Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has opened a brand-new distribution center in Indianapolis, USA, which was officially inaugurated on March 1. From the new site, Hellmann handles all contract logistics services for its long-standing customer Endress+Hauser in North America. The approx. 50,000 sq. ft. distribution center, from where Endress+Hauser´s customers in the US and Canada are supplied, is a state-of-the-art new build in the ideal location just minutes from the client’s facility and from the airport. 

Hellmann has been operating a consolidation and distribution center in Germany for the Swiss group Endress+Hauser since 2014, being responsible for the global supply of B2B markets. Based on the very successful cooperation, the two companies decided to expand their partnership overseas. In a first step, Hellmann took over large parts of the CL-business for Endress+Hauser in Mexico in May of last year. Since August 2022, the Germany-based service provider has also been handling all of Endress+Hauser’s contract logistics in North America from the new site in Indianapolis, including warehousing and cross-docking operations. 

“We are very pleased that we can now support Endress+Hauser on its growth path also in the Americas. Thanks to the long-standing and very trustful cooperation, our two teams have been able to realize a smooth start in Indianapolis and I am convinced that we will continue to expand together in the years to come,” says Volker Sauerborn, Chief Operating Officer Contract Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

‘Health through Water’: GROHE SPA invites users to luxurious water rituals, taking advantage of the positive effects on body, mind and soul

For unique wellness spaces: With diverse customization options, GROHE SPA enables the transformation of the bathroom into a home spa tailored to individual needs

Masterpieces for the bathroom: Portfolio encompasses GROHE’s premium products, characterized by the highest quality, cutting-edge technology, unrivalled precision and progressive design

GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has revitalized its GROHE SPA collection, The GROHE SPA portfolio ranges from elaborate faucet collections, customizable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics to complementary accessories. Progressive designs are combined with carefully selected colors, materials, and finishes to create luxurious home spa experiences.

Taking place from the 18^th until 25^th of April 2023, visitors can experience GROHE SPA first-hand at Milan Design Week, Located in the Brera district, GROHE SPA will be showcased by a celebration of our true passion for water – through a water surface installation which will reflect the stunning architecture of one of the world’s most prestigious art museums, the Pinacoteca di Brera, while expressing the overall GROHE SPA Health Through Water concept. The exhibition will be complemented by innovative bathroom designs occupying four immersive cubes nestled within the space, each expressing one of our four tiers: exclusive 3D metal-printed products, bespoke Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections, trend-leading GROHE Colors, and a multi-sensory experience for the brand’s shower solutions.

GROHE SPA enables a new level of individual expression in the bathroom. The GROHE Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections in particular present customers with a choice of different color, material, finish and handle options to help them design one-of-a-kind bathroom pieces. In order to enable end-consumers to enjoy an authentic marble style with a high-quality finish, GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft faucet handles in the brand’s timeless and durable quartz designs. Caesarstone has a long-standing reputation for designing and producing high-end engineered surfaces, used in some of the most exclusive residential and commercial buildings around the world. Caesarstone surfaces can also be combined with GROHE SPA Private Collections.

Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design, EMENA, stated: “GROHE SPA products sit at the intersection of premium quality, cutting-edge technology, unrivalled precision, and progressive design. We are driven by a spirit of redefining what is possible, using industry-leading production techniques like 3D metal-printing to create exclusive designs and the ultimate water experience for the bathroom”.

This launch comes from GROHE’s belief that Nothing compares to water and that water is considered a source of vital energy as It can be cleansing, invigorating, healing. Whether it’s the soothing sounds, or the feel on the skin, through our experiences with water, we can switch off from the noise of the outside world – to find peace for body, mind, and soul. It is usually the bathroom that serves as a personal space of retreat where the positive effects of water on the body and mind can be fully embraced. It’s the place for precious me-moments of indulgent bliss where we find hidden strength and new energy.

When it comes to communication, what you see is what you are. Consequently, the same goes for women’s representation in the media. This is Lemon Queen’s deep belief and what motivates the agency to encourage the industry to shed a positive light on women to change mentalities…every day of the year.

Women’s representation in communication and the media in general is key in forging the way they are perceived by our society. This representation can not only have a great influence on opinions but also on the behaviours toward them. Quite often, negative representations using sexist stereotypes worsen the existing inequalities and discrimination.

Yet Lemon Queen believes this trend can and must be reversed since a positive representation of women in all their diversity can help change mentalities for the best and promote sex equality. And who better than a communication agency to have a direct impact on this representation? What better way than using this press release as a platform to get key messages across?

In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for Women’s Day because celebrating all the queens would be common practice. Representing women in a fair and equitable way across all media should be the norm. And Lemon Queen is proud not only that most of its clients share this view and make sure they consistently send positive messages throughout the year but also to collaborate with like-minded media and journalists.

If there are glimmers of hope in the general media, there is, however, still room for improvement for a large part of the air cargo press. While there are many women occupying top positions in the air freight business, they sadly rarely make the front page.

Audrey Serdjebi, CEO of Lemon Queen observes: “The very existence of specific award categories for women is enough to show that there is still work to be done, in our industry as in others, unfortunately. Not to mention the sudden surge of interviews with women that appears at this time of year and the sometimes patronizing angle of the questions that seem to forget that those women are, first and foremost, experts in the industry, 365 days a year…”

Communication and the media have a huge influence on the way women are portrayed in our society. This is especially true in advertising where strong visuals can make or break stereotypes. To show women in a different light can empower them, make them stand up for their rights, boost their self-esteem, encourage them to explore new roles and aspire to greater heights.

While this necessary change may seem slow, it is definitely underway. Because everyone can be an actor of change for our society, we all have a role to play in accepting, or not, the messages we are submitted to. Achieving a constant and normalized positive representation of women in the media is totally within our reach if we put our mind to it. Should this not be, after all, the least to be expected when dealing with no less than 52% of the world population.

Sustainability and environmental-friendly ecosystems will continue to be a priority in 2023

By implementing green supply chains, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, limit waste and pollution, enhance their reputation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market, as well as play a role in addressing global challenges like climate change and depletion of natural resources, affirms Dr Shereen Nassar, Global Director of Logistics Studies and Director of MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management Suite, Heriot-Watt University Dubai in this OpEd for Global Supply Chain.

The increased awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment is driving the rising demand for products and services produced and delivered in an eco-friendly manner. According to a survey by Nielson IQ, 72 per cent of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

The continued growth of the e-commerce sector has increased consumer demand, creating pressure for businesses to compete by offering more sustainable solutions. As concerns for sustainability and environmental responsibility continue to grow in both business and society, the discussion around the green supply chain in 2023 remains crucial.

Strategic implementation of a sustainable supply chain

According to a 2021 Insight Report by Boston Consulting Group, eight supply chains, from raw materials to end-product manufacturing account for more than 50 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Food industry has the biggest carbon footprint at 25 per cent of global emissions, followed by construction industry at 10 per cent.

To improve the supply chain sustainability, companies must implement a holistic and continuous approach to regularly evaluating and adjusting their practices as necessary. They must also adopt sustainable transportation methods, such as using electric vehicles or ships powered by alternative fuels, to reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, companies can consider certifying their supply chain as environmentally friendly through recognised sustainability standards, such as LEED or ISO 14001. Advanced technologies like AI and machine learning in the supply chain can assist companies in identifying risks, trends, and opportunities, thus reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency.

Although sustainable supply chain solutions like using renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving recycling and waste management, promoting fair labor practices, and ensuring ethical sourcing of materials are obvious choices for businesses to adopt, it takes years of disciplined approach to drive the overall change.

Regional outlook

The GCC region is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable business practices and reducing the environmental impact of industries. Governments are also taking steps to promote sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. For instance, Saudi Arabia has initiated Vision 2030 National Agenda to diversify its energy sources and create sustainable communities like NEOM.

Building the next generation of transport and logistics solutions, Etihad Rail is promoting a technologically advanced and sustainable transportation system to enhance the global business landscape. This aligns with the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Centennial 2071 by providing faster, greener, and more efficient transport solutions.

These initiatives aim to develop a future-focused and eco-friendly environment for living and working. Moreover, it is creating a supportive environment for companies that adopt green supply chain practices, which can improve their reputation and competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.

Since UAE will be hosting COP28, the supply chain sector in the region will face growing demands to tackle environmental concerns. This will lead to enactment of new laws that motivate businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability in their supply chain operations.

Key challenges to be addressed

Companies constantly struggle to streamline business processes and balance costs while creating an efficient and resilient supply chain. The perceived cost associated with implementing sustainable practices, investment in new technologies, and employment training are some key concerns for companies.

Additionally, there can be a lack of understanding about the benefits of green supply chains, making it difficult for companies to secure the necessary resources and support from stakeholders. Moreover, the resistance from suppliers unwilling or unable to adopt sustainable practices, makes it challenging for companies to fully integrate sustainable practices throughout their supply chains.

Furthermore, the lack of standardisation and transparency in reporting environmental impact can make it difficult for companies to compare their performance with others and set meaningful sustainability goals. Overcoming these barriers requires a commitment to sustainability at a strategic level, a clear understanding of the benefits, and revisiting business and supply chain strategies, and the development of industry-wide best practices and standards.

Upskilling and acquiring knowledge about green supply chain practices can significantly help the existing and future workforce to successfully incorporate sustainability in supply chains. Academics can play a significant role in providing knowledge and training in green supply chain management, which can prepare the professionals to deal with the challenges while helping organisations stay ahead of the.

It will not be an overstatement that knowledge capital will drive successful businesses and help companies incorporate sustainability in supply chains and overall operations to drive change.

Move aimed at empowering importers and exporters with best-in-class offerings

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recently announced the addition of Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port to the newly launched India-Saudi-Iraq (ISI) shipping service by Singapore-based feeder operator Bengal Tiger Line (BTL).

Aimed at empowering importers and exporters with best-in-class offerings, the regional route further strengthens the Kingdom’s maritime connectivity in its quest to establish itself as the world’s leading logistics destination in alignment with the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), a press communique indicated.

The ISI service links the Dammam-based hub to the Indian port of Mundra and the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr aboard a 929-TEU vessel.

A total of five cargo services linking Saudi Arabia to 43 global hubs were added to the rosters of Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port, and Jubail Commercial Port during January 2023.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning 19sqkm. alongside a host of integrated logistics capabilities, the world-class trade hub overlooking the Arabian Gulf was ranked fourteenth in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index for 2021, the press statement concluded.  

