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Company profile
Talking point
Interview with the new Group CEO of Ecology International
OSRAM Lighting goes beyond lighting with their new products
Small Business Logistics to Become Hyper-personalised - FedEx
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Logistics News ME returns once again with a comprehensive list of the top 25 logistics leaders in the region
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September 2019
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Contents
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
Website: www.CBNme.com/logistics-news twitter: @logisticsnewsme Facebook: /LogisticsNewsME
September 2019
R e a d a l l t h e l a t e s t i ss u e s o n Iss u u
48
Start 10 | News
Features 18 | TALKING POINT 20 | PORTS 21 | COVER STORY 48 | COMPANY PROFILE
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Regional News
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
Edi to r ’ s L e t t e r
S e p t e m b e r 2019
A note from the editor Kasun Illankoon A quick look into how the UAE is adopting and introducing new automation technology to boost the Logistics Industry According to a report released by Mckinsey & Co, many trends are thrusting automation toward the top of the logistics CEO’s agenda, not least these three: a growing shortage of labour, an explosion in demand from online retailers, and some intriguing technical advances. Some of the largest e-commerce facilities currently require 2,000 to 3,000 full-time equivalents, an order of magnitude more than traditional distribution centres employ, and need to add even more workers during the holiday peak season, when labour is most scarce. E-commerce, the second trend, is remaking the entire logistics industry. The report suggests that, out of every $100 in e-commerce sales, these companies are collecting $12 to $20, a massive increase from the $3 to $5 spent on logistics in a typical brick-and-mortar-retail operation. Many large logistics companies fulfill e-commerce orders by carving
out a corner of warehouses designed for B2B operations. And some logistics companies have at times been willing to use e-commerce as a loss leader to add business to their transport divisions. But as volume expands, all such arrangements are coming under immense strain. Here, too, automation seems to be an answer. The report concludes, automation technology has come a long way. Ocado Retail’s new fully automated warehouse has demonstrated the potential of several new technologies. Other companies, such as CommonSense Robotics (CommonSense), GreyOrange, and XPO Logistics, are rolling out intriguing new offerings. Some companies’ new automated pallet-handling systems cut shipment-processing time by 50 percent. And DHL International (DHL) has built almost 100 automated parcel-delivery bases across Germany to reduce manual handling and sorting by delivery personnel. Kasun Illankoon Editor, Logistics News Middle East
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Regional News
Regional News A n u p dat e f r o m a r o u n d t h e r e g i o n Cargo
Emirates SkyCargo wins special recognition in Malaysia
Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, was presented with the award for ‘Best Customer Airline 2018’ by the ground handling division of MAB Kargo for having transported the largest volume of air cargo from Kuala Lumpur International Airport among MAB Kargo’s customer airlines. Emirates SkyCargo has engaged MAB Kargo as its ground handling agent in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Emirates SkyCargo is an important facilitator of trade between Malaysia and the rest of world. It transports cargo to and from Kuala Lumpur in the belly hold of its widebody Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The air cargo carrier has been flying to Malaysia since 1996 and currently operates three daily services from the Malaysian capital allowing exporters and importers in the region access to close to 700 tonnes of cargo
12 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
capacity every week. “During the Financial Year 2018/19, Emirates SkyCargo transported close to 23,000 tonnes of export and import cargo from Malaysia which translated into a growth of more than 17% from the previous year. The reason we were able to achieve this growth despite challenging market conditions at the moment is because our customers see the value in our offerings- our modern
wide-body fleet, our global network through Dubai, our high frequency of flights allowing cargo to connect and arrive faster at their destination and of course our specialised products and expertise in cargo verticals,” said Bobby Chang, Emirates Cargo Manager for Malaysia. “The award from MAB Kargo is an important recognition of our achievements and our growth in the Malaysia market,” he added. www.cbnme.com
S e p t e m b e r 2019 Engineering
Harris Pye UAE strengthens its footprint in Egypt Harris Pye Engineering Group UAE, a global service provider supplying the offshore, marine and industrial sectors, recently signed a contract with Egyptian Joint Stock company, Canal Sugar. As per the terms of the agreement, Harris Pye will supply five 40tph, horizontal, three-pass, and multi-tubular smoke tube boilers to what is expected to be one of the largest beet sugar production facilities in the world. Harris Pye’s involvement with this mega project builds upon the UAE’s reputable business standing by contributing to the country’s capital and workforce. From an Egyptian economy standpoint, the facility will contribute to filling the shortage in sugar production by 75%, providing supplies worth USD $650 million and exporting by-products worth USD $120 annually. Commenting on this milestone company achievement, Mark Prendergast, Chief Executive
Officer of Harris Pye, emphasized, “We are pleased to contribute to the prestigious Canal Sugar project. Our provisions to this major project will align with the company philosophy of ensuring the highest standards of design, service and quality. The strength of Harris Pye lies in our unparalleled ability to conceive turnkey solutions
which best suit a customer’s specific requirements, and we are eager to apply this to meet the needs of this major project.” Islam Salem, Chief Executive Officer of Canal Sugar, clarified, “We have the utmost confidence in Harris Pye to deliver topnotch quality boiling systems, given their proven standard of industry excellence.
These deliverables represent a critical component of our new state-of-the-art mega refinery project in Al Minya, and Harris Pye’s expertise in safety, timing and quality will provide us with a significant competitive edge. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation that will greatly benefit both parties involved.”
Aramco Chemicals Company chooses LogiPoint as a strategic export hub which helps eliminate the need to use an intermediary overseas hub for storage & onward shipping of their cargoes
Emirates SkyCargo moved over 150,000 tonnes of perishables & 27,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals through Dubai during the summer.
Quick news
DP World PLC has announced a partnership with Zhejiang China Commodity City Group Company LTD (CCC) to develop the ‘Traders Market’ in Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA)
Truebell has launched a new and improved delivery platform at its state-ofthe-art distribution which will generate an improved delivery accuracy of 99.97%
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 13
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Regional News
Maritime
DMCA successfully opens new Maritime Licensing Centre in Umm Suqeim
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has revealed the successful opening of its newest registration and licensing centre in Umm Suqeim. The move complements the government’s continuing efforts towards achieving customer happiness through better and enhanced experiences. The new centre represents an advanced step towards providing a faster and more simplified approach in applying for marine transport licensing, which are based on innovative guidelines designed to conform to set maritime safety regulations, local environmental requirements and key
international standards. Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said, “The opening of the new centre is a step forward in the move towards achieving customer happiness and a qualityfocused move in facilitating better maritime licensing services, which is crucial in ensuring that maritime operations are managed in a manner that serves the goals of the Dubai Maritime sector strategy. We look forward with confidence to the new Umm Suqeim Customer Happiness Center, which enables users to complete all transactions related to maritime licensing and technical inspection in one place, ensuring customer
16 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
satisfaction and happiness as a top priority.” The new centre serves as a unified platform designed to complete inspections, technical examination, registration and issuance of permits—helping save effort and time on the users of marine transport while also enhancing the levels of satisfaction and happiness of customers. The move is in line with the commitment of the DMCA to provide the best services that meet the needs of the local and international maritime community. Hamed Ali Hassan, Director of Registration and Licensing Department, DMCA, explained that the
new centre will receive customers from Sunday to Thursday, providing a full portfolio of registration services and issuance of permits for marine transport and inspections and technical inspection procedures. All offered services reflect the DMCA’s keenness to provide best ways to ensure the management of maritime operations are in compliance with local and international laws–achieving full integration of maritime safety, safe navigation and operational efficiency along the Dubai coast, while also serving the vision to build a secure, integrated and sustainable maritime sector. www.cbnme.com
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Worldwide Distribution Center Sees Increase in Demand for Hair Care Products in Africa
Worldwide Distribution Center (WDC) has seen an increase in demand in the last 2 years for hair care products that care and nourish natural hair styles by consumers in Africa. The company has seen sales double for ranges by Strength of Nature USA, House of Cheatham Inc. USA, PDC Brands and Cantu Beauty. WDC is one of the largest FMCG retail and wholesale distribution companies in the Middle East, specialising in supplying hair and body care products, perfumeries, soap and baby care items. The company supplies thousands of international, local and multicultural brands to retailers across the Middle East, Africa, East Asia and CIS. As one of Africa’s leading distributors of Strength of Nature USA, House of Cheatham Inc. USA, PDC Brands and Cantu Beauty, the company has seen a steady increase since it started supplying to countries across the continent including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda in 2015. Khamid Ismatullaev, the founder and Chief Executive Officer, Worldwide Distribution Center, attributes the demand to changing trends amongst young people, “When we first launched in Africa four years ago, products that cared and maintained relaxed hair were as popular but we are seeing less demand for these in recent months. “Fashions change, younger generations are seeing celebrities and prominent people on social media with different styles, and they are educating themselves about hair care ingredients. They are looking for products that will nourish and are moving away from relaxants with chemicals that can damage their hair. Looking ahead, we are working with manufacturers to develop further product ranges to meet the demand.”
