Logistics Gulf News - May 2024

CARSTEN SPIEGELBERG - SSI SCHAEFER

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Dear Readers,

A warm welcome to yet another insightful edition of Logistics Gulf News.

The May edition really took shape when we confirmed our front cover profile, Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director Middle East and Africa (SSI SCHAEFER), a key figure in establishing SSI SCHAEFER’s automation business across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, has driven the success of automation ventures. As a seasoned speaker at global conferences, his expertise covers conventional, semi-automated, and automated warehousing, order fulfillment systems, and intralogistics.

When I think of supply chain thought leaders, there are certain images and accomplishments of many professionals that are ingrained in my mind. One name that always stands out for me is Dr. Shereen Nassar, Assistant Professor in the Edinburgh Business School at the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus. Dr. Shereen is the Global Director of Logistics Studies and the Director of the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program at the Dubai campus. ‘Logistics Gulf News’ brings out an exclusive profile review of her under InFocus.

Alexander Borg a prominent name in global logistics, transport, supply chain, and operations management, working with different leading names and groups has also shared his industry insight with us, talking about his endeavors and accomplishments in the regional and global supply chains.

As you devise yourself into the developments in the regional logistics segment, I hope you refer to our latest issue and be filled with enthusiasm about the strides our editorial team has made in serving you the latest updates that we continue to honor.

As usual, your views, comments, feedback, and remarks all matter. Feel free to write to me.

Saee Joshi Editor

The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication.

Logistics Gulf News cannot accept liability for any error or missions contained in this publication.

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Dubai - United Arab Emirates

DP World Paves the Way for Transparent Sustainable Infrastructure Development

DP World is the first globally to commit to and publish a Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID). The reporting standards allow private sector companies to track, monitor and evaluate their ability to scale sustainable development initiatives

DP World has published a Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID), making it the first company globally to adopt and disclose on its development impact in countries of focus in accordance with the recently released impact disclosure guidance from the Impact Disclosure Taskforce.

DP World invites industry participants and practitioners to share their feedback during a four-month public consultation period, from 18 April to 1 September, to shape and refine the guidance.

The disclosure serves as a framework for private sector companies and sovereigns, to demonstrate how they drive transformation through large-scale infrastructure development into emerging markets and developing economies.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO said: “I am immensely proud to announce the publication of our new Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure, which embodies our commitment to changing what’s possible through infrastructure development. This disclosure not only demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development but also sets a path for industrywide accountability. It’s a call to action, to catalyse positive change and drive sustainable infrastructure development on a global scale.”

The SDID, which was developed in line with recent disclosure guidance from the Impact Disclosure Taskforce – led by JP Morgan Development Finance Institution and Natixis - uses impact measurement and monitoring to assess the impact of investments in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and closing

existing development gaps. It fosters transparency and accountability and genuine commitment to sustainable development, while empowering global capital markets to make informed financing decisions based on reliable, publicly disclosed information.

By leveraging existing best practices and resources, a fivestep process has been defined to measure and disclose the impacts of business strategies or national development plans.

The SDID is characterised by being entity-level, impactoriented, forward-looking and context- specific.

DP World and the Taskforce welcomes feedback on the SDID and invites the industry to contribute their insights to further enhance the effectiveness of the guidance. Experts and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback by visiting www.orrick.com/IDTfeedback by September 1st, 2024.

Arsalan Mahtafar, Co-Chair of the Impact Disclosure

Kate Fleetwood Appointed

Taskforce and Head of J.P. Morgan’s Development Finance Institution: “By publishing its Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure, DP World demonstrates that it intends to manage its business to achieve both financial returns and development impact. I commend DP World for its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in places where it’s needed most to meet our global goals.”

Cedric Merle, Co-Chair of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce and Head of the Center of Expertise and Innovation within Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking’s Green and Sustainable Hub: “Natixis is pleased to have worked with DP World and JP Morgan in the first Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure. Testing the Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure Guidance will be instrumental to ensure it is delivering the information needed to meet specific SDG-related needs and expectations of investors and lenders. We hope that others will follow DP World’s example in disclosing not only their commitments, but action to foster sustainable development in emerging markets”

as Serco’s Head of Operations

for

West Coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Serco has announced the promotion of Kate Fleetwood to the role of Head of Operations, for the West Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The promotion of Kate into this newly created role reaffirms Serco’s commitment to supporting the Saudi Government and Vision 2030, with a special focus on enhancing the safety and readiness of projects across the West Coast region and echoing the company’s continued commitment to impact a better future for the region’s residents and visitors.

Kate is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational delivery of Serco’s contracts on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, including within the Red Sea and NEOM area, where Serco hold a number of contracts supporting the development of the giga cities infrastructure, including providing fire & rescue services (FRS) at Red Sea International Airport and supporting Red Sea Global’s carbon-neutral mobility services.

In her new role, overseeing around 200 staff, Kate and her team have a core objective of bringing Serco’s many years of experience and knowledge within the transport and emergency services industry to the rapidly developing region to instil best practices from Serco’s global experience and ensure a transfer of knowledge to support the nationalisation aims of the country.

Since joining Serco in October 2022, having previously worked with Rolls-Royce and National Nuclear Laboratory in the UK, Kate has been instrumental in leading multiple large-scale negotiations and mobilisations, swiftly establishing herself as a key contributor to Serco’s growth in the Middle East, with a track record of operational excellence. This expertise is now pivotal, particularly during the complex and unique construction phases of the country’s giga cities, which come with several unique challenges.

Kate Fleetwood, Head of Operations for West Coast, Serco Middle East said:

“It’s a privilege to represent Serco, a company that actively challenges the status quo in promoting the progression of women into operational roles. This advancement paves the way for a new generation of women to shape their own futures in the industry. As Vision 2030 unfolds, revealing an increased need for adept and experienced partners, our team is dedicated to playing a significant and important role in impacting a better future for the community here in the region, delivering top-tier transport and emergency services across the West Coast and ensuring our operations both support and keep pace with the ambitions of the Saudi Government.”

Kate will report into Samantha Rowles, Operations Director - Transport, for Serco Middle East. Congratulating Kate, Samantha said:  “Kate’s promotion is a testament to her remarkable skill set and the exceptional value she has added to our operations in a short time. Her expertise and experience will be pivotal as we continue to expand our operations in Saudi Arabia. Serco prides itself on providing avenues for growth and recognising the hard work and talent of its employees. Kate’s journey exemplifies the company’s focus on diversity and empowerment, and her rise within Serco underscores the organisation’s support for the professional advancement of women in the industry.”

Chatlyn Expands Presence to the UAE with New Office in Dubai

Chatlyn empowers over 1,000 travel and hospitality entities with AI-powered services. Chatlyn’s team of 30 employees is spread across 3 offices in Austria, Spain, and Germany.

Chatlyn, a leading developer of guest experience software focused on travel and hospitality, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This strategic expansion is set to enhance chatlyn’s presence in the Middle East and cater to the growing demand for advanced AI-powered communication solutions in the hospitality industry.

