the Wall Street Journal reports. Clark was asked to step down by the company’s board based on the fact that the company has increased spending without seeing returns in revenue under his leadership, the WSJ cites sources as saying.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

China has asked fertilizer producers to suspend urea shipments and a number of Chinese producers have halted new export agreements this month following a jump in domestic prices. (Bloomberg)

Calendar

SEPTEMBER

11-14 September (Monday-Thursday): The Libyan Moroccan Forum for Trade and Business, Tangiers, Morocco.

11-15 September (Monday-Friday): London International Shipping Week 2023, International Maritime Organization, London, UK.

12 September (Tuesday): Global Pharma Logistics Summit 2023, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, India.

13-14 September (Wednesday-Thursday): The Belt and Road Summit, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.

17-18 September (Sunday-Monday): Sustainable Transportation and Legacy for Generations, Doha Exhibition and Convention center, Doha, Qatar.

18 September (Monday): Connecting Trade Worldwide (CTW) Global Summit 2023, Dubai, UAE.

18-19 September (Monday-Tuesday): Enterprise Finance Forum, St. Regis Hotel, Cairo, Egypt.

19-20 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): Economist Impact’s Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE.

20 September (Wednesday): Construction Week Leaders in Construction UAE Summit Grosvenor House, Dubai, UAE.

20-21 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Saudi Maritime Congress, Dhahran Expo, Damman, Saudi Arabia.

20-22 September (Wednesday-Friday): Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo, Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex (Durban ICC), South Africa.

20-23 September (Wednesday-Saturday): Meet the Buyers Workboats, Hyatt Regency, Dubai, UAE.

25-27 September (Monday-Wednesday): Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Middle East & Africa, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, UAE.

25-27 September (Monday-Wednesday): Agriculture Horticulture Development Board’s trade mission to Kuwait.

26-27 September (Tuesday-Wednesday):Gulf-Iraq Business Forum, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UAE.

27 September (Wednesday): TMS Transportation and Climate Change Conference (TACCC), Saadiyat Rotana Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

26-28 September (Tuesday-Thursday): ProcureCon, Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, Spain.

26-28 September (Tuesday-Thursday): Breakbulk Americas, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

OCTOBER

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) goes on a roadshow to South Korea.

3-4 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): IATA World Sustainability Symposium, Madrid, Spain.

3-5 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, South Africa.

9-15 October (Monday-Sunday): 2023 World Bank Group - IMF Annual Meetings, Marrakech, Morocco.

10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Autonomous E-mobility Forum, Doha, Qatar.

10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Cool Logistics Global 2023, Genoa Stock Exchange, Genoa, Italy.

16-17 October (Monday-Tuesday): Duqm Economic Forum, Crowne Plaza, Duqm, Oman.

24-25 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Future Fuels Europe, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

26-29 October (Thursday-Sunday): ICASM 2023, Conrad, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

30 Oct-2 Nov (Monday-Thursday): XLP AGM 2023, Barcelona, Spain.

30-31 October (Monday-Tuesday): Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, London, UK.

31 Oct-2 Nov (Tuesday-Thursday): IAPH World Ports Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

NOVEMBER

November: Abu Dhabi Airports Terminal A set to become operational.

1 November (Wednesday): Smart Maritime Network Dubai Conference, Conrad Dubai, UAE.

9-15 November (Thursday-Wednesday): Intra-AfricanTrade Fair, Cairo, Egypt.

15-17 November (Wednesday-Friday): Global Freight Summit 2023, Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE.

13-17 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Dubai World Center, UAE.

14-15 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Supply Chain & Logistics Arabia, Narcissus, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

14-17 November (Tuesday-Friday): IATA Slot Conference, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.

15 November (Wednesday): Leaders in Logistics UAE Summit, Dubai, UAE.

21-23 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Intermobility Expo 2023, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE.

21-23 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Touchdown Middle East, Gulf Hotel, Bahrain.

21-23 November (Tuesday-Thursday): ARABAL 2023 Conference, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

23 November (Thursday): Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.

30 November-3 December (Saturday-Tuesday): Handling Expo, Egypt International Exhibition Center, Cairo, Egypt.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

DECEMBER

10-11 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Invest in Logistics, St.Regis Almasa Hotel, New Administrative Capital, Egypt.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2H 2023:Construction of Neom’s first hydrogen fueling station will kick off.

2H 2023: Expansion of Baghdad International Airport to begin.

3Q 2023: Design and supervision contract for Oman’s proposed Musandam Airport to be awarded.

Before the end of the year: The first phase of the Ain Sokhna port redevelopment will wrap.

2024

1Q 2024: Construction of phase 3 of Agility’s logistic park in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire to be completed.

1H 2024: Work is scheduled to begin on the 162 km Rasht-Astara railway in Iran.

King Salman Energy Park is set to become operational in 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

12-13 February (Monday-Tuesday): Breakbulk Middle East conference, Dubai Trade Centre, UAE.

12-15 February (Monday-Thursday): African Air Expo, Cape Town, South Africa.

28 February-1 March (Wednesday-Friday): MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2024, Dubai, UAE.

MARCH 2024

5-6 March (Tuesday-Wednesday): MRO Middle East, Dubai Trade Center, Dubai, UAE.

12-14 March (Tuesday- Thursday): IATA World Cargo Symposium, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong.

MAY 2024

2-3 May (Thursday-Friday): Geneva Dry, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland.

21-23 May (Tuesday-Thursday): WAGA 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JUNE 2024

19-21 June (Wednesday-Friday): World Freezones Organization’s Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Bari, Italy.

NOVEMBER 2024

13-15 November (Wednesday-Friday): The Bahrain International Airshow, Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain.

DECEMBER 2024

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

2025

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.

2027

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

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