LOGISTICS-

DP World, Itochu ink trade + logistics MoU for Sub-Saharan Africa: State-owned logistics giant DP World is partnering with one of Japan’s largest trading companies, Itochu, to expand logistics connectivity and trade access across Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Dubai Media Office. Under an MoU, the two will seek to boost Japanese companies’ presence in the region, with initial efforts targeting improving supply chains, commodities and food products distribution, as well as fleet and logistics operations.

REMEMBER- DP World currently operates in 48 African countries. Last year, the logistics company earmarked USD 3 bn for new port infrastructure in the continent, partnered with the UK government to develop DR Congo’s first deep-sea container port, and got the greenlight from Mozambique’s government to expand the Maputo port.

#2- SolitAir kicks off air cargo operations in mainland China: Dubai-based cargo carrier SolitAir launched direct flights from its logistics facility at Al Maktoum International Airport to China’s industrial city of Ürümqi, according to a press release. The move marks its first direct route into mainland China — providing faster transit for time-sensitive cargo such as electronics, pharma products, fashion goods, and perishables.

IN CONTEXT- China is the UAE’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 102 bn in 2024, the press release says. Ürümqi is positioned as a logistics gateway to Central Asia and is located near key points on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

#3- Etihad Cargo increases belly-hold capacity with updated winter schedule:

Etihad Airways’ cargo arm Etihad Cargo has added new destinations to its winter flight schedule, according to a press release. The carrier is launching new routes to Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Taipei, and increasing the frequency of its services to Lisbon, Warsaw, Atlanta, Bangkok, and Manchester.

Also in the pipeline: Between November 2025 and March 2026, Etihad Airways plans to gradually launch passenger flights to 16 new destinations — including Addis Ababa, Algiers, and Bucharest — with the aim of increasing its belly-hold capacity on more than 1k weekly flights. Increasing passenger flight destinations will strengthen the airline’s presence in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the statement says.

M&A-

#1- Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) Catering has completed its acquisition of Compass Group’s 50% stake in its Saudi JV with the firm, Compass Arabia, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The transaction — which will see it gain control of the JV alongside Al Rushaid Group — is expected to reel in an additional AED 100 mn in annual net income, and will set the foundations for further expansion in the Kingdom. The firm is eyeing SAR 500 mn growth in the Kingdom over the next five years.

It’s not ADNH Catering’s first acquisition this year: It also finalized the acquisition of Food Nation Catering Services, a Dubai-based school catering company, for an undisclosed sum as part of its broader expansion strategy. The move was first announced in January.

#2- Amanat sells off NLCS land in AED 453 mn sale: Amanat Holdings completed the sale of the North London Collegiate School (NLCS) real estate assets for AED 453 mn to Souk NLCS Holdings, a Hillhouse Real Assets-controlled entity, according to DFM disclosures here (pdf) and here (pdf). The sale generated AED 294 mn in net returns and removes a finance lease tied to the property from Amanat’s balance sheet.

ICYMI- The company first flagged the disposal earlier this month, saying it would sell the land through subsidiary AHH Alpha in place of a put option agreement signed in May 2025. Amanat acquired the property in 2018 for AED 360 mn and invested AED 33 mn in expansion capex, bringing its total investments to AED 393 mn. The sale is part of its plan to exit non-core education real estate and refocus on healthcare and education operating assets.

Tags: