Logistics News ME - October 2023

INDUSTRIAL HUB

CARGO

TRUCKS

Everything SPARK

Taking over the world

A key essential: CSM

CONNECTING TRADE PROFESSIONALS WITH INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE

LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS CELEBRATING INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS Industry leaders and experts from the logistics, supply chain and transport sectors celebrate their achievements at the Logistics & Transport Awards

OCTOBER 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

34

22

28

CELEBRATING INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS INDUSTRY LEADERS AND EXPERTS FROM THE LOGISTICS, SUPPLY CHAIN AND TRANSPORT SECTORS CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT AWARDS

14 EXPERT INSIGHTS DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY Why Your Risk Assessments Need The Added Insight Of Threat Intelligence?

16 TALKING POINT

BREAKING BARRIERS: Fostering Gender Diversity in the Supply Chain & Logistics Industry

20 TRANSPORT DUBAI WORLD CONGRESS FOR SELFDRIVING TRANSPORT Hamdan Bin Mohammed Launches Dubai World Congress For Self-Driving Transport 22 TRUCKS A KEY ESSENTIAL: CSM Joerg Mommertz, Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East FZE, enlightens us with the ins and outs behind ‘Customer Success Management.’

26 PORTS IN CONVERSATION Naser AlBusaeedi, CEO - Ports Operating Company, Ports Cluster, part of AD Ports

Group, and Vibha Mehta interact to shed light on capital’s prosperity in the ports industry

28 INDUSTRIAL HUB EVERYTHING SPARK Logistics News ME sat down with Saif Al-Qahtani, President and CEO of SPARK to understand how they will fuel the Kingdom’s economic diversification in the future 31 LNME CONNECT

COME. MEET. GREET. CONNECT Launching our first networking event for industry pioneers to come together and build stronger relationships

58 CARGO TAKING OVER THE WORLD Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, touts how the flagship airline is carving a global niche LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 3

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LNME

EDITOR’S NOTE

Congratulations! warmly welcomed, which I must say was really overwhelming! For me, the month passed quickly. We succeeded despite all the peaks and troughs and last-minute crisis management.

And with that, I realised that I should live in the now and embrace it. Even though I may have been stressed, anxious, or exhausted throughout the prior month, on the big day, none of that mattered. We have a tendency to overthink things, even though other people's behaviours or events might not go as planned. But in the end, everything goes according to plan. I must state that we all felt that the team had given their all to make our events successful when we observed everyone's joyful expressions.

Our morning event, LNME Connect, brought together industry experts to socialise. On the same night, we honoured logistics leaders for their outstanding contributions to the logistics and supply chain industries. Congratulations to all our winners, once again!

F

or the two events we organised last month, we witnessed a convergence of the sector.

It's a journey down memory lane from last month when I sit down to write this Ed's letter. The first few weeks were a roller coaster, from choosing the speakers for LNME Connect to ensuring that all of the nominations for the Logistics & Transport Awards 2023 were

8 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

Vibha Mehta

Editor-in-Chief vibha@bncpublishing.net Vibha Mehta vibhamehta01 @vibhamehta01

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Drive the new way.

New IVECO T-WAY: high productivity and safety on off-road terrains With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.

New IVECO S-WAY: high technology and efficiency for on-road missions The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator, 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.

LNME

REGIONAL NEWS

KUEHNE+NAGEL IS NAMED AS COP28’S LOGISTICS AND FREIGHT FORWARDING PARTNER

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OP28 has appointed Kuehne+Nagel as the official logistics partner at the global 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai. From November 30 until December 12, the event is expected to convene over 70,000 accredited visitors to the restricted Blue Zone and 50,000 daily visitors to the public Green Zone. The appointment underpins Kuehne+Nagel’s capabilities in expo and events logistics and its commitment to its science-based emission reduction targets and efforts to decarbonise logistics.

At Expo City Dubai, Kuehne+Nagel will be the sole ground handler responsible for steering all logistics activities on-site, like building country pavilions and stages for panel discussions. In addition, the team will support participants in their end-to-end and local logistics needs, from international freight forwarding, customs clearance and warehousing to venue delivery – all backed by Kuehne+Nagel’s global network of experts and its portfolio of low-emission solutions.

Damian Raczynski, National Manager UAE and Oman at Kuehne+Nagel: “We are proud to have been appointed for this important conference. Kuehne+Nagel is well-known in the events and exhibition space in Europe, and this appointment 10 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

underpins our efforts to further develop this segment in the Middle East – a region with world-class infrastructure to accommodate this industry.”

Sustainable logistics solutions and SBTi Kuehne+Nagel’s appointment by COP28 can be credited to its logistics expertise and ambitions to decarbonise the logistics sector. Kuehne+Nagel has committed to the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) and has taken significant steps to make low-emission transport solutions available for its customers.

Cooperation with customers, carriers, international organisations, and other stakeholders is part of Kuehne+Nagel’s strategy to drive meaningful change.

Sarah Kreienbühl, Member of the Management Board responsible for Human Resources and ESG at Kuehne+Nagel International AG: “Our current focus is on making low-emission fuels more widely available in the market. However, our industry needs to unlock new technologies for better solutions.

This is a challenge for which all actors across societies and industries need to work together. The yearly Conference of the Parties is important, alongside other forums and coalitions that bring actors together to address climate change.”

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REGIONAL NEWS

ALL MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS TRUCKS WILL HAVE A PRE-INSTALLED TELEMATICS AND CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS

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n a bold move to further digitise its offerings within the transport and logistics industry, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA is proud to announce that Fleetboard, a pioneering telematics service provider created by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, will soon come pre-installed on all Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks. This groundbreaking integration will provide fleet owners in the Fleetboard-active markets – the UAE, Morocco and Kuwait – with unparalleled access to cutting-edge telematics and connectivity solutions, elevating fleet efficiency.

As transport and logistics operations increasingly rely on digitisation, telematics has become an invaluable tool for gathering real-time data on vehicles and drivers, ensuring continuous monitoring and optimising performance 24/7.

Offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to optimise fleet operations, Fleetboard includes monitoring capabilities categorised as Service & Uptime, Performance Analysis, Trip Records and Mapping. This dynamic array of tools empowers fleet owners to make data-driven decisions, maximise productivity, reduce operational costs and streamline logistics processes.

Critical Benefits of Fleetboard’s Features for Fleet Owners: Service & Uptime: Ensures optimal vehicle uptime, minimising downtime and allowing for proactive maintenance planning, reducing service-related disruptions.

Performance Analysis: Provides valuable insights into driver behaviour and vehicle efficiency, enabling fleet owners to enhance driver training and improve fuel economy.

Fuel saving: A significant fuel saving can be achieved by driver training based on the driver performance analysis.

Trip Records and Mapping: Offers precise tracking of routes and destinations, aiding in route optimisation, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing overall fleet performance.

Messaging: Enables fleet managers to transmit messages and geocoded addresses to drivers.

Executive Monthly Reports: Provide a comprehensive summary of critical data and the fleet’s progress over the previous month. Alongside maintenance scheduling, these reports, intended for fleet owners, include a hierarchy of the most economically proficient drivers/vehicles and offer suggestions for enhancing vehicle efficiency.

Fleetboard’s integration into all Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks also marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety.

With continuous monitoring and improved driver performance, fleet owners can foster a safety-first culture within their operations, leading to safer roads for all users.

For trucks produced starting from September 1, 2023, all Mercedes-Benz Actros will have Fleetboard hardware preinstalled and will come with a 3-year cost-free subscription, allowing them to harness the full potential of telematics and connectivity solutions for the next three years without any additional cost. This strategic move underscores Daimler Truck’s commitment to advancing the transport sector by leveraging digital solutions and equipping fleet owners with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Olaf Petersen, General Manager, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE, said: “With Fleetboard becoming an integral part of all Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks, we are reinforcing our dedication to driving innovation in the transport and logistics sector. Fleetboard’s advanced telematics will undoubtedly empower fleet owners to optimise their operations, improve road safety, and confidently navigate the digital future.”

LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 11

LNME

REGIONAL NEWS

CAREEM ENHANCES THE TRAVELLING EXPERIENCE FOR CITIZENS OF AND GUESTS TO KAFD

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areem, the region’s leading multi-service platform, partners with King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC), to upgrade and streamline the travel experience for residents and visitors of KAFD, the country’s prime business and lifestyle hub. The agreement was signed on September 12 at a ceremony hosted at Cityscape Global Riyadh.

