Oman + KSA double down on logistics infrastructure

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: India further curbs rice exports + The world’s largest aircraft carrier docks in Turkey

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. After a very busy start to the week yesterday, we bring you a much calmer (relatively speaking) news day from the logistics world today.

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY- Oman is working on a total of 240 logistics projects and investment initiatives, with several projects in ports and road infrastructure currently underway as part of Oman Vision 2040.

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

India increases controls on rice exports: India has implemented a 20% tax on exports of parboiled rice as well as a USD 1.2k per ton minimum export price (MEP) on basmati rice shipments in a bid to contain domestic prices, Reuters reports, citing the Indian governement. India banned the export of white rice in July, which pushed rice prices in Asia to a 15-year high. Following the ban, traders have been falsely labeling white rice as basmati to bypass export restrictions, a practice that the MEP aims to combat.

World's largest aircraft carrier docks in Turkey: The USS Gerald R. Ford — the largest aircraft carrier in the world — docked at QTerminals in Antalya Port, Turkey, with 5k staff on board, according to a statement. This comes as Turkey and the US aim to enhance partner interoperability and demonstrate commitment to securing the Mediterranean Sea, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Turkey.

This comes shortly after the US deployed 3k sailors and marines to the US fifth fleet area of operations, encompassing the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and three critical points in the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab El Mandeb, in what is reportedly a move to prevent Iran from interfering with commercial shipping.

Morocco’s transport sector t o receive support amid fuel cost increase: The Moroccan government is set to provide financial support for its road transport sector starting September, Morocco World News reports. The support, which will be directed to freight and passenger transport professionals, aims to mitigate the repercussions of fuel increases on the cost of goods and passenger transport fees.

This isn't the first time: Morocco allocated MAD 5 bn (USD 490 mn) in fuel subsidies for the sector in 2022 over 10 installments until June 2023, the outlet reports. However, workers complained that the subsidies were not enough to offset the increase in fuel prices, and some 40% of workers say they did not receive the subsidies, the outlet quotes transport union activists as saying.

Israeli strike puts Aleppo International Airport out of service: An Israeli air strike has caused Syria’s Aleppo International Airport to shut down after causing damage to the airport’s runway, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported. No casualties were reported. Israel routinely conducts strikes within government-controlled parts of Syria, including at Damascus and Aleppo airports, usually targeting the Syrian military or Iranian-backed militias, ABC News reported.

A fire that started in five large warehouses in Baghdad's Tunis district has been brought under control, Annabaa News reports. The fire, which engulfed warehouses filled with flammable wood and carpentry materials, was contained without any injuries. The authorities are launching an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

DATA POINT #1- Oman’s Salalah Freezone has inked five new usufruct agreements worth OMR 727 mn during 1H 2023, Oman News Agency reports. The number of usufruct agreements reached 127 with a total investment volume of OMR 4.5 bn. The new agreements include the Exahertz project, which involves data hosting and processing.

DATA POINT #2- Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman port recorded 33.9k TEUs handled in July 2023, according to a Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry statement. The port also handled 36k tons of general cargo and received 67 vessels and 2.6k road vehicles throughout the month.

DATA POINT #3- Passenger traffic at Kuwait Airport is expected to rise 13% y-o-y to reach 5.75 mn this summer season, said Abdullah Al Rajhi, director of air transport at DGCA, Zawya reports. The airport is expected to operate 45k flights this season, an increase of 15% y-o-y, he added. Airport passenger traffic in 2023 is expected to reach 15.5 mn, up from 14.46 mn last year, he noted.

DATA POINT #4- Credit Oman saw a 5% y-o-y growth in total volume of ins. sales for domestic sales and Omani exports to OMR 161.2 mn in 1H 2023, Oman News Agency reports. Domestic sales during the same period rose by 8% y-o-y to reach OMR 64.5 mn, indicating a 3% y-o-y increase in insured sales of Omani exports at a value of OMR 96.6 mn. The country’s value of foreign trade for non-oil products, however, fell 11.7% y-o-y to OMR 2.7 bn by the end of May 2023.

DATA POINT #5- The Suez Canal has raked in USD 1 mn in hourly revenues for the first time in its history, reported Cairo 24.

