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Qatar Airways secures QAR 4.5 bn of mixed financing from QNB-led consortium

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: Qatar Airways bags QAR 4.5 bn financing + NMDC completes Emdad acquisition

Good morning, nice people. We’re back from the Eid holiday with a balanced read, covering important debt and M&A news from Qatar and the UAE. But first, an update on the US-China trade talks in London…

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY- All eyes on US, China talks in London: The US and China will resume talks today in London after they agreed to extend their high-level negotiations that began yesterday. The extension comes amid hopes for at least a provisional deal extending the trade truce that began last month. The US high-level delegation is led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whereas China is represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

The sticking point: Export controls were high on the meeting’s agenda, with China hoping for relief for restrictions on US-made microchips essential for AI development, and the US eying a steady flow of Chinese critical minerals critical for industries, like electronics and EVs. However, the US is expected to keep controls on advanced Nvidia chips despite China’s attempts to leverage its rare earth minerals to negotiate down the restriction.

This story grabbed a lot of ink in the int’l press: Reuters | Associated Press | Wall Street Journal | Bloomberg | CNN | BBC | The Guardian

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Security concerns stall UAE-US AI megaproject: Ongoing security concerns over how to prevent the diversion of advanced American technology mean a USD multi bn agreement to build one of the world’s largest AI data center hubs in Abu Dhabi is still “far from” being finalized, Reuters reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources. There is still no clear enforcement framework in place to restrict Chinese tech or personnel at the site, and the US has yet to define the conditions under which the chips can be exported, the sources say.

ICYMI- The 5 GW project is the centerpiece of a USD 200 bn US-UAE investment pact — spanning AI, critical minerals, and energy — signed during Trump’s visit to the UAE last month. The facility — dubbed Stargate UAE — is designed to be the largest data infrastructure site outside the US, and will host American-managed services and serve as a regional AI hub if the remaining hurdles can be cleared. The first phase of the complex is set to come online in 2026.

REMEMBER- Security talks have dragged on: Both the Biden and Trump administrations have voiced persistent concerns over the UAE’s historic ties to China. In response, G42 divested all its holdings in Chinese firms last year to “reassure” US partners. The move helped unlock access to US tech, including via Microsoft’s USD 1.5 bn investment in G42.

What now? Four sources told Reuters that there is currently no timeline for concluding the agreement, and that final terms could still evolve, with expected provisions likely to require strict bans on Chinese nationals and technologies, and full alignment with US security protocols.

ON A RELATED NOTE- The US and UAE are preparing to launch talks on a potential bilateral trade agreement that could ease tariffs on Emirati steel and aluminum exports, Reuters reported last week, citing sources familiar with the matter. The discussions took place during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi last month, as Emirati officials sought relief from mounting trade pressures, including tariffs on aluminum and steel which were recently doubled to 50%. The UAE was the second-largest exporter of steel and aluminum to the US in 2024, supplying 8% of total US consumption.

What to expect: While a full-fledged freetrade agreement appears unlikely at this stage, sources said Washington is open to a limited pact that could still be framed as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) — the UAE’s preferred format. UAE officials stressed their ability to move quickly on trade negotiations.

#2- Another Nomu IPO gets canceled: Khobar-based freight transportation company Al Khaldi Logistics pulled the plug on its Nomu offering last week, according to a disclosure to Tadawul published last week. The decision comes a little under a month after it set its IPO price range at SAR 44-47 per share. Refunds have been made.

Nomu’s IPO party just lost its second guest this month: School operator Dome International also scrapped plans to sell a 14.53% post-IPO stake on the parallel market.

REMEMBER- Most of the recent Nomu debuts are still trading below their IPO price: AxeleratedSolutions saw its share price fall 3% on its first trading day, while Dkhoun National also dropped 19.8% at debut and Service Equipment Company declined 10%. Future Vision for Health Training also shed 5.3% on its first trading day. All of these companies are still trading below their IPO price.

#3- DP World is looking to expand in Turkey and Eastern Europe via new acquisitions, the region’s executive VP Kris Adams told The National last week. The move could see the global player seize on the “fragmented nature” of the region’s market and its need for “some consolidation,” Adams added.