Chatlyn was founded at the end of 2022 by industry veterans Nicolas Vorsteher (co-founder of Pre Screen, an HR software company sold to Germany’s XING in 2017), Matthias Haubner, and Michael Urbanek. In less than two

years, chatlyn has achieved significant milestones with the team expanding from just three to over 30 employees stationed across three offices in Austria, Spain, and Germany. The company now supports more than 1,000 properties globally with its cutting-edge software, including the most advanced AI chatbot on the market.

Built on an AI-powered platform, chatlyn’s product suite is designed to revolutionize how hospitality businesses engage with customers, offering features like the omnichannel inbox, AI assistants, and an Automation Studio. chatlyn offers seamless integration and communication across various platforms, including web chat, WhatsApp, email, and social media to ensure that every customer interaction is optimized for satisfaction and efficiency.

“Our expansion into Dubai marks a significant step in our commitment to the Middle East, where we have already seen substantial success with prominent brands,” said Nicolas Vorsteher, Co-founder of chatlyn. “Dubai, as a hub for hospitality innovation, presents an unparalleled opportunity for chatlyn to bring our specialized tools and solutions closer to our clients.”

To date, chatlyn’s systems have successfully managed over 1 million messages, showcasing the reliability and scale at which the company operates. The new office in Dubai will serve as a focal point for sales, support, and operations in the region, further strengthening chatlyn’s ability to offer real-time, tailored customer service solutions.

“Our goal is to empower hospitality brands with technology that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a modern traveler,” added Matthias Haubner, Co-founder of chatlyn. “Our presence in Dubai will help us achieve that by providing local insights and support to our clients.”

About Chatlyn

Chatlyn is an AI-powered customer engagement platform

that helps businesses in the hospitality sector automate client communication, reduce workload, and enhance customer engagement. Designed to improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue, chatlyn integrates seamlessly across various communication channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc. The platform supports over 25 languages and is fully GDPR compliant.

Pramod Raj Appointed as Managing Director - KSA at WeFreight

In a significant move to bolster its leadership team, WeFreight has announced the appointment of Pramod Raj as the new Managing Director for its Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) operations.

Pramod Raj - Managing Director - WeFreight KSA

Pramod Raj with a distinguished career in the logistics and supply chain industry, brings a wealth of experience to WeFreight, having demonstrated strong leadership and knowledge in his previous roles.

Before joining WeFreight, Raj served as the Director of Agencies at Centurion Shipping Dubai, managing the agency division of the NVOCC VOLTA across the Middle East, India, China, Malaysia, and Türkiye. He also served as the Director of Corten Shipping USA Inc.

Raj’s career includes a 15-year tenure at CMA-CGM as Agency Manager in Dubai, where he established operations

in Qatar, followed by roles as Group General Manager and CEO at AMI Middle East L.L.C., overseeing operations across the Middle East, India, Africa, and China.

Axel Herzhauser, Global Managing Director of WeFreight, commented on the appointment, “Pramod’s experience in the logistics sector make him the ideal leader to drive our expansion and innovation strategies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His leadership and operational expertise will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our presence in the region and deliver exceptional service to our clients.”

Raj expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honoured to join WeFreight and lead the team in Saudi Arabia. The opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth and success in such a dynamic market is incredibly exciting. I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance our operations, drive strategic initiatives, and deliver outstanding value to our customers.”

Pramod Raj’s appointment is effective immediately, as he takes the helm of WeFreight’s operations in KSA, poised to spearhead the company’s growth and innovation in one of its key markets.

Additionally, Rommel Lagmay will transition from his current role of Country Manager, KSA to take on new responsibilities as Director Strategic Accounts – KSA. The role of Director of Strategic Accounts in KSA is crucial as it enhances the company’s market presence and will aim to drive significant business growth through strategic partnerships and key account management in the region.

In his new role, Rommel will focus on the significant opportunities that present themselves in KSA’s fastgrowing economy, nurturing high-value client relationships and developing tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of key customers, and placing particular emphasis on initiatives related to the Red Sea and NEOM.

WeFreight’s leadership changes align with Saudi Arabia’s vigorous economic expansion, driven by transformative initiatives. As part of its economic advancement, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in clean technology and transportation. It plans to invest $206 billion to produce 60 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 and $150 billion to enhance its transportation and logistics sectors. These investments aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, supporting the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the nation’s income sources beyond oil and enhance economic competitiveness.

Regulatory improvements have boosted investment deals and licensing, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) playing a pivotal role in energising private sector investments. The establishment of four special economic

zones aims to attract high-quality investments, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to economic diversification and global integration.

About WeFreight WeFreight is a fast-growing freight forwarder with a digital focus on serving customers both large and small with a full range of products and services. Our experienced teams are ready to support and handle all types of shipments. We are focused on becoming the agile leader in emerging markets logistics. Customers like working with us as we bring a new perspective to the world of logistics and back it up with detailed knowledge of key industries.

RAKEZ Drives Forward UAE-India Economic Cooperation at Jaipur Business Event

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) showcased the strategic advantages of investing in Ras Al Khaimah during a recent business event in Jaipur, India. Experts from RAKEZ, accompanied by representatives from various entities in Ras Al Khaimah, participated in business roundtables and other discussions at the event organised by the UAE-India CEPA Council, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. The trip’s key focus was on fostering bilateral trade and investment opportunities and encouraging further economic cooperation in various sectors.

Representatives from RAKEZ and Ras Al Khaimah entities lead the discussion during a business event in Jaipur, India.

The discussions highlighted Ras Al Khaimah as a dynamic hub for key industries such as tourism, manufacturing, startups, real estate, and technology. This platform saw over 30 Indian businesses from diverse sectors engaging with the RAKEZ team, demonstrating their keen interest in leveraging the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for mutual benefit. The event not only reinforced existing ties, but also opened new avenues for future collaboration and investment.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The recent discussions with Indian entrepreneurs and industry leaders have been fruitful, enhancing our mutual understanding and uncovering exciting avenues for future collaborations under the CEPA framework. At RAKEZ, we are committed to our strategy of enhancing the economic landscape of Ras Al Khaimah by promoting its strategic location as a gateway to MENA region and global markets, and robust infrastructure to foster an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of businesses from India and around the world.”

The team also had the opportunity to engage in targeted meetings to discuss potential collaborations and share

knowledge for mutual growth and development with business leaders and stakeholders from prominent sectors - including chemicals, building materials, metals, IT, digital technology, and renewable energy. Particularly in healthcare, the team explored opportunities for collaboration in telemedicine, medical tourism, and specialised healthcare facilities, which are rapidly gaining traction in global markets. In the technology sector, discussions focused on forging partnerships in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, setting the stage for innovative collaborations.

RAKEZ’s active participation in global events highlights its crucial role as a facilitator of international business and economic development. Home to over 23,000 companies, including more than 5,300 Indian enterprises, RAKEZ is a thriving business hub. The presence of renowned Indian companies such as Dabur, MSSL, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, and Royal Gulf Industries underscore its appeal to major international players. Continuously supporting growth, RAKEZ provides a robust platform for businesses aiming to expand into the Middle East and beyond.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Emirates deepen partnership to strengthen the city’s position as a leading global business destination

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Emirates have signed a strategic partnership outlining joint initiatives to intensify international efforts and bolster Dubai’s mindshare as a hub for trade, tourism and investment. Building on both entities’ long-standing partnership and success in tourism promotion, this latest development underlines their respective commitment to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and to further enhance the city’s status as a leading destination for business and leisure.