Aviation
thyssenkrupp Materials Services are pioneering their role in aerospace
thyssenkrupp Materials Services is continuing its digitalisation offensive with the introduction of a flexible IT infrastructure for smart, agile management of all processes along the supply chain. Material deliveries, customer purchase orders, order execution, transportation logistics – the digital accelerator DESCA can process and forward millions of datasets in seconds. And it’s customers who benefit the most: With DESCA, Materials Services is shortening order lead times, optimizing warehousing logistics and paving the way for new supply chain services. So the system truly lives up to its name: DESCA stands for Digital Extended Supply Chain Accelerator. “We see major growth potential in supply chain services,” says Materials
Services CEO Klaus Keysberg. “With Industry 4.0 environments such as DESCA we can significantly reduce complexity in global production networks and help our customers focus fully on their core business. “We’re playing a pioneering role as one of the first major users in the aerospace industry to switch to the latest SAP environment. The first phase showed that DESCA helps us significantly strengthen our core capabilities in smart supply chain management.” Visualizations display the relevant data at a glance. “DESCA has a dashboard that shows us what we have to do in the next few hours and helps us systematically align our management model to the future,” adds Patrick Marous, CEO of thyssenkrupp Aerospace.
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Regional News
Maritime
Dubai Maritime Agenda to host global industry leaders during UAE Maritime Week 2019
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has completed its preparations ahead of hosting the UAE Maritime Week 2019, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, as part of the enhanced efforts to establish the UAE’s leadership as a first-class maritime destination and a strong competitor on the global maritime map. The fifth edition, taking place from September 22-26, will highlight the achievements
of the UAE’s maritime sector and emphasize Dubai’s leadership in the Middle East. The upcoming event promises to attract maritime industry leaders from around the world as it offers a unified platform to explore the future of the maritime industry from the perspective of innovation, knowledge and smart transformation, in line with the rapid changes of the 21st century. Additionally, the attendees will explore the prospects of maritime trade growth through a series of high-level seminars that
18 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
facilitate exchanging the best international practices and most successful experiences, including Dubai’s transition to a major maritime portal for global trade. Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said: “The UAE Maritime Week is once again reaffirming Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination for leading maritime events, providing a strategic platform to enhance the convergence, communication and interaction between maritime industry leaders, strengthen bridges of knowledge transfer, and
share international best practices that will advance the maritime industry to a new level of growth and sustainability.” He continued: “This unique event presents an ideal opportunity to showcase Dubai and the UAE as being at the forefront of the global maritime map, and emphasize the continuous support of the wise leadership to upgrade the capabilities of integrated and advanced infrastructure and modernize legislation and laws to provide the best maritime and logistics services that match the best in the world.” www.cbnme.com
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Quote Investments in aviation are more vital now as regional aviation enjoys the economic benefits of robust tourism and improved regional connectivity.”
Technology
IQ Robotics, MENA region’s first fully robotic implementation, set to transform Dubai’s logistics sector
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of UAE-GCAA
Top 5 online
1
DMCA successfully conducts maritime inspections during first half of 2019
2
Worldwide Distribution Center Sees Increase in Demand for Hair Care Products in Africa
3
Bahri underpins commitment to localisation with participation in MiSK Values program
4
Aramco Chemicals Company chooses LogiPoint as a strategic export hub
5
Hapag Lloyd makes its debut at Port of Duqm
IQ Robotics, an Artificial Intelligence-driven fully robotic business that’s spearheading the digital transformation of the logistics sector, has been launched in Dubai. The brainchild of Fadi Amoudi, IQ Robotics, marked its official launch at the Materials Handling Middle East exhibition today. Fadi Amoudi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of IQ Robotics, said: “IQ Robotics addresses a vital market requirement, especially as the region focuses on digital transformation. We are bringing world-class automated and robotic technologies that will enable
businesses to scale up their growth. The UAE’s focus on strengthening its digital infrastructure offered us the perfect platform to launch this pioneering business in Dubai.” IQ Robotics provides tailor made technology turnkey solutions to promote the automation of all processes, bringing significant benefits to B2B customers. A minirobotic fulfillment center that showcases some of the solutions offered by IQ Robotics is on display at the Materials Handling ME Exhibition, offering business visitors a true feel of the benefits they can derive.
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 19
Ta lki n g p o i n t
Hyper-Personalised
Nathalie Amiel-Ferrault, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing at FedEx, on how Small Business Logistics will become hyper-personalised – transforming how the region’s entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, connect, and compete globally
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
The biggest trend in logistics right now is arguably not artificial intelligence, blockchain or even visibility. It’s personalization – which is ushering in a new era of delivery, once only accessible to big global companies and corporations. In the U.A.E, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) currently contribute to 53 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) .Personalization offers new opportunities for SMEs to create a competitive advantage. Already, the transport and logistics industry is at a threshold in terms of the use of personalization – the ability to dynamically and uniquely tailor the shipping experience to any customer or individual. Yet while many micro-businesses believe in the power of personalization on a product level, few are tapping into new customization and personalization strategies in logistics that can open further opportunities. Small businesses in the region will be able deliver greater personalization in the shipping experience and use logistics to gain ground against often older, larger or more established competitors. It is important to examine what’s changing, and what’s important when it comes to customization and per-
sonalization in a world where 11 per cent of global GDP is already directly attributable to digital technologies. The first step is to change our mindset that logistics is something that happens after services and products are sold. For instance, logistics providers are able help SME e-tailers at the frontend to close more business on their website, or on the backend in after-sales service, matching shipping strategies with customer needs. Innovation itself is also more mobile – it’s estimated that around 90 per cent of logistics today happens behind the mobile phone – meaning that we must deliver differently. More than ever, consumers want more from their supply chain and logistics – the ability to return goods easily; to get a text message telling the purchaser their shipment is about to arrive; to track product requirements online; to vary the delivery window and location; even the ability to “click and collect” – collecting goods from a secure location like a staffed pick up point or local store. We’ve also seen growth in customization and postponement which is giving SMEs more options to manage inventories more efficiently. By delaying product
packaging and assembly for as long as possible, exact customer specifications can be met whenever products are needed. But that’s just the start. Our industry is at a tipping point, barely scratching the surface of what’s possible as customers expect more, and demand more. In the future of logistics, it’s set to be ‘personalized everything’. Already, shipping is moving further away from a generic or one-size-fits-all approach to a highly personalized pattern of world commerce – with the ability to customize, flex, and individualize delivery in ways that are just only beginning to become clear. This personalization of connectivity – where we’ve moved from walking among 10,000 products in a store to accessing more than 10 million products on a connected device is giving today’s small businesses the opportunity to compete on customer experience on a scale never seen before. As more consumers move online and use their smartphones to make their buying decisions, customer experience is expected to overtake price and product as the number one key brand differentiator. The opportunity for regional SMEs is Now.
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 21
Ev e n t p r e vi e w
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Terminal 2D – SOHAR Ports SOHAR Port Anticipates Potential Business Opportunities Through Their New Terminal 2D Initiative With several developmental plans underway, including future projects, SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to seek possibilities for growth and expansion. In line with this principle, SOHAR is now looking forward to leasing out their Terminal 2D. The sizable land area was initially developed in 2009 as a container terminal expansion but has now been dedicated to businesses involved in the logistics and metal sectors. The waterfront location hosts an area of a 100-hectares with easy access to cool water and the surrounding industrial clusters. Commenting on the potential of Terminal 2D, Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of SOHAR Port and Freezone said, “SOHAR is strategically positioned at the centre of global possibilities, and has a consumer reach of over 2.2 billion across
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Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Potential customers are generally based outside Oman, so we aim to garner as many opportunities as possible to support them in setting up at SOHAR. Additionally, with the help of our One-Stop-Shop facility and the benefits we offer, investors will receive a favourable return on investment.” The One-Stop-Shop (OSS) service at SOHAR Port and Freezone acts as a singlewindow for clients to obtain all necessary documentations and operate their businesses efficiently and effectively. It provides multiple key amenities (including company registration and licensing, plot work and labour permits, visas, etc.) under a single window to deliver high-quality services. “With several regional ports currently running
out of space, SOHAR still has the capacity to further expand and attract prospective investments. Clustering is an innovative form of business. Therefore, the close proximity to our petrochemical, logistics and food clusters will also support the creation of upstream and downstream opportunities for further business developments. Moreover, as the Port and Freezone are both managed under a single entity, this allows for a seamless connection between the two, while also enhancing efficiency for feedstock imports and product exports,” Geilenkirchen added. Strategically located by the sea, Terminal 2D waterfront location is perfect for businesses looking to take advantage of the deep-water facilities and the accessibility of logistic services surrounding SOHAR Port and Freezone.
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S p e ci a l F e at u r e
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Power P o w e r e d by
Logistics News ME returns once again with a comprehensive list of the top 25 logistics leaders in the region
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 23
S p e ci a l F e at u r e
S e p t e m b e r 2019
01
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem Chairman & CEO DP World Group
DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem credited the company’s strategy of developing innovative new products and services and prudent management for DP World’s impressive half-year results. Bin Sulayem added that DP World’s excellent performance against the backdrop of challenging global economic conditions is a testament to the company’s resilience, sound growth strategy and the diversification of its global investment portfolio across energy, maritime and sustainable mobility amongst others. The statement was made as global trade enabler DP World PLC announced strong financial results today for the six months ending 30 June 2019 with reported adjusted EBITDA and attributable earnings growth of 21.9% and 26.8% respectively. “Our half-year financial results have been in line with our expectations, Mr Bin Sulayem said. He highlighted that DP World continues
24 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
to be guided by deep market understanding, innovation and operational excellence across 45 countries worldwide. Despite uncertainty from the trade war and challenging regional geopolitical realities, DP World has been able to deliver and excel a broadly impressive performance in the first half of 2019. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, added:“DP World is pleased to report like-for-like earnings growth of 22% in the first half of 2019 and attributable earnings of $753 million. This strong financial performance has been delivered in an uncertain trade environment, once again highlighting the strength of our portfolio. We have continued to make progress on our strategy to become a trade enabler and solutions provider as we look to participate across a wider part of the supply chain. We have invested significantly across our Ports, Logistics & Maritime Services businesses. The aim is to
connect directly with customers to offer logistics solutions and remove inefficiencies in the supply chain to accelerate trade. We are seeing positive signs of progress in our new businesses that give us encouragement for the future. “Our balance sheet remains strong, and we continue to generate high levels of cash flow, which gives us the ability to invest in the future growth of our current portfolio. Going forward, we aim to integrate our new acquisitions and deliver synergies with the objective of providing smart end-to-end solutions, which will improve the quality of our earnings and drive returns. “While the near-term trade outlook remains uncertain with global trade disputes and regional geopolitics causing uncertainty to the container market, the strong financial performance of the first six months also leaves us well placed to deliver full-year results slightly ahead of market expectations.”
www.cbnme.com
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Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 25
S p e ci a l F e at u r e
02 Nour Suliman
CEO DHL Express Middle East and North Africa Nour Suliman is the CEO of DHL Express Middle East and North Africa. In his current capacity as CEO, he oversees DHL’s operations across 19 markets and leads a strong team of 5700 employees. Mr. Suliman has been with DHL for 41 years and has held the position of CEO for the last 9 years. He joined the company in 1978 as a young courier and has since held multiple positions across divisions and countries while climbing the corporate ladder. He was previously the Country Manager for DHL Express Saudi Arabia where, under his leadership, the office consistently achieved stellar performance. He also managed the business in Bahrain for eight years and before that held various managerial roles across multiple DHL Express functions and departments including Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, and Commercial, across other regional countries including UAE and Cairo.
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Nour is a member of the British Institute of Management and American Business Association in Egypt. “Our most recent milestone is the opening of our newly built US$30.5 million logistics facility in Dhahran, DHL’s fourth infrastructure investment in KSA in the past 4 years. We also opened the doors to our newest, state-of-the-art logistics facility and country office in Amman at an investment size of US$ 5.8 Million,” said Nour Suliman. DHL Express MENA generated 829.8 Million Euros in revenues for 2018 and witnessed an impressive 7% jump in revenues in the MENA for the year ending 2018, making it one of the best regions for DHL Express’s business. “Since taking over as CEO my main focus has been to steer DHL’s regional investment and expansion strategy with clear targets to strengthen the region’s connectiv-
ity to the global marketplace. We’ve committed over US235 million in expanding DHL’s facilities and growing reach, capacities and logistical capabilities to enhance transit times and customer service,” said Nour Suliman. Nour also commented about DHL’s expansion plans: “We will continue to roll out our expansion strategy with new facility upgrades in Oman, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, DWC, and Qatar, as well as make upgrades to our air/road networks, increase flight frequencies, improve technologies, and enhance customs clearance competencies. eCommerce will be a key driver for us moving forward. We want to expand our footing in the eCommerce segment and take a closer look at this sector. We are developing new competitive B2C products and services to grow our market share and leverage on the fastpaced trends for cross-border shipments.”
www.cbnme.com
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 27
S p e ci a l F e at u r e
S e p t e m b e r 2019
03 Nabil Sultan Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo Emirates Skycargo Nabil Sultan’s career spans more than 28 years in commercial operation roles within Emirates. Educated in the United States, Nabil holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and Management Information Systems from the University of Portland, Oregon, USA. He began his career with Emirates in 1990 in the IT department, and two years later joined the company’s management training programme within the Commercial Operations department. Between 1995 and 2008, Nabil gained extensive commercial experience at Emirates, working in various management and leadership roles both within and outside the U.A.E, heading commercial operation as Vice President for both the UK & then India for more than 8 years after which he moved back to UAE as a Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations West Asia, followed by Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East, and then Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations for Europe & CIS.
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In 2009, he was promoted to Divisional Senior Vice President, Revenue Optimisation and Distribution for the Airline. In June 2013, he was appointed to his current position, as Divisional Senior Vice President, SkyCargo (the freight division of Emirates Airline). Today Emirates SkyCargo is the largest international cargo airline in the world (measured by FTKM). During the Financial Year 2018/19, Emirates SkyCargo carried close to 2.7 million tonnes of cargo. This includes a wide variety of cargo from lifesaving medicines, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat to heavy engineering equipment, spare parts for industries including aviation, shipping, oil & gas and personal cargo including pets and cars. Emirates SkyCargo offers cargo capacity on a fleet of 269 aircraft including 12 freighters and operates to a global network of over 155 cities across six continents including 15 cargo-only destinations.
In the past 12 months, Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new purpose-built facility in Chicago airport dedicated for pharma. The facility, dedicated solely for pharmaceutical shipments, is spread over 1,000 sq. metres, with scope for additional expansion and provides comprehensive protection for pharma cargo through temperature-controlled zones for acceptance and delivery, pharma cargo build-up and break down, storage and direct ramp access. Developed in partnership with ground handling company Maestro, the facility has a capacity of 15,000 tonnes of pharma shipments per annum. They have won several prestigious awards since the start of 2019 including winner of the top Diamond Award in the 1 million tonnes or more category at the Air Cargo Excellence Awards organised by Air Cargo World and Best Air Cargo Carrier- Middle East in the 2019 edition of the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards held in Hong Kong.
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S p e ci a l F e at u r e
04
Mark Geilenkirchen CEO SOHAR Port and Freezone
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Logistics from the Maritime Institute De Ruyters in the Netherlands, Mark set-up and managed HT Research from 1991-2001, an international consultancy focusing on logistics and quality. In 2006, Mark joined ABN AMRO as Vice President, where he helped to lead the company through the global financial crisis. From 2010-2014, Mark was appointed CEO/CCO of APM Terminals at Port of Zeebrugge, in Belgium, where he was responsible for attracting significant Chinese investments and returning the loss-making port to profit. Mark joined SOHAR Port and Freezone as CEO in July 2016 from Hong Kong, where he had been working for two years as Global Client Director with APM Terminals. Over the course of 2018, SOHAR Port and Freezone witnessed an increase in capacity as well as land area at the Port. The reason behind the growth was due to the SOHAR Port
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South expansion, wherein 50 hectares of land was added in the first phase. Subsequent phases will see the addition of a further 200 hectares to the current capacity of 2,000 hectares. The additional land area will significantly boost the ability of SOHAR to handle greater volumes of cargo traffic and simultaneously create new and sustainable jobs opportunities. SOHAR Port and Freezone has seen the emergence of several developments in the past year. The collaboration with Mannesmann saw the creation of a Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) plant at the Port. Additionally, in a significant effort to tap into the country’s renewable energy potential, SOHAR entered into a land lease agreement with Shell Development Oman (SDO). This partnership aims to create clean energy solutions to meet the energy demands of industrial tenants, by facilitating solar photovoltaic (PV) projects within SOHAR Freezone. Lastly, the creation
and operation of a new high-capacity mineral aggregate terminal, together with Marafi Sohar at the Port, is expected to generate further market opportunities. On a technological front, SOHAR recently launched SOHAR Navigate, offering businesses in the supply chain a smarter way to use container transportation. The online Navigate route planner is the first of its kind in the region and provides a complete overview of the most efficient deep-sea and feeder connections via Suhar. The platform connects to 550 ports worldwide, displays route transit times and a list of potential logistics companies and partners. Keeping in line with its motto, ‘It all starts here’, SOHAR continues to keep a sharp lookout for new and innovative solutions. These include initiatives for further development and growth, as well those that work for the benefit of everyone in and around SOHAR.
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05
H.E Mohammed Abdullah Al-Jarman Director General Emirates Transport
H.E Mohammed Abdullah Al-Jarman has been the head of Emirates Transport and Services Corporation (Emirates Transport) as the Director General since 2007. He is one of the most prominent Emirati leaders with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and more than 30 years of expertise in the field of institutional financial and investment work and institutional leadership, in addition to being the chairman of the boards of a number of companies affiliated to the Corporation. H.E Al-Jarman also took the lead during
the corporation’s quality transition from a service to an investment based institution that is equipped with a coherent business system and various activities and services. In an interview with Logistics News ME, H.E Al Jarman said: “Our main strategic goal for the next five years is to maintain our position as market leaders by focusing on efficiency, and quality and to sustain growth by targeting new investment opportunities in the provision of transportation management services. We will also work
towards developing business and key activities, and directing them towards automation and transport technology, and of course, promoting innovation and building new capabilities.” Under the management of H.E Al-Jarman, Emirates Transport has stroke an optimal balance between the investment side and the requirements of governance, quality, safety, audit management, risk, and social responsibility, development of its policies and systems, and enhancement of the culture of commitment.
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06 Bengt Ekstrand
Group President GAC Group Bengt Ekstrand was appointed Group President in January 2013, two decades after joining the GAC Group having held a variety of managerial roles throughout the Middle East before serving as Regional Director for the region for more than six years before taking on the role of Group Vice President for Asia Pacific from 2009 to 2012. Key developments since taking over as Group President include expansion of the Group’s warehousing and contract logistics capabilities throughout the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Asia Pacific, including the opening of GAC’s newest state-of-the-art facility in the UAE at Dubai South and the partnership with Hemas Transportation to open a modern integrated logistics facility in the Muthurajawela Industrial Zone in Sri Lanka consisting of a state-of-the-art distribution centre, container yard and a warehouse facility that spreads across 15 acres. With further geographical expansion with new GAC offices opening in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Furthermore, in the past 12 months GAC won a new contract with Lagardère Travel Retail. Under the multi-year agreement signed by the two companies commencing 1 March 2019, GAC Dubai will take care of the port haulage, receipt, storage, pick/pack, transportation, customs clearance and Federal Tax
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Authority documentation for goods including chocolates, fine foods, fashion, beverages, electronics, cigarettes and cigars, personal care, perfumery and make-up. The companies expects to manage approximately 17,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) across a variety of product types and will also handle the formalities required for the storage and handling of some categories of beverages on behalf of Lagardère Travel Retail. Part of GAC Dubai’s contract logistics facility at Dubai South (due for completion in September this year) will be dedicated exclusively to the account, and a G + 5 interlock mezzanine deck with multiple aisles and shelves is being constructed for better product segregation and picking. Approximately 3.5 million picked units of goods are expected to be handled by GAC Dubai every year under the contract. Bengt comments: “GAC has invested significantly in our contract logistics infrastructure
in recent years. We inaugurated our Dubai South contract logistics facility in November 2018 and in May this year announced the appointment of Total Solar to install solar panels at both the Dubai South and GAC Logistics Park contract logistics facilities. We have also opened a warehouse and open yard in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), strategically located next to Khalifa Port between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and 1,400m² of indoor warehousing space and a 15,000m² open yard at Hamriyah, Sharjah” “Our logistics services have been recognised by a number of prestigious awards. GAC Dubai was named Breakbulk Operator of the Year in the Logistics Middle East Awards 2019, while the General Authority of Customs presented GAC Qatar with its ‘Best Customs Clearance Brokerage Company’ accolade as well as the ‘Distinguished Customs Clearance Agent’ for one member of its staff.”
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07 Baheej Al Biqawi
CEO Almajdouie Logistics Almajdouie is a Saudi group of companies, which are established by Shaikh Ali Ibrahim Almajdouie in 1965, started as a land transport company but as the business grew it flourished into a group of companies with a diverse activities. All these companies, with complementary services or with Diversified ones work in harmony to supplement each other. A pioneer in its industry for over 50 years, Almajdouie Logistics is a leading integrated supply chain provider in the Middle East. We provide customers with unique solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and our services span diverse sectors in many countries. Logistics Further is our promise to all our customers. We offer a wide range of services, including transportation, freight forwarding, terminal handling, automotive logistics, and warehousing. Furthermore, we are globally recognised for handling heavy weight cargo and hold a Guinness World Record for The Heaviest Item Moved By Road Freight’. In a recent press release from the company, it was announced GEFCO Group and Almajdouie Logistics created a joint venture in Saudi Arabia. The relationship between the two powerhouse companies began in January 2018 when they partnered to provide finished vehicle logistics services to Almajdouie Auto (MMC),
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the importer of Hyundai in Saudi Arabia. In its second phase, the joint venture plans to offer a full range of finished vehicle services to the Saudi Arabian market and will officially launch operations in the first half of 2019. “We are delighted to partner with GEFCO Group to serve the automotive logistics needs of the Saudi Arabian market,” said Baheej Al Biqawi, CEO of Almajdouie Logistics. “We are very excited about this joint venture, which is part of our development strategy to tap into new market opportunities. Through this partnership, our two groups will be able to leverage each other’s competitive strengths, enabling us to provide new options and costefficient solutions to our customers in the region. We are confident that our shared commitment to professionalism, quality, and innovation will cement this new venture’s reputation for service excellence.”
Also in 2019, Almajdouie Logistics was honoured with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Innovation Award for our commitment to ingenuity and continuous improvement. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates Group, and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group presented the award to the CEO, Baheej Al Biqawi, during a ceremony at Dubai Opera on February 26. In attendance were more than 1,500 delegates, including dignitaries, government officials, and business leaders from the UAE and GCC. The award recognises and celebrates businesses for outstanding practices and achievements in innovation, which contribute to the development of their country’s economies and serve as an inspiration for like-minded companies across the GCC.
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
08 Peter Richards CEO Gulftainer Group With over 12 years of seagoing experience and 32 years of expertise in the operation and management of ports and container terminals, Peter Richards joined Gulftainer’s headquarters in the UAE in 1987. He has served as General Manager, Operations Manager, Terminal Manager and Operations Superintendent with the company. Peter is currently an Executive Board Member of Gulftainer, CEO of Gulftainer Group and CEO of Gulftainer’s US arm, GT USA. Gulftainer had earned the distinction of being the only port operator in the Middle East to operate terminals on the UAE’s east and west coasts - within the Arabian Gulf and outside the Strait of Hormuz. Fast forward three decades, and Peter today manages the world’s largest privately-owned, independent port operator, with over 3000 employees and a global container volume throughput of over five million TEUs. Gulftainer’s CAGR between 20122017 was 14%, which far exceeds the global growth levels of 2.8%. Under Peter’s leadership, Gulftainer has expanded its services portfolio in the UAE, with the unveiling of the Sharjah Port of Trade (S.P.O.T) services, an innovative and strategic sea cargo clearance offering. Promising unparalleled connectivity between Sharjah and
Dubai, S.P.O.T services can be availed at the crossroads of the E311 highway and Maliha Road. S.P.O.T offers the fastest transit times and lowest service costs to deliver cargo north of Al Barsha area, as well as end-to-end connectivity across the UAE. Its strategic location, just 10 minutes from the E311 highway and 15 minutes from the E611 highway, enables a reduction of delivery costs from port to door by as much as 80 per cent. Complementing the cost and time savings, the port offers enhanced
online customs clearance, 24-hour access to major roads, as well as a state-of-the-art facility for on-site cargo inspection, quality sampling and testing services at the importer’s premises. The long-term development of the company both in the UAE and all group offices around the globe remains a primary development target for Peter. The company’s business model, which is aligned with the UN Global Compact principles, is constantly being tested to ensure the sustainability of the company’s future growth.
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Rami Suleiman President for the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa (ISMEA)
UPS
Rami plays a key role in driving UPS’s strategy for long-term growth including the acquisition of Fritz Companies Inc in the U.S in 2001. Under his leadership, they have successfully rolled out the UPS Access Point network in the UK in 2013 and proceeded to open 2,800 UPS Access Point locations in 18 months. Currently, Rami oversees more than 70 high growth markets in ISMEA for the company. My aim is to capitalize on UPS’s investments in its network, technology and partnerships to build on the company’s footprint in ISMEA, positioning it as a trade enabler within the Middle East from/to China,
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Africa, Europe and the U.S. In 2018, the International business segment, which includes their ISMEA operations, grew both its top and bottom line in a changing economic environment. Strong export shipment growth of 6.2% drove their total International volume to 3.2 million on average daily. Total adjusted operating profit increased to $2.6 billion and reached 35% of total UPS profits. UPS is adding 10 million pounds of new lift capacity globally – the largest current expansion by any carrier. UPS has already taken delivery of 18 of 44 new aircraft pre-
09 viously announced and will receive the remainder by 2022. “Our goal is to solidify our position as the fastest, most technologically-enabled and most responsive company in the industry. Some of the logistics solutions we’re looking forward to, include our ongoing partnership with Expo 2020 as their official logistics partner, which gives us an opportunity to deliver the world to Dubai and vice versa. It also enables us to aggregate, validate and leverage several existing UPS innovation efforts, while developing new opportunities for UPS in the region,” said Rami
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
10 Mohsen Ahmad
CEO Dubai South - Logistics District Mohsen Ahmad oversees Dubai South’s entire Logistics District as its Chief Executive Officer, leading the overall execution of all operations, and managing its financial planning. He is responsible to set the strategic directions and goals of the District and lay the groundwork for future developments of the district to ensure sustainable growth. Ahmad has performed a major role in the launching of the District, where he was instrumental in the setting up of the Free Zone and the establishment of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, making it possible to connect the Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport in a single custom-bonded zone. He joined Dubai South in 2008, following more than 10 years of experience within the supply chains and logistics sector, holding management posts at Al Futtaim Logistics and Dubai Aluminum Company (DUBAL) as Head of Inbound Logistics. In 2019, EZDubai was launched, a 920,000 square-metre purpose-built e-commerce zone within Dubai South’s Logistics District set to unlock vast potentials in online commerce. It provides a range of Logistics facilities and business solutions designed for startups, SMEs, innovation labs and incubation centers to support local, regional and trans-continental businesses serving both business-to-business and end consumers. With the massive growth of e-commerce
in the GCC and Egypt expected growth from USD 7 billion to USD 24 billion by 2022, EZDubai seeks to add a strong value to the sector by providing an efficient supply chain focused on structured regulatory framework, complete ecosystem, and the dual warehouse concept. “Traditionally the e-commerce elements are scattered around but we thought why not just bring them all closer together in one area. We have an airport and seaport nearby and also a great land transportation network. When you put all this together you create a more dynamic logistics hub. By having such a dedicated area to fulfill the different operational aspects of delivering products to the final customer EZDubai cuts down time wasted and increased productivity,” remarked Mohsen.
Furthermore Dubai South announced new initiatives to further boost the business activities of its partners which include startups, SMEs and multinational companies, and most recently, individual professionals in specialized professional sectors. For example, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), which is the licensing and regulatory body for Dubai South free zones, have announced that freelancers can now avail the opportunity to work under a freelancer work permit, in line with global trends of a growing number of professionals are seeking for work options that have flexible working hours and work-from-home agreements. This new development reflects Dubai South and DACC’s commitment to help position the emirate as the most innovative business hub attuned to the modern needs of both companies.
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11
Madhav Kurup
Regional CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Madhav has been in the logistics industry for more than 24 years, from which the last 20 years have been in senior management roles. Madhav started his life journey in logistics at MAERSK, from which he then moved on to Schlumberger Integrated Project Management as Project Logistics Manager in India. In 2000, Madhav moved to the Middle East and took over as the General Manager of the RHS Group, responsible for the Forwarding and 3PL activities. Madhav joined Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in 2008 as the Regional CEO Middle East and later took over responsibilities of North Africa and South Asia for which he turned around the company from a transactional forwarder to a market leader, particularly in the areas of Automotive, Healthcare, FMCG, Perishables, Chemical and Fashion Logistics. Today Hellmann employs more than 2,500 employees within the MESA region. Madhav has also launched specialised JVs in critical industries in the Middle East & South Asia region, such as Automotive, Healthcare, Chemical and Fashion and in 2019 entered into the Middle East ecommerce arena by providing fully Integrated Ecommerce solutions for the Middle East. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics continues to pursue growth in the region, knowing that its core strengths come from its people, strong customer service engagement in niche industry verticals, global network and digital technology solutions with an overall organisation having a true passion for continuous improvement.
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12
Walid Khoury CEO ALS Logistic Solutions
Walid Khoury joined ALS in 2001 as a Regional Manager for the Middle East and after 6 years of successful performance, he took over the entire company management. Mr Khoury has over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry, including project management and equipment fabrication, airport systems and design consultancy for automation Projects. In the past 12 months ALS has been involved in several projects which include fully Automated Air Cargo Terminal - Muscat Intl Airport, Oman, fully Automated Air Cargo Terminal - Salalah Intl Airport, Oman, Material Handling Systems - DHL Jeddah Facilities, KSA, Design of the Menzies Cargo Handling Facility at Riyadh Intl Airport, KSA, Consultancy for DNATA, Amsterdam, Holland, Extension of the existing Cargo Handling System - FG 8, Dnata, UAE, Installation goods lift - DP WORLD, UAE, Design, fabrication, delivery &installation of ASRS system - Bangkok, Thailand, Air Cargo Handling Systems - SATS Dammam, KSA, Automatic sorter system - DHL, Gharan, KSA, Extension of the existing OSRS system with one more additional aisle and one pick-it easy pick station - DDF, UAE Also ALS were awarded the biggest Pharmaceutical Hub Automation for Al Dhawaa, KSA. “I am proud to say that I am absolutely dedicated at all times to my company growth and the main target is to achieve zero tolerance for mishandling of company time, assets and funds. Staff wellbeing is always top on our agenda as the main assets of every successful company,” said Walid.
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Alain Kaddoum General Manager Swisslog Middle East
Alain Kaddoum is the General Manager of Swisslog Middle East, intralogistics provider that delivers robot-based and data-driven automation solutions for customers for a wide range of industries including F&B, retail, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, spare parts as well as third-party warehouses and distribution centres. Having worked for Swisslog for more than two years, and in the engineering industry for almost a decade, Kaddoum brings a wealth of experience and industry expertise to his new role as General Manager. Mr. Kaddoum aims to directly drive and support sales and business teams, developing strategies to support the uptake of the company’s automation solutions for forward-thinking customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and bordering regions. In 2018 two projects went live. Of these, one customer is a leading mobile retailer in the UAE and the other customer is a big player in apparel and luxury products. For both customers, we delivered automated warehouses and picking solutions as well as our WMS software called SynQ for their distribution centers. We were also awarded a new project in Saudi Arabia that includes pallet and light goods technologies as well as AGVs in addition to 2 new projects awarded in the UAE on the 2nd half of 2018 for spare parts and medical goods.
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Ali Khalifa Bin Beyat CEO Allied Transport
Ali Khalifa Bin Beyat joined ATC in 1987 while he was studying in University. Over the last three decades with Allied Transport, while holding different titles, he gained the knowledge and experience to transform the company into the leading land transport solutions companies in the region. ATC has achieved a year-on-year growth since its inception, specializing in different areas such as dedicated trucking, retail distribution, temperature-controlled cargo, project and pharma cargo, dangerous goods, and auto driveway services. In 2014, with the leadership of Ali Bin Beyat, ATC started serving the aviation industry, working together with Emirates Sky Cargo in unique and seamless operations, connecting the DWC and DXB airports with more than 375 trips per day. Ali Bin Beyat makes sure that ATC always used the most advanced equipment and cutting-edge technology to maintain high standards. From its modest beginnings, ATC is now a company of 1,000 trucks and 2,800 trailers and a headcount of 1,200 employees. In 2016, Allied Transport shifted to a new state-of-the-art facility in Dubai South, the Logistics City (DLC), also known as Dubai World Central, the world’s first platform which was built for the purpose and development of logistics in the region.
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15
Abhinav Chaudhary CEO and Co-Founder Fero.Ai Through his 16 years of professional experience, Abhinav has been instrumental in strategy formation, planning, policy-making and the execution of multi-dimensional complex logistics projects in DHL Global Forwarding, Indian Army, Woolworths and now entrepreneurship with heading Fero.Ai. Abhinav is a well-respected name in the logistics industry for the tangible impact he created during his engagements. He pumped operational efficiency by over 18% in setting up DHL’s Global Forwarding, Dubai South hybrid container freight station and Air Freight warehouse and over 23% cost saving by driving the centralization of DHL Global Forwarding’s domestic road freight fleet within Dubai. An EOQ based forecasting model for Woolworths Sydney distribution center and development of the Indian Army’s first green (Solar Powered) Mobile Repair Team are just a few of the notable projects in
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Abhinav’s rich professional experience. Abhinav & his team conceptualized the idea of Fero in 2018, after more than a decade of being closely associated with the industry. “There has been a lot of talk on how going digital was going to solve the massive bleed in terms of cost and efficiency but the efforts were all directed to a top-down approach whereas for an industry where the technology quotient of an average stakeholder is far from advanced I saw there was no other way to make an actual difference, other than taking a bottom-up approach, starting right at the root where inefficiency begins i.e. manual coordination,” says Abhinav. Coincidentally Abhinav was also engaged in enhancing his understanding of Artificial Intelligence employing heavy research around the same time and the idea of automating human coordination came to him like an obvious solution leading to works getting started
on the world’s 1st voice-enabled virtual agent for freight, TiA. It’s been 18 months of great learning and satisfaction, seeing the actual time saving and seamless operations with the help of TiA in the POCs that Fero has been running, has been nothing short of a dream, “adds Abhinav. Fero is developing to be the leanest organizations in the sector with every function, internal as well as external, being driven by intelligent technology. Fero has been receiving increasing interest from private and public sector alike. The teams are running full-throttle on jam-packed schedules on various exciting implementations, out of which, a Logistics Process Automation project with a Government entity which also happens to be one of the largest Global Logistics players and an enterprise-wide customized NLP agent for one of the biggest Software products reseller/distributor in the Mena region, are 2 notable ones.
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16
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid
Managing Director Etihad Cargo Abdulla joined Etihad Cargo as Managing Director, Cargo and Logistics services in October 2018. Since then, he has implemented a major metamorphosis to transform Etihad Cargo into a more sustainable and agile business. Introducing new ideas while utilising Etihad Cargo’s existing strengths, his main goal was to deliver a better value proposition to partners and clients. The transformations and implementations over the past 12 months have supported Etihad Cargo’s development and ensured that the company remains ahead of the industry, leading through a sustained and innovative approach. Streamlining Etihad Cargo’s freighter operations and service delivery: Abdulla revitalised Etihad Cargo’s freighter network trade lanes, focusing on key profitable routes and abolishing cost-prohibitive lanes. He also introduced capacity into key profitable markets such as China, India, Vietnam and Spain. Additionally, he simplified Etihad Cargo’s freighter fleet as the company now only uses Boeing 777. Taking advantage of Abu Dhabi’s geographical positioning and to maximise efficiency, he streamlined the companies’ approach to utilising bellyhold flows in passenger aircrafts to transport cargo. 2019 has marked the most successful financial year in the history of Etihad Cargo due to the following: The digitalization revolution led to some re-
cord results for Etihad Cargo with June recording the most successful performance yet with 24.2% of monthly bookings coming through the online portal, exceeding all records for similar portal launches for any other cargo carrier within the same timeframe. It has enabled data led decision making and drive maximum efficiency. Through the platform, Etihad Cargo’s teams can monitor performance worldwide in real time and accurately forecast profitability and performance The streamlining of trade lanes and freighter fleet bore fruit immediately, with each of Etihad Cargo’s freighter load factors, freighter-tobelly hold flow ratios, and freighter profitabil-
ity at an all-time record high Etihad Cargo’s commercial partnership with Emirates SkyCargo during the summer saw an increased flow of volumes between the hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi The launch of branded products, such as FlightValet saw the company carrying a record number of vehicles in 2018. “The companies’ transformations and implementations over the past 12 months is our key achievement. It has supported Etihad Cargo’s own development and ensured that the company remains ahead of the industry, leading through a sustained and innovative approach,” said Abdulla
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17
Gaurav Biswas
CEO TruKKer Gaurav spent 12 years with international consulting firms such as AECOM (Fortune 500 Company) and Arup and jumped into TruKKer at the peak of his career. In AECOM, he became the youngest Director at the age of 32. “Life is very different in a start-up but my experience with large organizations certainly contributes to my ability to think big, think global and have organizational skills of managing large teams. I have been appreciated for my commercial acumen and decision-making skills,” said Gaurav. “As CEO, I am responsible for the commercial and operational targets of the company hustling every day and hour. I help the team with decision-making and steer the truck when we are not sure of the way ahead. As the leader of an innovative and fast growing young start up, I have to monitor the pulse of the business very closely like attending to a growing infant,” explained Gaurav. TruKKer is now the largest trucking fleet operator in MENA with 15,000+ trucks across the region. “We are growing at a phenomenal rate and the best thing about it is ‘We are just getting started’. TruKKer and I get recognized for our growth and success this far but one needs to make sure that we don’t lose focus on
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ground and always remember that it is an ace team that enables TruKKer, no one person,” said Gaurav. In terms of successful projects completed by the company TruKKer has expanded their operations by creating infrastructure and local teams across UAE and KSA. Also, after 7000% growth on cross border service between UAE & KSA in 2018, they have established presence in KSA to access the domestic KSA market. Looking into the future, TruKKer is planning to launch offices in Egypt (2019) and Jordan, Iraq and Syria by 2020. TruKKer is planning investments in highway rest areas for
welfare of its drivers, including secure cargo monitoring systems. They also plan to invest in lidar based technologies will improve road safety and generate data for AI for advanced analytics and tracking driver behavior. This can be utilised for rating drivers and reduce insurance expenses for better drivers. “The growth speed of a startup is beyond one leader and one needs a team of like-minded people who are focused in the same direction. A good leader keeps such a team together, motivated, focused and finds time to make the journey enjoyable while hard,” Gaurav concluded.
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
18 Saud Abu AlShawareb
Managing Director Dubai Industrial City Saud spearheads Dubai Industrial City’s strategy and day-to-day operations to contribute to elevating Dubai into a global hub for advanced, innovative and sustainable manufacturing in line with the UAE leadership’s vision of economic diversification for a more sustainable future, as well as the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, and TECOM Group’s own vision to create vibrant business communities that inspire innovation and enable business growth. “I have always had a passion for nurturing relationships with existing business partners and attracting new ones. This has complemented my primary role of setting Dubai Industrial City’s strategic direction and helped achieve our wider objectives,” said Saud. This year, Dubai Industrial City launched the world’s largest integrated electric and ewaste recycling facility ‘The Recycling Hub’ by Enviroserve – an AED120 million project with a 100,000-ton processing capacity per year. “2019 also marked the opening of our first community retail mall to service the 45,000 workers living and working in our community. Among the recent highlights, they welcomed the first fresh noodle factory in the region. New business partners joining Dubai Industrial City included Lootah Real Estate, that launched Senayaat, the first lease-to-own warehouse project, and Jaleel Cash and Carry, that
has commenced construction of the largest cash and carry facility in the region.” Also, among the new joiners at Dubai Industrial City is Lulu Group International, that signed an agreement to set up an AED300 million Central Logistics Hub, spanning an area
of 1.3 million sq ft. To date, they’ve invested AED4.3 billion in modernising our infrastructure and in the past two years, they have expanded its 140-km road network in order to improve accessibility and connectivity for business partners.
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19 Idriss Al Rifai Founder and CEO Fetchr Idriss Al Rifai is the Founder and CEO of Fetchr, one of the fastest-growing start-ups in the Middle East. A firm believer in the power of technology, he has championed the introduction of disruptive innovations in traditional supply chain and logistics. His goal is to solve the ‘no address’ problem in the GCC and other emerging markets, making delivery a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers. Under his leadership, Fetchr has grown 1200% from 2014 to 2019 and has expanded services to 6 markets. In addition to expanding business verticals, Fetchr is looking forward to expanding into mul-
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tiple countries within the Middle East and Africa. Fetchr will also launch services to improve customer experience like WhatsApp scheduling and multiple pickup points in conjunction with convenience stores across the country Fetchr is also looking into the development of an Automation lab with a key focus on building technology for warehouse automation, Optimization on freight forwarding and Robotics. Fetchr incorporates technology into conventional logistics services to resolve three fundamental pain points that last-mile delivery service provider face in the Middle East: Cash on
delivery reconciliation, Lack of clear address, and Scalability. Under Idriss’s leadership, Fetchr has grown 500% and 320% respectively over the last 2 years. “One of the keys to a good leader to have a clear vision and to have the courage to follow through. A good leader, with a great vision, can inspire the team and earn their respect. He/She should be able to analyze and understand the whole picture and make a decisionbased on both Data and experience. A good leader should not be overconfident and should be humble and take advice of the stakeholders when needed,” said Idriss.
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20
Janardan Dalmia Founder and CEO Trukkin Janardan Dalmia, as the Founder and CEO, has been there from the inception in mid-2017. Trukkin is a techno-logistics firm focused at revamping and redefining the land transportation industry in the UAE and GCC. Started in 2017 and being a young dynamic organization, Trukkin is leaving a massive footprint in the logistics and transportation industry in a very short span of time. Having moved over 700 Shipments per month since its inception, Trukkin is fast becoming a market leader at serving the industry. Trukkin aims to innovate, simplify and deliver the best services to the cargo movement industry. Trukkin is also continually improvising to meet the industry challenges and aims to liaison with private and public sector alike to solve transportation woes across GCC. Through its on-the-ground presence in UAE and KSA and expansion plans to other GCC countries, Trukkin is marching to become the leading enabler in Heavy Cargo Movement, Land Transportation and the Trucking industry. “Ability to share the dream and vision with the whole team and ensure everyone feels passionately about the same cause,� said Janardan.
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Deepak Khushalani
CEO Premier Logistics Deepak has been involved with the company since its establishment in Q1 2016. Premier Logistics has grown from a 5 member team to a 40 member team that provide end to end Logistics services from Freight, Storage, Transportation, Distribution and Value Added Services. Developed all 3PL divisions from scratch with primary focus on digitization of all our services. Deepak was also instrumental in developing the entire Quality Management System and achieving the ISO 9001:2015 certification in a short span of time. As of 2019, Premier Logistics has formed strategic tie-ups with its partners to fulfil all the clients’ requirements and is on track to open offices in 6 countries by 2020. Premier Logistics now have a capacity of: 41,000 racked pallet positions, 3,200 racked Temp controlled pallet position, 51,000 sq. m. Open Yard Storage space, 28,000 sq.m. covered Bulk Storage space. After 10 months of an intense bidding war, Premier Logistics won the bid for establishing a Regional Distribution Centre for one of the world’s largest Tire manufacturing companies. We set up an 8,000 sq.m. distribution facility in Jebel Ali as their Regional DC. They now also have a warehousing and distribution of 500 x 40 feet containers for a large Air-Conditioner manufacturer. Deepak commented: “We are undergoing a major digital transformation within our organisation where our primary focus will be People, Processes and Technology. We are also on track to establish offices in 6 countries by Q4 2020.”
46 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
www.cbnme.com
Jumeirah Beach Park
TR6 Dubai Canal
ﺣﺪﻳﻘﺔ اﻟﺼﻔﺎ Safa Park
DC2
ﺟﻮدﻟﻔﻴﻦ Godolphin
ﻗﻨﺎة دﺑﻲ
ﺣﺪﻳﻘﺔ اﻟﺼﻔﺎ Al Safa Park
اﻟﻐﺒﻴﺒﺔ Al Ghubaiba
BUR DUBAI
ﺟﻤﻴﺮا Jumeirah
CR1
CR1
ﺟﻤﻴﺮا JUMEIRA
ﺳﻮق اﻟﺬﻫﺐ Gold Souq
ﺑﺮ دﺑﻲ Bur Dubai
اﻟﺴﻄﻮة AL SATWA
اﻟﻮﺻﻞ Al Wasl
ﺧﻮر دﺑﻲ Dubai Creek
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
CR1
ﺳﻮق دﻳﺮة اﻟﻘﺪﻳﻢ Deira Old Souq
DC1 DC2 TR6
ﺷﺎرع اﻟﺸﻴﺦ زاﻳﺪ Sheikh Zayed Road
ﺎد U
BurJuman
اﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ اﻟﺘﺠﺎري Business Bay
اﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ اﻟﺘﺠﺎري Business Bay
Al Seef Al Maktoum Bridge
اﻟﻘﻮز اﻟﺼﻨﺎﻋﻴﺔ AL QOUZ IND
Deira City Centre
Creek Park A
ZAA'BEEL
Floating Bridge
Creek Park
D
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Creek Park B
C1
DC2
D Al Boom Tourist Village
l
ay sB g es sin sin os Bu Cr
na
C1
Ca
D
Purchase your ticket and relax in our new air-conditioned station at Dubai Festival City. Cruise between the mall and the Al Jaddaf Marine Station or easily connect to your journey onward as we are integrated with the Creek Metro Station.
Creek/Al Jaddaf
DC1 BM2
DC1
Metro Green Line
AL GARHOUD
2
Dubai Design District
BM
Enjoy easy connectivity across the Al Jaddaf area.
Garhoud Bridge
ay
sB
es
sin
Bu
C2
اﻟﻘﺮﻳﺔ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻤﻴﺔ Global Village
800 9090 rta.ae
ﺮه DE
Dubai Festival City
BM2
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Creek
Abra Water Bus
Dubai Creek Harbour
AL RASHIDIYA
Abra and Ferry timings: Routes
Timings
Frequency/Fares/Features
Air-conditioned Abra Al Jaddaf Marine Station to Dubai Festival City (BM2)
Saturday – Thursday 7:00 am - 12:00 midnight Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 midnight
10 minutes (Peak Hours) 20 minutes (Off-peak Hours) AED 2 per person, per trip in one direction
Ferry Round Trip – DFC
Every day 4:00 pm
Min. of 8 passengers
For detailed timings and information, visit the respective customer service office inside the station. Children under 5 years travel for free only for commuter trips.
S p e ci a l F e at u r e
22
Mohammed Haris Kalandan
Chairman and Managing Director Shipwaves Haris has more than 25 years of experience in a leadership role at Mukka Sea foods, helping it grow to be the biggest fish meal company in India. As the Managing Director of Shipwaves, his vision and leadership helped in the rapid expansion of the young start-up across India and UAE. He has been awarded several Export Excellence Awards, including the prestigious President’s Niryathshree award. In an Op-Ed piece earlier this year with Logistics News ME, Haris talked about the importance of using data analytics in the supply chain: “Data analytics play a critical role in improving a logistics company’s inventory management. This specific realm of operations can be one of the more complex equations in terms of optimization because of the costs associated with inventory and the parameters at play.” “Shipwaves’ services cover the supply chain from end-to-end. The mid- to the final-mile section of the supply chain is as important as the long haul sections of routes and are often the most complex to coordinate for logistics companies. Tightening up this area of the supply chain is crucial to staying on schedule, and the best way to accomplish this is by utilizing a TMS, which is simply a software platform for managing transportation data, like Shipwaves,” Haris further added. The company currently have aggressive growth plans to expand Shipwaves across GCC countries in the next financial year and to set up an innovation hub in the UAE to bring disruptive tech in the shipping industry.
48 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
24 23 Saleh Abdullah Lootah CEO Lootah Real Estate Development The business career for Saleh Abdullah Lootah spans for more than two decades. In his career, he has executed strategic decisions across properties, food and beverage, Islamic finance, and insurance cooperation across the globe. Mr. Saleh Abdullah is the Founding Director of Souq Extra LLC and the Executive Director and Board member of Lootah Real Estate Development. He has full responsibility for some of the UAE’s most prestigious and influential organizations. The launch of ‘Senaeyat’, a company that provides lease-to-own industrial warehouses for businesses of different sizes. Located in a major industrial growth hub in Dubai, Dubai Industrial Park, Senaeyat is the first to offer a lease-toown model for clients, in which they can have full ownership of the pre-built industrial warehouses within 10 years. “In my tenure, I have tried to keep my focus to receive various achievements and accolades for the company at both regional and international levels. Applying for the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Model of Excellence at Al Islami Foods has been one of them, which has led to the receipt of the Dubai Quality Awards in 2013. And I am proud to say that we were the first food company to win such an award in this region,” said Saleh.
Khamid Ismatullaev
25
Founder & CEO Worldwide Distribution Center (WDC) Khamid is the founder and CEO of Worldwide Distribution Center since the first day they opened their doors for business in 2008. “We have come a long way since then, overcoming various obstacles, business challenges to achieve success,” said Khamid. Since the very first days, Khamid does his best to implement and integrate a high-quality service that is focused on the customer. WDC’s business ethics are moral principles, which guide their business culture, so they always pay attention and make sure that they fulfil their promises and are committed to excellence in the work they do. “We have recently opened a new office in New Delhi, India and we are planning to extend our FMCG distribution services there as well. We have also launched a number of successful marketing campaigns in Kenya and Tanzania, which had a positive impact on the business. WDC already has a strong presence in the UAE, wider Middle East, North Africa and CIS countries and looking ahead, we will be exploring opportunities in Europe and South America in the near future,” Khamid explains on the company’s growth and expansion. “Being the CEO of WDC, I possess strong leadership skills allowing me to develop and implement various business policies contributing to the company’s success. I also set up and maintain the company’s culture, vision and mission to create a stable environment for our business partners, principles, employees and other stakeholders.” Khamid concludes.
Paula Bellamy Managing Director Oceanwide Logistics Dubai OL Dubai offers their clients an optimal combination of industry relationships, leading supply chain technology, and exceptional customer service. We believe that true market advantage comes from creative, individualized solutions. OL Dubai streamlines global commerce with their vast array of services and network of agents in over 140 countries, fulfilling your international logistics needs with expertise and professionalism. OL Dubai is one of the fastest growing bonded NVOCCs in the world and has service contracts with the highest-rated ocean carriers. Through their integrated network of agents across the globe, OL Dubai have a presence in all of the major trade and business centers. Working with importers, exporters, and freight forwarders, we are able to move their goods and provide door-todoor service worldwide. OL Dubai offers its clients a single-source experience from beginning to end, along with the technology to handle today’s globalized market. “I started the company in 2016 and have received investment from our Head office in New York, USA. Over 85% of the business has been created by our office alone and we have found our direction and have had to adapt along to way to adhere to the market needs,” said Paula.
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 49
C o m pa n y p r o fil e
S e p t e m b e r 2019
Beyond Lighting Yenal Gül, Head of Sales at OSRAM Lighting Middle East, tells us about the latest technology and innovation being introduced for their lighting products OSRAM’s expectations for 2020 and beyond We are one of leading photonics companies in the world with the ambition to improve people’s life by using light as a vehicle. We have a broad vision of the industry for 2020 and beyond. One main trend that shapes our industry is connectivity. Bringing intelligence to devices is becoming economical and accessible thanks to the innovations done by OSRAM and other firms that prioritize Research and Development as corporate function. Next decade will see tremendous growth in IoT devices with a wide range of consumer applications from personal medical care to autonomous driving. Latest technology being introduced by OSRAM Each business segment of OSRAM runs in an innovation program in different fields. Our new LED drivers for instance come with NFC – Near Field Connectivity feature which allows facility managers to maintain automation setting with a simply “copy/paste” action with their mobile phone. In our Dynamic Lighting Business segment, we have launched SympoLight, a control software powerful enough to connect and orchestrate various lighting systems in whole cities or neighbourhoods. Another impressive innovation is our CHRONOGY Eyewear: a light treatment glasses that create supplemental lighting comparable to natural light from the sky. It can be used for controlled transition to different time zones with minimized jetlag symptoms. In our Entertainment business, we have launched the very first laser fixture, allowing for unmatched colour rendering and very narrow beams. Again, OSRAM was the first company to develop Laser headlights for the automotive industry. Now, we are working to extend the use of LiDAR, a sensory system for autonomous vehicles. Innovation On one end, we listen to our customers and partners. On the other end we constantly work with various materials to explore their value to human life and their potential use for the
50 | Logistics News ME | September 2019
industries that we serve. This is an everyday process for OSRAM. In Fiscal Year 2018, OSRAM has applied and filed a total of 17,800 patents. That is almost 48 patents a day including the weekends. Importance of Sustainability Along with miniaturization and connectivity, energy saving is one of the major trends in
functional lighting. Our approach is on both ends of the system. We design systems and components that delivers highest lumens per watt. Together with that, we develop automation devices and software for proportional use of the lighting systems, allowing for “light, only when and where needed” settings. Finally, we provide on-site commissioning services to make sure that everything works as intended.
www.cbnme.com
ONE STEP
FURTHER. We Provides your business with unparalleled access to market, world-class infrastructure bonded and non-bonded solutions as well as dedicated investor support in a duty free and competitive operating environment. We cater to all market verticals including trade, logistics and manufacturing. We endeavor to create value through the integration of our logistics zones and support service.