DP World has an established presence in Eastern and Southern Europe, operating logistics centers and port terminals in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Cyprus, and Greece, The National reported. The company’s revenues from its Eastern Europe operation have also been on the up despite geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea and Red Sea, rising 28.1% y-o-y during the first four months of 2025.

#4- China firm eyes Oman lithium battery plant: Chinese metallurgical industry player Zhongke Electric is looking to establish a CNY 8 bn (c. USD 1.1 bn) lithium-ion battery anode factory in Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone, Chinese state-affiliated news outlet Yicai reported last week, citing a company statement. The project will be developed in two phases — each expected to take 36 months to set up. While Zhonghke anticipates each phase to produce 100k tons of lithium battery anode materials annually, a final decision will depend on market conditions and customer demand, with the firm looking into strategic investors for the project, the news outlet reports.

#5- Morocco’s ONDA is set to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a new airport in the disputed region of Western Sahara, AGBI reported last week, quoting Transport Minister Abdessamad Qaiouh as saying. The project — set to be launched after the study is completed and financial commitments are secured — is set to expand Morocco’s air transport network as well as foster local and foreign investments as the country ramps up logistics expansion programs ahead of the Fifa World Cup in 2030. No official timeline or investment ticket was disclosed.

All eyes on Western Sahara: The move comes after the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed support for Morocco’s plan to bring autonomy to the Western Sahara, Reuters reported last week. The UK has also inked agreements with Morocco for cooperation in port and water infrastructure projects and procurement.

Part of a bigger picture: Morocco is planning to mobilize USD 34 bn over the next five years for a set of projects spanning 35 cities in the rail, road, air, and infrastructure sectors ahead of the World Cup in 2030, AGBI adds, citing a report from the country’s government. About MAD 42 bn (USD 4.2 bn) of these investments are earmarked for airport expansions in Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakesh, Fez, Tetouan, and Agadir. The government said in April it was planning to invest MAD 28 bn in Casablanca airport expansion.

#6- Egyptian gov’t is reportedly looking to finalize long-term LNG supply agreements with up to six companies this week for deliveries through June 2026, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed sources. The agreements would secure more than 160 shipments of LNG and could be followed by additional contracts covering 2027–2028 to reduce reliance on the spot market, which has been both volatile and often expensive, the sources said. The companies include Saudi Aramco, Trafigura Group, Vitol Group, Hartree Partners LP, and BGN, according to the sources.

REMEMBER- The government is preparing for a surge in demand over the summer months by booking in LNG shipments — and the necessary infrastructure to process the deliveries — to close the gap between demand and supply. Adding pressure to keep the lights on — and for Egypt to potentially overprepare — are repeated pledges from the government that the dreaded days of blackouts won’t return.

In preparation for the uptick in LNG deliveries, the 750 mcf/d-Energos Eskimo has now arrived in Egypt, according to shipping data. The vessel will join the recently received Energos Power, the soon-to-be-replaced 750 mcf/d-Hoegh Galleon in Ain Sokhna and be followed soon by a unit from Turkish state-owned energy firm BOTAS.

DATA POINT- Egypt needs around 6.2 bn cubic feet per day (bcf/d), but domestic production only contributes roughly 4.4 bcf/d.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices surged this morning in the wake of extended US-China trade talks as hopes for a deal revive optimism for future demand for the fuel, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures went up by USD 0.28 to reach USD 67.32 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by USD 0.23 to USD 65.52 a barrel by 03.30 GMT.

#2- Baltic index on the up and up: The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index — which tracks rates for the capesize, panamax, and supramax vessel segments — was up 3.6% to 1,691 points on Monday on the back of heightened demand for bigger vessels. The capesize index climbed up 5.9% to f 3,010 points — a seven-month high, while the panamax index gained 1.5% to 1,264 points. The supramax index shed seven points to settle at 926.

#3- The Drewry World Container Index increased by 41% to USD 3,527 per 40-ft container last week, according to the latest index readings. The increase comes on the back of heightened supply-demand equilibrium in global container shipping — a reversal of previous declining rates since January.

DATA POINT-

Red Sea traffic has climbed up 60% to about 36-37 ships per day since August 2024, a bump in numbers compared to a low of 20 to 23 recorded by August last year, Reuters reported last week, citing the EU’s Red Sea Aspides naval mission’s Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis. The improvement is still below the daily traffic rates that preceded the beginning of the Houthi attacks in November 2023, which stood at around 72 to 75 vessels.

