Logistics News ME - July 2023

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Modernising Platforms for Global Supply Chains

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The Arocs. Your Reliable Partner for Every Construction Transportation Task.

Regardless of whether it is a rigid chassis, concrete mixer or heavy-duty tipper: The Mercedes-Benz Arocs provides an especially robust, resilient vehicle that is optimally prepared for use for any construction haulage challenge. Configure it now to suit your requirements and those of your project.

A Year Wiser

we addressed and lived through. Be it if you have made a mistake you have since learnt from or chosen inadequately despite getting guidance from others. I will evaluate these incidents before I go on to the balance sheet. Correspondingly, my assets will be those I genuinely care about, adore, and have made explicit or implicit choices for. My decisions—about which I might not yet be certain—will be held accountable as liabilities. So, as per usual, I also reviewed my balance sheet this year. And to be completely forthcoming, as I have navigated through the darker nights and warmer days of life, the last year has been a rollercoaster for me. Even though I have lost connection with some of my closest friends, I have also developed a wealth of knowledge and experience, become closer to some family ties, forged lasting friendships, and made priceless experiences that I will sit back and reflect on in the future. For my birthday this year, I had dinner with my friends, and we relived my previous year, during which they did offer their outlook.

And collectively with that, I analysed my balance sheet for 2022. It is a beautiful feeling to realise how my perspectives have changed, and not exactly it being clubbed with growing age becomes more tangible every year.

Ihad my annual milestone celebration at the beginning of this month. As I have done for the last two years, I evaluate my life balance sheet on the day of my birthday. Sitting down, I will always reflect on how the preceding year has gone. I will carry over my profit and loss account on my primary balance sheet, including your assets and liabilities, exactly as we do for any other balance sheet.

To put it even more simply, I would include particular events and circumstances in my profit and loss account depending on how much I had gained or lost over the year from the experiences

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

Vibha Mehta vibhamehta01 @vibhamehta01

Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) received the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification within the first year of operations, marking an unprecedented achievement. The renowned certification combines the world’s three most prevalent ISO Standards (ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 –Environmental Management System, and ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System) under a single framework.

Obtaining this milestone certification is a testament to the outstanding efforts of DIEZ and its commitment to implementing the highest quality and performance standards in line with the organization’s strategic plans and aspirations to build an attractive, reliable, and sustainable business environment that ensures business continuity.

Furthermore, this achievement reflects DIEZ’s keenness to improve the speed

and efficiency of services for businesses and investors to enhance growth, diversify investment and business opportunities, and ensure ease of business. This aligns with its broader aim to create an attractive business environment and consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the most desirable destinations for global investors and a key focal point for commerce globally.

Yousuf Behzad, Chief People & Corporate Strategy Officer at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said: “Securing this certification marks an important milestone in our journey and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the highest standards and a robust system that manages risks and opportunities to ensure business continuity. We are confident that this certification will raise our reputation among our stakeholders and enable us to attract more local and foreign investors.”

“We will continue to raise the bar and embrace best international practices in line with our objectives to enhance

Dubai’s global competitiveness and improve its appeal as an ideal investment destination according to the vision of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.” He added.

The Global Business Bureau Certification LLC, accredited by TUV Hessen (a German accreditation body), supported DIEZ in obtaining the certifications for the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), integrated with the EMS – Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) and the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001:2018). This achievement ensures organizational excellence focused on outcomes, performance, practice, structure, and system, which results in a framework that integrates governance into its processes.

With the backing of this certification, DIEZ’s clients, partners, contractors, external providers, and other stakeholders, are provided with a sustainable and safe business journey with DIEZ. Additionally, it further elevates their confidence in DIEZ’s ability to develop an ideal business environment that supports foreign investors in delivering added-value products and services to local, regional, and international markets.

DIEZ ACHIEVES INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS) CERTIFICATION WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATIONS

Firmly cementing the automotive giant’s customer-first service approach, Al-Futtaim Automotive has unveiled the most extensive service and maintenance facility within its Auto Centers network. The new facility is located at Dubai Festival City and is spread over a sizeable 47,000 square feet, with the capacity to service up to 100 vehicles daily.

This landmark launch brings the tally of Al-Futtaim Auto Centers to 14 across the UAE. The facility is conveniently located in the city centre, next to Dubai Festival City Mall, and covers service and repairs across all brands and models, from passenger cars to commercial vehicles. The opening of the brand-new facility reinforces the leading automotive company’s commitment to customer-centricity and offering a one-stop solution destination for a wide range of automotive needs.

Staffed with highly skilled technicians, the new facility offers services such as new tyres, wheel alignment, brakes, oil change, servicing, steering and suspension, mechanical repairs, air conditioning recharge and repairs, fault diagnosis,

tinting, PPF application, wash and detailing, fitting of accessories, and choice of both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts to suit each customer’s preference. Services are offered at fixed prices that are fully inclusive and with no hidden costs, which continues Auto Centers’ promise to provide customers with total clarity and trusted value when they book.

The facility is also equipped with the most advanced, cutting-edge technological tools across its 10 service bays, including one of the best wheel aligners available today.

David McNamara, Director, Tier 2 Aftersales at Al-Futtaim Automotive, commented on the launch, “Customercentricity weaves through everything we do at Al-Futtaim Auto Centers. With the opening of this mega facility next to the mall, in addition to the mobile van service we launched a few months ago, we are bringing new levels of convenience to our customers. This is a onestop, all makes and models service and repair centre, and we believe in serving customers with full clarity and transparency to ensure quality service at trusted

prices. These values have served us well as our business has been growing, and I’m pleased to share that by the end of this year, we expect to open a further three Auto Centers to add to the crowning achievement of our Dubai Festival City facility.”

To strengthen its credentials in innovation and digital - Al-Futtaim Auto Centers also announced its partnership with CAFU.

Through its partnership with CAFU, AlFuttaim Auto Centers is now flipping the customer-centric approach – rather than wait for customers to visit their centre, they are bringing their repertoire of services and expertise to customers at the customer’s doorstep.

Customers can go onto the CAFU app and book the Auto Centers mobile service vehicle to come to their home or office and deliver the highest level of automotive services, from oil changes to tyre replacements.

David McNamara added, “Our partnership with CAFU is our way of connecting with a new generation of digital customers and offering convenience and flexibility through an industry-leading tech disruptor. At one click, the trusted Al-Futtaim expertise is there to serve the customers, wherever they are.”

Alaa El-Huni, the Chief Business Officer of CAFU, stated, “Our partnership with Al-Futtaim Auto Centers, a mobility market leader, provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance our customer offerings. Leveraging Al-Futtaim’s service quality and abundant resources, our customers now have convenient access to everything they need, whether using our service at home or work. This ensures they can seamlessly continue their day, experiencing minimal disruption.”

Al-Futtaim Auto Centers at Dubai Festival City is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with shuttle transport to the mall for customers. The facility is home to over 500 brand tyres, providing a complete range of spare parts to ensure speedy repairs and, where possible, same-day return.

Al-Futtaim Automotive is one of five divisions within the Al-Futtaim Group, which provides quality products and services that enrich people’s lives and aspirations daily.

AL-FUTTAIM AUTO CENTERS LAUNCHES ITS LARGEST MULTI-BRAND AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE & MAINTENANCE FACILITY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Al Masaood Automobiles Renault, a leading business conglomerate in Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of the all-new Renault Express Van today. This innovative commercial vehicle is set to redefine the market with its high-quality combination of efficiency, practicality, and safety features.

The Renault Express Van is designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, offering the perfect balance of performance and functionality. Its introduction to the Abu Dhabi market is expected to significantly impact businesses, providing a reliable and versatile solution to their transportation needs.

“We are delighted to introduce the Renault Express Van to our esteemed customers,” said Bachir Gemayel, Sales & Marketing Director at Al Masaood Automobiles. “It is poised to be a game-changer in the commercial vehicle segment, providing high efficiency, practicality, and state-of-the-art safety features that will transform how businesses manage their transportation needs. We are confident that the Renault Express Van will set a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.”

The Renault Express Van is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.6-litre engine, ensuring smooth and reliable performance on the road. With a generous cargo volume of up to 3.3 cubic meters, a 191-meter loading length and a payload capacity of up to 750 kg, this vehicle is built to handle the demands of any

business. It boasts easy loading capabilities, thanks to its side sliding door with an opening width of 716mm and rear doors that open at 180 degrees to facilitate access to the cargo area. Additionally, the vehicle offers easy driving with cruise control and a speed limiter, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience for drivers.

“The Renault Express Van is an ideal solution for businesses searching for a dependable and flexible commercial vehicle,” added Gemayel. “Boasting a cutting-edge design coupled with best-in-class storage volume, this all-new vehicle is set to establish itself as a preferred choice for businesses seeking a dependable and highly efficient transportation solution.”

Safety is paramount in the Renault Express Van, equipped with an emergency calling system that automatically connects the driver to emergency services in case of an accident. This feature and other advanced safety systems ensure that drivers and their cargo are always well-protected. With the best storage volume in its class with nine storage compartments, the Renault Express Van sets a new benchmark for commercial vehicles, providing ample space for businesses to transport their goods efficiently.

To learn more about the Renault Express Van, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Al Masaood Automobiles Renault showrooms across the capital or visit the website at https://abudhabi.renault.ae/express-van-launch.html

AL MASAOOD AUTOMOBILES UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW RENAULT EXPRESS VAN

DUBAI’S B2B TECH STARTUP, TERRA, LAUNCHES THEIR FIRST FLEET OF ELECTRIC MOTORBIKES

TERRA TECH Ltd. (Terra), the MENA region’s first B2B-focused micro-mobility tech startup providing electric motorbikes with swappable battery solutions, has announced the arrival of their first fleet of electric motorbikes to their warehouse in Al Quoz. This marks a significant milestone for the startup as it supports the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. The firm also aims to accelerate the nation’s development towards emissions-free delivery in the buildup to COP 28 later this year.