In the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD features 1.6 million square meters of

state-of-the-art office space, world-class facilities and iconic luxury residences designed to transform urban communities’ lives, work, and play. A 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid Airport, KAFD is a crucial driver of Riyadh’s economic ambitions and is the world’s largest LEED-certified mixed-use financial district. It is owned and managed by the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC).

Home to the Kingdom’s first cinema, KAFD is recognised for its exclusive business and lifestyle offering and ad-

12 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

vanced smart city solutions.

By 2025, it is expected that 100,000 people will live and work in the district, whose five asset classes will include over 70 F&B outlets, three hotels, and an array of entertainment options.

Careem will launch more dedicated solutions to make travel smoother and more reliable at KAFD, such as special tools to manage ride-hailing requests in high-density pickup locations, an enhanced navigation experience for Captains and directional features to guide customers on how to reach meeting points.

Multiple convenient spaces

for pickups and pre-arranged staging areas will be dedicated to Careem Captains.

“Amidst the growing global awareness of sustainable transportation solutions and recognising the pressing need to address environmental challenges, KAFD remains dedicated to fostering a greener and more efficient urban landscape,” explained Gautam Sashittal, Chief Executive Officer of KAFD DMC. “In line with our mobility strategy at KAFD, we are excited to welcome Careem’s ride-hailing service to our district as it promises to reduce passenger vehicles, helping lower carbon emissions and traffic. Most importantly, with the addition of Careem, our tenants, residents, employees, and visitors will benefit from the increased availability of transport options within the district.”

Ahmad Arrabi, Careem’s General Manager for ridehailing in Saudi Arabia, commented: “KAFD has proliferated into one of the region’s leading business and lifestyle hubs, attracting people from all across the world to live and work there. We’re delighted to collaborate with the KAFD team to make transport in and out of the district more seamless than ever.”

Careem launched ride-hailing services in Saudi Arabia in 2013, commencing operations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dhahran and Khobar before expanding to 26 cities across the Kingdom. The Everything App now offers multiple services to customers in Saudi Arabia, including ride-hailing, inter-city transport, food delivery, and home cleaning, all in one application. More than 75,000 Saudi nationals use the Careem app as a flexible source of income.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Vaibhav Dabhade, Co-Founder and CEO of Anchanto

require businesses to accelerate the digitization of their operations by implementing purpose-built solutions that are agile, scalable, and stable enough to fuel their growth. This is where Anchanto comes in and finds success”.

Anchanto’s expansion relies on three essential pillars that the company plans to strengthen: > With the hiring and growth of a local team, the SaaS company benefits from unique proximity to its customers and can offer them close post-sales support and local expertise, two essential advantages considering the strategic importance of its projects. > The development of local alliances.

After collaborating with local consulting companies and associations, Anchanto will launch new strategic partnerships. > Investing in the connectivity of its products to the local sales channels and carriers is a crucial component and differentiator of Anchanto’s offering.

ANCHANTO UNVEILS GROWTH PLANS TO SUSTAIN MIDDLE EAST’S E-COMMERCE APPETITE

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-commerce and logistics SaaS company Anchanto confirmed its successful expansion in the Middle East with the successive signing of local retail and logistics leaders Jeebly, Between, and Digitalstores. With this, Anchanto is set to become one of the region’s leading providers of e-commerce and logistics solutions less than 18 months after its launch.

Vaibhav Dabhade, Co-Founder and CEO of Anchanto, said: “The Middle East’s e-commerce journey is at a turning point. On the logistics side, we are witnessing a wave of traditional logistics companies and last-mile carriers turning towards e-commerce fulfilment services.

On the retail front, consumers are showing a strong appetite for offline and online shopping, leading distributors to implement strong Omnichannel strategies.” He added that “both situations

Abdalla Alshamsi, CEO at Digitalstores, said, “Anchanto’s seamless and swift integrations with our current systems, along with their established carrier and channel connections, played a pivotal role in our decision-making process. As our company, Digitalstores, experiences rapid growth and evolving requirements, the international experience, flexibility, and regional UAE presence of Anchanto’s teams also assure us to advance our operations effectively.”

Anchanto’s future expansion plans include growing the Dubai team and expanding to neighbouring countries in the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abhimanyu Kashikar, Anchanto COO and co-founder, said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the obvious next step of our expansion into the Middle East.

Word of the successful signing and onboarding of household names in the UAE travelled to the KSA and allowed us to fast-track the signing of our first clients there. Every third contract we sign in the region is from KSA. We are doubling our product development and hiring efforts to serve this market better and accompany its spectacular e-commerce growth”.

LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 13

LNME

EXPERT INSIGHTS

whitepaper, 2021 was the first year Mandiant identified more supply chain compromises involving developer tools or software dependencies than means affecting final software products.

SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY WHY YOUR RISK ASSESSMENTS NEED THE ADDED INSIGHT OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE?

I

f your company is planning to build a large software development team from scratch, you should want to understand any associated risks. In today’s software development world, the prominent use of open-source tools and software dependencies can make supply chain security one of the most critical risks to manage. A cyber risk assessment can help business leaders understand those risks, yet cyber risk assessments are too often lopsided.

These assessments routinely detail mission-critical risks related to assets, vulnerabilities, and business priorities, but that’s only a partial view of organisations’ overall risk. Many organizations still lack solid metrics on cyber threats and threat 14 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

intelligence, a missed opportunity for business leaders to step in and make risk assessments more effective.

Honing the relevance of cyber risk assessment through threat intelligence is particularly important for organizations during a digital transformation. As nascent technologies are adopted, business leaders must understand how their risk posture is impacted.

Supply chain security is hardly hypothetical. Inadequate protections of the software supply chain have led to some of the most damaging cyberattacks in recent years, including the Log4j vulnerability, which was exploited by various threat actors and targeted many different technologies. As noted in the

Practical steps on how CTI and risk professionals can work together are outlined in a new Mandiant whitepaper, Better Together: The Benefits of Integrating Cyber Threat Intelligence and Risk Management. CTI can inform more than risk assessments and even play a role for executives in their broader strategic decision-making. It can help with many situations, such as the risks associated with entering a new market, proceeding with a cloud adoption project, or collaborating with third parties.

Cyber risk and cyber threat intelligence confer clear benefits to organizations independently—however, their value multiplies exponentially when brought together. Mandiant has brought to Google

O r i g i n a l l y w r i t t e n b y J a m i e C o l l i e r, S e n i o r T h r e a t I n t e l l i g e n c e A d v i s o r, M a n d i a n t . E d i t e d b y V i b h a M e h t a

DIGITAL

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) can help risk assessment determine risk management strategies. In this case, some of those would include: > Utilizing a software bill of materials (SBOM) with Google’s Supply Chain Levels for Software Artifacts (SLSA) framework to document, understand, and track build components associated with application development. > Establishing a change control process and board for all enterprise hardware and software changes.

This could include a centralized IT or IT security-managed process for downloading, testing and pushing updates out to users. > Deploying an advanced endpoint security solution, such as endpoint detection and response, to detect malicious behaviour if a tainted software package is downloaded and executed. > Security assessments and audits should be an integral part of the software development lifecycle or continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for any internally developed software that is customer-facing or integral to the organisation’s internal functions.

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DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY

Cloud an unparalleled insight into the threat landscape, which can inform an organization’s strategy throughout its digital transformation.

A strong understanding of the cyber threat landscape is essential within cyber risk management for three key reasons: 1. The dynamic nature of the threat landscape can quickly render static cyber risk assessments outdated.

Whether the scourge of ransomware during the pandemic or the significant uptick of destructive cyber operations throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global events directly shape cyber operations. Organizations are better prepared against emerging threats by keeping abreast of these developments.

2. Threat metrics help organizations focus on what matters in an area prone to over and under-correction.

Many security functions spend too much time worrying about the cyber threats hitting the headlines.

However, the media will often focus on novel and exciting threats rather than those most likely to affect organizations. By contrast, accurate metrics on the threats impacting a particular region and sector help organizations to identify relevant threats through a more precise and evidence-led strategy.

3. An accurate threat picture helps security functions to maximize efficiency. All security functions operate in resource-constrained environments and often struggle to keep on top of patching vulnerabilities or triaging the constant supply of security alerts. Threat metrics provide focus – for instance, helping organizations prioritise patching vulnerabilities already being exploited or escalate alerts linked to active threats.