Where things stand: The increase comes on the back of merchant vessels utilizing the Bab Al Mandab strait on the heels of reduced missile and drone strikes in the region. However, several shipping firms are still wary of sailing through the Red Sea because of the mission’s shortage of protective ships — which could cause week-long delays for firms that require protective escort through the area.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

France will host the International Paris Air Show from Monday, 16 June to Sunday, 22 June in Paris. The event will host 300k visitors to view some 2.5k exhibitors from 48 countries, 300 start-ups and 150 air carriers on display – all showcasing cutting-edge tech in the aviation field.

Turkey will host the Eurasia Rail from Wednesday, 18 June to Thursday, 19 June in Istanbul. The event will host 7.7k visitors interested in Turkey’s railway sector or are railway technology buyers, and will feature engineering, products and services from both private and public sectors.

Greece will host the East Med Maritime Conference on Thursday, 19 June in Athens. The event will showcase new developments and tech in the shipping, logistics and offshore field – hosting an array of key leaders, exports, port operators and shippers in the maritime industry.

The UAE will host Middle East Rail from Tuesday, 24 June to Thursday, 25 June in Dubai. The conference at Dubai World Trade

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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Debt Watch

QNB-led consortium to plug QAR 4.5 bn into Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways receives financing from bank consortium: Qatar’s flagship carrier has inked a QAR 4.5 bn loan agreement with a consortium of Qatari banks led by Qatar National Bank (QNB), according to a statement (pdf) published last week. Under the agreement, local banks will provide financing in both conventional and Islamic tranches. The timeline was not disclosed.

Who’s involved? QNB led the transaction, acting as book runner, global coordinator and lead arranger. The lending banks include Ahibank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dukhan Bank, QIB, and QIIB.

Expansion plans in the pipeline: Qatar Airways recently inked a USD 96 bn agreement to acquire160 widebody jets from US manufacturer Boeing, with an option to add 50 more aircraft. The large order — made during Trump’s Gulf tour in May — is expected to cover the airline’s needs until 2045. The airline’s cargo arm also entered an agreement with US-based leasing firm Jetran, LLC for five Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF aircraft, making it the first airline to order the new repurposed models.

REMEMBER- The airline is mulling a bond issuance to cover a portion of the mega Boeing order and is in the process of seeking a credit rating to potentially pave the way for the move. The company also intends to use operational cashflows and returns from sale-leaseback transactions to finance the order.

A spate of global acquisitions: The flag carrier received approval from the Australian government for its acquisition of 25% of Virgin Australia in March, snapping up a share from US private equity firm Bain Capital. The company also acquired a 25% stake late last year in South African-based airline Airlink, whose fleet comprises more than 65 aircraft.

3

M&A Watch

NMDC LTS completes 70% acquisition of oilfield logistics firm Emdad

NMDC LTS completes 70% stake acquisition in Emdad: NMDC Group’s newly launched logistics arm NMDC LTS, finalized its acquisition of a 70% stake in Abu Dhabi-based oilfield services and logistics firm Emdad, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf) released last week. The transaction was financed through a mix of debt and equity, though the value was not disclosed.

A long time coming: NMDC first made a binding offer for Emdad in July 2024 after completing due diligence, with final regulatory and stakeholder approvals coming through in December. The move came shortly after NMDC unveiled LTS as its logistics and technical services subsidiary tasked with expanding into marine and offshore services.

What Emdad brings to the table: The acquisition is expected to add recurring revenues from Emdad’s portfolio of oilfield and marine services, including well intervention, coil tubing, waste management, and offshore logistics. Emdad reported over AED 600 mn in revenues last year, the statement reads, with major clients including Adnoc, Borouge, and Emirates Global Aluminum.

NMDC’s wider strategy: The transaction comes as the firm looks to diversify revenue streams and expand its regional footprint in energy services. “Emdad stands out as an industry leader with robust capabilities and deep sector expertise. By combining its strengths with NMDC’s scale and commitment to innovation, we now have a powerful platform to unlock long-term value,” Group CEO Yasser Zaghloul said. NMDC LTS also said earlier this year that it is planning to IPO once it is more established.

ADVISORS- A&O Shearman acted as counsel to NMDC Group, and PricewaterhouseCoopers served as financial advisor. Clyde & Co advised Emdad on legal matters, while KPMG Lower Gulf served as its financial advisor.