WATCH THIS SPACE #1- Jordan mulls Amman-Aqaba railway link: The Jordanian government will receive feasibility studies for a proposed railway connection between Amman and the Red Sea port of Aqaba, Jordan News reported, citing televised statements by the Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Transport Ahmad Maher Abul Samen. The study will lay the groundwork for a government debate on the proposed infrastructure project.

WATCH THIS SPACE #2- Iran and China have agreed on a EUR 2.5 bn oil-for-development agreement to develop the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA), Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reports, citing the CEO of the Imam Khomeini Airport City. The feasibility studies for the development of the second phase of the project are currently underway, IKIA CEO Saeed Chalandari said.

MARKET WATCH-

The EU was the largest importer of seaborne crude oil in 1H 2023, buoying the tanker market, according to a report by shipbroker Banchero Costa picked up by Hellenic Shipping News.The first half of 2023 saw global crude loadings increase 8.2% y-o-y, reaching 1.26 bn tonnes, according to Refinitiv tracking data cited by the report. The surge in volumes came despite high oil prices and sluggish economic growth. The period also saw the EU overtake China as the largest importer of seaborne crude, with the region importing 275.7 mn tonnes in the first seven months of 2023, up 5.3% y-o-y. The EU now accounts for 21.8% of global imports, the report showed.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

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 Duqm Economic Forum , hosted by Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones & Freezones (OPAZ), will take place on 16-17 October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Duqm, Oman. The two-day event will showcase green investment avenues offered by the Special Economic Zone at Duqm(Sezad). The event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, industrialists, trade specialists, logistics professionals, and experts to discuss and present case studies, assess future trends, and exchange knowledge, insights, expertise, and discuss upcoming investments, according to the event brochure (pdf).

The Construction Week Leaders in Construction UAE Summit is tak ing place on 20 September at the Grosvenor House in Dubai, UAE. The one-day event aims to bring together industry experts to contribute their insights on the latest technologies and trends in the construction sector. The conference will explore how to adapt to technology, localizing the industry, and how to finance projects to spur economic growth.

The Construction Week Leaders in Construction KSA Summit will be held on 2 September at the Crowne Plaza in Riyadh, KSA. The one-day event will see industry leaders discussing the current trajectory of the kingdom’s gigaprojects where construction leaders will provide future growth.

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

Oman plans dozens projects to shore up logistics infrastructure

Oman is working on 240 projects to boost its logistics sector : Oman’s Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Ministry(MTCIT) is working on a total of 240 logistics projects and investment initiatives to diversify its economy, enhance its financial sustainability, private sector investment, and international cooperation, El Fagr reports. The projects — which are divided under 19 categories — come as part of Oman Vision 2040 (pdf).

The timeline: MTCIT has set a five-year timeline for its strategy to boost its logistics infrastructure, starting with 35 projects, the outlet writes.

Ports: Oman has been working on port infrastructure for its Khasab, Shinas, Al Suwaiq, and Dhalkut ports, and has been reviewing concession agreements for major ports, as well as the provision of marine and land services, according to El Fagr.

ICYMI - An Omani and Indian consortium recently inked an agreement with MTCIT to develop, manage, and operate Shinas Port. Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone also inked an agreement to set up a vessel servicing at the Port with Al Risia Subsea Engineering & Service, Gulf Global Land & Sea Services, and National Marine Services.

Road infrastructure: The ministry has ongoing road projects worth a combined OMR 890 mn under its five-year strategy, El Fagr says, without providing further details on the projects. MTCIT has also awarded 21 contracts worth OMR 110 mn for the maintenance of its roads in Oman, as well as the roads in the Dhofar Governorate, the outlet writes, without specifying who is implementing these projects. Oman also recently began work to connect the Al Batinah Expressway with its Khazaen Economic City.

Laws need to be put in place too: MTCIT will be implementing some 30 draft laws, legislations, and licenses concerning governance of the projects, resources, and administrative process for the sectors supervised by the MTCIT, according to El Fagr.

KSA launches drive to transform into a “global logistical hub”

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman launched a Master Plan for Logistics Centers (MPLC) to develop the country’s logistics sector, diversify the economy, and promote the kingdom as a destination for investors and as a “global logistical hub,” reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Bin Salman notes that the initiative is part of the country’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to bolster local and international trade links and supply chains, boost partnerships with the private sector, generate jobs, and take advantage of KSA’s geographic location, SPA wrote.