Unlock The Benefits Of A Cyber Threat Profile Organizations can kickstart more direct engagement with the threat landscape by developing a threat profile, which leverages CTI to produce a holistic view of external cyber threats relevant to a specific organization.

A cyber threat profile combines the externally facing threat landscape with a more introspective review of an organization’s internal operating environment (including its people, processes, and technology). Once the pool of relevant cyber threats has been narrowed, a high-level dossier is created on recent operations and the tactics used by relevant threat actors. This forms an essential anchor document, guiding the development of an intelligence-led approach to cyber risk by providing the critical data needed to scope, prioritize, and describe cyber threats adequately.

A threat profile documents relevant threats facing an organization and catalyses additional collaboration between CTI and cyber risk teams.

Developing Collaborative Workflows Between CTI And Cyber Risk There are many opportunities to embed cyber threat intelligence into risk management workflows. Threat modelling represents one of the most evident and fruitful collaborative opportunities. This involves evaluating organizational security controls to reveal unknown risks and vulnerabilities within systems. Threat modelling provides insight into the types of cyber threat actors an organization faces and their potential impacts. It is also crucial to several frameworks, including Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR) or Vocabulary for Event Recording and Incident Sharing (VERIS).

However, threat modelling is just one component of what can be a much broader collaborative workflow.

Further details on building intelligencerisk workflows are outlined in the whitepaper.

Cyber risk and CTI are both growing fields that increasingly require specialist skills. This means cyber risk and CTI professionals can understandably feel detached from each other’s process. Yet, each discipline does not need to master the other’s skills and knowledge base to engage. Instead, there are plenty of fruitful opportunities for an intelligence function to become a meaningful contributor to cyber risk.

Much like a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while cyber risk and CTI each offer benefits to organizations that utilize

“CYBER RISK AND CTI ARE BOTH GROWING FIELDS THAT INCREASINGLY REQUIRE SPECIALIST SKILLS. THIS MEANS CYBER RISK AND CTI PROFESSIONALS CAN UNDERSTANDABLY FEEL DETACHED FROM EACH OTHER’S PROCESS.” - Jamie Collier, Senior Threat Intelligence Advisor, Mandiant.

them, their value multiplies when brought together. An approach to cyber risk that is deeply connected to developments in the threat landscape can enable decisionmakers to adopt a genuinely evidenceled approach to confronting their most pressing and complex challenges.

The language and logic of risk assessments can help security staff better communicate the potential danger associated with a threat development or a business decision in terms that boards, business leaders, and executives understand. These holistic risk assessments enable organisational stakeholders to suggest better strategies for mitigating, avoiding, accepting, and transferring risk. Ultimately, they can help leaders make better-informed plans for their organization’s future success.

LNME

TALKING POINT

BREAKING BARRIERS:

FOSTERING GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

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he logistics industry, once a male stronghold, is undergoing a transformative shift. The once glaring underrepresentation of women is now being actively addressed, with the emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) becoming more pronounced.

The benefits of this shift are manifold: from fostering innovation to enhancing decision-making and customer satisfaction, the industry is witnessing the positive outcomes of a more inclusive approach.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region stands out in its commitment to DEI. Companies are actively working towards achieving gender balance across the spectrum, from grassroots to leadership roles. This commitment is not just ethically driven but is also rooted in economic pragmatism.

Governments in the region are keen to stimulate economic growth and innovation, aiming to position their industries on the global map.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, has set ambitious targets: integrating 30% of Saudi women into the workforce and creating a million job opportunities for them by 2030.

16 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

While commendable progress has been made towards these goals, challenges persist. A survey across leading GCC companies revealed that 70% identified gender bias and stereotypes as significant barriers to women’s advancement.

Additionally, the lack of mentorship, training, and support for work-life balance further hinders women’s ascent to leadership roles.

While national governments have been instrumental in driving gender equity, primarily through alignment with global targets like the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles, the onus is also on individual organizations. The question is: how can they prioritize the hiring, integration, and growth of women?

Steps to Encourage More Women in the Industry: > Create a Culture of Inclusivity and Support: A culture where every voice matters can be transformative. At AJEX, investing in our people translates to a vibrant workplace culture that champions innovation and collaboration. We encourage our team members, irrespective of their gender or

Originally written by Haifa Ahmad, Customer Service and Retail E x p e r i e n c e D i r e c t o r, A J E X L o g i s t i c s S e r v i c e s . E d i t e d b y V i b h a M e h t a

From rookie positions to executive roles, companies are actively working to achieve gender balance

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BREAKING BARRIERS | FOSTERING GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

nationality, to voice their ideas, ensuring an environment where everyone feels valued. Our primary goal is to empower our team to realize their potential, driving the organisation’s success. > Provide Education and Training Opportunities: Addressing the skills gap is crucial for women’s advancement. AJEX has taken proactive steps in this direction by launching a career development program tailored for Saudi nationals.

This program allows freshers to gain practical experience in customer service, with opportunities for promotions within a year. Over 33 women are progressing through this four-year development journey, transitioning from officer roles to managerial positions. > Introduce a Career Path for Young Graduates: Offering a clear career trajectory is essential to attract fresh talent. AJEX’s collaboration with the Saudi Logistics Academy in the ‘Join the Future’ program exemplifies this.

This initiative prepares graduates for the logistics sector, and our commitment to this cause is evident in our pledge to hire 150 participants, 39 of whom have already joined our ranks.

“WHILE NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DRIVING GENDER EQUITY, PRIMARILY THROUGH ALIGNMENT WITH GLOBAL TARGETS LIKE THE UNITED NATION’S WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES, THE ONUS IS ALSO ON INDIVIDUAL ORGANIZATIONS.”

> Offer Mentorship Programs and Networking Opportunities: Mentorship can be a game-changer for women starting their careers, especially female leaders.

34% of women surveyed in the GCC found this the most significant barrier to workplace advancement. Such role models can counter feelings of marginalization and provide much-needed recognition and support in the workplace.

> Set goals and metrics: Having clear targets and tools for reporting vital metrics is critical to achieving organizational objectives, whatever those objectives may be. This is the same in the case of gender equity. From measuring recruitment targets to equal opportunities, leadership representation and so forth, having the right measurement tools in place is vital to tracking progress over time to ensure your organization is on the right track.

In Conclusion: The journey towards gender diversity in the logistics industry is ongoing, but with concerted efforts from governments and organizations, the future looks promising. Companies across the region are increasingly showcasing that with commitment, actionable steps, and a genuine belief in the value of diversity, the industry can break barriers and set new standards. As we move forward, we must remember that fostering gender diversity is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a more prosperous, more inclusive, and innovative industry for everyone.

Haifa Ahmad, Customer Service and Retail Experience Director, AJEX Logistics Services.

> Support women in work-life balance: In a survey of parents with dependent children, 61% of women said they primarily handle day-to-day caregiving duties, compared to 44% of men. Thus, given the cultural importance of family in the GCC, promoting flexible work arrangements can be a significant draw for women. This includes options like part-time work, remote work, and flexible hours, though this can only occur with the support of leadership in providing childcare support and flexible workplace accommodations.

LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 17

LNME

OP-ED

HEDGING AGAINST AUTOMOTIVE UNCERTAINTY

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ccording to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Chinese carmakers produced 27.02 million units in 2022, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year – put in context, roughly the same number of cars produced by its four closest competitors combined. Even more remarkable is that just two decades earlier, China’s output was just over ten per cent of its current figures, reinforcing its robust 18 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

manufacturing prowess.

Consequently, this has had three significant impacts on the overall market.

Firstly, increased competition. With auto manufacturers such as Geely and SAIC expanding their footprint into the global market at a highly competitive price point, the pressure on other manufacturers has meant a more competitive landscape, particularly in exports—secondly, an advancement in tech.

According to Strategy&’s report on China’s automotive value pools, “trends such as digitisation and electromobility are not WWW.CBNME.COM

HEDGING AGAINST AUTOMOTIVE UNCERTAINTY

PUSHED BY HIGHER COMMODITY AND SHIPPING TARIFFS AND THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL INFLATION, MANY MANUFACTURERS HAVE SOUGHT RESILIENT TRADE CENTRES TO HEDGE AGAINST ESCALATING COSTS AND DISRUPTION. DUBAI’S JAFZA HAS EMERGED AS THE TRADE CENTRE OF CHOICE.

only generating an increase in revenue but have also led to new and growing value pools,” such as financial services, usage and operation, mobility and refurbishing/ recycling. Finally, and arguably most crucially, shifting supply chains. In addition to China’s increased involvement in the global automotive industry,

factors such as post-pandemic disruption and geopolitics have prompted a rethink of global supply chains in favour of regionalised networks better equipped to support today’s customers.