The free zone is enhancing the local agrifood sector’s development in line with the country’s National Food Security Strategy 2051

While conflict, natural disasters and factory closures have severely impacted the supply of global food products, DP World maintains a robust food supply chain in the Middle East and beyond, through state-of-the-art infrastructure and unmatched digital trade solutions. Abdulla Al Hashmi, the Chief Operations Officer for Parks & Zones at DP World UAE explains the key role the company plays in securing the food supply chain.

Al Hashmi said that “The National Food Security Strategy 2051, launched in 2018, played a massive role in supporting the country’s progress towards ranking first in the Food Security Index. As a result, in 2022, the nation ranked 23^rd worldwide and 1^st in the Arab world for food safety and quality. To further support the national agenda, companies in the UAE need to capitalise on advanced technologies to ensure a sustainable food supply, increase local food production, and diversify sources of food imports.”

How do DP World’s Parks & Zones support the UAE’s national food security strategies?

DP World operates four economic zones in the UAE and supports various other development areas. Two key contributors to the food sectors in the UAE are Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), our flagship free zone adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, and National Industries Park (NIP), an industrial zone in the local market.

“Jafza has always been a significant contributor to the UAE’s food sector and plays a vital role in supporting its long-term objectives; the free zone is home to over 600 food and agri-commodity companies from 68 countries.” Al Hashmi added, “Our strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure provide access to the GCC markets, which rely on imports to meet 85 per cent of their F&B requirements, and global access to the fast-growing F&B markets in MENA, South Asia, and Africa. Our role as a regional logistics hub is to ensure availability and access to F&B resources for the entire region,” he concluded.

NIP comprises 21 km² of industrial development land in the local market. It sits only four kilometres from Jebel Ali Port, and benefits from direct road access to Dubai’s main international airports. Al Hashmi explained, “Demand for food processing and distribution has been extremely high at NIP. Its location and local zone status make it an ideal destination for companies focusing on processing and distribution within the UAE and GCC.” Major food distribution, processing, and packaging companies such as Carrefour, Hunter Foods, Al Maya, and Nesto have established large-scale operations in NIP. Technology-focused F&B companies such as Kitopi, the multi-brand smart kitchen operator, are also present. “We have significant plans for the F&B sector’s development within NIP, and expect to make some important announcements soon,” Al Hashmi added.

In addition to supporting the food security strategy, Jafza and NIP’s F&B clusters contribute to national initiatives such as ‘Make it in the Emirates’ and ‘Operation 300bn’, increasing self-sufficiency through sustainable domestic food production supported by modern technologies.

“Since our earliest years, we have developed food-grade facilities to house processing, storage, and distribution activities. We have also attracted global food technology and sustainable production companies to enable agricultural irrigation, vertical farming, and energy efficiency,” Al Hashmi expressed.

To what extent does Jebel Ali’s Agri Terminal contribute to achieving zero hunger worldwide?

“In line with our aim to focus on facilitating global food trade, diversifying food import sources, and identifying alternative supply schemes, we launched Jebel Ali’s Agri Terminal. With the help of this new state-of-the-art facility, we look forward to enhancing the year-round availability of essential grains and pulses,” Al Hashmi explained.

The F&B Terminal will have a one million square metre quayside terminal of about 2 km to handle bulk shipments and dedicated space for 12 berths with a 14-16 m draft capable of handling large bulk carriers. It will be equipped to process cereals, meat and seafood products, bottled water, and dairy products, with specialised facilities for oil, tea, coffee, cacao, spices, and various other Agri commodities. The terminal will also have connectivity to the GCC via rail.

“We are working with existing and new partners to develop additional infrastructure and services that contribute to the UAE’s strategies and strengthen Jebel Ali’s position as a global gateway for trade in the F&B sector. The hub supports farm-to-shelf supply chain activities by enabling the development of new technologies for sustainable food production and deployment across the region,” he added.

One F&B company in Jafza, Fish Farm LLC, has already developed a fully environmentally controlled salmon breeding system with 34 fish breeding tanks and state-of-the-art technology to support the growth of the aquaculture sector in the region. Recently, the free zone also partnered with Prime Aquaculture FZE to build the region’s first shrimp-recirculating aquaculture system farm, a significant step to aid in the cultivation of shrimps and significantly increase output in the UAE to meet growing demand.

“The steady growth experienced by the F&B industry serves as a catalyst for businesses to set up distribution and processing activities in Jafza. In 2021 alone, the free zone facilitated the trade of F&B goods worth AED 15.9 billion. Despite current economic headwinds, industry experts forecast a yearly increase of 6.8 per cent between 2022 and 2027. Therefore, Jafza offers an ecosystem that provides multiple growth opportunities for food, livestock, and agriculture businesses,” Al Hashmi said.

What steps is the free zone taking to reduce the complexity of time-sensitive food imports and re-exports?

“As part of our objective to reduce the complexity of time-sensitive food imports and re-exports, we joined forces with Dubai Customs and Dubai Municipality to launch Zadi, an online cross-border trade facilitation service dedicated to food shipments. The digital F&B trade solution eliminates redundancies and connects all food inspection and border control authorities under a single window. One direct result of its implementation is increased efficiency and ease of doing business for suppliers across global markets,” Al Hashmi emphasised.

The Jafza Advantage

Stressing the added advantages offered by the free zone to its F&B cluster, Al Hashmi said, “We are an attractive destination for F&B companies due to several reasons, including our regulatory benefits, advanced infrastructure, and multimodal logistics options.”

Strategic location: Jafza is connected to Jebel Ali port, which is now the largest in the region and 12^th globally, and Al Maktoum International Airport, with an annual cargo capacity of 250 thousand tonnes. Companies in Jafza can also reach any GCC destination within 1-2 days by road.

Regulatory benefits: Jafza offers zero tax and duty incentives and simplified processes for setting up and operating a business.

The F&B industry is rapidly evolving, and the free zone is keeping in step with the UAE’s efforts to embrace technological advancements and adopt sustainable food practices that secure the nation’s food supply requirements.

Today, Jafza can effectively cater to all the growing and diverse needs of the F&B industry, from storage and processing to customised farm-to-shelf supply chain activities.

The cooperation aims to stimulate innovation in the UAE’s maritime sector to enhance doing maritime business and promote the attractiveness of the country’s ports and their maritime services

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched a strategic partnership with Marihub, a leading e-commerce service provider for commercial ships and maritime companies, to develop value-added services for the maritime sector and the UAE’s ports. The move, which coincides with the ‘UAE Innovates’ initiative, is part of the Ministry’s endeavour to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s maritime sector and consolidate its position as one of the best maritime hubs in the world.

The partnership aims to explore opportunities to enhance the maritime sector through digital tools and solutions, especially after the significant shift the industry has witnessed in terms of adopting digital solutions after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on this partnership, H.E. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE leads numerous global competitiveness indicators in the maritime sector. It is ranks 3rd globally in the Bunker Supply Index, 5^th as a key competitive maritime hub and 12^th in the transport lines index. This is a result of the competitive business environment the UAE provides, which attracts major international maritime companies and makes the country’s ports a preferred destination for international shipping lines. However, we will not rest on our laurels; we want to occupy the top position in all international maritime indicators. We look forward to innovations and digital platforms to contribute to enhancing the UAE’s position and improving its global ranking.”

Al Mansouri pointed out that this partnership complements several initiatives that seek to increase the contribution of the maritime sector to the UAE’s GPA, which is currently estimated at about AED 90 billion annually. The aim is to make the UAE’s blue economy a major pillar of its national economy.

More than 27,000 maritime companies work in the UAE. Last year, over 25,000 commercial ships called the UAE’s ports. The country has over 20 leading international seaports and some of the largest oil export ports in the world. The UAE ranks 7^th globally in the volume of container handling.

Promote doing maritime business

H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport, Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “At the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we seek to unify the maritime sector to build the UAE Maritime Cluster, and turn it into a powerhouse that enhances business growth opportunities and creates new capabilities for companies by bringing them together. Digital technologies are the best way to build this cluster, standardise information related to the maritime sector and develop innovative mechanisms to explore business opportunities that can benefit all stakeholders. Our partnership with Marihub, which has a pioneering experience in the digital sector, will attract more companies specialised in developing digital solutions to join the UAE Maritime Cluster.”

Al Malek added, “This partnership is yet another step to promote innovation in the maritime sector, especially that this month, the UAE celebrates innovation and developing the capabilities of the government system, which has become an international incubator for quality ideas. At the current stage, we focus all our innovations on building a sustainable and environmentally-friendly maritime sector. There is no doubt that technological tools and digital platforms that improve the work cycle and reduce unnecessary procedures are key means for achieving sustainability.”

Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship

Karim El-Najjar, Director of Marihub, said: “Our partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure confirms that the Ministry is the top sponsor of creativity and innovative ideas in the maritime industry. This supports the UAE’s endeavours to adopt digitisation and modern technologies to add value to the maritime industry and provide the best tools to improve the efficiency of businesses and increase their profitability. Since the inception of Marihub, we have seen the great impact digital solutions can achieve by saving time and operational costs.”

El-Najjar added, “Through our cooperation with the Ministry, we aim to make technology a cornerstone for building the UAE Maritime Cluster as well as enhance the UAE’s directions and leadership in sustainability and green technologies through the power of data. Our goal is to achieve the maximum benefit for the end consumer as this will promote the attractiveness of the UAE’s maritime sector and enhance its global position and competitiveness.”

This partnership is complemented by many other quality projects and initiatives the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has already launched. These include the UAE Maritime Cluster initiative and the Maritime Network, which aims to build a global network of professionals and experts to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s maritime sector and market it globally, making use of the strong presence of international maritime companies in the UAE.

By Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty

Supply chain operations in real estate development represent the most tangible, yet least flexible anchor points of a supply network. Likewise, the growth of e-commerce and the increased agility that this growth demands, makes it more crucial for businesses to evaluate supply chains when making real estate decisions. A strong supply chain is emerging as a critical demand in the property and construction industry, in order to effectively manage costs and complete projects within tight timelines. In a market that is recovering from the pandemic, it is widely acknowledged that businesses need to closely analyze their supply chain strategies to mitigate as much risk as possible.

Supply chain management for real estate firms comprises the coordination of people, properties, processes, vendors, information, and resources, that facilitate the timely delivery of products or services to the final customer. Due to the pandemic, the role of the supply chain has increased in importance and is even transitioning from an operational to a strategic level, where it can be further optimized by lowering costs and improving performance. Moreover, the supply chain has the biggest chance of assisting a business in achieving its objectives, when it is controlled at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels.

However, it is recognized that the construction sector suffers from supply chain management inefficiencies, which have led many successful businesses to insolvency. This can be significantly reduced if firms use new-age technology, which can streamline their supply chain and do away with labor-intensive paper-based invoicing and signing-off procedures that some organizations still use. The latest technologies can also increase the stakeholders’ access to real-time information, which would prevent delays and other issues before they arise. In addition to having the right technologies, it is also important to have the right people in charge and collaborate effectively in order to ensure success. 

Effective supply chain management can greatly affect the success, quality, and profitability of construction projects. As a result, real estate developers are now focused on embracing resiliency and responsibility in their supply chain management to adapt to external factors such as geopolitical conflicts, irregular shipping schedules, and new global legislations and policies, while also improving their impacts on the workforce, local communities, and the environment. Furthermore, by fostering cooperative communication between themselves and their suppliers, combined with technological innovations, improved efficiency, and supplier diversity, developers can effectively gain a competitive edge in the supply chain.

Opens one of the highest-structure retail distribution centres in the Emirate,

Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (ADCOOPS) has inaugurated one of the highest-structure retail distribution centres in the Emirate, at KEZAD area.

This pioneer project was developed by Makani Real Estate, the real estate arm of ADCOOPS. Significantly tall and standing at an impressive height of 27m, the warehouse is equipped with a phenomenal capacity of accommodating approximately 35,000 palettes.

Designed and built in line with international retail standards, this distribution centre is the bridge between partners to enhance delivery systems within and around the region. Equipped with a wide range of multi type rack systems, from VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) to mobile and selective racking system, this warehouse has six main chiller and freezer areas with the capability of housing products with an immense volume of 75,000cbm.

The facility will provide adequate storage methods of raw materials or manufactured goods for distribution and will enhance ADCOOPS logistics to its diverse network of hypermarkets and supermarkets.

Providing adequate infrastructures along with amenities for communities and local people is of utmost priority. Thus, the establishment of a distribution centre of this magnitude constitutes a driving force to support the path of success and a milestone in the history and future of Makani Real Estate and Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society,” commented Saeed Eid Saeed Al Ghafli, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, ADCOOPS.

The in-person event received the support of leading industry players, and aims to elevate the region’s breakbulk and project cargo sector

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the 2023 edition of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) opened its doors on the 13^th of February at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Registering an increase in visitors, the region’s leading breakbulk and project cargo event witnessed strong interest from industry professionals. The massive participation also indicated the industry stakeholders’ keenness to be a part of a well-knit network that has been instrumental in fuelling the growth of the sector in the past few years.

In addition to reuniting the sector under one roof, BBME’s agenda is strategically prepared to reinforce the growth of the sector, and bolster the region’s economy. Day one of the exhibition and conference incorporated discussions on opportunities that lie in the MENA region, most significant projects in the pipeline, latest trends, potential to tap into new markets, and digitalisation.

Kickstarting day one with his opening remarks, H.E. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “Since the past three years, the world has faced significant challenges due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical unrests. However, the UAE and its maritime sector emerged resilient and responded swiftly to overcome challenges, and satisfy global needs. Despite the unprecedented crisis, our ports demonstrated exceptional resilience to ensure a smooth flow of goods from one part of the world to the other, ensuring economic stability locally, regionally, and internationally. One of the key factors that enabled us to ensure business continuity and support industrial operations was our early adoption and active utilisation of advanced technology, positioning ourselves as a global icon for resilience and growth.”

“Our commitment to securing supply chains and ensuring the wellbeing of our maritime industry can evidently be seen in our competitive global ranking. In addition to ranking third in transport services trade and bunker supply index, the UAE was also re-elected to the Executive Council of the IMO under Category B, further consolidating our role in the global maritime spectrum. Despite these achievements, we look forward to constantly innovate and improve our capabilities in order to cement our position as a leading logistics and shipping hub. The support we have offered Breakbulk Middle East over the years aligns with this vision. BBME has proven to be one of the most successful and reliable events for the industry’s progress, offering a plethora of valuable opportunities, not only to formulate strategies, but also advance the sector in competitiveness,” H.E. Al Mansouri added.

Insightful sessions

The opening session, “MENA Project Review”, highlighted some of the most significant projects in the region’s pipeline. Led by Ryan McPherson, Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS, EICUK Middle East (Branch), the session provided insights on the potential economic impact of projects such the NEOM and King Salman Energy Park in Saudi Arabia, as well as the North Field East LNG expansion project in Qatar. The day also incorporated discussions on the opportunities that lie in markets such as Africa for the breakbulk and project cargo sector’s expansion during the “Africa as a Region of Opportunity: Outlook, Projects and Entering the Market” session.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World UAE & Jafza said: “At DP World, we recognise that the project cargo and breakbulk industry is the backbone of many businesses, from energy to construction and everything in between. As a leading smart trade enabler, we continually invest in technological solutions like Dubai Trade and CARGOES and upgrade our infrastructure to cater to the increased demands. Our investments allowed Jebel Ali Port to handle over 40 million metric tonnes of breakbulk cargo in the last 10 years. In 2022 alone, the port handled more than 4 million metric tonnes, up 11 per cent year-on-year and marking one of our most successful years in this sector.”

“As the host port of Breakbulk Middle East, we see the event catalysing growth and development while providing a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and experts to exchange ideas and drive progress. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the project cargo and breakbulk sector can be at the forefront, playing a vital role in accelerating the growth trajectory of the industry” Bin Damithan added.

Uniting industry players

Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East, said, “At BBME, our goal has always been to drive the sector’s growth by bringing together industry experts, aspiring professionals, and students for a constructive dialogue and collaboration on new projects. Day one’s sessions were very informative and received a positive feedback from our attendees. We hope to continue the same momentum on day 2, and build on this success for next year’s event. We are grateful for the unwavering support we have received from the government and private sector entities. We are excited for the day two, where we will address crucial topics such as the role of the women in the sector, and the future of the industry.”

The first day of BBME 2023 incorporated several insightful sessions. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to attend informative discussions on business outlook, rates, capacity, and sustainability, as well as insights on the role of mega projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and beyond.

Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day with several key sessions and initiatives, including Women in Breakbulk networking breakfast; End-to-End Logistics: Artificial and Business Intelligence Driving Efficiency in Ports; and Wind Energy in the UAE: Transportation, Installation, and Lessons Learnt. The conference will also host the Education Day for students, providing a unique opportunity for the next generation to learn and engage with industry leaders.

Investors stand to benefit from Qatar’s ultramodern infrastructure and its promising ecosystem

Qatar’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA Qatar) makes the case for making the country a magnet for investment as it emerges as a potential hub as a logistics nerve centre in the GCC and the wider Middle East.

Few events have tested the global logistics and supply chain network as drastically as the Covid-19 pandemic. The aftereffects of the worldwide disruptions will likely be felt for years. At the same time, the crisis brought existing vulnerabilities as well as opportunities to light.

In its midst, a strategically located Gulf state with links to Asia, Europe and Africa has reinforced its role as a reliable logistics hub, recording US$ 22,462mn revenue in logistics and warehousing in 2021.

Excellent connectivity

With 2bn people across more than 25 countries worth US$ 6tn in combined GDP within just 3,000 km reach, Qatar benefits from a unique sense of connectivity. Its national airline, Qatar Airways, connects to more than 150 international destinations, while Hamad Port, the largest multipurpose port in the region, services over 15 direct shipping lanes.

A recent Trading Hub sectoral study by the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) indicates that the country’s logistics market is forecast to outpace all competitors in the GCC region in terms of growth between 2020 and 2026.

Placed against the promising outlook of the global supply chains, logistics and warehousing industry, with a market size of US$ 9.5tn in 2021, investors stand to benefit from Qatar’s ultramodern infrastructure, booming industrial activity, and open approach to business.

Key drivers

The country already ranks in the top 20 per cent in logistics performance globally and second in the Middle East. But what are some of the key drivers of its flourishing trading sector?

Access to capital: Ready and complete industrial facilities for SME owners and entrepreneurs, coupled with low tariffs including for electricity, tax holidays and no customs duties on imports at Qatar Free Zones.

Robust support system: World-class free zones, industrial areas and logistical parks that offer a business-friendly environment and other support services for foreign investors.

Resilient transport & logistics connectivity: Global connectivity through Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Hamad Port with one of the world’s largest air cargo carriers, along with diversified trade partners for critical commodities and goods.

Technological infrastructure: Qatar ranks third in the Arab world on the Network Readiness Index 2021 and continues to work towards innovation. As an example, the Qatar Centre for Artificial Intelligence develops the latest AI tools and tech in the logistics, warehousing, and management space.

For foreign investors, it is a space of untapped potential, not least due to exponential growth in e-commerce and Qatar’s extensive trade and investment treaties, covering over 25 bilateral investment treaties, more than 80 double taxation treaties, and over 20 free trade agreements.

Strategic location

In addition to its strategic location, Qatar has developed advanced logistics systems, tying in world-leading air and sea ports with modern road and warehousing infrastructure. Unsurprisingly, the country’s logistics market experienced a 7 percent uptick in the last five years alone.

Perhaps one of its greatest feats has been the successful integration of the entire trading value chain, seamlessly connecting key players from the import/export side such as Milaha and Maersk, and logistics providers like DHL and DB Schenker with warehousing companies and retailers.

The world continues to search for ever-faster, more sustainable and streamlined ways to transport, store and deliver goods, much of this activity will focus on integrated logistics hubs such as Qatar creating a wealth of opportunities for investors and businesses in Qatar’s supply chain and logistics related sectors.

The growth of procurement within the region is on an uphill trajectory combined with the adoption of technology and supply chains. The market growth factors are the increasing need for procurement process automation and the rapid adoption of e-procurement technology. The rapid strides with which digital technology is being adopted by businesses are transforming the way they operate. From finance to procurement to marketing, digital technology empowers teams with better control over operations.

Verve Management is taking the lead with another premier initiative in the region, The Middle East ProcureTech Summit 2023. The summit devoted to a disruptive procurement sector will be unveiled on February 21–22, at Swissotel Al Murooj, Dubai, UAE.

At the summit, this year, will take a deep dive into the modified paradigm of the procurement industry, focused on the new technology adopted by the industry to change the procurement game. The summit aims to provide a platform for like-minded individuals to gather and discuss the new era of Digital Procurement with topics such as Cloud procurement, E-Procurement Solutions, and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), to name a few.

Over the course of two ground-breaking days, the summit is setting out to headline experts and key leaders within the industry including:

• Dirk Karl, Group Chief Procurement Officer, MTN

• Waleed Saeed Al Saeedi, Director, Procurement and Supply Management, Department of Tourism and Culture (Abu Dhabi)

• Rajkumar Adhya, Supply Chain Operations Director,AstraZeneca

• Amadou Dioulde Diallo, CEO, DHL, Deutsche Post

• Dr. Abdalla Abduljalil, Chief Contracts Specialist (Expert in Revenue, Expense Contracts, and B.O.T, PPP), Dubai Academic Health Corporation

• Tatjana Ozgoren, Director of Global Procurement – AMEA, PepsiCo

• Shakti Arora, Chief Procurement Officer, RAK Ceramics PJSC

• Heba Abdelhady, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Saudi German Health

• Maytham Al-Khairulla, VP of Procurement and Business Support, OSN

• Amit Bhatia, Supply Chain Director – IMEA, LVMH Beauty

• Shannon Hore, Senior VP- Procurement and Logistics, Abu Dhabi Airports

• Stephen Rea, Chief Procurement Officer, Al Ghurair

• Mohamed Samak, Global Procurement Director, Aramex International

• Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS MENA, CIPS (Dubai)

• Shailen Shukla, Chief Logistics Officer, Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group

• Chamath Nawaratne, Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Air Liquide

• Vineet Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, Babyshop

• Hon. Peter Gesper, SVP of IT, Noon.com

• Remya Venugopalan, Director of Operations, International Modern Hospital

• Engr. Ammar AlAboud, VP of Consulting & Research, Supply Chain and Procurement Society

• Suhail Siddiqui, Procurement Director, Juma Al Majid for Electro-Mechanical Works

• Sandeep Sharma, Director- Group Procurement and International Market Supply Chain, Alamar Foods- Domino’s Pizza

• Vishal Noronha, Group Head of Procurement, Gargash Group

• Aslam Labeeb, Head of Supply Chain & IT, Gulf International

• Brish Bhan Vaidya, Head of APAC Sourcing & Global Buying Center, UBER

• Shashi Kiran, Group General Manager – Supply Chain, Jashanmal National Group

• Huzefa Boxwala, Head of Supply Chain Innovation, Henkel Corporation

• Sara Omer, Sales Director Middle East & Africa, iValua

• Arnaud Malarde, Senior Product Marketing Manager, iValua

• Prasanna Rajendran, Vice President – Head of Business, Kissflow,

• Abhinav Suresh, Director and P&L Leader- Middle East and Africa, Locus

The Middle East ProcureTech Summit will be an invaluable opportunity to network with industry leaders, who will set out to delve into all of the latest technological advances in procurement to help drive businesses forward.

Middle East ProcureTech Summit 2023 is supported by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Supply Chain and Procurement Society (SCPS), and Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG). The summit will be braced by the presence of some key industry leaders and solution providers like Ivalua, a leading provider of cloud-based Spend Management software, and Kissflow Procurement Cloud, a flexible source-to-pay platform for procurement teams to manage all their procurement spends in a single place.

The Middle East ProcureTech Excellence Awards 2023 will be held at the summit as part of the Middle East Procuretech Summit. The Awards will celebrate Procurement, Supply Chain, and Logistics leaders who have worked constantly towards improving disrupted supply chains through innovating and adopting advanced technology.

For registration and to participate in the event: info@verve-management.com

For more information, please visit our website: www.meprocuretech.com

Targets $300 million revenue from the new terminal

• New facility to boost the petrochemical trade in the Middle East and globally

• State-of-the-art Chemical Terminal covers an area of 20,000 square metres

• Project’s tank-farm has a total storage volume of over 34,000 cubic metres

• New terminal leverages Jebel Ali Port’s unique role as a global trade facilitator

• The global petrochemical market is expected to reach $5.4 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period

AquaChemie Middle East – a leading regional player for process industry chemicals in the GCC region and part of the UAE-based AquaChemie Group – has formally inaugurated its world-class Petrochemical Terminal in DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. The advanced $50 million (AED 184 million) terminal will be one of the most functional and versatile bulk liquid terminals in the GCC region serving as a vital gateway to facilitate and boost the growing petrochemical trade between manufacturers and end-users across the Middle East and globally.

The facility was officially inaugurated on February 2, 2023 in a well-attended opening ceremony by the chief guest, Abdullah Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World UAE & JAFZA; guest of honour, Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India, Dubai & Northern Emirates; together with Subrato Saha, Managing Director, AquaChemie; and Anand Kumar, Managing Director, AquaChemie; in the presence of senior DP World and JAFZA officials, industry associates, and the media.

AquaChemie commissioned Mott MacDonald, the globally renowned engineering, management, and development consultancy, for the new facility’s design detailed engineering and project management, with the region’s leading mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil contractors also being on boarded for the project’s completion in record time.

The foundation of the Petrochemical Terminal was laid on November 23, 2020, with the new facility being awarded its OFC (Operation Fitness Certificate), along with all of the required regulatory certifications from Dubai Civil Defense and DP World on January 18, 2023.

The facility has been fully CDI-T (Chemical Distribution Institute – Terminal) assessed and is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certified. The terminal has already serviced the first vessel carrying chemicals.

The Chemical Terminal covers an area of 20,000 square metres and is located some 500 metres from Chemical Berth 4 in Jebel Ali Port. The new facility is linked by five SS pig-gable jetty pipelines, making it one of the most functional and versatile bulk liquid terminals in the GCC region.

With a total storage volume of over 34,000 cubic metres, the 26 large tanks in tank-farm A, B, C, and D are well equipped to handle over 100 UN Class 3 and 8 chemicals. The terminal has three tanker truck loading bays for top and bottom loading of tankers and ISO tanks, five semi-automatic drumming lines, a warehousing facility with over 6,300 drums, a dedicated ISO tank storage area, and a weigh bridge at the truck entry point.

The terminal is fully monitored and controlled from a central control room. AquaChemie’s corporate headquarter building is located on the same site as the terminal facility, so as to allow the leadership team to stay in close proximity. The corporate building houses the terminal’s operation control room, support and sales staff offices, dining and recreation areas, management office and board room.

Speaking on the occasion, Subrato Saha, Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: “It took us over four years to bring the AquaChemie terminal from concept to reality. We are thankful to have met such capable collaborators along the way who assisted us in shaping it. We pledge to our customers, employees, investors, and neighbours that we will conduct business in the safest, most environmentally and socially responsible manner possible, for both current and future generations.”

“AquaChemie group’s revenue target for the new terminal over the next three years is $300 million (AED1.1 billion). The storage facility has been built primarily for AquaChemie’s captive distribution of products. It strengthens the business case for chemical supply by increasing economies of scale, lowering freight costs, and expanding into new industries and geographies,” Saha added.

Petrochemical manufacturers and end-users are located globally, meaning that chemicals must constantly move between them. In terms of packing volumes and the geographic location of the manufacturer and end-user industry for petrochemical products, there is a significant supply chain gap. The new terminal, which is essentially a break-bulk facility, now fills the supply chain void by serving as a strategic hub for the liquid petrochemical trade and distribution.

The regional petrochemical industry also stands to benefit from the new terminal as the facility is located in Jebel Ali Port, which is part of a trade network connecting one-third of the world’s locations, while also offering the advantage of streamlined customs clearance and other trade-related processes.

With the new facility the petrochemical sector also gets to avail of expanded opportunities in the local ecosystem involving logistics, transportation, and other service providers. The sector can now also enjoy the benefit of increased competition and professional players, while customers can additionally benefit from improved cost efficiency and services and higher end-user companies’ access to international markets.

Highlighting the benefits of the newly opened facility Anand Kumar, Managing Director of AquaChemie, explained: “Our new state-of-the-art terminal is a step towards backward integration of our current oil and gas offering for the upstream and downstream petrochemical sectors. The supply reliability and lower supply chain cost will immensely benefit our existing customers as chemicals will be delivered on time so that the customers’ operations are not disrupted.

“The new terminal will also assist in the formation of strategic alliances with regional and global manufacturers of petrochemicals, in order to distribute bulk products to customers in smaller packaging. To maximise capacity utilisation and partially offset operation costs, a few tanks in the new facility will be leased for third-party storage. Chemicals hold enormous promise for the region. We hope, humbly, to contribute to this value chain,” Kumar added.

Snehal Karia, VP Business Development of AquaChemie, stated: “I am especially excited about our combined offering of a centrally located storage terminal supplemented by local setup in each Middle Eastern country. We will become a dependable chemical product supplier all year round, and serving on all days. Our new facility now enables the storage of several new products with improved pricing and availability for end-users.”

Vishal Patel, GM Terminal of AquaChemie, noted: “Having worked in chemical multinationals, I was pleasantly surprised to find AquaChemie’s safety and professional mindset to be on par with the best. The new terminal is also extremely adaptable and reliable in terms of asset availability and operability. Furthermore, outsourcing operations to MDR’s professional team, internationally recognised for process facility operation, has simplified my job.”

China, the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea are amongst the top six countries, by volume, producing bulk petrochemicals worldwide. The global petrochemical market is expected to reach $5.4 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.

GWC has been accredited in the GCC Authorized Economic Operator Program, adding another feather to its cap as it pursues out its mission to deliver unrivaled service to its clients.

Following the formal commencement of the GCC AEO Program on 1 January 2023, enabling GWC to function as an authorized economic operator. This comes as a progression to GWC becoming the first logistics company in Qatar to get Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification in customs clearance category in 2021.

With quicker turnaround and greater compliance with top-notch safety and security standards, GWC was able to offer its diverse range of services.

Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO of GWC, commented, “Obtaining the GCC AEO Program accreditation strengthens our position as the top logistics supplier in Qatar. This is the result of our efforts to provide the best caliber of services, and it gives us tremendous pride. We look forward to helping our clients and providing them with enhanced supply chain solutions”.

In accordance with World Customs Organization norms, the General Authority of Customs introduced the Authorized Economic Operation Program in 2019 to foster engagement and cooperation with the private sector to facilitate international trade.

The GCC AEO program gives GCC-wide benefits on procedures, laws, customs clearance, among other advantages, and enables qualified traders to collaborate with customs authorities and the private sector.

The GCC Authorized Economic Operators are given additional benefits and incentives by the General Authority of Customs in the State of Qatar which streamlines the customs’ processes for the certified businesses.

Following the opening of a new chemicals and dangerous goods warehouse in Malaysia last year, Leschaco has now signed a lease with industrial land developer DHG (David Hart Group) developing a new ADR warehouse facility in Moerdijk, Netherlands.

Situated in a strategic location between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp – the two most important seaports in Europe – Moerdijk guarantees optimal accessibility to the European hinterland and ensures that customers’ products are transported in an efficient manner in terms of cost, speed, accessibility and frequency. The new facility is scheduled to be ready in the 3rd quarter of this year.

The new chemical logistics center has optimal multimodal transport links: In addition to the proximity to the seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, access to the two most important waterways in the Netherlands – the Rhine and the Meuse with daily barge traffic to/from Rotterdam and Antwerp – as well as direct connections to the A16 (Antwerp-Breda-Rotterdam), A59 and A17 (Moerdijk-Roosendaal-Antwerp) are essential prerequisites for smooth transport handling. In addition, two public rail terminals in the vicinity are available for use.

The warehouse offers space for approximately 45,000 pallets on an area of 29,000 sqm. It is divided into five sections. Four of them are equipped with CO₂ extinguishing systems, specifically designed for the storage of chemicals and dangerous goods, while the fifth is for the storage of general cargo and is equipped with ESFR sprinklers.

“This project is an important strategic milestone for our presence in Europe. It is also necessary to meet the increasing demand in the region and to be closer to our customers,” says Constantin Conrad, Managing Partner of Leschaco Group.

“The new logistics center offers our global customers in the chemical, healthcare, automotive, industrial materials and consumer goods sectors a wide range of services and, in combination with other Leschaco products, complex logistics solutions at the highest level. In addition to pallet storage, this includes various kinds of value-added services according to our customers’ demands,” adds Sebastian Haebler, Head of Global Contract Logistics at Leschaco.

David Hart, Owner DHG, supplements “Leschaco and DHG are both family businesses, our motivation, standards and values are very similar. Partly for this reason, we are honored to add Leschaco to our DHG “family” and to be a part of their expansion within Europe.”

The new building meets all safety and environmental standards. Solar panels on the roof will be able to cover part of the electricity demand. Other sustainable measures, such as the use of electric floor heating instead of gas or oil installations, LED lighting, and the highest construction standards for isolation, also contribute to improving the climate balance, as do the short distances to the port of Moerdijk for transport by barge and rail and e-charging stations for cars.

Information DHG: DHG is the biggest developer of large logistics real estate at its own risk in the Netherlands. Since 2015, DHG has realized over 1.3 million sqm of distribution centers according to the SMARTLOG concept – DC’s of guaranteed quality and with defined specifications. These distribution centres are designed in such a way that they are suitable for a wide range of types of user. All our distribution centres and terminals are situated in top logistical locations, right by waterways, roads, terminals and airports. At this moment approximately 300.000 sqm is under construction, planned to be delivered in 2023.

Company information: The Leschaco Group is a traditional, owner-managed logistics service provider and offers intercontinental logistics solutions for sea and air freight as well as contract logistics and tank container operation. As proven partner for leading companies in plant construction and mechanical engineering, automotive, chemical and related industries, producers of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. Leschaco offers comprehensive logistics solutions from one single source. Our globally standardised IT–environment guarantees the required high process transparency. The company was founded under the name of Lexzau, Scharbau by Wilhelm Lexzau and Julius Scharbau in Hamburg in 1879. Today, the group is represented in 24 countries worldwide. This network is supported by a carefully selected network of agents. The company insists on a sustainable business development and its headquarters are in Bremen.

As part of its ambitious growth strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, GROHE is partnering with Bayt Alebaa to showcase its latest breakthroughs, reiterating its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s transformation, and contributing to its vibrant economic diversification. ​GROHE, one of the global leaders in complete bathroom and kitchenfittings is partnering with Bayt Alebaa, Jeddah – the Kingdom’s go-to destination for ceramics, marble, kitchens and sanitaryware. This is the first-of-its-kind showroom featuring GROHE’s exquisite designs, innovative sustainability solutions, and advanced technology.

The partnership with Bayt Alebba is another strategic step by GROHE as it expands its presence in the Kingdom. The showroom will showcase GROHE’s GET collection of faucets available exclusively at Bayt Alebba. In addition, consumers and businesses in the Kingdom will have access to GROHE’s range of bestselling bath and kitchen solutions that have been specifically designed to meet sustainability and design standards, with their contemporary design and future-oriented functions.

Fawzi Dernaika, Leader, KSA, LIXIL EMENA, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Bayt Alebaa in Jeddah, which will enable our customers to experience the beauty, elegance and cutting-edge innovation that defines GROHE’s products. Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic progress is spurred by new projects in real estate, hospitality, and public infrastructure. We are proud to support this strategic growth with a strengthened product portfolio for consumers as well as the commercial and residential sector, which will be showcased at Jeddah. Our vision is centered on delivering some of the smartest and most innovative solutions for our customers in KSA and beyond.”

With the launch of GROHE’s partnership with Bayt Alebba, many Saudi consumers can now enjoy access to GROHE products that champion sustainable and responsible water consumption. GROHE’s Saudi expansion is also aligned with the Kingdom’s key objectives in Saudi Vision 2030 to reach net zero by 2060 through new investments in energy and water conserving technologies. GROHE’s range of products offers contemporary designs adapted to suit modern lifestyles and sustainability demands – such as touchless faucets that can reduce water consumption by up to 70% and contribute significantly towards green accreditation. In the last ten years alone, GROHE has received over 300 design and innovation awards as well as several top rankings as one of Germany’s most sustainable large brands.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) strengthens its historic partnership with IVECO by co-developing fluids for IVECO’s new zero-emission eDAILY vehicles, designed to maximise performance and enhance sustainable solutions for the commercial automotive industry.

The long-standing collaboration between the two industry leaders, grounded in automotive innovation and resilience since 1975, has resulted in thousands of hours of co-engineering, producing the highest-quality standard of lubricants to meet the needs of IVECO drivers. The new fluids demonstrate both PLI and IVECO’s common goal towards achieving a sustainable future.

Described to be the ‘electric twin’ of IVECO’s iconic ‘Daily’ vehicles, the eDAILY covers all commercial vehicle usage applications – including heavy-duty missions and conversions. The new EV represents a significant contribution to the decarbonization of transport vehicles for commercial use, backed by fluids that improve performance to make vehicles last longer.

PETRONAS Iona Integra Plus has been developed for the eDAILYs e-Transfer box, specifically designed to reduce churning losses, whilst ensuring the durability of the system. This is comparable to higher viscosities in standard fluids and ensures excellent oxidation properties, even in the case of high temperatures. PETRONAS Iona delivers impeccable optimised performance and durability for modern-day, high-level EVs.  

The eDAILY vehicles will also be using the PETRONAS Tutela Axle 900 HD, a SAE 75W-85 axle oil that has been developed for the whole range of IVECO axles, including light and heavy-duty vehicles, to maximise efficiency and meet the latest regulations requirements.

Domenico Ciaglia, Managing Director EMEA at PLI said, “We know that unbeatable performance is vital for IVECO drivers, many of whom take on long and demanding journeys. The PETRONAS Iona and Tutela ranges for IVECO’s new eDAILY EVs demonstrate the importance of partnership between our two companies. The joint efforts in innovation, co-engineering and collaborations will certainly contribute to creating a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.”

The co-branded lubricants are only the latest result in a thirty year-long collaboration between PLI and IVECO, which benefit IVECO drivers and provide them with a guarantee that their vehicles will stay the course and perform to the highest industry standards.

The Association for Finnish Work has awarded the Key Flag symbol to Nokian Heavy Tyres’ heavy-duty tires, wheels and retreading materials. The symbol can be awarded to products manufactured or a service produced in Finland, with a minimum domestic content of 50 percent of their break-even cost. Design from Finland mark indicates the products are designed in Finland – and the company has demonstrably invested in Finnish design.

The world is changing rapidly, and that has elevated the demand and appreciation for domestic work and products. And so, it is natural that Nokian Heavy Tyres wants to honor its origins and point out that its products are made in Finland. That is what the respected Key Flag symbol stands for.

Every heavy-duty tire, wheel and retreading material by Nokian Heavy Tires has been designed and manufactured in Finland – where the roots of the company lie. Only the truck and bus tires are manufactured elsewhere in the EU.

“We have always wanted to make sure our customers and stakeholders know, where our tires are designed and manufactured”, says Manu Salmi, the managing director of Nokian Heavy Tyres.

“We are proud of our long history and high expertise, which represents the world’s absolute top in our industry – our forestry tires being one prime example.”

A flag to carry with pride

The Key Flag has been in use from 1965. It has a long history and a great reputation. Reetta Mentu, the marketing manager of The Association for Finnish Work, describes the importance the symbol:

“Consumers associate the Key Flag symbol with a positive image of domestic quality, reliability, safety, responsibility and employment”, Mentu lists and adds: ”With the Key Flag symbol, companies can communicate important values to their customers and other stakeholders. 92 percent of the companies that have been awarded the Key Flag symbol state that the symbol supports the sales of products and services.”

Exporting domestic design

Design from Finland mark is a testament to Finnish, responsible and professional design.

“When it comes to our products – for example the tires and wheels for heavy machinery – we pick our chosen materials based on their sustainability and safety”, the managing director Salmi tells.

“We want to ensure the usability and high quality of our products. The new research and development center, in Nokia, which has been running since 2020, is one concrete example of this endeavor.”

During the recent years, large investments and relentless effort have been put in the product development. New products with unique and uncompromising design have then come to fruition. They have already attracted a lot of attention worldwide.

“We are a global player. And we wouldn’t do this well without our international staff and partner network”, tells Manu Salmi gratefully. “But at the same time, we are very proud of our Finnish roots  It is an honor for us to show the rest of the world what amazing design work and products we do here in Finland. And I am very happy this effort has now been recognized.”

The UAE’s leadership supports the transformation of the country’s industrial sector into a global manufacturing hub

‘Make it in the Emirates’ is an open invitation to investors, innovators and developers to contribute to the UAE’s industry and advanced technology strategy, ‘Operation 300bn’.

Increasing numbers of investors notably manufacturing and production companies are gravitating to the UAE, taking advantage of the Government’s resolve to provide incentives, sops, tax relief’s, subsidies and waive-offs.

The call to ‘Make in the UAE’ provides them with an opportunity to benefit from the UAE economy’s tremendous and unique value proposition by investing in future industries and advanced manufacturing and exporting UAE products to new global markets.

“The decision by HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to issue a new law to regulate and develop the country’s industrial sector helps to create an attractive business environment for investors, strengthens the UAE’s position as a global industrial hub, and reflects positively on the performance and growth of the industrial sector.

This law will drive industrial development through empowerment, integration, and partnerships, pillars of empowerment,” affirmed Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director and Group CEO, ADNOC and Chairman, Masdar.  

“This law provides the flexibility to issue more incentives in the form of policies and programs, which are linked to national strategies, some of which have already been implemented, such as the National In-Country Value program, Industry 4.0, and the Technology Transformation Program. It will encourage new programs to be rolled out in the future to support the efforts of the industrial sector,” the Minister further asserted.

Why invest in the UAE?

The UAE’s industrial ecosystem is conducive to growth, as industrialists can easily access financial, advisory and technical support to establish and develop their businesses. The offer is particularly attractive to companies associated with the logistics and supply chain sectors.

The country boasts a diverse energy mix at competitive prices. Topping regional and global indices in logistics, transport and communications, its advanced infrastructure comprises 10 civilian airports, numerous cargo companies (and counting), as well as 12 sea and commercial trading ports capable of handling more than 17mn tons and a cargo capacity of 80mn tons annually.

The UAE also ranks high in global indicators that measure economic performance and ease of doing business, in addition to enjoying a strong credit rating. The country’s legislative framework is considered the most advanced in the region and its strategic location makes it a global link. From the UAE, it is possible to reach global markets spanning five billion people through flights that do not exceed eight hours.

How can companies benefit from the campaign?

Through a partnership between Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies (MoIAT) and Emirates Development Bank (EDB), industrial investors, innovators and entrepreneurs can receive significant financial and advisory support from EDB.

The bank is the financial driver of Operation 300bn and provides a wide variety of services to industrial players. Services include financing advanced technology and equipment, sponsoring machinery and equipment upgrades, especially those involving Fourth Industrial Revolution (4.0) applications, as well as green finance, business expansion, structured financing and capital investment, feasibility studies and business incubators.

Global Supply Chain highlighted two UAE companies—Acme Intralog from Dubai and Lubrex from the Hamriya Free Zone, Sharjah, as lead case studies for successful track records in their pursuit and resolve to ‘Make it in the UAE’.

Acme records increased demand for its warehouse automation solutions

UAE based Acme Intralog has recorded a 30% increase in demand for the company’s warehousing automated solutions and manufactured products all produced in the UAE in fiscal 2022.

“This growth is predominantly driven by retail and e-commerce sectors that are looking for solutions for order picking and sortation. If operated manually, these processes are often the most time-consuming, while also being repetitive and dull. Automating these processes can increase productivity as well as accuracy significantly,” affirmed Navin Narayan, CEO, Acme Intralog.

Range of solutions

At the company’s manufacturing facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Acme develops and produces a complete range of material handling solutions such as conveyors, AS/RS control systems. They also design and manufacture customised factory automation solutions for a variety of industries in the region. Acme continues to make significant investment in R&D to develop competitive and innovative solutions.

Acme provides its customers with an end-to-end life cycle support service that can be deployed both on-site as well as on an on-call basis. Their team can help customers manage equipment maintenance, safety, and obsolescence management as well as training customer maintenance staff to safely maintain and improve machine and system longevity.

“As a local manufacturer, we have strong design and consulting capability based out of our Dubai facility. This enables us to provide quick and accurate solutions that cater to our customers’ requirements,” Navin Narayan observed.

Advanced manufacturing facility

“With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jebel Ali, we are able to manufacture to European specification and CE standards at affordable prices with short lead times and therefore fast project delivery times,” he added.

“In addition to this our large after sales team in the region can support our customers with life cycle maintenance as well as operation support so that they are never left without support once the system is handed over. Particularly in the UAE, we have seen great opportunities in the push for the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative by our Government as well as the increasing appetite for Industry 4.0 solutions across the whole region,” he asserted.

Over the past over 47 years since inception, Acme has gained great trust and respect within the MENA region and developed a huge base of customers. Their continuing successes can in no small measure be attributed to Acme’s local manufacturing capabilities and indigenous production that enables the company to deliver customised solutions that are tailored to the needs of the region.

Lubrex: Championing Indigenization – Home-grown manufacturer supports local production

Lubrex FZC is a leading lubricant manufacturing company, registered in Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, UAE. It was established in 2005 as the flag bearer in the UAE of a group of lubricant manufacturing oil exporting companies with decades of experience.

With a primary focus on the GCC, Middle East, Far East and Africa, Lubrex is uniquely positioned to lead in manufacturing, development and marketing in the regional and international markets, providing unmatched level of support and services for its customers.

Producing its distinctive products in the UAE is a trademark and Unique Selling Proposition (USP) for the company. The company has made local production the centerpiece of its corporate objectives.

Critical factors

Having realised that a critical factor of success in any venture is the access to specific industry knowledge, the company is founded and articulated by a team of leading industry professionals, strategic partners, and business associates, which in turn have encouraged and emboldened the company to participate in one of the most challenging markets in the world.

Lubrex uses state of the art automated blending systems with latest machineries to keep products precisely blended avoiding any avoid human errors, ensuring consistency in the delivery of products in scheduled time without compromising in quality.

Lubrex lubricants are made from first grade mineral oils, virgin base oils, and high-quality additives to meet industry standards. According to a company official local procurement, given the advanced, highly developed infrastructure complemented by the investment policies of the UAE, the local sourcing and local production makes sound economic sense.

Furthermore, this move strengthens the local and national manufacturing ecosystem thereby consolidating the national economy whilst providing employment opportunities. 

Lubrex has an impressive track record built on the ‘Make in the Emirates’ model. Abbas Moniri, Managing Director, Lubrex, responded to a questionnaire from Global Supply Chain specific to localization of its operations and advocacy of manufacturing in the UAE.

Global Supply Chain (GSC): Why did you espouse the cause for ‘Make it in the Emirates’?

Abbas Moniri (AM): We are proud of our global expertise and international staffs, but we are also proud of our regional roots and our understanding the local market needs.

By adopting ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign, we can ensure our costumers the best of both worlds, global know-how and local understanding. Briefly, make the case for ‘Make it in the Emirates’…. incentives of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

UAE has always been a major player in the regional and global trade routes. This is not just for its strategic location, but also for its infrastructure that incubates innovation and incentivises creativity in all aspects. ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign is a great example of that, and we are proud of being part of it.

GSC: Describe your partnership with Acme Intralog?

AM: We appointed Acme Intralog to design and build an end-of line solution for us that would seamlessly integrate with our automated production line.

Through this partnership, our palletisation will be fully automated, which will enhance our overall productivity as our production capacity was significantly higher than the volumes we could handle at the end of line.

It was important to us to work with a solution provider who manufactures their systems in the UAE as they could offer a custom solution for us as well as fast installation and maintenance services.

GSC: How did Acme empower local production and profitability? How specifically was Acme associated with your operations?

AM: With Acme’s solution we can now palletise our range of close to 200 types of products coming from four production lines onto two outbound lines. The new optimized system (which includes two palletising robots) would help us increase our end of line productivity by 210%.

The robots are equipped with customised universal grippers that can lift boxes of different sizes and shape as well as prepare empty pallets on the outbound lines. That way, we do not have any interruptions when the production lines change, or a pallet is filled and ready for shipping.

GSC: What are your UAE and regional expansion plans?

AM: Our plan is simple: To be the best, and then to remain the best.

As simple as it can be said, this is only achievable by hard work, and investing in research and development. With ambitions like ours and the support we have from the UAE as an incubator of success, the sky is the limit.

2022 was a year of triumph, and it culminated in an unforgettable celebration: the best FIFA World Cup^TM in history.

For GWC, the leading logistics provider, it was an endorsement of the company’s confidence in delivering seamless logistical execution of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM.

GWC celebrated the success with honoring the outstanding team delivering on the 2022 commitment to deliver glory. This recognition comes from the company’s ethos in the importance of appreciating every sincere work and distinguished effort.

Speaking about this, Shaikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, Chairman of GWC stated: “delivering the World Cup was a huge and complex logistics mandate and required immense coordination, agile execution and quick thinking, and the GWC team delivered on all counts. The team serves with so much dignity and pride in what they do.”

“The World Cup made Qatar the center of the world for that one month – and it was up to the GWC team to ensure that people all over the world remember our nation’s achievements, and the team delivered beautifully.” he further added.

Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO of GWC commented: “A human-centered supply chain model has been at the heart of GWC since the very beginning in 2004. Port executives, skilled warehousemen, packing specialists, delivery drivers, installation crew, inventory experts, quality supervisors, safety experts and line managers to name a few. Building a strong people-driven workforce of 5,000+ spread across diverse geographies around the world and seasoned to tackle logistical challenges at scale.”

“It is an honor to lead such a dedicated and responsive workforce. The successful execution of this World Cup wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and diligence of GWC staff. For more than a decade, every member of GWC’s team has performed their role remarkably, thus setting a benchmark for professionalism.” Added Menon,

GWC’s workforce occupies a very important part of the company’s mandate for employee welfare. For this very purpose, GWC had set up a fan zone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM for all the GWC staff which witnessed a huge turnout throughout the tournament and gave the employees a sense of what they have worked to achieve. The fan zone featured live screening of all the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM matches, bringing them closer to the actual event and echoing the ambience of the stadiums.

GWC outline extensive logistics mandate during Qatar 2022^TM as the country looks forward to hosting more major international mega-events in the future.

The resounding success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ lays a platform for the country to host major international events long into the future. The tournament will also significantly boost the development of business sectors across the country – including logistics.

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, GWC, said: “we have spent years preparing for this mega-event and stood ready to support Qatar, the local organizing committee and FIFA to deliver a memorable edition of international football’s showpiece event. We are also determined to leverage this tournament to deliver a robust economic legacy that benefits businesses large and small for generations to come – in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

A colossal undertaking

Delivering the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world involved a gigantic logistical mandate, which was handled in Qatar by GWC; the Official Logistics Provider for the tournament.

The numbers involved are staggering: GWC handled more than 15 million cans of beverage, 1.8 million pieces of equipment, 117,900 pieces of furniture, 20,400 traffic and safety assets, 34,700 office supplies and 20,000 spectator and traffic barriers. This was in addition to all the tournament equipment, including kits, uniforms and footballs. Transporting fresh food and beverages to a host of tournament sites was another key deliverable. For the media, GWC handled more than 30,000 pieces of equipment, including cameras, tripods and lighting, with everything delivered to and from eight stadiums, 36 team base camp hotels, two airports, two seaports, media hubs, fan zones and other sites.

Serving the logistics requirements of an event as large as the FIFA World Cup^TM needs a forward-thinking strategy in order to deliver a seamless operation. GWC implemented a control tower approach for Qatar 2022^TM which delivered according to a master delivery schedule (MDS). This acted as the central point for all logistical activities; from the time an order needs to be picked up, where it has to be delivered, the time it is due and its current status.

Vision coming to fruition

From a logistics standpoint; people, processes and technology are the key ingredients, according to GWC’s Group CEO, Ranjeev Menon. “When you are delivering the logistics mandate of the FIFA World Cup^TM, detailed planning is imperative,” said Menon. “What we saw during Qatar 2022^TM was the result of years of preparation. It was our plans – and those of our stakeholders in Qatar and globally – coming to fruition.”

“In order to optimise the value chain and unlock maximum potential, it is essential for companies to get the right balance between people, processes and technology. At GWC, we believe the success of Qatar 2022^TM was people-driven, technology-fuelled and goal-orientated,” Menon added.

Qatar’s growing MSMEs sector

Hosting the FIFA World Cup^TM has cemented Qatar’s status as a global hub for major international events – laying a platform for significant economic development, in particular helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) flourish in the country and across the region.

In early 2022, GWC opened Al Wukair Logistics Park, its largest logistics park to date. Covering an area of 1,500,000m² that caters specifically for MSMEs. The site provides all their commercial needs, as well as affording an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses. GWC is an enabler and catalyst for MSMEs – helping them to establish and grow their businesses and leverage Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup.

Menon said: “MSMEs have benefitted massively from the World Cup in a vast range of sectors, including logistics. The challenge now is for MSMEs to leverage the tournament’s legacy and grow their businesses, supported by the platform which Qatar built.”

Menon praised Qatar’s leadership for fostering a conducive business environment and helping the logistics industry to flourish – boosted significantly by hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet.

“We have received massive support from all sectors from day one of our journey. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the vision, commitment and passion of Qatar’s wise leadership,” said Menon.

“One area of particular support would be Qatar’s management of the public-private-partnership, something GWC is proud to be taking part in. Through this partnership, we are committed to developing Qatari abilities and reinforcing the logistics sector’s role and contribution to economic development, while offering direction to government projects for new approaches and modern vision in managing national projects efficiently and sustainably.”

Integrated systems and dedicated staff

Delivering Qatar 2022^TM involved an extensive range of services, including asset management and tracking, asset recovery and dissolution, pre-receipt processes, warehousing, pick, pack and dispatch, logistics fleet management, materials distribution, vehicle delivery permit distribution, freight forwarding, customs clearance, reverse logistics and last mile delivery.

A prime example of such operation was the distribution of +200,000 match tickets both locally and internationally. The operation included collection of tickets, parking passes and other ticketing accessories, sorting, segregating, inventory creation, all the way to international and local delivery. 

The compact nature of the tournament proved a huge advantage. Qatar delivered the most compact edition of the FIFA World Cup^TM in modern history, with every stadium located within an hour’s journey time from central Doha.

Menon said: “From the very beginning, Qatar highlighted the opportunity to host a compact World Cup for the benefit of fans, players and officials. While it has been amazing for fans to attend more than one match a day, Qatar’s geographical footprint has also proved to be hugely beneficial in terms of logistics, making it simple for people and products to be in the right locations at the right time.”

GWC’s state-of-the-art dedicated logistics network

A dedicated 50,000m² warehouse footprint, plus more than 150 dedicated vehicles – all within 45 minutes of any stadium and more than 400 key sites – were the foundations for success. More than 200 truck drivers covered 1,900,000km of distribution journeys over 288,000 hours, backed by 1,200 venue operations staff and six bespoke logistics systems. All were dedicated to delivering on-time and in-full for a host of stakeholders, including FIFA, participating teams, commercial affiliates, broadcasters, media, fans, staff, suppliers and vendors.

“The key to everything is long-term planning, dedicated training for thousands of staffs and a range of relevant test events. We benefitted significantly from staging tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, on two occasions, and the FIFA Arab Cup, along with local events such as the Amir Cup,” said Menon.

“Going forward, we will focus on the further integration of artificial intelligence and automation, to make it simpler and quicker to deliver our objectives. We have also seen a major focus on sustainability and delivering environmentally-friendly solutions during the FIFA World Cup^TM and we will continue to support these trends to continue in the future,” added Menon.

He continued: “The final lesson learnt is that hosting mega-events in a compact setting is not only preferable for fans and players – it is also hugely beneficial for organisers and the people and businesses involved in logistics planning and delivery.”

The importance of reverse logistics

While the players head back to their clubs and competing week to week in leagues around the world, GWC will focus on reverse logistics, which means returning every item to its next destination.

Menon said: “Just about everything that arrived in Qatar needs to be returned home safely. Reverse logistics is a major part of our operation, and our work will continue long after the trophy has been lifted. We will work closely with our stakeholders to carefully demobilize every item and ship it securely back to its next destination.”

A bright future

Menon is looking forward to a positive future for Qatar, GWC and the logistics sector.

He said: “What has been clear from day one is that hosting the FIFA World Cup^TM is part of a long-term plan for Qatar. It is accelerating the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and helping a number of industries to grow and develop, including the vital logistics sector.

“Our goals now are to continue supporting the country in its mission to host major international events, building on the incredible legacy of hosting the first FIFA World Cup^TM in the Middle East and Arab world, and expanding our footprint into countries across the region. We are very confident a bright future lies ahead for both Qatar and GWC.”

Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles and Equipment (CV&E), the sole distributor for UD Trucks in Abu Dhabi, has received two awards, ‘President Award 2022’, and ‘Parts Sales Team of the Year 2022’ – at the annual UD Trucks Partner’s Conference 2022 held recently in Dubai.

The division was honoured for its constant efforts to raise the standard of the customer services at all touch points and overachieve sales targets, outperforming other regional dealers in these segments. The awards were presented to Mohamed El Zeftawi by UD President; in the presence of all GCC partners during the conference at the Dubai Queen Elizabeth II Hotel.

The ‘UD Trucks President Award’ is a special award category that was awarded to Al Masaood CV&E by Mourad Hedna, President of UD Trucks MEENA. The division received the award in recognition of its consistent excellent work in truck sales for the waste management industry, its continued focus on marketing, expanding and elevating their services through the division’s all-new facility, and improving the customer experience with outstanding Parts Sales results throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Al Masaood CV&E’s remarkable growth in automotive parts sales was recognised with the ‘Parts Sales Team of the Year 2022’. The award demonstrates the team’s perseverance and passion, as well as the division’s dedication to achieving the goals established by UD Trucks. With the increased sales of automotive parts, the UD Trucks’ parts purchases exceeded the target of 44 per cent to 69 per cent.

Mohamed El Zeftawi, General Manager, Al Masaood CV&E, said: “We are truly honoured to receive these awards. This strengthens our position in the market as a leading company in

the commercial vehicle and heavy equipment sector and recognises our efforts in contributing to national and economic development. These awards also highlight the effort that our teams have invested to ensure that the overall experience of our customers is as seamless, convenient, and value-added as possible. Customers are at the heart of all our operations, and as such, we are continually seeking to elevate their experience with us across all our touch points. We also express our gratitude to UD Trucks MEENA for this honour and look forward to strengthening and diversifying our long-standing collaboration, to enhance our products and services to meet the customer needs and requirements in Abu Dhabi.”

The UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa Partner’s Conference is a dedicated event for UD Trucks’ distributors and partners in the MENA region. This year’s edition offered each participant the opportunity to present their success stories with the brand and review its past year’s performance as well as discuss new strategies for the coming year.

The new facility double’s the group’s food storage capacity with room for further expansion

Jaleel Holdings, one of the leading UAE-based investment companies, has opened its new US$ 24.5mn (AED 90mn) facility at Dubai Industrial City, a member of TECOM Group.

As a part of the region’s largest industrial hub, the facility comprises the latest store of UAE’s largest consumer goods wholesaler, Jaleel Cash & Carry and the integrated logistics centre of Crosswell Logistics.

The ceremony was presided over by HE Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Also in attendance was Abdulla Belhoul, CEO, TECOM Group, and Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President, Industrial Leasing, TECOM Group; MV Kunhumohammed, Chairman, Jaleel Holdings; Sameer K Mohammed, Managing Director, Jaleel Holdings, among other dignitaries including government officials and VIPs.

Jaleel Holdings owns and operates retail, wholesale, distribution and processing companies in the fresh food and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. With a presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Ghana, the group is one of the largest consumer goods distributors in the region.

Crosswell Logistics

The facility also includes Crosswell Logistics, a fully-owned subsidiary of Jaleel Holdings and Contract Logistics Services provider. It offers more than 28,000 palletised tons of multiple-temperature controlled storage ranging from ambient to -20 C and transport services.

This Facility allows Jaleel Cash and Carry to ensure a 30-day stock for all customers and fulfil the daily requirements of hotels, restaurants, caterers, retailers, offices, and bulk-buying families. The 30-day stock is also large enough to serve 5% of UAE’s population.

“The opening of the new facility of Jaleel Holdings is a significant step in this direction, which will go a long way in supporting a sustainable supply chain and marketing homegrown products,” observed HE Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

“Food security and sustainability rely on advanced manufacturing. Government strategies and initiatives such as ‘Operation 300bn’ and ‘Make it in Emirates’, are attracting significant investment with benefits in key sectors like fresh food and FMCG, while providing a roadmap for sustainable and innovation-led operations.,” stated Alshawareb.

“Apart from the Cash and carry store we have our new integrated logistic venture in the same facility with a 28,000 MT storage capacity. We will be offering world class 4PL Services to the market through this facility,” noted Sameer K Mohammed.

UAE’s largest consumer goods wholesaler

The facility will be the company’s largest in the region, with a total built-up area of 281,000 sqft and an investment of more than US$ 24.5mn. Benefiting from Dubai Industrial City’s proximity to key transport networks, including land, sea, air, and soon Etihad Rail, Jaleel Holdings will be able to cater to customers across the GCC and Africa.

The new facility will enable the group to double its storage capacity, currently built for 19,000 pallets (approximately 28,000 tonnes).

Built for sustainability

The new facility features an ammonia plant to manage the temperature in the facility and prevent harm to the environment. An average of 9,000 litres of water from the cooling equipment is recycled daily for all irrigation, sanitation, and flushing requirements.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Forest Road Acquisition Corp. II (NYSE: FRXB, FRXB.WS, and FRXB.U) and will trade under the ticker “HYPE” upon closing.
 

HyperloopTT is a leading technology licensing platform for the disruptive hyperloop technology, with extensive intellectual property (IP) assets, consisting of 66 global patents¹ and more than 80 trademarks.
 

Strong relationships with the United States Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (“DG MOVE”) have resulted in legislative and regulatory advancements and opened pathways to expedite commercialization.
 

HyperloopTT’s “Hyperloop-as-a-Service” business model will enable it to potentially earn both upfront and recurring licensing fees for sharing its technological IP and know-how with customers including governments, infrastructure operators, and transportation operators.
 

HyperloopTT relies on an innovative, crowd-powered development model based on a global network of technologists, scientists, engineers, expert contributors, and partners, minimizing costs while maximizing development speed. 

• The transaction will result in the issuance of $289 million of common stock to the shareholders and convertible note holders of HyperloopTT at close, and the combined company will assume the outstanding options and warrants of HyperloopTT.
   
• HyperloopTT expects to receive up to $330 million of net proceeds, assuming no redemptions, to fund growth and accelerate technology, testing, and resourcing globally, enabling potential customers to build the next generation of transportation.

• Mercedes-AMG F1 and PETRONAS announced a multi-year renewal of Title and Technical Partnership from 2026 onwards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• The renewal extends the sport’s most successful title partnership, with 115 Grand Prix wins and eight constructors’ championships so far since 2010.

• The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and PETRONAS will take on the exciting challenge of developing a standard-setting 100% advanced sustainable fuel for the 2026 power unit regulations.

• The partnership will expand to include a greater focus on new sustainable technology solutions beyond the racetrack.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is delighted to announce the renewal of the Title and Technical Partnership between the team and progressive energy group, PETRONAS from the 2026 season onwards. Not only will this renewal power the partnership towards two decades of success at the pinnacle of motorsport, but it also signals a commitment to a more sustainable future – and the determination to excel in the exciting technical challenge presented by the 2026 power unit regulations. The partnership extension was announced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the iconic PETRONAS Towers.

“We are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years’ time. This sends an important message: our team and PETRONAS are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come,” said Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal.

“From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™. We are excited to be racing into the future alongside PETRONAS, with the ambition to set the standard once again, in our on-track performance and by pioneering the transition of a global sports team to a net-zero future.”

Since 2010, the partnership has been founded on a shared ambition to achieve world-class performance. In the space of nearly 13 seasons so far, we have won together eight constructors’ world championships and 115 Grand Prix victories – an achievement unmatched in F1. And this success has been underpinned and enabled by continuous technical innovation.

Through this experience, PETRONAS develops class-leading fluids for consumers around the world, namely PETRONAS Primax fuel, PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela functional fluids.

Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer said, “What you are witnessing today bears testimony to the shared conviction of both PETRONAS and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team: that the synergy and shared ambition of both parties will deliver a pathway to responsibly provide the sports and our customers with energy that is cleaner and more sustainable.

“Given the accumulated experience as a team over the last decade, and the technical capabilities and expertise sourced from our combined talents, PETRONAS looks forward to

charting the next chapter with a focus on advanced sustainable fuel for Mercedes and its customer teams. Together with our partners, PETRONAS will keep pushing boundaries with our Fluid Technology Solutions™ through innovative offerings. At the heart of our efforts will be sustainability – as we all progress towards a lower-carbon future,” he added.

For 2026, the sport has set its most significant challenge yet with its ambition to race towards a more sustainable future. With a target of 50% electrification of the power unit and development of road-relevant 100% advanced sustainable fuels, the new rules will require innovative solutions to lead the way in the sport’s next era. Currently in line with the 2022 regulations, PETRONAS is supporting Mercedes and its customer teams with advanced sustainable E10 fuel, comprising 10% second-generation non-food based ethanol E10, which reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions overall.

Datuk Sazali Hamzah, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Downstream said, “With our longstanding partnership and extensive experience in formulating the Fluid Technology Solutions™ for the team, PETRONAS is fully equipped with the capacity and capabilities to perfect the technology to produce and supply 100% advanced sustainable fuel for the next-generation power units.”

“In that same vein, we are already on track with developing a greenfield biorefinery and co-processing at our facilities to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a cleaner and more viable option for aircrafts in our effort to support the aviation industry needs,” added Datuk Sazali. This is in line with Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) which is expected to come into mandatory effect by 2027 as well as Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) net zero by 2030 commitment – both of which will affect the logistics operations of F1 teams.

The planned biorefinery will also have operational flexibility to produce hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) for on-road vehicles, diesel-powered trains, and marine transportation as well as petrol range products which can be included and/or upgraded for on-road vehicles. Beyond that, PETRONAS also offers a suite of cleaner energy solutions such as EV chargers and fluids, liquefied natural gas and solar as well as other renewable energy solutions as a concerted push to support its partners’ sustainability goals.

“PETRONAS is an important part of our heritage and history, and we’re delighted that they will continue as our Title and Technical partner long into the future,” commented Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Commercial Director, Richard Sanders. “The partnership with PETRONAS will now span two decades and we look forward to making this the most enduring and successful sponsorship in elite global sport.”

•     Fleemo™ by Toyota is a dynamic cloud-based solution for commercial fleet managers in the UAE

•     Fleemo™ can monitor vehicle locations, driver behaviour, trip history, dispatch planning, delivery navigation and real-time delivery management

•     Solution supports Android and iOS applications for driver navigation and e-signature for delivery proof, as well as optimisation for delivery routes

Al-Futtaim Toyota, the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, has launched Fleemo™ by Toyota, a dynamic fleet management solution for their commercial customers in the UAE. Fleemo™ by Toyota supports the real time monitoring of fleets on a comprehensive dashboard and helps users optimise dispatched deliveries from their laptops and mobiles.

Fleemo™ is supported by Toyota Tsusho Connected Middle East (TTCME), and can be installed in any vehicle of any brand. As a first step, Al Futtaim Toyota will roll out Fleemo™ with the Toyota LiteAce compact Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in the UAE.

Commenting on the launch, Carlos Montenegro, Managing Director Fleet Strategy at Al-Futtaim Automotive said: “Based on Toyota’s famed cornerstones of quality, durability and reliability, we are thrilled to launch Fleemo™, a one-stop cloud-based fleet management system that facilitates agile and cost-competitive transportation. Having an optimal analysis of driving behaviour, petrol consumption, route selection, maintenance schedules and more will reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of every vehicle equipped with the Fleemo™ solution. With its initial rollout through the Toyota LiteAce, we are confident that Fleemo™ will become an essential part of fleet management operations across the UAE.”

Offering a deep data service to monitor the health and performance of vehicles, Fleemo™ facilitates enhanced visibility across a wide range of information, from vehicle locations, driver behaviour, trip history and incident location records to dispatch planning, delivery navigation and real-time delivery management.

Featuring a simple dashboard that supports daily operations for fleet owners by visualising the current status of fleets, Fleemo™ provides a comprehensive overview of processed data such as device telemetry, fleet administration, and manager and driver data. Through the help of a simple app, users can monitor the available vehicles and upcoming maintenance status, get deep insight into their fleets’ fuel usage and mileage, assess the impact of events by analysing driving behaviour tendencies, track delivery status through order completion, and check the rate of vehicle utilisation for more efficient delivery management.

Optimising the LiteAce

With a clear focus on last-mile deliveries, fleet optimisation, and maximising efficiencies, Fleemo™ is a dynamic fit for the Toyota LiteAce, which caters to a wide range of customers, including fleet businesses in need of compact commercial vehicles and last-mile delivery service providers in the UAE’s flourishing e-commerce market.

With a four-speed automatic transmission, 750-kg payload, 3.4 m3 of load space, and sliding doors on both sides, the Toyota LiteAce offers outstanding loading capacity and comfort, along with practical and reliable performance. This capability will be further enhanced through the use of Fleemo™, enabling Al-Futtaim Toyota to take the lead in a segment where demand is skyrocketing as the UAE consolidates its position as a global hub of commerce and logistics.

Multiple other features of Fleemo™ will also help boost its deployment for the Toyota LiteAce and vehicles in similar categories. Fleemo™ supports Android and iOS applications for driver navigation and e-signature for delivery proof, and allows drivers to easily navigate to the next waypoint as mathematical optimisations calculate the most efficient delivery route automatically.

The system requires essential data input before onboarding, such as the driver and fleet manager details and vehicle information, after which all necessary data is displayed in the tab of vehicles for both drivers and managers.

One of the most integral parts of Fleemo™ is its dispatch planning capabilities, where the system generates plans on the web application that is sent to drivers to monitor and navigate to the next waypoint. Fleemo™ also supports multiple driver assignments, a feature especially beneficial for fleet operators who might assign the same vehicle to multiple drivers. The feature helps other use cases, such as corporate car-sharing, which enhance vehicle utilisation for companies. 

The wide range of industry-leading features make Fleemo™ an essential choice among the UAE’s commercial vehicle users – ideally suited for a diverse catalogue of sectors ranging from leasing companies providing services to large MNCs, courier companies and retailers, corporate fleets and SMEs.

H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, will deliver the inaugural address at the 16^th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, which will be held in Riyadh for the first time from December 6-8, 2022. Hosted by SABIC, this year’s forum will be held under the theme ‘Chemistry in Action: Shaping a Sustainable Future.’ H.R.H. the Minister of Energy will also lead the inaugural panel discussion with Gulf energy ministers.

“The Annual GPCA Forum arrives at an important time, as the chemical industry contends with some of its most critical challenges and opportunities yet,” said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. “Climate change, food insecurity, and economic upheaval are converging to create a future that looks increasingly uncertain. With a fantastic speaker line-up, we hope to shed light on how the chemical industry can continue to provide solutions to global challenges, the role of innovation and digitalization in helping to achieve this, and what plans companies have got in place to meet their commitment towards sustainability and decarbonization,”

It is noteworthy that the forum’s program this year includes various events, such as a ministerial panel with regional energy ministers, one plenary address, two keynote sessions, two inaugural sessions, and four leadership dialogues.

The welcome address will be delivered by Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, Chairman, GPCA, and Acting Chief Executive Officer, SABIC. Chemical industry leaders, including Amin Nasser, President and CEO Saudi Aramco; Dr. Martin Brudermuller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF; Peter Vanacker, CEO, LyondellBasell; and Conrad Keijzer, CEO, Clariant, will participate in sessions discussing vital topics such as how the chemicals sector can thrive in the era of sustainability and decarbonization.

Other esteemed industry leaders to speak at the forum, include H.E. Mohammed A. El-Kuwaiz, Chairman of the Board, Capital Market Authority Saudi Arabia; Ken Grahame, Managing Director, Head of Global Chemicals Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs; Mutlaq Al-Morished, CEO, Tasnee; Hazeem Al-Suwaidi, CEO, Borouge; Olivier Thorel, Vice President of Chemicals and Hydrogen, Aramco and Board Member, SABIC; Eng. Fahad Alajlan, President, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC); Abdulrahman Shamsaddin, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients; Dick Richelle, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO, Royal Vopak; and Suliman AlRumaih, Group CEO, SALIC.

The forum’s Leadership Dialogues will shed light on some of the most pressing issues impacting the chemicals sector today, including clean energy transition; turning the ESG theory into action; shaping future chemicals supply chains; and innovation in the agri-nutrient industry.

Launched in 2006, the Annual GPCA Forum has established itself as the premier event for the global and regional chemical industry. This year, the forum is set to attract over 2,500 delegates from more than 600 companies in 91 countries.

To register your place, visit: www.gpcaforum.com