The agreement was formalised on the side lines of Arabian Travel Market in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DET is

committed to developing and leveraging partnerships that can contribute towards achieving the city’s ambitious D33 goals. DET and Emirates have already built a powerful collaborative relationship in recent years, and this new MoU further enhances our ability to reach, engage with, and attract business audiences around the world. A key driver of Dubai’s tourism and wider economic growth has been the city’s international connectivity, propelled by Emirates’ global network and reputation as a leading airline, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Emirates to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in.”

Adnan Kazim remarked on the newly-inked cooperation with DET: “Dubai is already a magnet for so many international companies, entrepreneurs and family businesses with its business and investor-friendly climate and landscape, favourable trading conditions and highstandards of living. We’re committed to elevating Dubai’s global economic hub status with our partners at DET to increase its visibility across our network of over 140 cities and beyond through a gamut of promotional activities. We’re also working hard to grow our network and connectivity to complement Dubai’s already formidable trade map. DET’s and Emirates’ coordinated and robust strategy will support our visionary leadership’s goals of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next

decade and reinforce its position amongst the top three global cities.”

The strategic partnership will see both entities come together to promote Dubai’s robust business ecosystem, strategic location, unparalleled connectivity to key catchment regions, business-friendly policies and processes, ultra-modern infrastructure, and innovationled economy. They will target corporates, multinational companies, prominent family businesses, and global investors, positioning Dubai as an ideal hub for businesses looking to tap into rapidly growing economies.

The partnership covers a wide range of initiatives where the two entities can collaborate and complement each other’s efforts; these include marketing campaigns to showcase the city as a key transit point for cargo and passengers, access to a wide range of services and solutions to streamline global logistics operations, and the sharing of market insights to further build awareness and favourability of Dubai as a hub for business, trade and investment. They will also work together on a series of events to strengthen relationships with the international business community, with Emirates becoming ‘Preferred Airline Partner’ at these global exhibitions and conferences.

Dubai has grown to become one of the world’s most dynamic economies, serving as a hub for multinationals, start-ups, family businesses, and entrepreneurs targeting

growth in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with a combined catchment area of over 1.7 billion people. Dubai also boasts state-of-the-art logistics parks, various economic free zones, and transport networks that make the city an ideal hub for businesses looking to streamline their supply chain operations and expand their reach in the region.

Dubizzle Group Acquires Drive Arabia

Dubizzle Group, the premier online classifieds platform in the Middle East, reinforces its dominance in the automotive sector throughout the MENA region through the acquisition of Drive Arabia. This strategic maneuver exemplifies Dubizzle Group’s dedication to elevating its array of new car options and delivering comprehensive solutions to its user base.

With over two decades of a strong brand presence in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Drive Arabia brings extensive expertise and a devoted customer following in the automotive sector to Dubizzle Group. With this acquisition, Dubizzle Group aims to consolidate its automotive advertising offerings, introducing new products, and expanding its reach to better serve its customers.

“We are happy to welcome Drive Arabia into the Dubizzle Group family,” said Haider Ali Khan, CEO at Dubizzle Group MENA. “This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision to provide our users with an unparalleled experience in the automotive space. Drive Arabia’s strong brand recognition and reach will further strengthen our existing portfolio and enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers while strengthening our leadership position in the automotive space.

This is just the beginning and we are keeping a very keen eye on any other M&A opportunities that further help us expand our offerings in the verticals we operate in. Our immediate plans for Drive Arabia include a significant investment in the platform to enhance its core value proposition as a transparent tool for car prices, specifications, and other relevant details to help us become the go-to platform for new car launches in the region.”

Dubizzle Group:

Dubizzle Group, is the leading classifieds platform in the Middle East and operates a number of flagship brands, including Dubizzle and Bayut in the UAE and broader GCC as well as Zameen and OLX in Pakistan. With 123 million monthly visits across the platform and at least 27 million monthly users, Dubizzle Group’s portals are go-to destinations for online classifieds.

Drive Arabia:

DriveArabia.com is the largest automotive consumer portal of its kind in the GCC region. The site provides a unique online service for motoring consumers, designed specifically for the Middle East region, and covering the automotive market in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and especially the U.A.E.

TruKKer Expands Its Horizon - Launches Omnilog, A Comprehensive Freight Forwarding Company

Connecting One World: Omnilog Introduces Seamless and Sustainable Global Logistics Services

TruKKer, renowned for its unparalleled expertise in land logistics across 10 markets in the Middle East, Turkey & Eastern Europe, proudly unveils its latest venture –Omnilog, an integrated freight forwarding company. The launch marks a strategic expansion of TruKKer’s capabilities, leveraging its robust experience in hauling for the major enterprises. Powering over 1,200 largescale enterprise clients with MENA’s largest land freight ecosystem, TruKKer’s evolution into Omnilog signifies a remarkable augmentation of services, serving as a beacon of holistic logistics solutions and services.

Omnilog emerges as a seamless and integrated freight forwarding solution, aimed to connect major trade lanes in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company is poised to facilitate consolidated, value-creating offers for clients seeking efficiency and reliability in their global trade endeavors.

Key Features and Services: Multi-Modal Freight Solutions

Omnilog caters to diverse shipping needs with a comprehensive range of multi-modal transportation options. From swift air freight to cost-effective sea freight and efficient land freight, the company ensures flexibility tailored to client requirements. The services are live across the markets of UAE, KSA, and Turkey with plans for wider regional expansion.

Sustainability at the Core

As a responsible global player, Omnilog prioritizes sustainability. The company is committed to investing in eco-friendly practices, ensuring its operations align with environmental consciousness.

End-to-End Logistics Expertise

Omnilog’s wealth of knowledge in end-to-end logistics

solutions stems from its seasoned leaders – Omnilog aims to revolutionize global trade by seamlessly connecting major trading lanes empowering businesses worldwide with simplicity and reliability.

Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact

Omnilog benefits from TruKKer’s established presence and robust network, promising an impactful entry into the freight forwarding sector. The company aims to set new industry standards by combining technological innovation, sustainable practices, and a client-centric approach.

Ingo Kloepper, Managing Director at Omnilog, expressed, “Omnilog is the next evolution of integrated logistics services, a visionary expansion of TruKKer, the region’s leading freight ecosystem. With a strong international framework and elevated service levels, Omnilog is poised to rewire global connectivity, making supply chains more reactive and real-time.”

Gaurav Biswas, Founder & CEO of TruKKer, stated, “TruKKer has gained strong market leadership in scale and

reliability, powered by a digital freight network. Following our success with land freight, it is imminent that we focus on more consolidated services for our clients. We are excited to launch air and sea freight services with OmniLog and wish the best to the team..”