The arrival of Terra’s first electric motorbike fleet brings the firm one step closer to deploying its vehicles on the UAE’s roads and making electric mobility an accessible

reality for the local last-mile sector. The motorbikes and their swappable batteries have been developed and tested to withstand the UAE’s harsh heat conditions resulting in extended battery life and a lesser need for batteries to be swapped frequently.

“We are pleased to unveil our first fleet of electric motorbikes, marking the next important growth phase as a business. As our bikes undergo final testing, our focus has shifted towards finalizing agreements with prominent partners in the UAE’s last-mile sector. We have received a positive response to our solutions, and numerous partners are eager to invest in the future,”said Hussam Zammar, Founder and Managing Director of Terra.

ADNOC L&S AWARDED $975 MILLION EPC CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF OFFSHORE ARTIFICIAL ISLAND

ADNOC L&S’ new EPC logistics business unit secures first major contract following the company’s record-breaking listing

Aglobal energy maritime logistics leader, ADNOC Logistics and Services plc (ADX symbol ADNOCLS / ISIN “AEE01268A239”) announced today that ADNOC Offshore had awarded a $975-million artificial island construction contract.

As part of ADNOC’s In-Country Value program, at least 75% of the total contract value for dredging, land reclamation and marine construction of an artificial island “G” for the Lower Zakum offshore field will flow back into the UAE economy.

This Award is a significant milestone in ADNOC Logistics & Services’ (ADNOC L&S) strategy to pursue new growth opportunities. ADNOC L&S’ Integrated Logistics business unit is an end-to-end, fully integrated energy logistics services provider. Providing Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services in the integrated logistics business is a new offering by ADNOC L&S in line with its announced strategy to achieve significant ongoing growth, including expansion into new verticals. The EPC market is expected to experience substantial change in the region in the coming years. The company aims to offer its customers a broader range of services while facilitating the growth of ADNOC’s upstream and downstream operations.

This is the first significant Award for ADNOC L&S after it was listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on 1 June 2023, following the highest demand globally for an IPO this year.

Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi,

Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC L&S, said: “Capitalizing on our project management expertise, end-toend logistics solutions, and strategic partnerships, ADNOC L&S is primed to execute major offshore EPC contracts that support our customers’ ambitious growth plans and deliver value to our shareholders. This contract award for constructing artificial island ‘G’ exemplifies our strategy to tap into new growth areas, showcasing the expanding range of services we offer our customers and the trust that ADNOC Offshore has placed in us as their partner of choice.”

The Award is part of Lower Zakum’s Long-Term Development Plan, aiming to safely and sustainably unlock more excellent value while helping to meet the increasing global energy demand. ADNOC Offshore has extensive experience deploying the artificial island concept for project delivery, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits compared to conventional approaches requiring more offshore installations and infrastructure.

With a diverse fleet of 245 vessels and approximately 540 vessels operated and chartered annually, combined with its 1.5 million square meter logistics base in Abu Dhabi and integrated logistics capabilities, ADNOC L&S is the region’s most oversized shipping and integrated logistics company. ADNOC L&S targets an average annual EBITDA growth in the low teens over the medium term. New contract awards will drive this growth, further expansion of its Integrated Logistics Services Platform (ILSP), and optimized redeployment of jack-up barges.

ART MOBILITY

WHY PRICELESS ARTEFACTS NEED PROFESSIONAL HANDLING?

Simon Mason, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Writer Relocations shares his thoughts on how important it is to preserve the movement of fragile antiquities

For art lovers, artefacts are significant. The art market, physical or figurative sources of art comprising paintings and music, is an important sector, considering it forms an essential part of most influential homes. Moving delicate, valuable, and priceless artworks requires specialised care and expertise. As such, it is necessary to plan each step with extra care to avoid damaging those precious artefacts. As every artwork is unique, it requires personalised care. Without the proper precautions, artworks or an artefact can be easily damaged, leading to irreparable losses. It is imperative to consult and appoint a professional relocation agency for art moving needs that have the experience, knowledge, and resources to pack and transport art pieces safely and, equally important, efficiently.

Relocation companies specialising in art mobility can be invaluable because they have the knowledge and techniques to package and secure valuable pieces properly. Given the intricacies involved in packing, shipping, and installing a collection, relying on the expertise of professional art handlers is crucial.

These are some essential reasons why it is crucial to opt for a professional company for relocating art:

1. A professional relocation company can

relieve stress and worry, allowing clients to focus on other essential things. They can give clients peace of mind, knowing the precious artworks are in good hands.

2. Professional art handlers have expertise in protective packing for transport. They have specific strategies, packing supplies, and knowledge to ensure the art collection is packed and wrapped with the utmost care to protect it during transit.

3. They have the right expertise and mastered skills to ensure maximum safety for fragile pieces.

4. Most professional art handlers offer exceptional protection and insurance for art collections during transportation. They take proper precautions to prevent theft and damage and are equipped to handle the collection transition with ease.

5. Fine art movers also understand the fragility of art collections and have specialised equipment and knowledge to install them properly.

6. Fine art movers also offer storage facilities for storing art collections. These storage units have temperature and climate control, fire protection, and other security features to ensure the safekeeping of valuable artwork.

The wide range of artwork and distinctive shipping locations means that moving companies cannot rely on standardised guidelines that fit all scenarios. If a company is involved in

this process, it must consider several crucial factors, such as transportation options, the characteristics of the artwork, confidentiality, and security measures. All these considerations play a role in the art shipping arrangements to some extent. Before trusting a mover with precious goods, it is always best to see what others who have already moved with them have to say about their experience. It is recommended to opt for internationally accredited movers that can offer high service excellence standards.

While there are several companies in the market, choosing a global leader in the premium mobility industry and an agency that can customise services to meet clients’ specific needs is essential. It is important to note that they provide specialised crates, climate-controlled transport, and other tailored services to ensure that artwork arrives safely and in the same condition as before transport.

Writer Relocations is the most recommended relocation company. With a 98% damage-free shipments record, 70 years of moving experience, and over 3000 global clients, Writer Relocations has efficiently helped customers with their satisfactory art mobility requirements. In the Middle East and especially in the UAE, Writer Relocations have helped many customers move their priceless artefacts.

SIMON MASON, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Writer Relocations

THE UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA’S

TWO THIRDS OF VEHICLE OWNERS ARE KEEN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES OF EV ADOPTION

A recent survey by Morning Consult, commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East, examined the awareness and attitudes towards EV infrastructure development

As awareness towards the availability and benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) rises across the region, seven out of ten consumers surveyed in the UAE (73%) and Saudi Arabia (69%) are eager to explore the cost savings brought about by an

electric vehicle. A survey commissioned by General Motors and conducted by Morning Consult explored the state of consumer interest in EVs and awareness of long-term cost savings related to EV ownership, available EV vehicle options, and charging facilities.

The survey found that the general awareness of the concept of electric vehicles is very high, with 95% of UAE and 93% of KSA respondents aware of all-electric vehicles. The attention of EVs is also consistently high among all age groups and across both men and women in both countries surveyed. This heightened awareness has also translated into solid purchase consideration, with a majority in both countries (63% in Saudi Arabia and 70% in UAE) strongly considering a future EV purchase. Those reporting higher EV consideration are more likely to think this will bring them cost savings and be more likely to be aware of EV infrastructure in their nation. This favourable outlook towards EVs aligns with global EV revenue projections, anticipated to grow from

around $10 billion in 2023 to approximately $90 billion annually by 2030. The regional growth in consideration also aligns with carbon-neutral strategies across the region, which has prompted more awareness across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, driving a deeper understanding of EV offerings and their benefits. In the UAE, the study found that top drivers of increased EV consideration were tackling the elevated cost of gasoline and alleviation of environmental concerns, with 64% of those who are more likely to consider an EV in comparison to a year ago selecting each of these drivers as a reason for increased interest. Looking more closely into EV pricing in the UAE, 73% of consumers see EVs as having worthwhile cost savings versus gasolinepowered vehicles.

In Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, 65% of respondents are more likely to consider an EV than a year ago. 61% of those more likely to consider an EV in the Kingdom cite the cost of gasoline as a factor, while 47% find that more affordable EV options have been available in the market over the past year.

Another critical insight derived from the study tackles

range anxiety, with UAE participants revealing that the ideal driving range of an EV is approximately 325 km on average, while in KSA, this was found to be around 360 km. What’s more, 36% of respondents with increased EV purchase consideration in the Kingdom have attributed this to stem from an understanding of the longer driving range than previously available. Featuring the Ultium battery platform, GM’s EV portfolio will be capable of a driving range of more than 400 kilometres on a single charge, depending on the vehicle, surpassing the expectations of both nations.

Jack Uppal, President & Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, shared, “It is promising to see the rising positive sentiment towards EVs brought to light by this Morning Consult survey. As we progress towards our vision of the future of mobility, the increase in volume and variety of EV options we are anticipating bringing to market will respond to the shift in consumer awareness and consideration brought on by the longterm benefits of ownership – from apprehension around affordability and range, towards positive sentiment towards the ownership

potential of these new technologies. We will deliver on our commitment to offer an electric vehicle for every wallet and every customer and drive this change towards a vision of future mobility across electrification, autonomy, and connectivity.”