Pushed by higher commodity and shipping tariffs and the impact of global inflation, many manufacturers have sought resilient trade centres to hedge against escalating costs and disruption. Dubai’s Jafza has emerged as the trade centre of choice.

Not only recognised as the Middle East’s biggest automotive trading hub and largest used car market with over 1.53 million m2 of combined facilities, Jafza’s strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, coupled with its unique logistics infrastructure resulted in $12.4bn of vehicle and transport commodities being traded during the peak of the pandemic, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of Dubai’s total trade in the sector.

Enhanced by infrastructure such as its RoRo terminal at Jebel Ali Port, Jafza can handle one million equivalent units (CEUs) per year and up to 27,000 CEUs within its quaysides, including the region’s largest multistory facility. In addition, manufacturers, dealers, and importers can avail of predelivery inspection facilities for services such as light accessory fitting, vehicle storage, washing, age prevention and audio system installation before import or export. In

addition to Jafza’s physical infrastructure, bespoke solutions provided by DP World Logistics to optimise supply chain operations have been bolstered by Fourth Party logistics (4PL) activities and track and trace technology to enable transparency and simplicity across logistics activities, trade financing, feedering and reverse logistics.

Supplemented by direct access to six international airports within two hours reach, including Al Maktoum Airport, for which there is direct connectivity, Jafza’s multimodal connections provide an additional layer of access and security, including a rail service and direct highway access to Saudi Arabia, which according to the U.S Department of Commerce, is projected to reach sales of over half a million units by 2025.

In addition to existing supply chain challenges, ongoing sanctions against Russia have meant reduced access to rare earth metals such as palladium, an element commonly used in catalytic converters, likely resulting in a global production slowdown and a resurgence in demand for used vehicles for which Jafza is a significant centre. As a result, the UAE’s used car market is expected to reach $30.49bn in revenue by 2025.

Bolstered by a 19 per cent year-on-year increase in trade to $123.8bn and a 19 per cent increase in the number of new companies registered in 2021, Jafza’s ability to provide a resilient business environment

for its customers has meant galvanising the trust of its existing automotive members, which include Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and Volvo – each of whom has been able to continue operations, even under the most volatile market conditions.

With transformative change underway via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the World Economic Forum estimates the continent’s auto industry is expected to grow by 40 per cent to $42.06bn by 2027.

Thanks to its pan-continental port accessibility, courtesy of DP World, which includes the recent acquisition of South Africa-based Imperial Logistics, Jafza is strategically positioned to increase the UAE’s contribution to Africa’s automotive trade, which already stands at 21 per cent.

With more than 22 million vehicles on the roads, this will become crucial when meeting the increasing demand for spare parts and materials.

Structured to cater to the constantly evolving nature of global demand, Jafza has demonstrated its capacity to provide the agility and economies of scale required to hedge against supply chain bottlenecks while enhancing the value of regional manufacturing. As a result, this has provided manufacturers with the flexibility and security needed to meet demand and provided the basis for a more sustainable automotive future.

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TRANSPORT

DUBAI WORLD CONGRESS

FOR SELF-DRIVING TRANSPORT

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Launches Dubai World Congress For Self-Driving Transport

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is Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, inaugurated the third edition of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport and honoured the winners of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. The event, hosted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), saw the participation of over 2,000 international participants and 53 speakers, including top executives, researchers, experts, and developers of autonomous mobility technology. The congress also showcased over 40 exhibitors representing leading entities, displaying cutting-edge technologies in smart and sustainable mobility.

Upon arrival at the Dubai World Trade Centre, His Highness was welcomed by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director

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General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA. His Highness and the attendees watched a video about the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, the first trade event of its kind in the Middle East. The hosting of this congress is in line with RTA’s efforts to bolster the Dubai Strategy for Smart Self-Driving Transport. This strategy was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform 25% of mobility journeys in Dubai into smart and driverless journeys by 2030.

Subsequently, Sam Rogers (Flying Man), Test Pilot and Designer Lead at Gravity Industries delivered a keynote address.

In his speech, he discussed the future of mobility in the Gravity Jet Suit, the world’s fastest jetpack crafted using 3D printing technology.

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DUBAI WORLD CONGRESS FOR SELF-DRIVING TRANSPORT

“We started using the jetpack suit across various countries worldwide, and paramedics have started utilising it to reach patients, envisioning it as a future mode of transportation. Current efforts are concentrated on manufacturing and evolving more jet suits, employing technology to create high-thrust and electric ones. We seek to expand the use of jet suits worldwide and host a race for jet suits in cities around the world, including Dubai,” he noted.

Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport His Highness and attendees viewed a short video about the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, which carries a total purse of US$2.3 million. The challenge received 27 submissions from various countries worldwide, surpassing the target by up to 130% for the Industry Leaders category and 175% for the Local Academia category. Five international firms had qualified for the final stage in the Industry Leaders category, and five universities in the Local Academia category.

The film showcased the tests conducted at a designated site at the Dubai Silicon Oasis in collaboration with the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority compatible with safety requirements.

The tests encompassed traffic safety, the advancement of the autonomous technology implemented in buses, and user comfort. It also focused on RTA’s reliability, vision, innovation, skills and experiences, the commercial aspect of operability and added value.

multiple tests, evaluated based on five primary criteria: operational strategy, safety and security, sustainability and energy, passenger experience, and interaction with road users. The bus cleared 20 tests, including emergency lane shifting, navigating through a roundabout with obstacles, and surpassing a brokendown vehicle in the middle of the road.

Bright Drive Company from Egypt secured second place, garnering US$750,000 for a self-driving bus that is six metres long and has a top speed of 69 kilometres per hour. This bus can accommodate up to 15 passengers, is uniquely equipped with 16 cameras and sensors, and can be fully charged in 180 minutes. The bus passed tests that included reversing, navigating pedestrian crossing with limited visibility, and merging into traffic.

Local excellence HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also honoured the winning entities in the local academia category. Heriot-Watt University Dubai, the winner, received US$200,000. The university presented an innovative concept where passengers experienced riding an autonomous vehicle in a virtual reality mode characterised by passenger safety and comfort. It has new features, including integration with the

RTA App and a Journey Planner for bus riders accessible through interactions with a Chatbot.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, the runner-up, received US$100,000. The university presented a customer experience concept for autonomous buses with a virtual human assistant capable of addressing and responding to passenger inquiries about the bus destination, the number of passengers, and internal and external temperatures.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed honoured the strategic partners and sponsors of the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, along with the members of the international jury led by Dr. Stephen Shladover, an international expert in driverless transport technology.

Subsequently, His Highness inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which features over 40 companies specialising in self-driving transportation.

His Highness stopped by the American company GM Cruise stand and observed the autonomous vehicles (Bolt and Origin) designed for shared mobility. This year, five autonomous Cruise vehicles will be deployed for taxi and e-hail services. The number is set to double to reach 4,000 cars by 2030.

Honouring winners HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed honoured the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport winners. King Long Company from China won first place in the Industry Leaders category and was awarded US$1 million. They presented a self-driving bus, six metres long, capable of reaching maximum speeds of 69 kilometres per hour and accommodating 12 passengers. The bus has 27 cameras and sensors, with a battery that can be fully charged in 120 minutes.

King Long Company secured first place after the bus successfully underwent LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 21

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TRUCKS

A KEY ESSENTIAL: CSM

Joerg Mommertz, Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East FZE, enlightens us with the ins and outs behind ‘Customer Success Management.’

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A KEY ESSENTIAL: CSM | JOERG MOMMERTZ

Joerg Mommertz, Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East FZE

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strong network of service centres is one of the key components of success, which both the client and the company agree on. Over 20 cutting-edge workshops are located in the Middle East, where they collaborate with several private capital importers.