Muataz Alsafi, CDO, TruKKer, added, “Beyond our established land freight capacities, Omnilog, our freight forwarding entity, marks a dynamic expansion. This strategic evolution enhances our connectivity between the East and MENA regions, elevating our network to assume new responsibilities and become innately flexible”

Hakan Arikan, Regional MD and Exec Committee member quoted, “TruKKer’s expansion in Turkey and its trading markets has been rapid over the last two to three years. Turkey is an industrial economy and a hub for international freight transit. Omnilog is enabling our teams to offer complementary services to address their supply chain needs and challenges.”

Airbus to unveil ‘ground breaking’ Agnet

Turnaround at Critical Communications World 2024

Airbus will officially unveil its latest innovative solution at Critical Communications World (CCW) 2024, Agnet Turnaround, a new smart and secure collaborative platform to address and overcome challenges in the aviation industry.

Tailored specifically for airport infrastructure, this innovative solution is set to revolutionize operations at facilities worldwide through cutting-edge technology. While empowering airports with real-time monitoring and communication capabilities for seamless coordination and management processes, Agnet Turnaround delivers newfound value and efficiency through improved punctuality, reduced environmental impact, increased air traffic capacity, and more cost-effective functions.

“With Agnet Turnaround, we’re proposing a new way for airports to think about and manage their operations with a truly ground-breaking solution,” said Selim Bouri, Airbus Vice President for Public Safety and Security in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. “Agnet Turnaround is introduced with an unequivocal promise – to empower and enhance airport operations. Airbus looks ahead to the future with great anticipation with quick and efficient practices, reduced response times, and tremendous overall throughput all assured for airports globally – without sacrificing safety, security, or environmental responsibility.”

Designed to meet the unique demands of airport operations and accommodate vast requirements, Agnet Turnaround brings a sophisticated blend of real-time monitoring and smart communication technologies to the forefront. The solution enables airports and public safety

agencies to seamlessly coordinate and manage collective ground operations, ensuring smoother transitions with streamlined processes.

With Agnet Turnaround, airports can look forward to more punctual operations, minimizing delays in environments typically busy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By improving the efficiency of operations, the solution also supports airports in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals. Additionally, it enhances air traffic management, allowing for increased capacity without compromising safety standards.

“This solution has been introduced to empower airports with unprecedented operational capabilities – and what sets Agnet Turnaround apart are its advanced communication features,” revealed Bouri. “Direct communication tools such as smart groups and instant connectivity are utilized to accelerate key decision-making processes involving personnel and departments, while enhanced planning and control protocols are availed with live monitoring a fundamental component behind worldclass predictive processes.”

The benefits of implementing Agnet Turnaround are many with automation another outstanding feature. Automatic alerts, group creation, task assignment, and workflow

statuses are all prerequisites for streamlined operations and minimized instances of human error.

Airports can also use Agnet Turnaround to instantly connect with key personnel, bypassing lengthy search processes and saving valuable time. Live tracking of operations enables airports to respond swiftly and plan more effectively, improving overall operational foresight. With global access and no distance limitations, managing outstation operations also promises to become simpler

and more efficient immediately following solution integration.

Moreover, the solution’s real-time insights facilitate quick interventions – significantly reducing labor costs and preventing overtime expenditures. Automated reporting and improved transparency also stand to drive better collaboration with airline partners and a reduced workload on airport teams, allowing them to focus more on critical tasks rather than routine processes.

The DFSA 2023 Annual Report chronicles a year of growth, innovation, and collaboration

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) issued today its annual report for 2023, showcasing a year of exceptional growth, innovation, and impactful contributions to Dubai’s economic landscape.

In 2023, the leading regulator marked a remarkable 25% increase in licensing from the previous year, bringing the total number of licensed firms to 791. This

surge in licensing activity underscores the growing confidence in the DFSA’s regulatory framework and the attractiveness of the region for financial services firms.

Notably, there was a remarkable 50% year-on-year increase in applications across all business models, reflecting the robust growth and diversity of the financial services sector within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The wealth management sector experienced significant growth, with increases in licencing applications from Private Banks, Asset Managers, and Fund Management companies. More than 40 domestic fund registration applications were received during the year, signalling a buoyant investment landscape within the Centre.

The DFSA also witnessed robust growth in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) securities listings, recording USD 11.72 billion in total value of new ESG bonds and Sukuk listed – bringing the total outstanding ESG securities to USD 27 billion as of year-end.

Fighting financial crime remained

a priority for the DFSA as demonstrated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit, enhancing efforts in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CTF). Amendments to the DFSA’s AML, CTF and Sanctions Module aligned the DFSA’s rules with new regulations and guidelines at the UAE Federal level.

In line with safeguarding and enhancing the cybersecurity landscape within the DIFC, the DFSA continued to embrace technology and digital transformation as key drivers of efficiency, transparency, and security. Their Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP) achieved a significant milestone with more than six million compromise indicators issued to users since its launch in 2020.

Fadel Al Ali said: “Looking ahead to 2024, the 20th anniversary of the DIFC, we remain committed to supporting the vision of UAE and Dubai, fostering development, and collaboration within the DIFC community. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we reflect on our achievements and legacy while paving the way for continued engagement and delivering regulation that upholds the integrity of the DIFC.”

Fadel Al Ali, Chairman, DFSA,

USD 9.25 Million in Investments Committed to Start-ups during FinTech World Cup at Dubai FinTech Summit

15 Regional finalists pitched at the FinTech World Cup (FWC) grand finale during the Dubai FinTech Summit

The much-awaited Grand Finale of the FinTech World Cup (FWC) hosted by Trescon in partnership with Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), VISA, Emirates NBD & Amazon Web Services (AWS), witnessed committed investments totalling worth over USD 9,250,000 (9.25 million) by various investors.

In an intense showdown, 15 qualified start-ups from around the world - Audax, Xaults Technologies, Monak E-Services, YABX, ALTPAYNET, APPRO, Libeara, Letbloom, Myzoi, Vault22, Lordsystem, MOIN, Alphastream.ai, Validus, and Namara – pitched at the FWC Grand Finale to a room full of global investors during the 2nd day of DFS.

While APPRO emerged as the Winner of FWC and secured on the spot investment commitment of USD 500,000, other startups like Finix196 received commitment of USD 5 million by Dhruv Management, Motive Partners committed USD 3 million to Alpha Stream and Validus got commitment of USD 750,000 by Aum Ventures.

Mohammed Saleem, Founder and Chairman of Trescon, stated, “We were thrilled to host the Grand Finale of our FinTech World Cup at the Dubai FinTech Summit. By joining forces, we created an unparalleled platform for FinTech innovation, providing participants with access to Trescon’s international reach, a regulatory environment that fosters growth and most importantly access to much needed capital. As an FWC Jury Member & a fellow investor, I commit to investing in some of these start-ups too to walk the talk, including the USD 500,000 for FWC Grand Finale Winner Appro.”

Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon, said, “The FinTech World Cup is an opportunity to solve real-world challenges through collaboration and capital. In addition to the investments totalling worth USD 9.25 million that were announced, I’m happy to share that the winner & first two runner ups will also gain access to mentorship by the esteemed jury, Trescon Credits & Amazon credits - enhancing

their resources for growth and development, global brand exposure, industry recognition and a path to success through strategic synergies and partnerships. We are committed to shaping an ecosystem that not only celebrates FinTech excellence but also propels the industry forward.”