Looking more closely at infrastructure, as both countries work towards their carbon-neutral visions, in the UAE, over one-third (38%) of respondents knew the location of at least one convenient charging station. Four out of five (80%) of those aware of a convenient charging station said one was available where they park their car at home, with the highest reported availability in public or shared private parking. In Saudi Arabia, two out of five respondents (40%) claimed awareness of a charging station. However, only one in five (17%) found this convenient at home or workplace. This indicates an understanding of ongoing efforts to drive forward infrastructure and room for further development. Action is firmly underway on this front, with Riyadh’s ambitious goal

to have 30% of all vehicles in the city be powered by electricity by 2030, while the UAE is already home to 600 charging points, with a drastic growth plan to be achieved before 2050.

Uppal elaborated, “Each market will understandably have a different approach and timeframe to infrastructure solutions to accommodate the mass rollout of electric vehicles. At GM, we are focused on a customer-centric approach by enabling charging capabilities at customers’ homes. We are firmly aligned with the regional leaders on a shared vision regarding an electrified future of mobility.”

Supported by the positive outlook towards EVs, General Motors will continue to develop and roll out various solutions and explore combinations of public infrastructure, home solutions and community solutions with local governments to suit each market’s needs. This focus feeds into ongoing work to achieve the long-term strategy, guided by a vision of a future with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion.

THE UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA’S TWO THIRDS OF VEHICLE OWNERS ARE KEEN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES OF EV ADOPTION

INSIGHTS INTO THE SEAFOOD EXPORT JOURNEY FROM SEA TO PLATE

The CEVA Logistics team highlights a few intriguing fish export statistics

The demand for fresh seafood products is steadily on the rise. Consumers are accustomed to the availability of a wide variety of seafood products both on the shelves of grocery stores and on restaurant menus. Consumer expectations pressure the seafood logistics industry to ensure fast and safe transportation.

Demanding logistics requirements and difficult weather and environmental conditions make seafood logistics especially challenging. To ensure the quality and freshness of seafood, the logistics behind moving the products must follow streamlined import and export procedures at a global level.

CEVA Logistics assists with seafood logistics, ensuring safe and efficient transportation from the source to distributors, often across the globe.

“Having been in the logistics industry for over fifteen years, I have observed first-hand the evolution of the seafood export/import business and the findings are quite remarkable,” said, Brandon Cook, Regional Ocean Freight Leader, MEA, CEVA Logistics.

“Consumers demand a global variety of seafood, irrespective of where they are based or the season. In addition, they naturally demand that the seafood is fresh and that quality standards are high, even in remote or inland locations. This means investments in seafood exports and cold chains are inevitable.”

With seafood rising in popularity, the logistics infrastructure and innovative solutions behind seafood import and export are evolving faster than ever. The main purpose of this article is to provide insights into the logistics processes that underpin seafood transportation logistics, including modes of transportation, cold chain integrity, pre-export quality sampling, transit limitations, etc.

Seafood Logistics Via Ocean And Air Freight

Seafood is generally transported either by ocean or air freight. All seafood exported via ocean transport must be frozen due to travel duration and conditions, while seafood shipped via air is generally fresh or unfrozen. As with most air cargo, the cost is significantly higher. On average, the premium for fast delivery via airfreight is more than 50% higher than sea freight, resulting in less than 10% of seafood being exported via air.

The decision to ship seafood via air or ocean freight usually depends on the type of seafood and the consumer market at the destination. There are no procedural or cost differences between shipping 100kg of red tuna and 100 kilograms of sardines in the logistics industry. However, the market rate is vastly different, thus greatly influencing the preferred shipping method.

The average transit for fresh seafood via air freight is approximately 2.5 days and involves one to two stops along the route. As for ocean freight, the average transit time is anything from 10 to 30+ days.

One of the most important aspects of seafood logistics is keeping the products at a safe temperature throughout the journey from source to destination.

Fresh seafood products are packed in lightweight, styrofoam boxes with gel ice packs to retain cold chain integrity. The use of dry ice has become increasingly uncommon for seafood transportation as the chemical composition, and extremely low temperatures it creates can change the taste and texture of the products. Gel ice packs are placed above and below the seafood before the styrofoam boxes are sealed. Depending on the type of fish and box configuration on a pallet, the number of ice packs can be reduced, as the styrofoam boxes placed below can act as a “cooler” to the styrofoam boxes above them. Generally, packed styrofoam boxes are at most 20kg to protect integrity.

Airfreight for fresh seafood always requires a temperature between zero to five degrees Celsius during transit. Seafood freight is regularly subjected to temperature checks to ensure quality and safe handling.

Inspections And Required Documents

Before any seafood products are loaded onto the aircraft, phytosanitary inspections ensure that shipments comply with all regulations of the

destination country. The check verifies that the cargo temperature is correct, and the fat percentages of the products are up to standard to ensure the seafood being exported is not premature or unfit for export. This testing occurs either at the airport or at the processing facility. The inspection takes two to four hours for sampling, testing, and issuing the required export documentation and certifications.

In addition to the phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, seafood exports require standard airway bills, commercial invoices and packing lists— additional requirements may apply depending on the source or destination.

A great deal of work has been done by regulatory bodies to align global airfreight standards, policies and processes for the movement of seafood products around the world. Whether we export seafood from West Africa or the UAE, the processes and documentation requirements are very similar.

Look at how seafood products begin the journey to their destination. Irrespective of air or sea freight transit, all seafood products start their journey similarly. A fishing vessel will catch a particular type of fish per licensing permits and seasonal fishing restrictions. Most fishing vessels have fish cleaning and cold storage capabilities on board. Once the boats have reached the shore, seafood products are either loaded directly into a frozen reefer container, ready for export or loaded onto a truck and sent to a storage/processing/ packaging facility. The seafood is cooled to zero degrees at the vessel or upon arrival at the processing facility. One of the most crucial aspects of seafood logistics is ensuring safe, temperaturecontrolled, and regulated logistics throughout all parts of transit.

A special piece of equipment called a fish loader is commonly used to speed up the loading process. A fish loader bridges the physical gap between the catching vessel and the export reefer container by sliding the fish on a ramp into the container. On average, it takes approximately two hours to load bulk fish into a 40ft container with a fish loader compared to five hours of manual handling.

FROM SEA TO PLATE | INSIGHTS INTO THE SEAFOOD EXPORT JOURNEY

Keith Marshall, Airfreight Leader, Middle East and Africa, CEVA Logistics

Arrival At The Destination

A notification about the phytosanitary inspection is issued to customs authorities before a shipment’s arrival. Perishable shipments are prioritised to reduce transit time and ensure food handling safety. For example, in many European countries, it only takes authorities approximately ten minutes to accept or decline incoming perishables, like seafood.

In the process of clearing the shipment, the inspection authorities check the incoming seafood in samples, often through mobile testing, for some of the following (depending on the destination country’s regulations):

> General cargo accuracy and alignment with HS code

> Traces of disease

> Heavy metal residue

> The available freshness of the fish

> Antibiotics levels

The testing and clearance for seafood products are generally completed in just a few hours, while testing and consent for other products, like seeds, can take up to 14 days.

As for sea freight shipments, to avoid opening a reefer container before it has reached the destination, many wholesale seafood importers or distributors have testing capabilities at their facilities where they invite inspection authorities to wittiness the testing.

Depending on further findings, if a shipment has any irregularities, the cargo is quarantined and even destroyed.

“From my experience, the phytosanitary inspection will check a pre-determined number of boxes on each shipment, and there is a 90% pass rate. I think that the seafood industry is mature in ensuring that only quality products are exported, and the cold chain is taken very seriously,” added Keith Marshall, Airfreight Leader, Middle East and Africa, CEVA Logistics.

All ground transportation for fresh fish products must be in a controlled cold chain environment with temperatures between zero to five degrees, and for container transportation of frozen fish, a generator is commonly used to control the temperature for ground transport.

In the last leg of the journey, distributors and wholesalers deliver the seafood to store chains and other sites. Fresh seafood is usually safe for two to seven days on a new counter display with regular temperature checks conducted.

To support the seafood industry’s growth, logistics companies have been creating new, innovative solutions, especially about temperature control. An example is using “Super Freezer” containers capable of carrying sashimigrade tuna at temperatures of -40 to -60 degrees Celsius.

Similarly, the seafood industry has been experimenting with different techniques to maintain the cold chain, such as super chilling, often called partial freezing. This process involves freezing the liquid content of the seafood products and keeping the temperature between -1 to -2 degrees Celsius whilst the solid parts appear unfrozen. Once the liquid components are frozen, they become cooler than the solid seafood. Further techniques are continuously being tested to regulate and manage seafood temperature for transportation. Cold chain and investments in cold chain infrastructure remain the most critical challenge for seafood exportation.

Summary

Although export procedures and seafood testing are relatively standardised and seamless, major improvement opportunities for cold chain solutions and infrastructure are on the horizon. Global import/export processes, customs approvals and sampling techniques have been adopted to cater to seafood transportation’s unique and sensitive nature.

The availability of fast trans-loading equipment from fishing vessels to reefer containers significantly reduces exposure to high temperatures. Cooling techniques, packaging and temperature control processes are continuously improving and optimising.

With a rising global population and increase in popularity, the investment in sustainable, cold chain solutions for seafood and other products is bound to soar.

“I THINK THAT THE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY IS MATURE IN ENSURING THAT ONLY QUALITY PRODUCTS ARE EXPORTED, AND THE COLD CHAIN IS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY.”

ith the expanding efforts it is implementing, Qatar has greatly increased worldwide commerce. Due to its advantageous location in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar serves as a vital hub for travel between Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is desirable for international trade and transhipment due to its closeness to important commercial routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.

In order to strengthen its position as a regional logistics centre, Qatar has also been aggressively enlarging its logistical partnerships in recent years - from actively expanding its economy outside the petroleum industry to concentrating on sectors like banking, logistics, and tourism. By promoting non-oil commerce and exports and reducing reliance on oil and gas earnings, this diversification approach seeks to build international ties. Furthermore, being Qatar’s main

BY VIBHA MEHTA

seaport, Hamad Port has enhanced the nation’s logistical capabilities. With its cutting-edge facilities, the port acts as an important entry point for import and export operations.