4

Purchasing

How the UAE and Lebanon’s non-oil private sectors fared in May

How the UAE and Lebanon’s non-oil private sectors fared in May: Purchasing manager indices (PMI) tracking non-energy sectors saw the UAE slip to its lowest reading in four years despite remaining firmly in the green, while Lebanon’s non-oil private business activity remained mostly unchanged from the previous month — indicating contraction for the third month in a row.

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

UAE-

Non-oil activity sees slowest growth in nearly four years: The UAE’s non-oil activity saw its slowest growth level since September 2021, as “global economic uncertainty linked to US tariffs” negatively weighs on output, according to the S&P Global UAE PMI (pdf) released last week. The headline figure came in at 53.3 in May, down from 54.0 in April.

New orders slowed, while employment grew strongly: The new orders subindex fell to 56.2 in May, down from 56.9 in April, in what is said to be the lowest pace of new order growth in seven months, Reuters writes. Still, the continued growth in new orders was attributed to “favorable demand conditions, good relationships with clients, new marketing strategies, and diverse product ranges.” Meanwhile, employment grew at its strongest rate in a year as new orders created elevated workloads.

Output increased, but at a comparatively slower rate: The output sub-index fell to 57.3 in May from 59.4 in April — the lowest reading since September 2021. The deceleration of output growth was partially attributed to “global economic uncertainty.” However, the output expansion was still “sharp,” supported by demand conditions remaining strong throughout the month.

Input purchases also saw a record decrease during the month, with companies looking to “streamline holdings amid slowing momentum,” according to the S&P report. Growth in backlogs also dropped to a 16-month low during the month, along with a decline in input price inflation — which fell to its lowest since December 2023 “due to the modest increase in raw material prices and staffing costs,” NBK Senior Economist Issa Hijazeen told EnterpriseAM.

Business sentiment has slowed down: “Businesses gave a modest assessment of their activity prospects in May. Optimism eased to its lowest since January, with nearly 10% of companies anticipating an expansion in the year ahead,” the report reads.

LEBANON-

Lebanese non-energy private sector growth remained mostly unchanged in May from the previous month, with businesses seeing modest declines in new orders and output, according to Blominvest Bank’s Lebanon PMI (pdf) released last week. The nation’s headline figure came in at 48.9, down slightly from 49.0 in April, in what is the nation’s third month in the red following its two-month streak in expansion territory at the start of the year.

New orders and output slowed again amid a combination of weak demand and higher shipping costs, according to the report. Exports were a specific drag on overall business activity, with the rate of decline in foreign client demand quickening largely due to “unstable conditions across the Middle East [hindering] sales to non-domestic markets,” panelists said.

Geopolitical issues continue to weigh on the economy: “The U.S. urges faster progress on disarmament — despite Lebanon’s move to disarm Palestinian refugee camps, seen as a potential stepping stone to addressing the all-important Hezbollah’s arsenal. The Gaza war also shows no sign of ending soon. As such, the economy seems to be stuck in limbo, with the momentum witnessed at the beginning of the year dwindling away,” Blominvest Bank’s Mira Said wrote.

Firms’ purchasing activity continued to dwindle in May, with the rate of decline accelerating to a six-month high despite being only marginal overall. Input price pressures also increased slightly during the month, which was attributed to a rise in cost inflation. Output prices were also up as a result, but the rate of inflation in both cases was overall modest.

Businesses’ confidence improved compared to the previous month: “Looking ahead, private sector companies in Lebanon reported a positive year-ahead outlook for activity. This marked an improvement from April, when firms were slightly downbeat, on balance. Anecdotal evidence highlighted positive sentiment surrounding the domestic political environment, in addition to hopes of greater inbound tourism and investment,” the report reads.

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Also on Our Radar

Updates on all things logistics from around the region

STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Jordan taps Petrojet to build LPG storage facilities: Egyptian petroleum projects firm Petrojet has secured a USD 21.8 mn contract to execute a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Jordan’s Aqaba Port, according to a statement released last week. Petrojet was awarded the contract by the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC) subsidiary Jordan Gas Manufacturing and Filling Company and the Jordan National Shipping Lines Company.