What we know so far: MPLC outlines 59 logistical centers distributed throughout the kingdom spanning a total of 100 mn sqm, according to SPA. Twelve centers will be based in the Riyadh region, 12 in the Mecca region, 17 in the Eastern Region, and the remaining 18 are to be dispersed across KSA. Construction on 21 centers is currently underway, with work at all 59 hubs slated for completion by 2030, Saudi’s official press agency wrote.

Financials and other tidbits: Investments associated with the program are estimated at USD 400 mn, Kuwait’s daily Alanba revealed. SPA did not disclose details regarding the expected finances. The program will also be a boon to KSA’s labor market, creating 1.5k jobs, Alanba adds.

Promotion of KSA’s exports is among the program’s stated goals: MPLC will enable KSA’s industries to process their exports “with high efficiency,” SPA writes, highlighting the program’s role as a driver for the Kingdom’s non-oil exports. The initiative looks to leverage e-commerce solutions to establish links between logistics centers and distributors throughout KSA while providing high levels of traceability. A streamlined licensing procedure — which sees 1.5k licenses issued to local and international logistics firms — as well as e-customs procedures are also components of MPLC.

Libya’s foreign minister in hot water after Israel meeting + Japanese companies want partnerships with Iraq’s private sector + KSA, Poland talk transport, logistics cooperation

Libya suspends its foreign minister following meeting with Israeli counterpart: Libya's Prime Minister suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush and referred her to investigation after Israel released a statement confirming a meeting between Mangoush and Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Reuters reports. The meeting, during which the ministers reportedly discussed possible cooperation, led to small protests in Libya, a nation that does not officially recognize Israel.

Mangoush had rejected a meeting with Israeli representatives,and what happened was “an unprepared, casual encounter during a meeting at Italy’s Foreign Affairs Ministry,” the Libyan ministry said. Israel’s statement said the ministers discussed possible cooperation and Israeli aid in humanitarian issues, agriculture, and water management. Libya affirmed its rejection of normalizing ties with Israel following the controversy.

Background: Since 2020, Israel has normalized relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan through the Abraham Accords, facilitated by the US. Libya's foreign policy is complicated due to long-standing conflicts and deep internal divisions concerning governance control and the legitimacy of decisions made by the Tripoli administration.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has discussed bilater al cooperation with Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and expressed his readiness tofinalizea comprehensive cooperation document. (Tasnim)
Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Futoshi Matsumoto said Japanese companies are keen to participate in Iraq’s economy in partnership with the Iraqi private sector. (Iraqi News Agency)
Saudi Arabia’s Transport Minister sat down with Poland’s Infrastructure Minster to explore ways to bolster cooperation in transport and logistics. (Statement)

VLCC, Suezmax shortage coming? Plus: Shippers + gov’ts working to curb pest infestations in cargo shipments

Frontline CEO flags impending VLCC + Suezmax shortage: Global VLCC and Suezmax fleets are set to face near term shortages as vessels age and order books fall short, Seatrade Maritime reports, citing statements by Frontline CEO Lars Barstad (Linkedin). Some 12.3% of VLCC vessels are over the age of 20 years, while VLCC newbuild orders represent just 1.5% of the current fleet. Suezmax tankers over the age of 20 are 14% of the existent fleet, but order books for the category are slightly greater at 4.5% of the current fleet size. What’s worse is that orders made now can only be delivered by 2H 2026. “It doesn't really add up to the overall expectations of oil demand remaining fairly firm for the next three to four years,” Barstad said.

Market conditions are driving the shortage: Shipowners have been reluctant to make orders for new VLCC and Suezmax tankers, but shipyards are also unenthusiastic about filling orders even if the demand were present. “As long as there are higher margin kinds of ships to build, they will prefer that,” Barstad explained.

Shippers and governments are joining forces to combat costly pest infestations in cargo shipments, Seatrade Maritime News reports. Around 40% of global crops, worth some USD 220 bn, are lost to invasive pests every year, International Plant Protection Convention Secretary Osama El Lissy is quoted as saying. This year’s Global Shipper’s Forum explored methods of addressing the issue, including using steel floored containers that have no cracks or crevices as well as cleaning and inspecting containers before they are transferred to the next stakeholder, spokesperson for World Shipping Council Anna Larsson said.

Qatar Airways orders 120 Boeing aircraft + Turkey-Azerbaijan corridor almost complete + Digitization updates from Bahrain and Dubai. Plus: MSC adding Neom Port services

AVIATION-

Qatar Airways has more than 120 Boeing aircraft in its order pipeline, Zawya quotes the company’s president in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa Kuljit Ghata-Aura as saying. The airline ordered 74 777X aircraft, 19 787-9 aircraft, 25 737-10 aircraft, six 737-8 aircraft, and two 777 freighters. The company previously added two new Boeing 777 freighters to its cargo routes with Saudi Arabia, as well as its second Boeing 737-8 back in May. “These new airplanes will support Qatar Airways as it expands its passenger and cargo capacity. Boeing is also supporting Qatar Airways Cargo in developing ‘connected cargo’ solutions to enable greater operational efficiency with a focus on the 777-8 freighter,” he said.

RAIL-

Work on strategic corridor linking Turkey + Azerbaijan is almost complete: Construction work on the Turkish section of the the strategic Zangazur Corridor linking Azerbaijan’s capital Baku with eastern Turkey via Armenia is slated for completion this year, Azernews reported, citing statements by Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. Work on the Azerbaijani side is also set for completion by year’s end, the minister added.

The corridor is a component of the larger International North-South Transport Corridor, and looks to improve connectivity and boost trade between Turkey, Russia, Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Moreover, the project can contribute to improving historically strained Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, Azernews added.

DIGITIZATION-

Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Ministry has launched a new national initiative dubbed iFactories, in partnership with private sector assistance firm Tamkeen, to upgrade the country’s industrial sector, Bahrain News Agency reports. The initiative aims to transform some 300 plants into smart factories by 2026 by automating operations, integrating modern technologies, and reducing dependence on unskilled manpower.

Dubai CommerCity is launching a new system to integrate blockchain technology into the logistics operations of SMEs involved in digital commerce, Zawya reports. The move aims to enhance efficiency and flexibility in digital trade while reducing costs for these companies. The system, Logi-Flow, operates on a pay-as-you-go model tied to transaction volume and offers round-the-clock support without IT service and maintenance costs. “This step addresses challenges that companies might face across various stages of e-commerce operations, particularly during the initial setup. These challenges involve the costs of establishing a proprietary blockchain platform, coupled with ongoing operational expenses due to continuous system operations,” Senior Vice President for Property Management and Supply Chain Abdulrahman Shaheen said.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Ocean freight giant MSC adding KSA Port of Neom service in September: MSC will reportedly be kicking off services at Neom’s port in Oxagon on the Red Sea coast next month, NEOM Directory and News reported, citing BunkerSpot. In addition to ocean freight services, clients will also have access to onland transport solutions via MSC’s MEDLOG subsidiary. MSC has yet to officially announce the new service.

TRADE-

Jordan is looking to establish a new border crossing with Saudi Arabia to reduce congestion at the Durah crossing, Zawya reports, citing a Jordanian official. The new border crossing will connect Aqaba with KSA’s border in Tabuk Province, chairman of the Special Aqaba Economic Zone Saudi Nayef Al-Fayez said. Designs are set to be finalized by the end of 2023, after which tenders for the project will be issued, he added.

ZONES-

Sohar Port and Freezone inked a land lease agreement with Air Care Systems Company (Freezone Company) to set up a USD 10 mn 15k sqm manufacturing facility for industrial and medical gasses in Sohar Freezone, Oman News Agency reports. The project brings together Chinese and European technologies. It has an anticipated daily output of 11k tons and is poised to fulfill the need for the gasses in GCC countries, Yemen, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as boost self sufficiency in healthcare industries.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

The Islamic Corporation for the Ins. of Investment and Export Credit inked an MoU with Saudi Pak Industrial & Agricultural Investment tobolster their trade and investment ties and fuel investments in renewable energy infrastructure in KSA. (SPA)
Qatar Airways Cargo has commenced its eight weekly flights to Mexico City via NLU airport, with 800 tonnes of capacity in each direction. (Statement)