THE OF QATAR LUXURIANT GLORY W

As a means to support its developing logistical partnerships, Qatar has also made large investments in logistics infrastructure. This involves building new roads, railroads, and airports to increase connection and ease the transportation of commodities. Likewise, Qatar has created logistics parks and free zones to draw in foreign businesses and support a logistical network. The Ras Bufontas Free Zone, which provides incentives and favourable conditions for logistics businesses, is one of the free zones being developed under the supervision of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).

As we all know, Qatar has actively pursued partnerships and agreements with international logistics players to strengthen its logistics relationships – like how Qatar Airways Cargo, the freight

division of Qatar Airways, plays a significant role in facilitating global trade. With an extensive network of destinations and cargo services, Qatar Airways Cargo connects Qatar to major trade centres worldwide.

Correspondingly, with the significant boost that the country received after FIFA World Cup held last year, 2022, in Doha. We have seen active trade and investment prospects promoted, primarily in the logistics industry. This includes drawing in foreign investors and logistics businesses, participating in international trade fairs and exhibits, organising conferences and seminars, and displaying its logistical skills and infrastructure. Now, we observe as Qatar develops as one of the major countries in the Middle East, strengthening commerce and international alliances.

DOHA CONNECT

Inaugurated in 2014,the award-winning airport continued to grow – offering global travelers worldclass services and facilities through its investments and adoption of the latest technologies. Its network, which now stands at over 170 destinations worldwide, has strategically positioned the airport and the State of Qatar as a travel hub in the Middle East.

Post-Covid

COVID-19 was disruptive for the entire world. In the postCOVID era, carriers invest more in capacity by opening new destinations and increasing frequencies globally. We are seeing a drastic shift to digitalization, which picked up rapidly during COVID. The focus has recently been on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT)

and other cloud-based applications that will simplify and revolutionize air cargo processes and bring transparency and visibility to customers. E-commerce has risen drastically, continuing the trend during COVID-19. Also, with passenger traffic returning to normal, destinations being reinstated, and new destinations being added, we are seeing the return and increase of belly capacity globally.

Key Driving Pillars

Digitalization and sustainability are the key driving pillars in the air cargo industry. As the world’s leading air cargo carrier, we see it as our responsibility not only to grow our business but to ensure we are contributing to sustainability. This will be our focus for 2023 and beyond

Ioannis Metsovitis, Senior Vice President of Operations at Hamad International Airport, emphasizes Qatar’s contributions towards developing logistics, post COVID-19 recovery and the future of airports in the region

in every business area. We will continue to make investments that are key to future growth and benefit our customer’s business.

We launched ‘The Next Generation’ and VISION 2027 in 2022. Qatar Airways Cargo defines its role in the industry through these strategies. The air cargo industry is complex, with many stakeholders involved, and digitalization is a critical driving pillar to alleviate pain points and provide transparency.

FIFA World Cup Navigation

As part of MATAR’s, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management’s Airport Operations Plan, which was implemented and tested during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, we further enhanced our operations – introducing customercentric activities and services to deliver a safe, seamless and memorable experience. In addition, we conducted a peer review with aviation authority bodies and organizations who have previously hosted such large-scale events to assess the airport’s readiness and share knowledge.

The robust plan proved its effectiveness throughout the tournament, where we played a vital role – along with other stakeholders – in delivering a successful FIFA World Cup. The project included a dedicated Event Management Centre (EMC) operated 24/7 by experienced staff on-ground, where we coordinated with all stakeholders to ensure smooth connectivity from and to the airport and the city, stadiums, and training facilities.

To ensure that fans had a seamless departure from the country, we introduced the Passenger Overflow Area, where fans could arrive hours before their flight and enjoy what both Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport had to offer before they departed.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, we inaugurated phase A of our mega expansion plan in November 2022, which included nine projects in total and increased the total area of our facility to 725,000 square meters, offering a host of attractions and industry firsts under one expanded terminal. Our capacity also increased to over 58 million passengers annually – offering an abundance of worldclass services, F&B and retail selections –and an indoor tropical garden.

Ioannis Metsovitis, Senior Vice President of Operations at Hamad International Airport

DOHA CONNECT | IOANNIS METSOVITIS >>>

AIRPORTS LNME

We ended 2022 on a high note, welcoming over 35 million passengers, and we saw an increase in aircraft movements to over 210,000, a 28.2% growth compared to the year before. This year we began Phase B of our expansion project and currently have over 40 airline partners and serve over 170 destinations.

Adopting Digital Transformation

Our operations have embraced digital transformation by implementing various innovative technologies and solutions. We have recognized the importance of digitalization in enhancing efficiency, streamlining processes and improving overall performance at our airport and through strategic initiatives and partnerships, we have made significant progress.

One of the critical areas where we have implemented digital transformation is in our security processes. We have integrated state-of-the-art screening technology at our security checkpoints, such as the Smiths Detection tool utilizing Computed Tomography (CT) for advanced baggage screening. This ensures the highest levels of security compliance, enhances customer service, and optimizes checkpoint performance.

Additionally, we have introduced innovative tools across our airport premises as part of our smart airport

program. For instance, we launched the ‘Digital Twin’ initiative in partnership with SITA, providing a real-time 3D interface with a comprehensive airport view. This technology enables us to monitor and manage our operations more effectively.

Furthermore, our collaboration with Aeroficial Intelligence has led to implementation of the Performance Cockpit platform powered by AI-driven technology. This platform utilizes surveillance data to measure and analyze crucial operational metrics, including air traffic operations and airfield movements. By leveraging this platform, we can achieve daily operational excellence, reduce emissions and gain valuable insights for continuous improvement.

Trials

Overcoming challenges is baked into our DNA. The airport was overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously planning to host the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As more than two challenges were needed, the airport also worked diligently to ensure its massive expansion project stayed on track. Through meticulous planning and the heroic efforts of our staff and stakeholders, we exceeded expectations on all fronts.

Keeping a keen eye on aviation trends ensures that our operations adapt quickly to meet passenger and commercial requirements. The airport industry noticed the need to invest in tools such as data-driven and automated operational solutions to help staff and facilities with increased travel demands. Amid our ongoing growth, we are undergoing phase B of the expansion plan. The delicate balance between managing operational change and guaranteeing operational and service excellence while ensuring that expansion works go unhindered is another challenge, albeit one that we are accustomed to.

Progression and growth are at the end of the tunnel, and it is essential to ensure that sustainability and environmental needs are noticed in the process. Sustainability will continue to play a significant role in our plans, and we must overcome the challenges associated with sustainability and protect the environment for future generations. With that said, we have learned valuable lessons from overcoming past challenges, and we are constantly looking into ways to integrate these lessons of resilience into our ethos to keep the momentum of continuous improvement going.

Recent Developments

Strategically located in the heart of the Middle East, our airport continues to grow, offering global travellers world-class services and facilities curated for all. We are constantly introducing experiences and consider the different passengers that utilize our facilities or choose Hamad International Airport to be part of their travel journey.

Earlier this year, we opened a particular handling lounge – the Muzn Lounge, which is a sensory room providing educational, rehabilitative, and recreational interactive devices and equipment that aim to promote, integrate and empower passengers with special needs in the community while offering them assistive technologies and solutions that give them a seamless and stress-free experience.

Phase B of the expansion, starting in January, will mean the airport’s capacity growing to over 70 million passengers per year and construction of two new

concourses within the existing terminal. Additionally, to introduce ‘industry first’ experiences, the airport inaugurated the Louis Vuitton Lounge - accessible by the Al. Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden, making it the only one of its kind in an airport.

We plan to elevate our facilities to the highest standards, investing in the latest technologies and introducing more industry-first options.

Sustainable Initiatives

Sustainability is at the core of what we do at Hamad International Airport, and we invest in initiatives that improve our sustainability efforts to enhance our operations as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Part of our environmental sustainability goals includes waste management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By engaging with commercial stakeholders and government entities, we can adopt the best environmental standards, which will positively impact the environment. During

the 2022/2023 fiscal year, we managed to reuse and recycle about 40% of our waste generated through airport operations, including 736 tonnes of plastic waste –and transform non-recyclable waste to produce electricity.

As part of our objective of zero landfill, we initiated processes to enhance further our waste management systems, which resulted in over 1,200 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfills for further segregation, recycling and energy recovery each month.

To maintain our prominent landscape features, we use organic fertilizers

originating from recycled green waste –which is part of our collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality in Qatar. Hamad International Airport also has a dedicated wastewater treatment plant which allows us to reuse 100% of the wastewater generated from the airport for landscape irrigation, which means zero wastewater being discharged to the sea. This, along with our energy conservation efforts in all aspects of the airport since its initiation – including cooling, solar materials and lighting – has allowed us to control and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy.

KEEPING A KEEN EYE ON AVIATION TRENDS ENSURES THAT OUR OPERATIONS ADAPT QUICKLY TO MEET PASSENGER AND COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS. THE AIRPORT INDUSTRY NOTICED THE NEED TO INVEST IN TOOLS SUCH AS DATADRIVEN AND AUTOMATED OPERATIONAL SOLUTIONS TO HELP STAFF AND FACILITIES WITH INCREASED TRAVEL DEMANDS.