For the benefit of their clients, these workshops are located in important regions. “We make it so that our clients can access us quickly and easily no matter where they are. In addition to this, our importers also provide Mobile24, a secure, dependable mobile breakdown service to reach out to our clients in off-the-grid locations or project sites,” says Joerg Mommertz, Managing Director at MAN Trucks & Bus Middle East FZE. MAN has defined clear Standard Operating Procedures for workshop operations, and there are regular audits from the MAN team to ensure that these are adhered to. Furthermore, the workshop technicians are provided with a regular training schedule to be abreast with all the new developments and constantly update their technical skills. The region is also seeing imports of higher Euro norm vehicles. Joerg adds, “In order to service our clients effectively, we make sure that the workshops are well-stocked and that the technicians are trained in advance.”

It is the result of the transaction essential to a company’s success and the assistance provided to the client afterwards. In this area, MAN’s ideally formed ‘Customer Service Management’ division contributes inestimably. They want to ensure the vehicle is running as much as possible, implying as little as possible. The customer’s demands are constantly prioritised at MAN, which provides the finest maintenance management, customised repair and maintenance contracts, and individualised transport solutions.

Risks in the transportation industry include unforeseen maintenance expenses and vehicle breakdowns.

These risks and cost unpredictability are protected from by MAN repair and maintenance contracts, a collection of services that include all service and inspection work and whose scope may be individually increased. However, since service and maintenance expenses are no longer in flux, MAN repair and maintenance contracts are beneficial. In general, MAN repair and maintenance agreements lower costs, improve performance, raise productivity, and increase profitability. Various packages are available for the consumer to select from and may also be modified based on their needs. >>> LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 23

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TRUCKS

MAN ensures that its Genuine Parts are produced per stringent regulations and thoroughly inspected to meet exacting quality requirements. These procedures provide the highest levels of economy and dependability. As a sign of its dedication to quality, MAN provides a 24-month guarantee on each authentic part that is valid anywhere. Customers benefit from this dedication to quality by having lower total ownership costs.

They provide warranty extensions of up to 72 months, providing additional security against unanticipated repair expenses. These appealing warranty extensions can cover both the driveline and the complete vehicle.

“In line with this, we also provide the region with our telematics solution, MAN EcoStyle, which provides clients more control over their vehicles and enables them to spot potential within their operations. Simply put, MAN Ecostyle is a potent enterprise-grade telematics solution created to promote increased fleet efficiency and safety while minimising environmental impact,” highlights Joerg.

Customers can also discover a wide variety of seminars under MAN ProfiDrive®. These include a range of subjects, including the fundamentals of vehicles, in-depth courses on technology and safety systems, and driving safety instruction for both on- and off-road situations. The practical seminars offered by MAN are designed with the driver in mind while simultaneously emphasising the demands of the company owner. In the Middle East, MAN ProfiDrive® has a long history of success, and they also customise the courses to meet the needs of the consumers. This ultimately helps the driver/customer to achieve the best fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

Talking about the training programs and how the Dubai office plays a part in the global landscape, Joerg continues, “Our training centre in Dubai, which has been active since 2007, was recently rechristened as MAN Academy Dubai. Due to its strategic position in Dubai, MAN Academy provides a full range of Sales, Customer Service, and ProfiDrive® training throughout the Middle East, some of Africa, and parts of Asia - with a committed and experienced training team.”

In addition to curating courses that will update the workshop technicians’ technical know-how to ensure that they are fully aware of the vehicles’ existing features and the soon-to-be-released features, training programmes have been specifically tailored to suit the requirements of various local markets. These specialised classes are also made available to their clients so they may become more knowledgeable about the trucks and better repair and diagnose their automobiles.

Lastly, they are always developing new courses based on consumer demand and working to increase the technical proficiency of workshop employees and clients. The MAN network is well connected to serve clients with a cross-border operation, and MAN workshops provide emergency assistance to “A SEAMLESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IS NOT their customers around the clock. They ensure the ABOUT BEING EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYTHING workshops are reachable round the clock, the mobile vans forward the vehicle to the workshop without BUT USING THE RIGHT BLENDED CHANNELS any additional charges, and there is proactive AND TOP-NOTCH TECHNOLOGIES FOR OUR USER communication between the mobile vans, workshops SATISFACTION.” and customers.

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LNME

PORTS

IN CONVERSATION

Naser AlBusaeedi, CEO - Ports Operating Company, Ports Cluster, part of AD Ports Group, and Vibha Mehta interact to shed light on capital’s prosperity in the ports industry

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he Ports Cluster of the AD Ports Group owns and runs more than ten ports and terminals that enable trade, expand capacity, and connect Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world. The Cluster is committed to achieving sustainable growth. It has formed partnerships with industry titans in local and international shipping, such as COSCO, CMA CGM Group, MSC Shipping, and Autoterminal Barcelona, intending to diversify and increase capacity to meet the changing and increasingly varied needs of customers while securing Abu Dhabi’s position as a central hub for international trade and logistics.

Record-breaking business demand has resulted from a steadfast commitment to carry out a strategy of infrastructure expansion supported by digital solutions offering quick and high-standard services. The Ports Cluster is ideally situated to propel Abu Dhabi to the forefront of international trade thanks to investments in Logistics 4.0 technologies, infrastructure expansion, and new market connectivity.

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“As we expand and diversify our services, we emphasise investing in technology and infrastructure that is both efficient and sustainable,” shares Naser AlBusaeedi, CEO – Ports Operating Company, Ports Cluster, part of AD Ports Group.

As we all know, Khalifa Port, Zayed Port, and Mugharraq Port are the main ports the Ports Cluster runs. The primary terminal is Khalifa Port, home to three of the most extensive international shipping lines. It is conveniently located halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and serves 25 major shipping lines with direct connections to more than 70 foreign locations. According to the recently released Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), created by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, it was ranked as the third most effective container port globally in 2022.

Additionally, AD Ports Group has created exceptional opportunities for sustainable growth in Abu Dhabi thanks to its international alliances with some of the biggest names in business and its top-notch integrated trade and logistics solutions.

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IN CONVERSATION | NASER ALBUSAEEDI

The AD Ports Group has also played a significant role in elevating the UAE’s standing as a premier international industrial and trade hub that welcomes foreign investment. According to Oxford Economics, AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business model, which includes Economic Cities and Free Zones, Ports, Maritime, Logistics, and Digital Clusters in addition to the Ports Cluster, will enable the Group to contribute 13% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP and 24% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP in 2022.

The multipurpose ports and terminals of AD Ports Group are linked—and not just to shipping lanes. The business has excellent multimodal connectivity to highway, rail, air, and sea channels where it is convenient for its customers to conduct business. “In 2019, an agreement was signed with Etihad Rail to support the growth and diversification of the UAE economy by strengthening the transport infrastructure and connecting vital facilities such as ports to the rail network to facilitate the transport of containers and various types of goods in a safe, efficient environment-friendly way,” adds NasserThis agreement offers Abu Dhabi Ports’ clients, including shipping firms, logistics providers, and companies that transport cargo, many advantages that help them save money and time.

It is important to note that they developed the first semi-automated container terminal in the region at Khalifa Port in 2012 by introducing automated ship-to-shore and remotecontrolled gantry cranes. They are a regional leader in the application of digital technologies. Khalifa Port is one of the most technologically advanced ports in the world thanks to advanced technology like 42 automated stacking cranes, aerial drones, a 360 sensory system, and a robotic Terminal Operation System. Nasser says, “This port, essentially, is a case study in digitising ports, and we hope to use these lessons elsewhere to continually improve our operations at the Group level.

Furthermore, we have introduced in COSCO Shipping Ports Khalifa Port Terminal autonomous trucks, making it the first terminal in the Middle East to have such a system.”

Sustainability must be at the core of our business because they are a leader in the logistics and maritime industries and regularly interacts with the marine environment. They support the UAE’s sustainability commitments and are fully committed to achieving the world’s sustainable development goals.

“We are actively collaborating with customers like Helios and utility leader TAQA, which is planning to build a 2.5 GW solar power plant that will produce 360,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen primarily by leading and developing key port and logistics infrastructure to facilitate and control the supply of this product,” comments Nasser.

As a responsible port operator, they also seek to balance marine biodiversity conservation with their ports and maritime sector. According to Nasser, “We share the responsibility of preserving and protecting Ras Ghanada, the Gulf’s largest coral reef known for its biodiversity and thriving reef development spread across 35km2. For that purpose, we have launched a program for coral relocation (500 corals) and monitoring in a partnership research study with New York University – Abu Dhabi.