Target moves towards smaller regional warehouse hubs + US firms still entangled in Chinese supply chains + Labor unions are pushing for better conditions. Plus: South Korea is making moves in autonomous shipping

Target has been ditching mega-warehouses for smaller regional hubs: The retail giant Target has enhanced its distribution network by adding regional hubs, which has improved inventory management, expedited online order deliveries, and sped up store replenishment, The Wall Street Journal reports. The move marks a divergence from central mega-warehouses that ship e-commerce orders across the US to smaller warehouses located in closer proximity to customers. Incorporating smaller warehouses “makes your network more complex, but it allows you shorter distances and more flexibility,” logistics expert Inna Kuznetsova said. The strategy has allowed the company to fulfill a greater number of online orders from stores.

Chinese supply chain influence endures in the US despite import shifts, study shows: Despite US firms' efforts to reduce direct imports from China, the country continues to be immersed in American supply chains, Bloomberg reports, citing a paper presented at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s conference last week. The paper highlights a decline in US imports from China from 2017 to 2022, along with an uptick in imports from Mexico and Vietnam. The shift is linked to US policies aimed at uncoupling the US and China's economies. However, Chinese companies are counteracting this through increased exports and investments in Mexico and Vietnam, maintaining indirect supply-chain connections.

Labor unions continue eyeing better working conditions: Several US airlines including Delta Air Lines, Boeing, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have been impacted by recent strikes which started before the pandemic, CNBC reports. Southwest Airlines continues to negotiate with its pilots’ union for better scheduling — an ongoing request amongst other companies such as UPS, which continues to secure record labor agreements following strike threats. UPS previously ratified a new labor agreement that includes big hikes to wages. Teamsters and UPS also reached a last-minute preliminary agreement last month, preventing a potential strike that could have significantly impacted the US economy. Other airlines such as American Airlines successfully ratified a four-year labor agreement that will see them achieving a 46% boost to compensation. Delta Airlines and United Airlines also upped their pilots’ compensations.

South Korea gets a foot in the door vis-a-vis autonomous shipping: Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries’ shipyards have delivered an LNG-powered capesize bulk carrier fitted with artificial intelligence (AI)-based equipment monitoring and safety systems to South Korean carrier H-Line Shipping, representing a milestone in the journey towards autonomous shipping, Splash reported. The 180k dwt HL Nambu 2 integrates two autonomous systems — HiCBM and HiCAMS — which monitor the ship’s status in real time, predicting breakdowns and automatically alerting crewmembers to unexpected events such as fires, Splash wrote.

The American Bureau of Shipping has approved both technologies for use on ships: HiCBM monitors onboard equipment, such as engines, compressors, and pumps, utilizing AI to predict failures in advance. HiCAMS employs AI to analyze video feeds from onboard CCTV to provide real-time detection and assessment of emergencies, Splash explained.

What else have South Korean shipping lines been up to? Last year saw HD Hyundai subsidiary Avikus roll out technologies enabling 180k square meter LNG carrier Prism Courage to sail autonomously for half of its transit across the Pacific Ocean, according to a company press release. Samsung Heavy Industries is also conducting pilot trials of its rival Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) system, positioning the nation as a leader in the field, Splash reported. South Korea benefits from being “the only place with IT, shipbuilding and ship operations skills all in abundance and all in one place,” says Splash columnist Andrew Craig-Bennett.

Calendar

SEPTEMBER

September: Hassan Allam Utilities + Agility to open Yanmu East logistics park.

4-6 September (Monday-Wednesday): The Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference, Ritz Carlton, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

4-8 September (Monday-Friday): Logistics and Transport Management, Dubai, UAE.

5 September (Tuesday): The Leaders in Logistics KSA Summit, Crowne Plaza Al Waha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

6-7 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Sustainability LIVE London, Business Design Centre, London, UK.

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.

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 SummitGrosvenor 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): MTB 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 Septembe (Tuesday-Wednesday):Gulf-Iraq Business Forum, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 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): IAPH World Ports Conference, 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.

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

NOVEMBER

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.

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

2H2023:Construction of Neom’s first hydrogen fueling station will kick off.

2H2023: 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.

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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