WATCH- OUT

QATAR’S INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMOUS E-MOBILITY

THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT OF THE STATE OF QATAR IS THE HOST AND STRATEGIC PARTNER OF THE AUTONOMOUS E-MOBILITY FORUM

Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, in charge of the duties of the Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Qatar’s Minister of Transport, The Ministry of Transport is hosting the first International Forum for Autonomous e-Mobility organized by Just Us & Otto Marketing Services from October 10-12, 2023. The event, hosted in Doha over three days, will shed light on the latest trends and innovations in sustainable transport solutions. It will also provide a leading platform for exchanging experiences and ideas and enriching discussions on developments in electric transport and self-driving mobility, a topic of local and global importance. The Forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, senior officials, expert speakers, and representatives of ministries, government institutions, private sector companies, academic institutions, the media, and hundreds of

attendees. It thus establishes a suitable opportunity for concerned international parties to enhance knowledge, explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, and formulate recommendations on the future application of electric and autonomous vehicles in real-world settings.

On this occasion, Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, in charge of the duties of the Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, said: “For many years, electric transport vehicles have been a main focus in the efforts of governments and the visions of manufacturing companies within the wider context of sustainability and diversification of energy sources. The State of Qatar seeks to bring about transformative movement in the transportation sector by investing in sustainable and smart mobility and improving energy efficiency to achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision in line with global

efforts to reduce the harmful carbon emissions from conventional vehicles.”

Eng. Hamad Issa added: “The State has advanced in implementing more environmentally friendly, sustainable transportation plans, as the Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, is implementing a strategy of gradual transformation to electric buses, aiming to convert all public transport buses to work with electric energy by the year 2030, along with establishing the facilities that serve this transformation. Moreover, The Ministry is developing a comprehensive strategy for regulating selfdriving vehicles in Qatar.”

Prof. Dr Frank Himpel, Non-Resident Fellow at InStrat, a Department of 4th Dimension, and Consulting Expert to the Forum, said: “The Autonomous e-Mobility Forum in Qatar is unique in bringing together industry experts from around the world

to discuss sustainable mobility solutions from a technology, research and policy perspective. The Forum is set to become the pioneering initiative to create a multilateral platform and establish a rich and constructive dialogue to exchange visions, experiences and viewpoints on sustainability innovations, which are of utmost significance on a global scale.”

Prof. Dr Frank Himpel, Non-Resident Fellow at InStrat

“FOR MANY YEARS, ELECTRIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES HAVE BEEN A MAIN FOCUS IN THE EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENTS AND THE VISIONS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES WITHIN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND DIVERSIFICATION OF ENERGY SOURCES.”

QATAR’S VERSATILE OPULENCE AIR

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, breaks down the key pillars supporting the State of Qatar’s logistics and supply chain industry

The world’s top international air cargo airline, Qatar Airways Cargo, was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Doha, State of Qatar. With freighters, belly-hold passenger flights, passenger freighters, and micro freighters, it provides a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and 150 passenger destinations. Two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-

400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters, and one Airbus 310 freighter make up the airline’s freighter fleet. Additionally, it features a vast network of road feeder services (RFS). With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people, and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for cargo transportation. >>>

QATAR’S VERSATILE AIR OPULENCE | GUILLAUME HALLEUX

“In line with its Next Generation strategy, Qatar Airways Cargo is prioritising digitalisation,” said Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer of Cargo at Qatar Airways. “With the recent launch of its cutting-edge and innovative Digital Lounge platform, which provides various improvements including booking, tracking, account management and reporting, the carrier offers enhanced cargo solutions to its customers.” Additionally, Qatar Airways Cargo has won numerous awards; just recently, it won Cargo Airline of the Year and Air Cargo Industry Marketing & Promotional Campaign at the 2023 Air Cargo Week World Air Cargo Awards. The carrier also won the Sustainable Cargo Airline of the Year at Freight Week Sustainability Awards 2023.

Differentiation

In the sector, Qatar Airways Cargo has constantly made investments in cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge facilities, and strict quality control procedures. Their committed team, in-depth knowledge, and everlasting commitment keep them ahead of their rivals.

Guillaume adds, “Qatar Airways Cargo is committed to exceptional customer service. We have dedicated teams to ensure customer needs are met promptly and efficiently. With our 24/7 customer support, we offer tailor-made solutions to meet our customers’ specific requirements.”

As a leader in cutting-edge technology, Qatar Airways Cargo is continuously investing in novel solutions to boost operational effectiveness, visibility, and security, streamline workflows, and boost performance.

“We excel in providing specialised solutions for various types of goods, including pharmaceuticals, perishables and dangerous goods. Our expertise and capabilities enable us to tailor our services to meet the unique challenges associated with these specific types of cargo,” shares Guillaume. They have the expertise, resources, and experience to provide dependable and effective services, whether ensuring the correct handling and temperature control for pharmaceutical products, preserving the freshness and integrity of perishable goods, or adhering to stringent safety protocols for dangerous goods.

“In addition, we are fully certified to ensure these goods’ safe and secure transportation. Having obtained IATA CEIV Fresh, CEIV Lithium Batteries and CEIV Pharma certifications demonstrates our sustained commitment to the highest standards when handling and transporting perishables, dangerous goods and pharmaceuticals,” says Guillaume.

Safety And Assurance

According to industry best practices and stringent standards, cargo handling changes depending on the type of goods being transported and its requirements. They offer a wide range of goods and services for different kinds of cargo, and each type of good has specific handling, storage, and transportation needs.

“We are the first airline globally to complete the suite of IATA Certifications for CEIV Fresh, CEIV Lithium Batteries, CEIV Live Animals, CEIV Pharma, IEnvA registered and United for Wildlife programme. These certifications showcase our commitment to maintaining the highest global industry standards,” confirms Guillaume.

Safety First remains their motto, and the team carries out all relevant risk assessments for high-risk dangerous goods shipments before they are accepted for carriage on Qatar Airways flights and freighters. “Our operations staff are trained to the requirements of our regulators and based on their job responsibilities to handle such goods,” shares Guillaume.

Digital Transformation

A key pillar of Qatar Airways Cargo’s Vision 2027 Strategy, digitalisation has received significant investment. The launch of Qatar Airways Cargo’s brand-new website in May 2022 marked the beginning of the airline’s digital transformation journey. The new website boasts an entirely new design that provides straightforward navigation, logical presentation of information, and strong security. The new website boasts a reduced carbon footprint than its predecessor because it is cloud-based and takes fewer clicks to source pertinent details.

In October 2022, Qatar Airways Cargo launched its next-generation Digital Experience platform with a completely updated, feature-rich, and user-friendly cargo customer interface named ‘Digital Lounge.’ The Digital Lounge experience offers better engagement and interaction, increased productivity and time management, and better visibility, transparency, and performance tracking, which adds value for the airline’s customers.

IATA One Record, Cargo Interline Booking APIs for B2B OAL integrations (Marketing & Operating), Auto-AWB Generation API on marketplaces, Clickthrough Agreement on Online Services platform to provide ease of doing e-AWB, Book now & pay later model, and Pay Module are some other notable initiatives.

“To support our rapid e-booking growth and provide full real-time rate transparency and swift autoconfirmation, we selected PROS pricing and quoting solutions. PROS constitutes a fundamental pillar in our

new pricing strategy. This unique digital technology will assist us in achieving our strategic growth objectives by enabling personalised real-time pricing across all available channels,” explains Guillaume.

Handle Unforeseen Challenges

Guillaume says, “The experience, resilience, strength and commitment of our staff have helped us navigate any challenges throughout our journey.” COVID-19 best illustrates this. Being one of the few international airlines that continued to operate during the pandemic, it was a moral choice to show their dependability and resilience by infusing much-needed capacity into the market and supporting global supply chains at a crucial point in the pandemic. It’s high responsiveness and flexibility characterise Qatar Airways Cargo. “Our ability to swiftly respond to changing situations and adapt to encountered challenges is our key strength. We can adjust routes, reprogram flights, or implement emergency measures to minimise disruptions in the supply chain.

QATAR’S VERSATILE AIR OPULENCE | GUILLAUME HALLEUX

“TO SUPPORT OUR RAPID E-BOOKING GROWTH AND PROVIDE FULL REAL-TIME RATE TRANSPARENCY AND SWIFT AUTOCONFIRMATION, WE SELECTED PROS PRICING AND QUOTING SOLUTIONS. PROS CONSTITUTES A FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR IN OUR NEW PRICING STRATEGY.”

QR works closely with supply chain partners, including regulatory authorities, ground service providers, and other carriers, to coordinate efforts and resolve issues collaboratively. This approach strengthens our ability to address challenges and maintain operational efficiency,” shares Guillaume.

Sustainability

The Qatar Airways organisation is dedicated to making the world a better place. The sustainability program WeQare, which is based on the four fundamental pillars of sustainability— the environment, society, economics, and culture—is one of the numerous charity, environmental, and humanitarian

endeavours in which Qatar Airways Cargo is actively involved. It also remains committed to giving back to the communities it serves.

Following the WeQare program, they have introduced four chapters:

> Chapter 1 - One Million Kilos: The COVID crisis sped up the start of this program to move one million kilograms of help and relief supplies. They engaged their customers by allowing them to donate the space to the charities of their choice.

> Chapter 2 - Rewild the Planet was established to provide free transportation to return wild animals to their original habitats.

> Chapter 3 - Let’s Stand Together: For

“ACCORDINGLY, WE INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS INTO OUR BUSINESS PLANNING, AND WE ARE CONSTANTLY ENHANCING OUR PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY, INCLUDING RAISING AWARENESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY.”

this chapter, donations for children were gathered and assembled in Doha before being given to charity all around the world.

> Chapter 4 - Diversity: This chapter highlighted the diversity of their team, which was depicted on a plane with the words ‘MOVED BY PEOPLE’ on it.

Along with their WeQare program, they continuously look for new ways to improve operational efficiencies, process improvements, digitalisation, fleet modernisation, efficient waste management, and carbon offsetting. The environmental sustainability commitments include:

> Working closely with the industry stakeholders in leading global efforts to

reduce CO2 emissions.