What’s in the cards: Under the agreement, Petrojet will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of two spherical LPG tanks — each with a capacity of 2k metric tons. The project is scheduled to be delivered on a ready-to-operate basis within two years from the date of signing. The facility is slated to support the development of a more accessible and efficient regional LPG distribution network, slash transport costs, as well as boost Jordan’s energy supply chain resilience, JPRC CEO Hassan Al Hayari added.

TRADE-

#1- Morocco has imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on Egyptian polyvinyl chloride imports, Moroccan news outlet Hespress reports, citing a circular from the country’s Customs and Indirect Tax Administration. The move will see duties on the material — known more commonly by its acronym PVC — of up to 92.2% imposed on shipments from Egypt for a four-month period starting last Friday.

Imports from the state-owned Egyptian Petrochemicals Company will be subject to a lighter duty of 74.9%, while all other Egyptian PVC producers and exporters face a higher rate of 92.2%, according to the circular. The decision was enacted under a joint decree issued on 22 May by Morocco’s Industry and Trade Ministry and Economy and Finance Ministry. All sums collected under the anti-dumping measure — including VAT on the applicable amount — will be held by Moroccan customs authorities until further notice, the circular states.

Rabat already has import restrictions and anti-dumping measures on some Egyptian goods — and more could be on their way, including on galvanized wire from Egypt and the UAE which is currently under anti-dumping investigation. The Moroccan kingdom already has restrictions on Egyptian air conditioning units due to a lack of local components, a 35% anti-dumping duty on Egyptian carpets, and a five-year 35% anti-dumping duty on canned tomatoes exported from Egypt.

#2- Dubai’s DP World and banking giant JP Morgan are collaborating to bolster access to trade finances and working capital in emerging markets, as supply chain issues and limited credit adversely affect global trade, according to a press release published last week. The partnership will tackle the trade finance gap between businesses and financial institutions, which the statement values at USD 2.5 tn. The collaboration kicked off its effort by backing a global food firm in facilitating cocoa procurement from the Ivory Coast, bringing over USD 70 mn in annual procurement capabilities for the client.

RAIL-

EGA eyes Ghana bauxite play: Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) signed an agreement with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation to explore possible rail and port infrastructure projects in Ghana as part of a larger push to cooperate on bauxite production in the country, according to a statement released last week. The agreement will also see the pair explore long-term bauxite offtake agreements and other related projects.

IN CONTEXT- The possible collaboration comes as EGA works to increase its production and diversify upstream supply within the next few years, especially in the US, CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said. Ghana has more than 900 mn tonnes of bauxite resources and produces 1.5 mn tonnes per year, with the potential for further expansion. Bauxite is a rock that contains a relatively high concentration of aluminum, making it the world’s primary source of the metal, as well as a major source of gallium.

ICYMI- Other recent Emirati-Ghana developments include an MoU exploring a Ghana-UAE economic zone and technology hub in Accra that was signed earlier this month between Dubai’s PCFC, G42-backed Presight AI, and the Ghanaian government.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1-Oman’s MGIC sets up new shipyard: Omani investment outfit Musandam Global Investment Company (MGIC) and unnamed Turkish partners have signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to set up a shipbuilding and repair facility in Musandam governorate, the Oman Observer reported last week. The project has an initial investment of USD 15 mn (c. OMR 5.8 mn). No timeline has been disclosed.

What we know so far: The joint venture project — named Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC — will immediately begin constructing and maintaining aquaculture cages, fishing vessels, tugboats, and service and transport vessels up to 35 meters long. Its first phase will see the development of slipways, fabrication workshops, and maintenance yards tailored for small to medium-sized vessels. Future phases are expected to include handling larger vessel classes.

#2- Automated STS cranes land at Port of Neom: Saudi Arabia’s Port of Neom has received its first remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, according to a statement released last week. The cranes will facilitate the port’s automation strategy and its goals for a future-ready workforce model — allowing operators to manage equipment from secure and comfortable environments.

REFRESHER- Hassan Allam Construction Saudi was awarded a contract to develop Port of Neom’s Container Terminal 1. The terminal’s development continues apace for its 2026 opening, the statement added. Recent construction works include deepening the port channel to 18.5 meters to enable the world’s largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal to call at Port of Neom.

