LOGISTICS-

#1- DP World, Hapag-Lloyd renew Brazil port pact: UAE port operator DP World has extended its agreement with global shipping line Hapag-Lloyd over container handling operations in Brazil’s Port of Santos for 10 more years, according to a press release. The agreement is a foundation for future expansions at the port by both parties, the release said.

DP World + Santos go way back: The company first landed in Santos in 2010 with the construction and expansion of its terminal for container and general cargo. The company has since invested in the port to expand its capacity and diversify the types of cargo handled. Last year, the Emirati giant signed an agreement with Brazil’s leading railway operator Rumo to establish a new terminal for grains and fertilizers at Port Santos — aiming to boost the port’s handling capacity by some 12.5 mn tons per year, including 9 mn tons of grain and 3.5 mn tons of fertilizer.

#2- Americold opens largest regional cold storage hub in Jafza: US-based cold chain giant Americold opened its cold storage hub in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza), according to a press release. The facility is its largest in the Middle East and was developed through its RSA Cold Chain JV, in collaboration with DP World.

REMEMBER- RSA Cold Chain is a joint venture between Dubai-based RSA Global and Americold. It began construction of its facility in Dubai’s Jafza in May 2024. The site includes 40k pallet positions, bonded and non-bonded storage, 27 docks, and rooftop solar, and will serve GCC markets with multi-temperature food logistics. The hub targets grocery retailers, quick commerce, and quick service restaurants.

#3- Abu Dhabi key port in new MSC route: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is launching a new shipping route servicing the Persian Gulf, with Abu Dhabi serving as a major transhipment hub, according to a press release. The service, set to launch in October, will connect the emirate to east Asia and South America, including ports like Singapore, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, and Santos.

AUTOMOTIVE-

GM + Space42 to roll out UAE map for self-driving cars: ADX-listed space tech firm Space42 and Dynamic Map Platform (DMP) inked a long-term agreement to provide US automotive giant General Motors (GM) with high-definition map data to supply its Super Cruise system in the UAE, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). GM’s Super Cruise provides road users with handsfree driving systems.

Details: Under the agreement, Space42 will provide light detection and ranging data for satellite and 3D road visualization, which DMP will process into HD maps to support the launch of the system. It will also provide road updates on possible construction and infrastructure changes across the Emirates’ road network.

ICYMI- Space42 just launched the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud — a platform to support smart mobility and autonomous vehicles. Abu Dhabi Mobility is expanding its self-driving taxi services rollout, and Dubai has started pilot testing for driverless taxis.

M&A WATCH-

Julphar to sell more retail units: Emirati drugmaker Julphar has accepted a binding offer from UAE-based Al Batha Healthcare Group for it to acquire parts of Julphar’s retail and distribution business, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The sale covers Julphar’s Health First pharmacy chain in the UAE and the Scientific Pharmacy chain and distribution channel in Oman — both owned by its subsidiary Planet Pharmacies. The filing did not disclose the transaction value.

Timeline: The transaction is expected to close in 4Q 2025, pending a final agreement and regulatory approvals, with the financial impact set to be reflected in Julphar’s 2025 results.

REMEMBER- The divestment is part of Julphar’s strategy to shed non-core assets and focus on specialty pharma in the MENA region, with plans to invest AED 300 mn in the UAE’s pharma sector over the next five years. The firm previously sold its insulin API unit DiabTec to Mubadala, and agreed last year to sell its Saudi retail subsidiary Zahrat Al Rawdah Pharmacies for SAR 444.1 mn.

SECURITY-

E7 to expand gov’t tech with 7I Holding: Commercial printing and security solutions provider E7 Group partnered with 7I Holding, the UAE affiliate of Swiss secure-tech firm SICPA, to expand into government-to-government contracts covering revenue mobilization, identity verification, brand protection, and fraud prevention, according to a statement. The agreement includes securing offtake for up to 6 bn tax stamps a year from E7’s Abu Dhabi facility, starting end-2025, alongside joint R&D on digital identity and authentication solutions.

REMEMBER- Last year, E7 said it would invest AED 182 mn to expand its E7 Security unit, boosting passport production capacity fivefold and moving into digital tax stamps by 2026.

REAL ESTATE-

Dubai’s first JW Marriott Residences to launch in 2028: Marriott International has partnered with CG Developers Global to launch the first JW Marriott Residences on Dubai Islands, according to a press release. The project, slated for early-2028 completion, consists of 115 luxury residential units — a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences with ocean views and access to amenities, Gulf News reports.

BACKGROUND- Marriott International is also developing a residential project on Al Marjan Island, after inking an agreement with UAE-based Dalands Holding in May.

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