> Meeting and exceeding industry best practice standards for Noise and Air Quality.

> Preventing pollution and meeting compliance obligations and other requirements that Qatar Airways Group subscribes to.

> Improving thier performance through Environmental Management Systems.

> Raising awareness across the Group and promoting the training of employees & stakeholders on their Environmental Policy.

> Maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards the transportation of illegal wildlife and their products.

“Accordingly, we incorporate sustainability requirements into our business planning, and we are constantly enhancing our procedures and protocols to support conservation and biodiversity, including raising awareness on Environmental Policy. In fact, Qatar Airways Cargo is the first carrier in the Middle East certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment

programme (IEnvA) – State 2,” states Guillaume.

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Qatar Airways has committed to having Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by the year 2050, joining the first international alliance to unite around this goal. By 2030, the coalition intends to use 10% sustainable aviation fuel. Qatar Airways has inked an offtake deal to buy 25 million gallons of certified SAF over five years beginning in 2028 as part of this pledge.

“Our sustainability programme also includes market-based measures such as carbon offsetting. In 2020, Qatar Airways partnered with IATA to launch Voluntary Carbon Offset Programme for Passengers, and in November 2021, Qatar Airways Cargo became the first carrier to join the IATA CO2NNECT platform offering voluntary carbon emission offsetting to its cargo customers. In January 2022, we introduced a carbon emission calculator on our website, marking a new milestone in our environmental sustainability journey,” concludes Guillaume.

FREIGHT NETWORK YOUR ONLINE

Vibha

Middle East and Africa discuss the DHL Global Forwarding’s subsidiary for addressing road freight requirements

Arevolutionary freight platform called Saloodo! provides a simple and effective way to handle all requirements for handling road freight. Saloodo!, a division of DHL Global Forwarding, combines the infrastructure and logistical know-how of a major company with the adaptability and technological know-how of a start-up. The platform streamlines and expedites freight management using cutting-edge digital tools and simplified procedures. This results in speed, transparency, and ease.

“Through the platform, Saloodo! is offering real-time visibility into the regional road network,” says Tobias Maier, CEO of Saloodo! “This allows shippers to identify trustworthy and reliable freight carriers while empowering carriers to optimize their existing fleet and capacity through full- and part-truckload shipments.”

Furthermore, Saloodo! improves the freight booking procedure for shippers and carriers. Shippers can access a broad network of approved carriers and a streamlined posting process. The platform ensures transparency and empowers shippers to make knowledgeable decisions by offering competitive bidding alternatives and real-time tracking. Additionally, Saloodo! manages the documentation procedure, easing the administrative burden on carriers and shippers.

By notifying carriers of potential shipments via various platforms, such as WhatsApp, and maintaining a reliable network of shippers, Saloodo! provides additional revenue sources for carriers. The platform encourages competition, facilitates efficient communication, and

Mehta and Tobias Maier, CEO of Saloodo!

automates documentation to create a streamlined freight booking experience inside corporate logistics operations.

With its thorough onboarding and vetting procedure, Saloodo! ensures the dependability and excellence of carriers on its platform, ensuring their reliability and quality. Documents are painstakingly verified, and licenses and insurance policies are periodically examined for expiration dates.

“We also conduct comprehensive on-site visits to suppliers’ facilities, assessing their fleet, operations, and teams to meet and exceed our HSE standards. We collaborate on special initiatives, like driver’s training, to further upskill our supplier base. Through these initiatives,

we enhance our carriers’ capabilities and expertise and facilitate continuous improvement,” shares Tobias.

In line with this, Saloodo! uses various IoT technologies tuned to certain elements, including routes, client

preferences, and supplier capabilities. “Our platform’s agnostic nature enables seamless integration with various systems and IoT devices, granting us the ability to adapt swiftly and scale up efficiently,” adds Tobias.

These IoT options ensure realtime visibility and tracking of shipments providing accurate and up-to-date information on the status and location of each shipment throughout its journey.

“Our platform is designed to optimize available freight capacity and minimize empty truck trips, aligning with our core principle of connecting shippers with truckers efficiently. By reducing inefficiencies, we aim to enhance the overall sustainability of transportation operations,” states Tobias.

We are now investing in new technologies becoming available in the trucking business, such as the first electric vehicles entering the region, as part of our continued commitment to environmentally friendly transportation.

>>>

TOBIAS MAIER, CEO of Saloodo! Middle East and Africa

“OUR PLATFORM’S AGNOSTIC NATURE ENABLES SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH VARIOUS SYSTEMS AND IOT DEVICES, GRANTING US THE ABILITY TO ADAPT SWIFTLY AND SCALE UP EFFICIENTLY.”

Their decision to include eTrucks in their operations reflects our dedication to developing sustainable solutions and utilizing cutting-edge technology to have a beneficial environmental impact. Tobias adds, “We remain focused on exploring and implementing initiatives that reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental footprint, and contribute to a greener future for the freight industry.”

Sharing some success stories, “Businesses from various industries benefit from Saloodo! ‘s freight services. For example, we started working with one energy customer in 2019, and the partnership has grown over the years from initially handling a single lane to handling a significant portion of their trucking needs throughout the GCC now,” says Tobias.

This incredible partnership was a result of two important reasons. First, managing logistics operations has been made simple and user-friendly by the platform. They can track their freight effectively and make wise decisions since they have complete visibility into their shipments and detailed reports. Furthermore, their commitment to customer satisfaction has helped foster a strong relationship. By providing reliable logistics support, they

have helped them grow their business while improving their cost efficiency.

“At Saloodo!, we have several exciting future developments and enhancements planned to continuously evolve and meet the changing needs of the freight industry. Our primary focus is on integrating the Saloodo! platform into the broader DHL system landscape,” explains Tobias. As part of their partnership, they hope to offer additional

benefits to clients that use DHL transportation services. This integration will improve operational effectiveness, streamline operations, and give their devoted customers a smoother experience. “We are also actively developing tools that will empower our operations team to minimize further empty truck trips contributing to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable transportation practices,” concludes Tobias.

FUTURISTIC DIGITAL RAILWAY DEVELOPING A

Mahmoud El-Banna, Head of Digital Industries Sales for Middle East, Africa and India at Nokia, broadens our reach on the digital future of the railways

Can you provide an overview of Nokia and the range of solutions you offer for the rail industry?

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. We are a B2B technology leader that realises the potential of digital transformation in each mission-critical industry. Nokia is a global leader in supplying ICT solutions to railways, with over 140 customer references.

The railways industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation wave aiming to digitalise railways operations for safer operations, cost-efficient infrastructure, and seamless passenger experience. For decades, Nokia has been a pivotal player in the railways industry, supplying mission-critical ICT solutions to multiple railways customers worldwide. As the industry opts for more transformative operational models and introduction of revolutionary use cases, Nokia is at the forefront of developing digital ICT infrastructure for the next-generation railways, including 5G/FRMCS, robust network infrastructure through IP/Optical networks,

providing the foundation of data centre fabric and wrapping our ICT infrastructure with state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures.

How does Nokia leverage technology and innovation to improve railway operations and efficiency?

Nokia railway ICT solutions help mainline and metro-urban operators use the power of Industry 4.0 to achieve operational excellence, improve safety and security, enhance the passenger experience, and reduce carbon emissions. The railway industry is in the middle of a renaissance – a digitalisation wave aimed at making railways the preferred mode of transportation for passengers and freight. The digitalisation of railway operations will enable faster, safer, and more efficient rail travel while offering the best passenger experience. The foundation of this digital transformation initiative is a combination of mission-critical control, communications and signalling infrastructure, digital applications, and critical subsystems.

Nokia offers innovative solutions for the digital transformation of railways — supporting new, smart railway applications without compromising current ones. Our integrated railway solutions help railways to successfully transform their operations to take advantage of the digital opportunity:

> Delivering more for their passengers and communities,

> Ensuring efficient,

> On-time operations, and

> Maintaining round-the-clock safety and security.

What specific challenges or pain points in the rail industry do your solutions address?

The railways industry considers passenger safety, experience, and timely transportation as key performance indicators (KPIs). The industry currently faces challenges in fulfilling these KPIs to the maximum possible. Safety relies heavily on deploying the latest technologies in the signalling domain supported by a mission-critical broadband infrastructure to attain the newest safety measures for the rail

industry. Passenger experience onboard the train is becoming increasingly important to attract more customers hence the need to have broadband connectivity onboard the train so customers can engage with their day-today mandate, whether for work, life, or entertainment purposes.

The train transportation journey is becoming an essential part of all citizens’ lives, hence the need to make the journey timely without any delays. Some Railways organisations are looking at achieving a cumulative delay of 3 seconds per year which is amazing and sets the benchmark so high for the industry in that sense. Mission-critical broadband connectivity will make this possible by introducing the necessary reliability and continuous operations, making the train journey timely without delays.

The deployment of reliable and missioncritical ICT infrastructure is at the heart of addressing the main challenges for railways organisations.

What role do data analytics and IoT play in optimising rail operations and maintenance?

Data analytics and IoT play a significant role in optimising rail operations and maintenance. It enables the rail

industry to take advantage of advanced communications systems to increase safety, cut operating costs and improve the experience for rail passengers as operators evolve into digital railways. From smarter and safer rail crossing to predictive maintenance of trackside assets to augmented reality-enabled maintenance, the modern railway has the potential to transform its operations from end to end by embracing IoT sensors, machine learning and AI-driven analytics.

The Nokia railway solution helps operators securely bring all their data together, using a single converged connectivity solution that integrates edge computing, IoT management and analytics in a powerful foundation for the digital transformation of their operations.