The FWC jury was comprised of distinguished professionals from various sectors of the FinTech industry, including Nasir Zubairi, CEO at The LHoFT Foundation; Hugo Bongers, Partner at Motive Ventures; Sara Tabana, Senior Director of FinTech Innovation Strategy at Visa; Melissa Cannon Guzy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Arbor Ventures; Mohammed Saleem, Founder and Chairman of Trescon; Chetan Mehta, Founding Partner at AUM Ventures; Rana Abdel Latif, Partner at Speedinvest; Nacira Alioua, Head of FinTech Engagement at Emirates NBD; and Tunc Ozgul, Head of Startup and VC Ecosystem at Amazon Web Services.

The 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit was supported by global corporate partners, including Founding Partners VISA, Emirates NBD (ENBD), Etisalat & (E&) and Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD).

SHAPING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN LOGISTICS

Cover Story Spokesperson: Carsten Spiegelberg

Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director Middle East and Africa brings close to 40 years of logistics expertise. A key figure in establishing SSI SCHAEFER’s automation business across Asia Pacific, Middle East Asia, and Australia/New Zealand, Carsten has driven the success of automation ventures. With over 30 years of international experience in logistics automation, Carsten has managed operations in ASEAN, Australia, and the Middle East. As a seasoned speaker at global conferences, his expertise covers conventional, semi-automated, and automated warehousing, order fulfillment systems, and intralogistics.

As you mark your fifth year into the region’s business, could you elaborate on the key milestones that have defined its growth in the AI-related products sector?

Reflecting on the past five years, our company has experienced remarkable growth, especially in the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions. Our robotic piece-picking solutions, which utilize advanced cell-picking technology, are perfect examples of this focus. These solutions not

only improve efficiency but also adapt to complex warehouse needs seamlessly, which is crucial as we expand into new markets and sectors. The journey has been about more than just technological innovation; it’s also about how these technologies can be leveraged to solve real-world logistics challenges efficiently and reliably. This period has also been marked by strategic partnerships and collaborations that have broadened our expertise and enhanced our product offerings. Such initiatives have propelled us into new opportunities for growth and learning, solidifying our position as industry leaders in warehouse logistics solutions.

Can you discuss the significance of SSI SCHAEFER’s robotic piece-picking solution winning awards like the IFOY and Materialfluss Product of the Year, and how did this reflect the company’s commitment to technological advancement?

The recognition of our robotic piece-picking solution with prestigious awards like the iFOY and Materialfluss Product of the Year serves as a testament to our company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. Winning these awards has not only honored our

Managing Director Middle East & Africa

Carsten Spiegelberg

SSI SCHAEFER

team’s hard work but also validated our commitment to creating products that redefine industry standards. These accolades highlight our focus on developing solutions that are not only advanced in terms of technology but are also practical and effective in real-world applications. For me, as a Managing Director, these awards reinforce our strategic direction and encourage us to continue our investments in technology that drives genuine value for our customers. Furthermore, they help in bolstering our reputation in the market, attracting

new customers, and retaining existing ones by demonstrating our capability to deliver awardwinning, innovative solutions consistently.

How does SSI SCHAEFER’s role as a total solutions provider contribute to the growth and development of the logistics sector in the Gulf region?

Our strategic approach in the Gulf region has been focused on enhancing logistical capabilities through advanced technologies like WAMAS, our proprietary logistics software and advanced

robotics solution. This not only supports the growth of the Gulf’s diverse industries but also aligns with the broader economic visions of the region. As a total solutions provider, we are committed to contributing to the region’s development by offering customised, scalable solutions that address specific logistical challenges faced by businesses here. This involves a deep understanding of the local markets, continuous engagement with local stakeholders, and adapting our global expertise to meet regional needs effectively. By integrating our advanced logistics software and systems, we are able to offer comprehensive solutions that optimise operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency, thereby supporting the region’s growth trajectory in a meaningful and sustainable way.

In what ways has WAMAS transformed the operations of your clients, and why is it crucial for achieving logistics excellence?

WAMAS plays a pivotal role in transforming the operations of our clients by providing them with the tools they need to achieve logistical excellence. This software suite is designed to streamline warehouse operations through the integration of all logistical processes, from inventory management to order processing and beyond. The impact of WAMAS on our clients’ operations, in combination with our stateof-art system solutions, can be seen in significantly reduced throughput times, increased accuracy, and lower operational costs. Moreover, the ability of WAMAS to integrate seamlessly into existing IT infrastructures makes it an invaluable tool for companies looking to upgrade their logistics systems

without disrupting their ongoing operations. As businesses increasingly move towards digitalisation, WAMAS provides a robust foundation for this transition, enabling them to leverage real-time data and analytics to make smarter, more informed decisions.

Could you explain how WAMAS integrates with different logistics components to enhance overall warehouse efficiency and operational transparency? The capabilities of our software solutions, particularly WAMAS, encompass a comprehensive range of functionalities designed to optimise every aspect of warehouse operations. These solutions are built on a modular concept, allowing for high flexibility and scalability according to specific customer needs. This

approach ensures that whether a client is looking to manage a small warehouse or a large distribution center, our software can be tailored to fit their exact requirements. The software’s high level of integration depth means that it can function seamlessly within a larger system landscape, connecting various components of the supply chain to facilitate a smoother flow of goods and information. This not only improves the efficiency of individual operations but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the supply chain, providing our clients with a competitive edge in their respective markets.

How does SSI SCHAEFER solutions ensure ecological and economic sustainability for your clients’ operations?

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every solution we develop and implement. This focus is critical not just for environmental responsibility but also for the economic and operational efficiency it brings to our clients. Our solutions, such as the traditional AS/RS, roaming shuttle solutions, and advanced robotic case & piece picking technology, are designed to minimise energy use and reduce waste, all while maximising operational throughput. By enhancing system efficiency and reducing resource waste, we provide both ecological and economic benefits that help our clients achieve

their sustainability goals. Moreover, this commitment extends to ensuring our technologies are adaptable to evolving environmental standards and can scale with our clients’ growth without compromising their values or our planet’s health.

What role does customisation and flexibility play in addressing the unique challenges of your clients? One of the core strengths of our offerings is the high level of customisation and flexibility they offer. This is particularly important in an industry as diverse as

logistics, where each operation might have radically different needs based on the goods they handle, their volume, and their process flows. Our solutions, from mobile racking systems to WAMAS software, are designed to be highly modular, allowing us to tailor each deployment to the client’s specific operational requirements. This flexibility ensures that our solutions are not only effective upon implementation but can grow and adapt with the client’s business, supporting long-term operational success.

Given SSI SCHAEFER presence in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Warehouse Management Systems, what impact does this recognition have on your market positioning and client trust?

Being positioned as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems for the third consecutive year is a significant achievement for us. This recognition by Gartner, a leading industry analyst, underscores our influence in the global market and reassures our clients of our commitment to excellence and innovation in supply chain logistics. It also serves as a valuable tool for supply chain managers and decision-makers, providing them with a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and visions of various WMS providers. This positioning highlights our ongoing efforts to

push the boundaries of what our WMS and related logistics solutions can achieve.

Can you share a success story where SSI SCHAEFER technology significantly enhanced a client’s operational efficiency?

Our project with Brands for Less in Dubai is a prime example of how our advanced technology can transform a logistics operation. By implementing the 4D tote shuttle system, we significantly enhanced their capacity to store and retrieve items, which was crucial for handling their diverse product range more efficiently. This system has allowed them to improve their sorting processes and overall warehouse efficiency dramatically. Similarly, our work with Nahdi Medical Company in implementing a fully automated pharmaceutical distribution center underlines our ability to adapt our solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries, in this case, the stringent requirements of the healthcare sector.

What are the upcoming trends in warehouse automation, and how is the company poised to lead these advancements?

Looking ahead, the future of warehouse automation is incredibly promising. We see a significant shift towards even more integrated systems that leverage

the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning to not only automate processes but also predict and adapt to changes in real time. Our company is at the forefront of this innovation to ensure our solutions offer cutting-edge capabilities. These advancements will lead to smarter, more responsive logistics operations that can significantly enhance decisionmaking processes and operational efficiencies across the board.

Saudi Arabia’s New Carrier Riyadh Air and Tourism Authority partner to enhance travel experience for travellers

The two entities will work together on the announcements of new routes and destinations, as Riyadh Air sets its sights on 100 destinations by 2030. Riyadh Air and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) will seek joint sponsorships and will activate together at global trade shows and events.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), have signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market that will enhance the travel experience for passengers to and from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air aims to fly to over 100 countries by 2030, and through this partnership, both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to enhance the level of service for tourists.

STA CEO Fhad Hamidaddin said: “Increasing Saudi’s connectivity with the world is a key pillar of our tourism strategy and will ensure we sustain our rapid growth and meet our new ambitious target of 150 million visits by 2030.

This exciting new partnership with Riyadh Air will support our goals and ensure more visitors can travel to experience the cool mountains, pristine waters and dynamic cities that make Saudi a great year-round destination.”

“We are currently connected to over 180 destinations and are aiming to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030 and this new agreement will help turbocharge these efforts.”

Commenting on the partnership, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas added: “This is another momentous day in the history of Riyadh Air. Working alongside the STA to elevate the travel experience for our guests and those

coming to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signifies what we’re all about. We are elevating standards across the board in aviation to previously unseen levels. We have a shared commitment to travel and tourism in the Kingdom along with our forward-thinking approach to innovation, sustainability, and the satisfaction of our guests.”

The partnership will focus on several key areas: New routes and destinations: Riyadh Air and the STA will jointly announce new routes and destinations to raise global awareness among travellers.

Joint Marketing Activities:

Riyadh Air and the STA will promote Saudi Arabia along with any new destinations with an aligned strategy to attract and inform guests around the world. Riyadh Air is expected to contribute to KSA’s non-oil GDP growth by USD 20 billion while directly and indirectly creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.

Sponsorship opportunities

The agreement will see Riyadh Air and the STA engage in sponsorship opportunities and enable both parties to leverage each other’s networks and resources to source and activate with relevant partners, which will contribute to the promotion of tourism in the Kingdom.

Presence at key roadshows and international events

Working in unison, Riyadh Air and the STA will ensure they have a notable presence in key industry trade shows along with major international events in the travel and tourism sector.

Their participation will enable both Riyadh Air and the STA to showcase their offerings, make new announcements, and unveil key developments while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s tourism hotspots to travellers and industry figures.

Marketplace and accessibility to STOCH

The MoU will ensure accessibility to tourism-related platforms such as the Sustainable Tourism Observatories in Cities (STOCH) to keep Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Air visible and accessible to tourists and guests year-round. Riyadh Air aims to become the world’s most forward-thinking carrier, embracing the aviation industry’s best sustainability practices.

Exploring collaboration in loyalty programmes

Guests will benefit from collaboration between Riyadh Air and the STA thanks to joint benefits with their respective loyalty programs. Travelers will reap the rewards through exciting joint promotions and incentives which will encourage further visits to Saudi Arabia, and beyond, with Riyadh Air.

Distribution and payment solutions

Airline booking processes will be made simpler than ever due to collaboration on payment solutions, leveraging world-leading technology and new digital methods, which enhance the overall booking experience for Riyadh Air guests and tourists coming to Saudi Arabia.

Engaging in the Tourism Accelerator Program

Riyadh Air and the STA will both be active in the Tourism Accelerator Programme, driving innovation, growth and sustainability within the tourism sector. The programme will see both working together to implement initiatives that support the travel and tourism industry. Riyadh Air is also a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is playing a key role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification and jobs creation, toward realizing Vision 2030 goals.

Cooperation in the development and design of tourism products

As globally recognisable entities, both will work in unison to develop and produce various travel and tourism products to enhance the overall experience for travellers. Riyadh Air is committed to elevating the standards of service in the aviation industry making the entire process, from booking to landing, completely seamless for its guests.

Coordination in conducting visitor experience assessment and setting the necessary tools and mechanisms in place

As part of the agreement Riyadh Air and the STA will gather invaluable feedback and information from travellers to improve services and the overall experience where necessary. Insights will be used to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism offering and both Riyadh Air and the STA will put tools in place to ensure feedback collected is efficiently analysed.

Riyadh Air recently celebrated its first anniversary, having signed major agreements and partnerships with global partners, as it continues to build towards its maiden flight in mid-2025.

Partnership between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Emirates Airline to enhance travel and tourism sector

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Airline, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and fostering mutual interests between the two sides, especially in the field of providing travel, tourism, and air transport services and promoting the activities of both parties.

The signing of the MoU came on the sideline of the ADCCI’s participation in the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2024, which opened at the Dubai World Trade Center and continues until 9 May. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the ADCCI, and Khalid Bel Jaflah, Divisional Vice President, Commercial Operations for UAE and Oman at Emirates Airline, in the presence of a number of senior delegates of both parties.

His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of ADCCI, said: “We are pleased to enhance our mutual cooperation with Emirates Airline, the world’s largest international airline, as this supports the business, tourism, hospitality, and various commercial activities. Through this cooperation, we look forward to providing the maximum possible support and services to members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and to various private sector companies

operating in Abu Dhabi, which would help them expand their businesses by providing them with the best offers and benefits that meet their aspirations. This partnership between the Chamber and Emirates Airline is also an important step that contributes to highlighting the efforts of both sides in supporting excellence and innovation.”

Under the MoU, Emirates Airline will provide travel services, including tickets at preferential rates to all destinations served by the airline to the ADCCI’s employees and members, while ensuring that Chamber members obtain several commercial benefits, including benefiting from additional points booking online for SMEs. Meanwhile, the ADCCI will provide Emirates Airline with opportunities to promote its products and services to Chamber members during some of its special events, in

addition to providing promotional and advertising spaces in its members’ correspondence through various electronic and digital communication platforms.

Through this partnership, Emirates Airline will also provide Chamber members with various benefits on its selected products and services, in addition to supporting the ADCCI’s activities.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix generates AED1.16bn+ for emirate’s economy in 2023 via attendee spend

Ethara, the organisers of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, has revealed that the event generated more than AED1.16 billion for the emirate’s economy in 2023 via attendee spend, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a sports leisure and tourism destination.

Ethara is gearing up to deliver the 24th and final race of the longest season in Formula 1 history as part of the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, set to take place from 5-8 December 2024 at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.

This year’s event will see further enhancement to the fan experience giving racegoers the opportunity to run the Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday 5 December ahead of the season finale. The inaugural Run #AbuDhabiGP reinforces Ethara’s commitment to healthy and active community initiatives, building on their regular weekly TrainYAS activity which has seen over 1 million people run, walk, or cycle the track since its inception. Fans will once more get access to the circuit for their chosen race weekend day, that evening’s Yasalam After-Race Concert, as well as a complimentary one-day pass to any of Yas Island’s adventure parks during a seven-day period, including Ferrari World Yas Island, Sea World Yas Island, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld. This is part of the Yas All In programme, which drew 19,000 visitors to Yas Island’s theme parks and 5,500 visitors to Louvre Abu Dhabi during race week in 2023, underlining the UAE capital’s growing prominence as an elite tourist and sporting destination.

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO at Ethara, said: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to bring together the excitement of motor racing’s top competitors and some of the world’s biggest music stars, setting the benchmark as the region’s largest sporting and entertainment experience, combined with unique leisure offerings across the race weekend”. “Ethara are set once again to deliver a full calendar of award-winning events and are ready once more to bring incredible spectacles to our fans and deliver on our brand promise of making moments that matter. Yas Island and

Abu Dhabi are setting higher standards than ever before, attracting thousands of international visitors to this regional hub looking for a combination of tourism and major sporting and entertainment events.”

The special event saw Ethara announce that they have joined forces with Live Nation to develop the Yasalam entertainment offering. The Yasalam After-Race Concerts will return in 2024 featuring a world-class lineup of AAA artists. The first Yasalam After-Race Concert artist was announced as multiplatinum and Grammy Award-winning rock band Muse who will play at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024.

James Craven, President at Live Nation Middle East, said: “Live Nation is thrilled to collaborate with Ethara in crafting an unforgettable post-race entertainment experience for this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Muse marks just the beginning, with an electrifying lineup of world-class stars soon to be unveiled. We’re excited to bring unparalleled talent to Abu Dhabi, elevating the event to new heights of excitement and entertainment.”

Organisers encourage F1 and entertainment fans to book their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets before the end of April to enjoy Yasalam Early-Bird offers, including exclusive early access and discounts of up to 30 per cent on Yasalam After-Race Concert Golden Circle Upgrade; this offer will already applicable for fans who have already purchased their tickets.

Saudi Arabia’s New Carrier Riyadh Air and AlUla partner to promote Saudi Arabia’s premier luxury heritage destination

AlUla and Riyadh Air are poised to leverage their respective platforms and audiences to increase travellers. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is designed to foster the creation of distinctive digital content, utilising the strengths of both entities and optimising audience reach through cross-promotional efforts

AlUla, the ancient oasis city in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline which has announced an ambitious target to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030.

Having signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the partnership will see both entities collaborate on multiple initiatives; the aim being to raise the profile of AlUla and the new carrier to discerning travellers from across Saudi Arabia and around the globe. Ultimately, the partnership aims to increase tourist volumes to AlUla from key global markets.

Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) said: “Today marks the start of an exciting new partnership for AlUla and Riyadh Air, which has already made a notable impact on the global aviation landscape, notwithstanding its status as a relatively new airline. By working together, we can leverage the growing global excitement about AlUla as the Kingdom’s premier luxury boutique heritage destination while also making a significant contribution to the Kingdom’s broader tourism landscape.”

Commenting on the partnership, Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Riyadh Air added: “It’s a privilege for us to sign such an important partnership agreement with AlUla. As a major Saudi tourist destination, the destination already offers such rich and unique experiences to visitors while continuing to enhance its tourism offerings and packages. At Riyadh Air, we have no doubt that with us both working towards a shared goal of increasing travellers’ numbers to the Kingdom, it will only move us towards a positive direction.

“In our short history we’ve made a habit of signing big agreements with world-renowned partners and today is yet another milestone moment for Riyadh Air with us putting pen to paper on a deal with what can arguably be described as the jewel in Saudi Arabia’s tourism crown – AlUla. For us, the work starts now; we have a busy schedule with our maiden flight due to take off in mid-2025 and so there’s no time to stand still. This agreement will

see us sharing ideas and platforms with AlUla and we are fully confident that through this partnership we’ll be raising the profile of both the destination of AlUla and Riyadh Air in the coming months.”

The collaboration will see the delivery of multiple initiatives, including seamless and immersive digital experiences across multiple touchpoints. In addition, both entities will share and leverage data insights to produce refined content and product strategies for optimal campaign performance, enabling both sides to identify trends and behavioural patterns to produce data-driven decision-making and strategies.

Riyadh Air recently celebrated its first anniversary, having signed major agreements and partnerships with global partners, as it continues to build towards its maiden flight in mid-2025. Riyadh Air is already playing a key role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification and jobs creation, in line with Vision 2030 goals, as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Specifically, the carrier is projected to contribute to KSA’s non-oil GDP growth by USD 20 billion while directly and indirectly creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally, boosting the Kingdom’s tourism in the process, which will be beneficial to AlUla.

Brands For Less Group Reaches New Milestone with more than 120 stores in the GCC and Europe

Brands For Less Group, region’s leading off-price retailer in the region, has hit a major milestone with more than 120 operational stores across the GCC and Europe. This accomplishment is a testament to the group’s strong presence and continued growth in the retail industry. Established with a vision to provide quality fashion and lifestyle products at discounted prices, Brands For Less has garnered a loyal customer base and has become a preferred destination for value-conscious shoppers.

The group has been rapidly expanding into key global

locations. In the past two years alone, the group has unveiled over 35 new stores exclusively in the KSA and is poised for further expansion globally. Their strategic plans include the setting up of new stores and enhanced offerings tailored specifically to cater to the consumers of each market.

Sharing his journey, Toufic Kreidieh, the Executive Chairman of the Board and Group CEO of BFL Group, expressed gratitude towards customers, partners, and employees for their continuous support. He shared, “We are proud of this achievement and

remain committed to delivering exceptional value and service to our customers. Achieving this mark in the early months of 2024 signifies not just our growth but also the trust and loyalty of our stakeholders. We look forward to continuing this journey of expansion and innovation, driven by our dedication to providing unparalleled experiences in affordable shopping.”

Brands for Less is a one-stop destination for a range of premium and luxury items at exceptionally discounted prices. Their distinctive ‘Treasure Hunt’ model attracts customers to revisit to explore their unique collection of products.