+966 12 648 8144 www.logipoint.sa
S u s ta i n a b ili t y
Ecolog: Lifting Logistics to the Digital Sphere Newly Appointed Group CEO of Ecolog International, Ali Vezvaei, speaks to Logistics News ME on the company’s rapid expansion and growth in the logistics sector
From his headquarters overlooking the runways of the world’s busiest international airport in Dubai, the newly appointed Group CEO of Ecolog International, Ali Vezvaei welcomed us with a warm smile. The German national - who only recently took the helm of this leading global logistics company - has big plans for modernisation and diversification that promise to take the ultra-successful global group to new horizons. Since its launch in 1997 and in Dubai in 2005, the logistics corporation has expanded to become a diversified holding group comprising every aspect of the logistics world and well beyond. Driven by the German instinct for perfection, perseverance, meticulous financial management and the adoption of state-of-the-
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art technologies, Ecolog remains a sole proprietorship with major international clout. Meeting the bold and ambitious CEO, fresh from his business trips to refugee camps at Al Paso in Texas and multilateral peace keeping missions in Kosovo, it seems there is much to discuss. Ecolog and its subsidiaries form a robust and increasingly diverse business, serving an impressive list of national governments, international corporations and multilateral aid and charity bodies in 38 countries and 150 locations worldwide, with a workforce in excess of 12,000 personnel. The German quality of sangfroid is clearly rooted in a group that handles some of the world’s most sophisticated military, refugee, peacekeeping and industrial camps across ultra-challenging
zones in Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans and the Falkland Islands. As Vezvaei arrives, he too embodies that almost enviable quality of calm that – on the face of it makes him the obvious choice to lead the business into its next phase of global growth. Why is the German-owned and managed Ecolog International headquartered in Dubai amid your globally stretched presence? Dubai is ideally positioned on the crossroad of the planet with unmatched ease and seamlessly integrated solutions. We’re proud to be here, enjoying state of the art business facilities offered by the Dubai Airport Free Zone, giving us the privilege of owning our
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S e p t e m b e r 2019
headquarters. This incredible city also offers us second-to-none access to some of the world’s finest talents – and most can get here easily and quickly thanks to Dubai’s natural role as a global hub. Colleagues from our business locations in Africa, Europe, China, the Middle East or the Americas can get here with ease. How do you foresee your business within the stretched logistics sector? Our business model is based on perfection, punctuation and high quality – all traditional German qualities that married with Dubai’s smooth business environment, form the ideal recipe for success. We are actively expanding our business portfolio horizontally and vertically with operations worldwide, including remote areas such as Mali and Iraq. We are also considering opportunities in Syria, Libya and other volatile territories that are ripe for growth in line with our business strategy. I know that our high level, well-resourced solutions to highly demanding clients such as the US army, the United Nations or mega energy groups, leave us perfectly placed to enter such challenging environments. Working in these kind of places requires a complex mix of ethics and skills that we have garnered over the years – not to mention strict security and safety measures. Ecolog has also worked strenuously to embed itself into the local environments where we operate, with 90% of our work force sourced from local communities, all of whom benefit from training and development. This has allowed us to give back to each local community we are in, through building trust, engaging in collaboration and meaningful engagement. What’s next for the logistics sector locally, regionally and globally? The overall business pace is rapidly changing, fueled by technology development. Ecolog is proud of integrating E-services worldwide including E-laundry, E-Gym and others, digitising our camps and services. We believe that expanding the business model is also important to diversify the financial flow and outcomes of our projects, logistics and facilities management within our core services. That is part of a comprehensive diversification strategy necessary for sustaining business in today’s highly competitive world.
What do regulations represent in today’s diversified business world? Logistics regulations vary depending on the locality – and so our capabilities and strategies also vary in accordance. We always follow a strict risk management policy that underpins customer solutions, ensuring that no matter where we are - or what the regulations demand - safety, health and security are assured. We are, of course, aware of the fact that cyber security is increasingly surfacing as a threat and as digital developments evolve, so will our defensive strategies. How can we incorporate SMEs within the sector? SMEs are increasingly recognised as key business players and we, at Ecolog, have embraced that in full by supporting and embedding SMEs within our business model. This is also in harmony with mounting global regulations
to include SMEs in the logistics chains - but that varies by country. For example, this is a must in the UAE and Oman – even the USA has policies in place to incorporate SMEs. Whilst you are sole proprietorship, we would like to know your financial strategy? Ecolog is premier provider of complete camp facilities and integrated service solutions that create vital living conditions in the world’s most remote locations, to assist companies with their business operations. These services include construction and engineering, camp support, environmental, logistics, energy/fuel, fleet, and labour provision (recruitment, vetting and payroll). For a holistic macro finance strategy, our founder, Nazif Destani, established ND Private Equity Group which handles a wide portfolio of businesses across the globe including energy, logistics, services, technology, real estate, and philanthropy.
Logistics News ME | September 2019 | 53
Unsung Heroes
September 2019
Farida Timsiet
Farida Timsiet, Marketing Manager of Renault Trucks Greater Middle East, tells us about her role and how she is helping contribute to Renault Trucks success Goals and Objectives I am in charge of all Marketing & Communication activities in the Middle East, working with our partners i.e. our dealer network in each market (14 countries). I am also responsible to support our Used Trucks Center in Jebel Ali; that supply truck not only to the Middle East but also Africa. Our main goals and objectives are to increase and reinforce the brand perception of Renault Trucks in the Middle East. Renault Trucks has been present in the region for over 20 years with the launch of our new range in 2014. Positioning Renault Trucks as Market Leaders Being one of the top trucks manufacturers in Europe and the first trucks manufacturer in the world, our role is to demonstrate that Renault Trucks is one of the main stakeholders in the market. We are also focusing on establishing our fuel efficiency trucks leading position in the industry, which is becoming more and more one of the first requirements of our customers. One of our brand values is intimacy, we consider our importers and customers as partners; we are bringing a total transport solution to our customers, we understand their business and we are committed to contributing to their success. Strong Attributes to Succeed Well, I have been at Renault Trucks for 16 years, working in different countries, cultures but especially in different segments. I worked in the head office, in a market company and is a wholly-owned dealer group in the UK but also for a private importer. This gives me experience from all aspects understand exactly our importer’s requirements and priorities. Besides I am French, from Lyon, where the story of Renault Trucks has started over 125 years ago, I started my career at Renault Trucks when I was only 19 and 16 years later I cannot imagine myself working for another brand! I am passionate about our brand and our products, I also enjoy driving the trucks
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every time I get a chance! I enjoy spending time and meeting our customers in each country, this is so refreshing to get their feedback and experience from Renault Trucks. Important of Teamwork Teamwork is what is best in our department, we
are the team that links all teams together. We work and build our strategy and actions plan together; it’s important to have one voice when it comes to our brand strategy and values. Actually, teamwork does not stop within our teams, we also work closely with our dealer network to have common objectives and strategy.
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The key exhibitions, conferences, and seminars coming up this month
September
3-5
september
9
Materials Handling Middle East Dubai, UAE Materials Handling Middle East present the world’s leading providers for intralogistics solutions and a highly regarded Supply Chain and Logistics Forum making it a highly anticipated event. From forklifts and lifting equipment to commercial vehicles and automation, the show presented solutions for all your warehousing requirements. Materials Handling Middle East focuses on multiple dynamic sectors including Logistics & Supply chain, Retail, FMCG, Automotive, Oil & Gas and Pharmaceuticals, showcasing products and solutions that improve their productivity and efficiency. Warehouse Tech Middle East Dubai, UAE Warehouse Tech Middle East brings together the leading logistics, technology solution providers, warehousing leaders and startups all under one roof and for one day program to discuss and learn about advancements in warehouse technologies including, but not limited to Drones, Digital Warehousing, Industry 4.0 effect, Internet of Things, AI & Robotics, Automation, Cloud Computing in WMS and Data Analytics.
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september
10-11
Women in Shipping Summit London, UK Women in Shipping Summit will feature a line-up of some of the most impressive names in shipping, both men and women who will tell the story of their journey through the industry to inspire and empower your personal career development plans.
International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference
September
22-26
Calgary, Canada The International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference will not only provide regulators with an abundance of information as it relates to their specific needs but will also have the ability to network and work in conjunction with regulators facing similar challenges, implementing best practices to improve the vehicle for hire industry. The topics include Accessibility, Safety & Licensing Standards, Regulatory & Legislative Matters, Litigation and Economics, Airport, Autonomous Mobility, Technology & Environment. www.cbnme.com
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