Also, Zayed Port implemented the treatment and reuse of wastewater from the washing bay, and our warehouses in Khalifa Port and Mugharraq Port are now powered by solar energy.”

They are expanding the Ports cluster with South Quay Expansion, Khalifa Port Logistics, Drydocks and Arabian Chemical Terminals Abu Dhabi for their expansion plans.

Khalifa Port Logistics One kilometre of the three-kilometre-long Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) development, with a depth of 16 metres, is devoted to the handling and storage of chemicals, as well as to the export of green energy, bulk cargo handling, and liquid and gas terminal. Eight-meter-deep offshore facilities, a livestock receiving facility, and a ship repair joint venture are located on a two-kilometre-long section of the quay wall.

Drydocks Khalifa Port will be able to meet the rising demand for these services from regional and international customers thanks to the addition of drydock services. Khalifa Port will broaden its scope of port and marine logistics services with this expansion, including container and cargo handling and vessel repairs and maintenance.

NASER ALBUSAEEDI, CEO - Ports Operating Company, Ports Cluster, part of AD Ports Group

South Quay Expansion AD Ports Group started an expansion programme to lengthen the quay wall and increase yard space to accommodate general cargo to keep up with the ongoing increases in demand.

South Quay at Khalifa Port now has nine berths with three kilometres of quay wall, a one million square metre logistics yard, and 75,000 square metres of warehouse storage space for import and export owing to the expansion.

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INDUSTRIAL HUB

EVERYTHING

SPARK Logistics News ME sat down with Saif Al-Qahtani, President and CEO of SPARK to understand how they will fuel the Kingdom’s economic diversification in the future 28 | LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023

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n Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a region renowned for its unrivalled oil and gas resources, the 50 square kilometre King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) is being developed as a premier industrial hub. As a Saudi megaproject, SPARK aims to support both the National Industrial Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 by localising the multibilliondollar energy value chain in the region and capturing the rising demand for energy-related products and services throughout the Middle East and beyond.

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EVERYTHING SPARK | SAIF AL-QAHTANI

The Water & Electricity Regulatory Authority has granted SPARK Utilities, a wholly owned subsidiary of SPARK, a licence to sell and distribute power to tenants. SPARK Logistics, a joint venture between SPARK and Hutchison Ports, will manage a state-of-the-art, fully automated logistics zone over three square kilometres and the region’s first and largest dedicated private dry port.

Overview To further localise the Kingdom’s energy supply chain, SPARK was founded. Most of the equipment needed to construct or maintain new facilities has been imported for decades by businesses involved in the Kingdom’s energy sector.

More than 70% of purchased goods and services, worth 40 billion dollars annually, are to be localised, according to SPARK. Later, this vision was broadened to encompass other energyrelated industries supporting regional goals, like the value chain for renewable energy sources.

SPARK is a fully integrated and masterplanned city with top-notch infrastructure and services, providing the ideal investment environment for local and foreign businesses in the centre of one of the largest energy markets. It enables tenants to manage their businesses effectively while generating significant economic value for the Kingdom.

Its integrated supply chain and advantageous location allow tenants to export locally while giving tenants access to the region’s high and expanding demand for industrial goods and services supporting the energy industry.

Contributions Towards Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 SPARK is positioned as a critical player in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by actively boosting the economy and increasing its revenue streams.

When SPARK reaches full maturity, it’s anticipated that it will significantly increase the gross domestic product of the Kingdom by $6 billion annually.

Furthermore, SPARK adds significant socioeconomic value to the Kingdom while serving as a national megaproject and a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 initiative. By 2050, it is anticipated to contribute roughly $150 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP and, when fully developed, to create 100,000 jobs.

The main objective of SPARK is to localise the energy value chain, create tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, stimulate the economy, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s dominant position in the world energy market. These goals are perfectly in line with Vision 2030’s overarching objectives.

Logistics Zone at King Salman Energy Park The Logistics Zone at SPARK, which is scheduled to open its doors in 2024, will serve as a regional entry point for the energy industry. State-of-the-art facilities will be present in the Logistics Zone, including the Middle East’s first and most prominent private dry port. >>>

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INDUSTRIAL HUB

To meet the needs of investors in the city, it will provide > on-site customs clearance services, > bonded and re-export zones, and > a variety of logistical services.

The King Salman Energy Park in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a region renowned for its oil and gas resources and high demand for energy goods and services, is where the Logistics Zone is located strategically. With plans to connect to neighbouring countries via the GCC rail, the Logistics Zone will be easily accessible from King Fahd International Airport, King Abdul-Aziz Seaport, and the GCC highway.

The Logistics Zone will be operated and maintained by SPARK Logistics, a joint venture between SPARK and Hutchison Ports, a major international port operator, to meet the city’s investors’ needs. SPARK Logistics will provide services related to various commodities. Once finished, the Logistics Zone will offer first-class logistics infrastructure and increased global reach, benefiting SPARK’s investors and nearby regional hubs, enabling effective movement of goods and services within the supply chain and fostering the seamless integration of various elements in the energy supply chain.

The Logistics Zone was established in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s master plan and aims to advance Vision 2030’s ambitions to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub and increase local manufacturing.

Initiatives Offered SPARK, a fully integrated city and thriving neighbourhood, is at the centre of the energy demand. The town has several clusters, including the logistics zone, the industrial hub, the business district, the digital hub, and the residential and commercial areas.

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“THE KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA, A REGION RENOWNED FOR ITS OIL AND GAS RESOURCES AND HIGH DEMAND FOR ENERGY GOODS AND SERVICES, IS WHERE THE LOGISTICS ZONE IS LOCATED STRATEGICALLY.” It offers full-service offerings to investors via SPARK Utilities, a world-class utility subsidiary. With its plug-and-play design, which lowers costs and implantation risks, tenants can start immediately with ready-graded industrial lands. Additionally, it provides tenants access to electricity, gas, water, and wastewater, all controlled by a smart grid to save energy.

Another element is SPARK’s Logistics Zone, a state-of-the-art, fully automated district, which will be operational by 2024 and operated and maintained by SPARK Logistics, a joint venture established between SPARK and Hutchison Ports, the leading global ports operator.

When fully operational, the Zone can move up to ten million tonnes of cargo through fully automated Rubber Tyred Gantry Yard cranes (RTG) and gates and the latest dedicated noninvasive scanning equipment to expedite cargo clearance. A residential area will be included in SPARK’s fully integrated model, allowing residents to live, play, and attend school. At the same time, the commercial and industrial zones will support the establishment, operation, and growth of businesses in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector.

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LNME CONNECT

COME. MEET. GREET. CONNECT Launching our first networking event for industry pioneers to come together and build stronger relationships

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he inaugural Logistics News ME’s LNME CONNECT event occurred on September 22, 2023, at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm in Dubai.

The morning brought together professionals from the Middle East to network, educate themselves, and debate the most recent developments in the logistics sector.

The Logistics News ME team encouraged industry leaders to attend and network with their colleagues.

Two-panel discussions and a fireside chat were held that morning, allowing the audience to learn essential details from the local players.

LOGITECH: HOW IS TECHNOLOGY SHAPING THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY? Marwa Kaabour, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication Al Masaood LLC, moderated the first panel. She chaired her panel discussion, which included the following speakers: TALHA MALIK, Director – Project Logistics Middle East Oil & Gas at Geodis Freight Forwarding LLC VARUN VISRUTHAN, Branch Manager of Addverb VIKRANT KHARE, Head Of Operations at Jeebly AMAR RIZVI, Chief Strategy Officer at iMile Delivery FADI AMOUDI, Founder and CEO of IQ Robotics >>> LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 31

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LNME CONNECT

The panel briefly spoke on transportation management systems, warehouse management systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), mobile apps and cloud computing.

Many logistics procedures, including selecting and packaging, sorting, and loading and unloading, are being streamlined and optimised using automation. Cost-savings and efficiency gains may result from this. And making

better judgements requires the use of data analytics to get insights into logistics operations. For instance, companies may utilise data analytics to optimise their shipping routes, lower inventory levels, and forecast demand.

Furthermore, they discussed how predictive maintenance and self-driving trucks are two examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) is utilised to create new logistics solutions - AI may also provide real-time tracking and delivery updates to enhance the consumer experience.

The second session was a fireside chat on LET’S GET CANDID: WITH KSA’S BOOMING LOGISTICS SECTOR, HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE COUNTRY ENABLING THE WAY FOR THE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION?