How does Nokia support the transition towards digital railways and the integration of smart technologies?

Nokia has been supplying ICT solutions to railways for a couple of decades already. We deeply understand this industry and the underlying challenges and opportunities. We have thousands of experts globally trained to operate according to the required skillset and safety standards for the railways’ industry.

Digitalisation comes with immense improvement opportunities across several pillars of the railways industry. Digital transformation is, however, a journey, not a destination. It needs to be planned carefully with clear starting and ending points. The transition must be planned very carefully from the current legacy mode of operation to the new digital infrastructure.

Nokia’s experience ranges from consulting our clients on the best solutions for developing their digital infrastructure. This is until all services have been migrated from the current infrastructure to the upgraded digital platform. The journey continues afterwards to support our customers in seamlessly integrating further applications. This will enhance their operational efficiency, offering the highest possible passenger experience.

Nokia is engaged with multiple railways organisations globally on their digital transformation plans and

how technologies such as 5G/FRMCS, mission-critical IP-MPLS, Cyber security and data centre fabric are key to their future evolution plans.

What is Nokia’s vision for the rail industry’s future, and how do you plan to contribute to its evolution and advancement?

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is set to replace GSM-R as the single global standard for railway communications in the future. This migration is led by the European Rail Association (ERA) and UIC, the International Union of Railways and 3GPP technologies; 5G will be the foundational technology to meet railway operators’ connectivity needs.

For the railway industry, the benefits of 5G include enhanced safety, improved operational efficiency and innovative passenger services. This will, in turn, help them achieve further digitisation to make the railway more competitive. 5G offers high speed, security, and capacity to support passenger connectivity needs, as well as safety-critical operational applications such as train signalling and safety-related application like CCTV and onboard communications.

While the migration period will run over several years, with GSM-R and FRMCS running in parallel, rail operators are advised to start planning early and modernise their existing GSM-R networks by introducing IP technology like in the transmission networks for FRMCS to ensure they are prepared for a parallel rollout of 5G for railways starting in the future.

Furthermore, Nokia will continue investing in the long-term partnerships established in the rail industry with the different ecosystem players to ensure the deployment of pre-tested solutions seamlessly in the environment of any railways organisation.

As countries across the globe and the African continent, move towards Industry 4.0 transformation, 5G is expected to become the dominant technology for vertical markets. It will allow rail operators to use automation more, cut costs, remove human error and promote greater safety. With its high speed, high capacity, and low latency, 5G paves the way for rail operators to move into a new era of automated operations and improve customer service as they embrace digitalisation.

LOCUS

REDEFINING LAST-MILE FULFILLMENT AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE GCC

The Middle East, especially the GCC, is home to millions of consumers that increasingly prefer to pull a wide range of goods and services from the convenience of their homes. For this modern-day techsavvy consumer, a predictable, convenient, and seamless fulfilment is equally essential as diversity in product choice and competitive pricing. This is why 17 out of 20 consumers favour brands that go above and beyond in customer experience.

Prompted by these trends, businesses across significant industries like e-commerce, retail, e-grocery, and third-

party logistics (3PLs) are witnessing considerable growth and robust customer demand. Therefore, they want to adopt intelligent technology platforms to achieve operational excellence in their last-mile operations.

“Enterprises in the Middle East now have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves by catering to diverse consumer preferences. With the help of intelligent decision-making platforms like Locus, they can provide exponential growth and scale by automating key processes, enlisting the services of thirdparty delivery providers, and providing memorable fulfilment experiences with real-time visibility on orders and diverse

channels of communication,” says Nishith Rastogi, Founder and CEO, Locus.

A Fresh Take on Logistics Excellence

Amid these swift tides of change, Locus is a game-changer in last-mile logistics. It is a leading technology company on a mission to enable last-mile excellence for enterprises worldwide. It works closely with some global companies across industries – Unilever, Nestle, Bukalapak, The Tata Group, BlueDart, and more. Its advanced customer experience and dispatch management platform make each delivery better than the last with innovative technology solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

“By leveraging the hard-earned insights from 850 million successful deliveries for more than 200 clients across 30+ countries, our marketleading solutions transform lastmile logistics from cost centres into profitable avenues. They are constantly pushing the efficiency envelope and promoting sustainable last-mile operations. We also leverage the deep and nuanced understanding of the Middle East business landscape to help businesses scale up their operations to multiple regions of the GCC,” says Nishith.

One such example is the UAE-based multinational conglomerate Lulu Group International. With the help of Locus Solutions, Lulu Group International’s e-commerce arm facilitated efficient hyper-local, on-demand deliveries, significantly enhancing their postpurchase customer experience.

“Lulu’s e-grocery operations across 6 GCC countries have thrived with Locus as our partner. We have achieved outstanding SLAs in on-time deliveries, reduced operational costs significantly, and gained enhanced visibility into onground operations to ensure seamless deliveries,” said Shinhas Majeed, Group General Manager - eCommerce at Lulu Group International. “Our 150+ workforce has praised the Locus platform and apps for their intuitive, user-friendly design, and we love how responsive and hands-on the team has been in our association so far.”

The CEO and Founder of Locus, Nishith Rastogi, outlines the dispatch management platform for superior last-mile delivery

LAST MILE

Innovative Solutions Driving Real-World Growth

The key pillars of Locus’ integrated, endto-end platform—Order Management, Dispatch Planning, Hybrid Fleet Management, Track and Trace, and Insights and Analytics— tackle the challenges of today’s logistics sector with data-driven decision-making.

Automating and digitising lastmile fulfilment processes such as route planning, parcel sorting, order management, and exchanges and returns empowers drivers to make more deliveries in a single shift, keeps costs in check, and ensures seamless fulfilment for consumers. For instance, the Route Planning module considers over 180 real-world constraints to ensure efficient routes. These are automatically updated in realtime to account for sudden obstacles or accommodate new, high-priority orders.

On the other end, its Track and Trace features offer a holistic view of all operations in real-time, reducing uncertainties’ impact on operations. The platform’s Analytics and Insights features analyse billions of data points to reveal deep inefficiencies and new growth opportunities. These solutions operate on a single source of truth and constantly communicate with each other. In doing so, businesses can achieve seamless operations

and elevate customer satisfaction. Take UAE-based last-mile logistics company Shyft, for example. By working with Locus, Shyft has achieved an unprecedented reduction in cost per booking while scaling up its fulfilment operations. The result? A staggering sevenfold increase in successful deliveries within a year.

“Partnering with Locus has been a pivotal decision in our growth story. Their Customer Experience and Dispatch Management Platform revolutionised our logistics operations from end to end. Automating our processes led to a drastic improvement in our fulfilment rate from 80% to 94% and an increase in on-time deliveries from 70% to 95%, Rehan Ali

NISHITH RASTOGI, CEO and Founder of Locus

Syed - Managing Partner, Shyft.

“Within just a year, we saw a 7x growth in successful deliveries and a reduction in our cost per booking. Locus’ commitment to our vision and their unwavering customer support has solidified them as a service provider and a key ally in our goal to aid the next 100,000 e-commerce businesses in the Middle East.”

A Vision For the Future

Locus continues to have a pulse on the significant market trends to further evolve its offerings. Its objective is to drive the maximum value for businesses and stakeholders in the Middle East and worldwide. To that end, the latest among its innovative solutions is the Delivery Linked Checkout (DLC). It provides customers with multiple delivery windows, facilitates effortless order cancellations based on their preferences, and reduces shopping cart abandonment for E-commerce sites, a significant issue for them.

It also recently introduced LastMile Maturity Assessment. In less than seven minutes, this novel tool enables businesses to assess the level of maturity of their operations, understand their strengths, uncover hidden inefficiencies, and spot new growth opportunities.

“Locus also maintains an unwavering commitment to sustainable operations. We’ve worked with leading enterprises worldwide to give them visibility on emissions. They minimised emissions from the distance travelled, fleet utilisation, and planning time. We have saved 57 million miles in transit distance and bring about emission savings equivalent to the volume sequestered by 25,000+ acres of forest cover every year,” says Nishith.

The powerful combination of a customer-centric mission, vision, and innovation solidifies Locus’s position as a market leader in technology solutions that can unlock new growth opportunities in the GCC by enabling scalability, cost efficiency, and delightful consumer experiences.

Mayple offers an end-to-end digital supply chain solution by integrating with popular sales channels like Shopify and with plans for future expansions. Resulting in a seamless experience for both brands and their customers is ensured by this integration, which streamlines the entire process.

Mayple is supported by best-in-class investors like Jeff Weiser, the former CMO of Shopify, Alpaca VC, formerly Corigin Ventures, Irrvrnt VC, and Mu Ventures in New York.

The company is headquartered in New York with a subsidiary in Dubai, where local alliances with service providers like DHL and Dubai Commercial City, among others, offer a crucial framework for enabling this global supply chain solution.

“At Mayple, we are dedicated to empowering consumer brands with the tools and capabilities they need to expand their reach globally. By offering a comprehensive, technology-driven supply chain solution, we are breaking down barriers and facilitating efficient global trade for brands and consumers alike,” adds Ammar.

Small and mid-sized retailers and direct-to-consumer brands (less than $200 million in revenue) need more infrastructure for a global supply chain. Mayple offers a global supply chain for these underserved brands that are ready to use immediately. Ammar shares, “In practical terms, this means a store in California can offer fast and cheap shipping to a customer in New Zealand, which would not be possible through a normal shipping service.”