#3- Kezad could get a new e-methanol bunkering facility: AD Ports Group inked an agreement with Masdar, Rotterdam-based energy storage Advario, and French shipping giant CMA CGM to explore setting up an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), according to a statement released last week. The facility will support commercial e-methanol production for off-takers, including CMA CGM, to accelerate decarbonization in the global shipping industry.

ICYMI- AD Ports Group signed a heads-of-terms agreement with Advario to mull a joint venture to develop and operate green energy and liquid bulk storage projects in the UAE and internationally last month. The proposed JV would be 51% owned by AD Ports and 49% by Advario.

REMEMBER- The shipping industry has its eyes on an October meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is set to vote on ratifying the Net-zero Framework introducing new fuel standards and a global pricing mechanism for emissions in the shipping industry. If ratified in October, changes will take effect by 2027 and apply to ships over 5k gross tonnes, covering 85% of international shipping’s emissions. The framework draft was passed in April with support from 63 countries with 16 countries voting against it, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

AVIATION-

Etihad sets its sights on China: Etihad Cargo signed an agreement with China’s Ezhou Huahu Airport to boost its cargo links in Asia, according to a statement released last week. Etihad’s logistics arm will increase its presence at the airport, which serves as a gateway to access the broader Chinese market, including Shanghai and Shenzhen. Under the partnership, the pair will look to increase flight frequencies, launch new routes, and expand collaboration for cross-border supply chain transactions.

6

Around the World

China to receive Boeing orders, mulls major Airbus purchase

Boeing resumes deliveries to China: US planemaker Boeing has restarted China-bound plane deliveries, dispatching a 737 MAX aircraft last Friday earmarked for delivery to Boeing’s finishing center in Zhoushan, Bloomberg reported last week, citing data from flight tracker Flightradar24. This specific aircraft had previously been sent to China in March but was returned when Beijing ordered domestic airlines to refrain from acquiring or receiving pre-ordered aircraft-related equipment or parts from US companies amid ensuing trade tensions with the US. The country reportedly rescinded earlier in May.

ALSO- Beijing mulls early July Airbus order: China is looking to place an order of between 200 - 500 aircraft of both narrowbody and widebody planes, Bloomberg reported last week, citing unnamed sources. The order — potentially the largest Airbus order for China — could be placed as soon as next month during a planned diplomatic meeting between Beijing officials and European leaders.


JUNE

16-22 June (Monday-Sunday): International Paris Air Show, Paris, France.

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

17-18 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

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

18-19 June (Wednesday-Thursday): Eurasia Rail, Istanbul, Turkey.

18-27 June ( Wednesday-Friday): The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting, London, UK.

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

24-25 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East Rail, Dubai World Trade Center.

25-26 June (Wednesday-Thursday): Decarbonizing Shipping Forum, Hamburg, Germany.

JULY

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

22-24 July (Tuesday-Thursday): Intermodal Africa, Beira, Mozambique.

SEPTEMBER

1-3 September (Monday-Wednesday): Transport Middle East 2025, Salalah, Oman.

3-4 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

4-10 September (Thursday-Wednesday): Intra-African Trade Fair, Algiers, Algeria.

7-10 September (Sunday-Wednesday): Comex Global Technology Show, Muscat, Oman.

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

25 September (Thursday): World Maritime Day 2025.

30 September - 2 October (Monday-Thursday): Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

OCTOBER

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to formally adopt the Net-zero Framework this month, stipulating new fuel standards for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.

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

7-8 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global EV & Mobility Technology (GEMTECH) Forum, Riyadh.

13 - 17 October (Monday-Friday): The Marine Environment Protection Committee’s second extraordinary session, London, UK.

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

28-30 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Borneo International Maritime Week, Sarawak, Malaysia.

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.

24-26 November (Monday-Wednesday) The World Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Saudi Expo, Riyadh.

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 two of Jafza Logistics Park to be completed.

2026

27-29 January (Tuesday-Thursday) Transport Middle East 2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

28-30 April (Tuesday-Thursday) Mediterranean Ports and Logistics, Porto, Portugal.

24-26 June (Wednesday-Friday) Transport Logistic & Air Cargo 2026, Shanghai, China.

7-9 July (Tuesday-Thursday) Asean Ports and Logistics, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

17-19 November (Tuesday-Thursday) Intermodal Africa 2026, Luanda, Angola.

UN Trade and Development Global Supply Chain Forum to take place in Saudi Arabia.

2027

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

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