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COME. MEET. GREET. CONNECT

This conversation was between FAROOQ SHAIKH, CEO of LogiPoint and HUSSEIN WEHBE. KSA is already a significant player in the regional logistics sector. Millions of people and cargo aircraft utilise the nation’s airports yearly, and its ports handle a sizable percentage of the region’s trade.

Farooq shared how the future predictions indicate that KSA will contribute even more to the regional logistics sector. The nation is investing in various major logistical initiatives, including the Jeddah Central Station and the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK). These initiatives will improve KSA’s standing as a regional logistics centre. KSA keeps investing in its transportation network, ports, airports, and roadways. This will facilitate the movement of commodities around the nation and the area.

As we already know, several agreements have been negotiated between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to foster collaboration in the logistics industry. These agreements contain provisions including streamlining customs processes and creating collaborative logistics initiatives.

The Dry Ports and Logistics Centres project is one example of Saudi Arabia investing in new logistics infrastructure.

The construction of a network of dry ports and logistical hubs around Saudi Arabia is anticipated to increase trade inside the Kingdom and the surrounding area. Thus, one must wait and watch how the Kingdom will drive the logistics industry forward.

Last but not least, the final panel focused on E-MOBILITY: WHERE IS THE EV MODE OF TRANSPORTATION DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD? BASSANT ZEIN, Senior Media Editor at Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, moderated this panel.

Following were the speakers who participated on the panel: RAMI KHADER, Managing Director at BeeThere Delivery JAIDEEP KAPANI, Strategic Consultant at Ryka Network NABEEL ALKHARABSHEH, General Manager at Zajel GAURAV BISWAS, CEO & Founder of TruKKer While they discussed Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Competition, Human Element, Expansion of Green Logistics, Last-Mile Delivery and Incorporation of Autonomous Technology, the panel

highlighted how Zero tailpipe emissions from EVs contribute to better air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

This is a huge benefit over conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, which emit large amounts of pollution and are more expensive to operate than EVs due to their higher efficiency. This is because EVs run on electricity, which is much more affordable than petrol or diesel.

These elements have caused the EV industry to expand quickly. Sales of EVs grew by 108% to 6.6 million units globally in 2021. The expansion of EVs is anticipated to continue as they become more accessible, economical, and technologically sophisticated in the upcoming years.

Additionally, the EV market’s expansion is advancing the e-mobility sector in various ways. For instance, new EV models and technologies are being developed due to the rising demand for EVs. Additionally, it is causing the infrastructure for EV charging to grow.

The environment is benefiting from the expansion of the EV sector. By cutting tailpipe emissions, EVs contribute to better air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This is helping to combat climate change and create a more sustainable transportation future.

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COVER

LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS CELEBRATING INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS Industry leaders and experts from the logistics, supply chain and transport sectors celebrate their achievements at the Logistics & Transport Awards

The Logistics & Transport Awards took front stage on September 22, 2023 in an effort to honour accomplishments and highlight the long-term objectives of logistics and supply chain firms from all around the region. 32 Winners and 5 Highly Commended were recognised for their contributions to the industry. These honours are given to people and organisations in a range of fields, including as supply chain management, technology, logistics, and e-commerce. Sofitel Dubai The Palm served as the venue for the gala dinner.

We would like to thank our partners for the event: Numai Real Estate and Fluidmeet.

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COME. MEET. GREET. CONNECT

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

TECH INNOVATOR IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN DUBAI COMMERCITY

HIGHLY COMMENDED GLOBAL SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS

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WINNERS REVEALED

TECH SOLUTIONS PROVIDER IN LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN DUBAI TRADE

INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE TYRE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER BRIDGESTONE

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

LOGISTICS INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR ALS LOGISTIC SOLUTIONS

HIGHLY COMMENDED HUDDEX TECHNOLOGIES

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LOGISTICS ENABLEMENT PLATFORM OF THE YEAR IQ FULFILLMENT

HIGHLY COMMENDED TRANSPORTR

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

INNOVATION IN MARITIME INDUSTRY PORTS, CUSTOMS AND FREE ZONE CORPORATION

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES EXCELLENCE AWARD – PORT SAUDI PORTS AUTHORITY – MAWANI

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EXPRESS LOGISTICS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR TRANSCORP INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

POSTAL SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR EMIRATES POST GROUP

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

FMCG LOGISTICS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR TRILOGI LOGISTICS BY GMG

F&B LOGISTICS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR ATS

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Expertise in the Aerospace Logistics

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

UNIQUE SOLUTIONS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR ALS LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

HIGHLY COMMENDED TRUKKER

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AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE OF THE YEAR IQ ROBOTICS

SOLUTIONS PROVIDER IN THE E-COMMECE INDUSTRY LOGSQUARE

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY RECOGNITION TRANSPORTR

INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FOWARDER OF THE YEAR DP WORLD

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FREIGHT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR TRUKKER

HIGHLY COMMENDED MODERN FREIGHT COMPANY

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE COMPANY OF THE YEAR LOGIPOINT

LOGISTICS START-UP OF THE YEAR HUDDEX TECHNOLOGIES

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LEADING MANUFACTURING AND LOGISTICS HUB DUBAI INDUSTRIAL CITY

GLOBAL HUB OF THE YEAR DUBAI SOUTH

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

WOMEN IN LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MARIA DOS SANTOS, MODERN FREIGHT COMPANY

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION LEADER JACQUES ADEM, CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR AT LOQSQUARE

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CEO OF THE YEAR FAROOQ SHAIKH, CEO OF LOGIPOINT

3PL COMPANY OF THE YEAR GLOBAL SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

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LOGISTICS & 2023 TRANSPORT AWARDS

LAST MILE COMPANY OF THE YEAR TRANSCORP INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

TERMINAL OPERATOR OF THE YEAR DP WORLD

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PORT OF THE YEAR JEDDAH ISLAMIC PORT

INDUSTRY LEADER OF THE YEAR RASHED AL MULLA, SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING & CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, DUBAI COMMERCITY

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LOGISTICS LEADER OF THE YEAR SAUD ABU ALSHAWAREB, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INDUSTRIAL LEASING AT TECOM GROUP PJSC

SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANY OF THE YEAR ATS

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LOGISTICS COMPANY OF THE YEAR FEDEX

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LNME

CARGO

“GIVEN OUR EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPING MARKETLEADING SOLUTIONS, EMIRATES SKYCARGO IS WELL-PLACED TO INNOVATE AND LEAD THE INDUSTRY WITH FIT-FOR-PURPOSE SOLUTIONS ACROSS OUR PORTFOLIO.” Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo

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TAKING OVER THE WORLD | NABIL SULTAN

They have created specialised solutions for highly specialised transportation needs using the technical expertise of their experts and customers, assuring the customers that their cargo will be handled with purpose-fit attention throughout its journey. Additionally, they have a track record of transporting even the most delicate cargo quickly, efficiently, and dependably because of their highly specialised solutions and cutting-edge facilities in Dubai.

What are Emirates SkyCargo’s global network and route map, and which significant cargo hubs does it operate out of?

We can transport cargo on dedicated freighters and via the belly-hold of passenger planes such as our soon-to-arrive A350s, ultimately expanding our reach to serve customers in new locations. From our hub in Dubai, we can reach two-thirds of the world’s population within eight hours of flight, meaning that we are well-positioned to serve as a leading logistics partner for the world’s rapidly changing supply chain needs.

India has long been an essential hub for us regarding pharmaceutical goods; in fact, our top three lane pairs for pharma shipments originate from India. With the increase in e-commerce, exports from Hong Kong and South China show consistently healthy demand and our well-established flower export business from Ecuador.

TAKING OVER

THE WORLD Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, touts how the flagship airline is carving a global niche

A

s the cargo division of the largest air carrier in the world, they use Emirates’ extensive global network of over 140 destinations spread across six continents to ship cargo anywhere in the world. They expand trade flows and create new, mutually beneficial business opportunities with each unique and distinctive location they add to their network, supporting the growth of the world’s economies.

With a capacity of more than 2.3 million tonnes annually, they run two top-notch cargo terminals at the hub in Dubai.

Thanks to their extensive cold chain capacity, they can safely and reliably transport even the most delicate cargo, including the world’s largest EU GDP-certified pharmaceutical hub.

What logistics and cargo handling services does Emirates SkyCargo provide to its clients?