In addition, Mayple sets itself apart from other digital supply chain platforms in several crucial ways:

MODERNISING PLATFORMS FOR

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

Ammar Moiz, the Founder and CEO of Mayple, explores how the UAE is important to the company’s growth plans and why Mayple is distinctive

By providing quick and affordable solutions, Mayple, a digital global supply chain platform, transforms how consumer brands deliver goods to customers worldwide. “Our platform facilitates a complex global supply chain, encompassing sea freight, air freight, localised warehousing, and fulfilment services,” says Ammar Moiz, the founder and CEO of Mayple. With the help of this all-inclusive strategy, brands can successfully expand their operations and attract customers from around the world.

- Comprehensive Integration: Mayple offers a solution for comprehensive integration, going beyond just basic connectivity. It seamlessly joins up the previously disjointed silos of the global supply chain, ensuring an effective and seamless flow of products and information throughout the different phases of the distribution process, making Mayple stand out as a complete platform thanks to this end-to-end integration.

- Cutting-edge Technology: Mayple uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance the ecosystem of the supply chain. It uses AI, machine learning, and automation to increase productivity, cut costs, and enable real-time visibility into inventory, logistics, and demand forecasting. Thanks to these cutting-edge capabilities, businesses can make datadriven decisions and respond quickly to market dynamics.

- Targeted at Underserved Brands: Mayple focuses on small and mid-sized retailers and direct-to-consumer companies with annual revenues under $200 million. By concentrating on this underserved market segment, Mayple can recognise their particular problems and offer specialised solutions that will enable them to get past the obstacles posed by international distribution.

- Integrating the global supply chain seamlessly into digital and e-commerce sales channels is where Mayple shines. Because of this direct integration, companies can reach a sizable global consumer base without investing heavily in costly logistics infrastructure. Mayple enables brands to effectively increase their reach and drive sales by streamlining the process.

Thus, Mayple distinguishes itself as a cutting-edge platform by providing thorough integration, advanced technology, a focus on underserved brands, and seamless e-commerce integration. This platform caters to companies’ unique requirements and challenges in the digital supply chain space.

“Our core focus lies in serving global retailers and direct-to-consumer businesses that operate through popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify,” states Ammar. According to Ammar, while these companies have successfully increased their global reach and boosted sales using platforms like Instagram and Shopify, they need help

building a solid logistics infrastructure to serve their diverse global customer base efficiently.

Additionally, Mayple’s platform enables them to agnostically link individual e-commerce stores with the backend of WMS providers, last-mile carriers, and freight consolidators/shoppers, ensuring that smaller shops/ sellers have access to a vast global supply chain network.

“Re-regulation and customs import-export procedures: through our partner network, we are integrated with the Dubai Customs Blockchain solution making it seamless for us to bulk import and reexport SKUs individually,” shares Ammar.

They are harnessing the power of data and AI forecasting models to revolutionise store inventory management. Ammar

comments, “Our cuttingedge technology enables brands to proactively identify inventory needs and optimise sell-through rates, keeping them one step ahead of their customers’ demands.” Their dedication to data protection and privacy sets them apart. They offer useful insights across the entire e-commerce landscape, encompassing various categories and industries, by anonymising the data they collect.

Ammar feels that due to its advantageous location and well-developed logistics infrastructure, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a key player in facilitating international trade over the past century. “As we witness the transformative impact of e-commerce and the disruption of traditional cross-border trade, we firmly believe that the UAE is poised

to assume an even more significant role. In line with this vision, we are dedicated to constructing a cutting-edge digital platform that harnesses the full potential of the UAE’s logistics infrastructure to empower sellers and buyers worldwide, enabling seamless direct-to-consumer transactions,”

The UAE’s strategic location has long been a driving force for global trade as a vital link between numerous regions. By taking advantage of this advantageous position, their platform seeks to revolutionise direct-to-consumer commerce by utilising the UAE’s superior logistical capabilities.

“Our platform is uniquely positioned to leverage the UAE’s commitment to customs modernisation and trade facilitation. We will harness these advancements to expedite customs clearance processes and minimise trade barriers, making cross-border transactions more efficient and seamless than ever,” highlights Ammar.

They believe that they are in the early innings of e-commerce growth worldwide. “Our business model enables retailers and sellers all around the world to transact with customers around the world seamlessly. We enable the direct physical distribution of goods for sellers previously reliant on distributors, large retailers and conglomerates,” concludes Ammar.

WHAT CAN BLOCKCHAIN DO FOR THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY?

“OUR CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY ENABLES BRANDS TO PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY INVENTORY NEEDS AND OPTIMISE SELL-THROUGH RATES, KEEPING THEM ONE STEP AHEAD OF THEIR CUSTOMERS’ DEMANDS.”

In the UAE, Powertech Mobility is a system integrator for the infrastructure surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging. Powertech is in a good position to determine the electrical infrastructure necessary for setting up an EV charging station that complies with regional utility requirements. Powertech, a company with more than 30 years of industry experience in the low voltage power distribution sector in the UAE, has placed multiple EV charging stations all throughout the country after consulting with end users to identify the best options for electric car charging. Additionally, Powertech engineers are certified to commission, troubleshoot, and offer aftersales service for all electric vehicle charging systems, including DC (Direct Current) Chargers and the HighPower Rapid EV Charging systems through training programs with Charger

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

Powertech Mobility has a unique advantage through its core engineering background in power distribution. “This is particularly relevant as most of the infrastructure is being installed at existing operational facilities,” says Arthi Srinivasan, Director of EV Charging Solutions at Powertech Mobility and CEO of Powertech Group of Companies. These retrofit solutions necessitate a thorough comprehension of the facility’s current power distribution and the implementation of the necessary changes to ensure the installation of the charging infrastructure without interfering with current operations.

Arthi adds, “Our mobility solutions are extremely relevant to mass transit electrification which provides greater accessibility to populations that are reliant on public transport for commute.” By offering e-scooter

charging stations and other services for personal mobility, such as home charging solutions, Powertech Mobility supports inclusion.

The technologies they include in their solutions promote dynamic load management without constantly upgrading the power from the grid. “Our Energy storage solutions encourage charging through sustainable power that is not heavily reliant on upgrading the grid. Additionally, our Payment solutions for billing include diverse payment options such as QR Codes, Appbased payments, RFID and POS systems,” shares Arthi. Additionally, Powertech collaborates with authorized UAE manufacturers who have a solid track record of dependability and credibility because of participation in numerous government initiatives and programs.

Speaking of customized solutions for the consumers, Arthi emphasizes, “A key

component of our business is adapting our solutions to match the unique needs of our clients. We made adjustments, such as building floor-standing stations with umbrellas to accommodate the local environmental factors including temperature, dust, and humidity.”

Another aspect of customization was offering cuttingedge payment options that matched their operator’s billing management requirements.

The solutions enable operators to manage and enhance the billing services for end users on the data analytics front. Operators use their charging point management software for this. Operators and system integrators like Powertech can assure minimal downtime of the charging stations, preventative maintenance, and improvement of services to end users by using data from charging transactions, logs, and charger performance. Focusing on the future of mobility, Arthi shed some light highlighting who Powertech Mobility is focused on bringing charging to every doorstep of an electric car owner.

Powertech Mobility is focused on bringing charging to the doorstep of every electric car owner. This vision is predicated on a rise in consumer adoption of electric vehicles. “We are building the solution through R&D (Reaserch and Development) and are focused on bringing innovative technologies that can optimize the charging experience for EV owners, EV service centres and the automotive sector without having to depend on permanent infrastructure within their premises,” concludes Arthi.

NEWER HEIGHTS

NOMU, one of the innovative food-tech supply chain platforms – set to revolutionise the food and beverage industry in the MENA region, has announced the successful closure of its first round of financing after the merger and establishment of Nomu Group.

Leading investors like DIV Capital, Shurfah, Core Vision, Purity for Information Technology, and wellknown family offices in Saudi Arabia like the Bakr Family Office and the Altoukhi Family Office contributed $5 million to the seed round, in addition to angel investors. With a focus on restaurants and financing options, the funds raised will be used to increase NOMU’s B2B HORECA offering. A Software-asa-Service (SaaS) solution and an AI assistant procurement officer chatbot are two projects that NOMU plans to create. The company priori-

tises sustainability and sound unit economics; two markets are already profitable.

NOMU has rapidly expanded since its founding in 2022 and now operates in four nations, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. By 2025, the company intends to aggressively expand into 50 cities and towns. Surprisingly, NOMU has already demonstrated a positive cashflow business model, recorded a 10x increase in revenue within a year, and has higher gross margins than healthy sustainable levels.

NOMU has also formed strategic international alliances with major corporations in the sector, including Savola and Procter & Gamble.

Founded by Salman Attieh, Yassir El Ismaili El Idrissi, Shehab Mokhtar, and Ahmed Eldemerdash, NOMU Group’s headquarters are located in Riyadh, KSA, with a

holding structure in Abu Dhabi’s International Financial Centre. This strategic positioning enables NOMU to develop its operations further and expand its footprint, with plans to cover Pakistan and key sub-Saharan countries shortly.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming support we have received from our investors, both in terms of funding and strategic partnerships,” said Shehab Mokhtar, Co-Founder and CEO of NOMU Group. “This seed round allows us to strengthen our B2B HORECA offering, invest in cutting-edge technology, and expand into new markets. NOMU is committed to revolutionising the food-tech supply chain, providing greater convenience and efficiency for businesses in the MENA region.”

The company’s mission to transform the F&B supply chain has reached a significant turning point with the completion of its seed funding round. With solid financial support, strategic alliances, effective centralised OPEX, and forwardthinking leadership, NOMU Group is well-positioned to transform the sector and spur innovation across the region.

NOMU Group raises $5 million in Seed Round Funding to transform MENA’s Food-Tech supply chain

Drive the new way.

New IVECO T-WAY: high productivity and safety on off-road terrains

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

New IVECO S-WAY: high technology and efficiency for on-road missions

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