One of the key trends we have witnessed over recent years is the rise in specialized transportation solutions; in fact, the days of having general verticals in any field are gone, and we need to align our products to a specific subsection of those markets.

Given our expertise in developing market-leading solutions, Emirates SkyCargo is well-placed to innovate and lead the industry with fit-for-purpose solutions across our portfolio.

Working hand-in-hand with our customers, we launched two new services under our Life Sciences and Healthcare portfolio earlier this year. Facilitating the rise in personalized medicine, we launched Emirates Vital, a white glove service designed to transport clinical trials, human organs and tissues, and cell and gene therapy. Through this innovative solution, we can connect physicians and patients with precious and susceptible shipments.

Enabling the expert transit of everything from ventilators and test kits to X-ray machines and MRIs, we launched Emirates Medical Devices, a future-ready service that ensures hightech equipment is transported safely and complies with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations.

It’s not just sensitive healthcare cargo that requires specialist solutions. The growing trend for cross-border e-commerce increases demand for transportation providers to meet customer expectations for speedy delivery. To meet this, we launched Emirates Delivers, an end-to-end solution that connects consumers in the UAE and Kuwait with e-commerce-based US and UK retailers that do not offer international delivery.

Leveraging Emirates’ vast global network, we offer door-todoor delivery in three to five working days, providing a reliable and trustworthy solution to the region’s savvy shoppers. >>> LOGISTICS NEWS ME | OCTOBER 2023 | 59

LNME

CARGO

We will innovate to make sure we continue to lead the industry in delivering specialist solutions that are fast, reliable, flexible, and efficient.

Could you describe the systems and technology employed by Emirates SkyCargo for tracking, managing, and monitoring cargo?

Emirates SkyCargo has integrated Cargo iQ’s framework in operations, which is a system of shipment planning and performance monitoring for air cargo based on standard business processes and milestones. Through this system, we can give our customers more visibility on their shipments’ status. This system enables us to reinforce our commitment to ‘Delivered as Promised’ based on its live shipment planning and tracking of cargo.

We will continue to find ways to bring technology into our operations, where it elevates our customer experience without replacing the essential human touch, which will remain a cornerstone of the Emirates brand.

In what ways does Emirates SkyCargo respond to the difficulties and disruptions that the COVID-19 pandemic poses for the global logistics and air cargo industries?

Throughout the pandemic, Emirates SkyCargo was responsible for connecting people and businesses worldwide with the commodities they urgently needed.

During difficult times, we helped keep trade flowing, serving as a global conveyor belt.

Meeting demand was a challenge early in the pandemic, with many global markets reliant on imports for food security. We repurposed our grounded passenger fleet

and put 19 modified Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to work in Emirates SkyCargo operations. By removing the seats from the Economy Class cabin, we unlocked an additional 17 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight, on top of the 40 – 50 tonne cargo capacity in the belly hold of the widebody passenger aircraft, allowing us to better respond to demand with cargo-only missions.

The quick and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine was another challenge for the logistics industry.

Emirates SkyCargo was one of the first global air cargo carriers to begin extensive preparations, expanding on our industry-leading pharma cold chain infrastructure with a fully automated, temperature-controlled EU GDP-certified airside hub. Offering over 15,000 m2 of storage space, the seat holds the equivalent of 60 – 90 million doses.

Eighteen months after transporting the first trial shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, we reached the

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TAKING OVER THE WORLD | NABIL SULTAN

to launch new products and services and elevated some of our existing services with learnings from the pandemic, such as our pharma offering.

“THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC, EMIRATES SKYCARGO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONNECTING PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES WORLDWIDE WITH THE COMMODITIES THEY URGENTLY NEEDED.”

1 billion doses milestone of more than 4,200 tonnes to over 80 destinations on over 2,000 Emirates flights.

We always had an eye on life post-pandemic. As we rebuilt our network and operations, we continued

How does Emirates SkyCargo support Dubai’s and the UAE’s connectivity and economic growth?

Under D33, the Dubai government has outlined a bold strategy to double its foreign trade, and the opportunity for Emirates SkyCargo to keep moving goods to and through Dubai is clear.

Since its inception, Emirates SkyCargo has been a facilitator of global trade. With every new and unique destination added to our network, we improve trade flows and generate new, reciprocal business opportunities that help strengthen global economies.

As our hub, Dubai and the UAE sit at the heart of this.

What are Emirates SkyCargo’s long-term goals and strategic priorities for growing its services, fleet, or global presence?

We have laid out ambitious plans for the next decade, which include doubling our existing capacity, expanding our freighter network with over 20 new destinations and offering even more flexibility and services to our customers with a fleet mix of over 300 widebody aircraft comprising 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s.

Our ambition is to lead the industry in delivering specialist solutions that are fast, reliable, flexible and efficient and to provide against this. We will continue to innovate new products and services that build on our portfolio, transporting cargo based on customers’ requirements, no matter how delicate.

LNME

EVENTS

MESSE FRANKFURT MIDDLE EAST LAUNCHES GLOBAL LOGISTICS SHOWCASE IN DUBAI

M

esse Frankfurt Middle East, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest and most renowned trade fair and exhibition organisers, has launched a new logistics show which will take place from 10 – 12 December 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is designed to drive the global logistics sector forward.

Launched on the sidelines of Automechanika Dubai yesterday, the logistics experiential showcase will take place alongside Automechanika Dubai, providing natural synergies between the automotive industry and the various verticals within the logistics sector and capitalising on the UAE’s position as the epicentre of the world’s logistics sector, bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

During the launch, a high-level leadership panel discussion entitled “Pioneering the Future: Driving the MEA Transport and Logistics Sector Forward with Emerging Trends and Innovation in Logistics and Supply Chain” outlined the challenges and opportunities within the sector and highlighted the importance of a dedicated logistics show in filling the current gaps within the industry.

The panel comprised local and regional logistics sector luminaries: Ghanim Al Falasi, Senior Vice President, Dubai Silicon Oasis; Fadi Azzi, Global Director, Logistics, Aramex International LLC; Vargheese Anthony, General Manager, Freight Management and Relocations, Al Futtaim Logistics; Dr Prakash Rao PhD, Group Head, Supply Chain Projects & Home Operations, Landmark Group and Tobias Mayer, CFO DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa, CEO Middle East & Africa, Saloodo, moderated by Edward Matti, Managing Partner, CCM Consultancy.

Ted Bloom, Managing Director, Messe

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Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We are acutely aware of the ever-evolving landscape of logistics as it adapts to lessons learned from the pandemic and strives for greater efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. The show will unite the leading minds, innovators and biggest sector operators in an exciting new forum to help shape the sector’s future.

“The Middle East and Africa region’s logistics sector is dynamic and evolving, driven by infrastructure development, trade growth, technological advancements, and changing consumer behaviour. These developments make the region increasingly important in global logistics and supply chain networks – and we aim to underpin that importance through this new addition to our Middle East offering.”

The three-day show will cover the critical issues in this ever-changing sector, mindful that logistics providers must adapt to new challenges and opportunities to remain competitive, efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing global economy. The show will provide a rare chance for key industry players to meet and help shape the sector’s future.

High on the agenda will be the increasing use of automation and technology – including AI, blockchain, warehouse automation (such as robots

and drones), real-time tracking and monitoring, and digital supply chain platforms for visibility and efficiency. In addition, the rise in e-commerce, lastmile delivery issues and the associated investment required in advanced fulfilment centres, automation, and innovative delivery solutions will also be discussed.

Delegates will also have the chance to hear from sustainability and green logistics experts as environmental concerns drive a shift toward greener logistics practices.

“There are so many issues in the sector, so we expect a lively conference stream, backed by sector innovators revealing ground-breaking products and services at the exhibition,” added Bloom.

Talent and workforce challenges will be another hot topic, incredibly filling roles in technology, data analytics and automation, as will the growing complexity of regulation, cross-border trade, environmental compliance, new post-pandemic safety protocols and contactless operations.

As collaboration among logistics providers and shippers is growing – including sharing resources, optimising routes, and even collaborative warehousing to improve efficiency – the new launch will be the perfect platform for networking and forming joint ventures.

“Dubai stands at the crossroads of innovation, collaboration, and growth in the logistics sector. Hosting such a worldclass exhibition in Dubai is beneficial for the sector and essential to propel the industry forward. We look forward to the global community converging in Dubai to share, learn and drive the future of logistics,” concluded Bloom.