About Brands for Less:

The Brands for Less (BFL) Group is one of the world’s leading off-price retailers of fashion and homeware. Based in the United Arab Emirates, they serve over seven markets across the Middle East and Europe. Their journey started with their unique off-price

business model – ‘Brands for Less’ – in Lebanon in 1996. Four years later, in the year 2000, the Group established a new home in the UAE. Their goal is to delight customers and entice them back with the promise of International brands all at up to 80% off the original retail price.

The “Treasure Hunt” model ensures there is always something new to explore, desire and discover. The Group acquired exclusive rights to the ‘Tchibo’ franchise in the MENA region, selling the German brand’s homeware and apparel at very competitive prices associated with a premium customer care environment. The Group continues to expand their product range in line with their customer-centric principles, making sure that store visitors benefit from a rich, all-in-one experience. The Group’s latest push was towards making Brands for Less more inclusive for customers worldwide by taking their e-commerce experience to new audiences.

Mappable launches Neurogeocoder API to revolutionize mapping solutions for UAE businesses

Mappable, a global company that brings powerful and highly customizable mapping solutions to the local markets, announces the launch of its new product — the Neurogeocoder API, which is now available to all clients in the UAE.

The Neurogeocoder API, powered by machine learning and AI, is a gamechanger in geospatial solutions, particularly in light of the projected 14.2% CAGR growth of the global digital map market by 2030. Unlike standard geocoders with fixed algorithms set by the development team, Neurogeocoder’s adaptive nature ensures precise results, even with unstructured location queries containing errors or typos. This advanced tool allows for the seamless display of user-entered addresses on maps and facilitates the transformation of map points into detailed street addresses, ensuring precise and reliable location results. By recognizing local expressions for districts, towers, and roads, the Neurogeocoder effectively links them to specific addresses or points, a feat beyond the capabilities of standard geocoders.

The Neurogeocoder API is a powerful tool for various industries, including e-commerce, real estate, food-tech, ride-tech, and logistics. It helps quickly

translate large address volumes into coordinates and vice versa, as well as process intricate or locally specific location queries for different business scenarios. For e-commerce, the Neurogeocoder can enhance customer service by displaying pickup points on maps, allowing users to choose the most convenient location when placing orders. For real estate companies, the tool can accurately showcase property locations, helping potential buyers visualize the surroundings to make informed decisions when considering a purchase. For logistics services, the API optimizes operations by providing accurate addresses to managers for better cost estimation of deliveries, leading to increased operational efficiency and cost savings for the business.

In addition to the Neurogeocoder API, Mappable offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to multiple business needs:

• Performative, customizable, and data-rich maps for clients’ websites, apps, or CRM.

• Automatic geo verification and easy search by address, coordinates, and other parameters.

• Navigation and route planning tools that take into account traffic and weather forecasts as well as other parameters, to help drivers, couriers, and other professionals efficiently move around the country.

“The UAE is rapidly progressing in the fields of technology, e-commerce, and smart mobility and we’re excited to support businesses on this journey. Mappable solutions

allow companies to optimize logistics and enhance customer service quality by automating processes and reducing workloads on internal personnel, call centers and order-processing specialists. We know what local businesses need and are constantly updating our products, using machine learning and AI to give our clients the best possible mapping solutions. The newly launched Neurogeocoder is a great example of this. It understands our address-inputting habits and adapts to them”, explained Sabina Mirza-Akhmedova, Chief Executive Officer at Mappable.

All Mappable solutions provide extensive customization opportunities, and a wide range of licensing choices. The company has also launched an online self-service desk, which gives easy and fast access to its APIs — for trial or license purchase. More information can be found at mappable.world.

About Mappable:

Mappable is a global mapping and geospatial solutions provider based in the UAE, offering powerful and customizable business solutions to local markets. With a focus on innovation and precision, Mappable provides cutting-edge mapping, geospatial, and navigation technologies to meet the diverse business needs of e-commerce platforms, retail chains, logistics and delivery firms, manufacturing enterprises, ride-tech and food-tech companies, telecommunications corporations, banks, as well as the public sector.

Dr. Shereen Nassar

Associate Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management,

Global Director of Logistics Studies, Programme Director for the MSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus.

Pioneering in logistics and supply chain management: Dr Shereen Nassar

Dr. Shereen Nassar is an Assistant Professor in the Edinburgh Business School at the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus. Dr. Shereen is the Global Director of Logistics Studies and the Director of the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme at the Dubai campus. ‘Logistics Gulf News’ brings out an exclusive profile review.

Shereen Nassar is a renowned Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University, commended for her outstanding work in logistics and supply chain management. Dr. Nassar is recognized as a thought leader in logistics and supply chain management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a wealth of expertise and passion for advancing the profession and addressing the contemporary business challenges.

Dr. Nassar’s expertise lies at the intersection of logistics, supply chain management, and innovative strategies. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Bath UK in 2012 and her study focused on the role of advanced.

Tracking technologies in enhancing supply chain visibility and sustainable competitive advantage. Her research endeavours and industry publications encompass a wide array of topics, including supply chain optimization, risk management, sustainability and advanced digital business applications. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she explores innovative strategies and solutions to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of global supply chains.

In her role as an educator, Dr. Nassar is dedicated to shaping the next generation of supply chain professionals. Through her academic leadership, engaging teaching style and realworld insights, she equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to excel in the dynamic field of logistics and supply chain

management. Dr Nassar’s mentoring extends beyond the classroom, as she actively guides and supports students in their academic and professional pursuits. Through her mentorship, she fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, emphasizing the importance of education stakeholders’ collaborative approach and practice orientated learning, striving for excellence and making meaningful contributions to the field.

Shereen Nassar’s impactful scholarship activities, industry and professional engagement, teaching, and mentorship have gained recognition and commendation within the academic and industry community and beyond. This was evidenced by the industry and academic awards she achieved. She is regularly selected as a juror for wellregarded industry award competitions. She is invited to speak at elite local and global logistics and supply chain forums and conferences.

Dr. Nassar’s work contributes to advancing the theory and practice of logistics and supply chain management, addressing pressing challenges and driving positive change in the global marketplace.

Alexander Borg

CExSCM

MIM MCILTUK Chairman of the Strategic Board

IOSCM

MENA

Alexander Borg is a prominent name in global logistics, transport, supply chain, and operations management, working with different leading names and groups. Alex has recently shared his industry insight with Logistics Gulf News, talking about his endeavors and accomplishments in the regional and global supply chains.

Areas of expertise: Poject Management | Warehousing | Transportation | ERP | WMS | TMS | Logistics Systems | Process Management | Global Trade | Trade Finance | Supply Chain | EFQM | Asset Management | Working Capital| Change Management | Management Consulting and Advisory | Wholesales | Retail | Oil and Gas.

Alex Borg is a chartered trainer and professional advisor in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Management. A dedicated and energetic goal-oriented professional with over 20 years’ broad senior management experience who possesses extensive supply chain and project management, strong leadership skills and superb relationship management abilities. Proven ability to improve quality, efficiency and profitability. Profile combines industry / academic, entrepreneurial and operations expertise to offer a unique background. Develop and implement strategic plans combining People, Process and Technology.

Alex Borg employment background has been in the Logistics, Transport, Supply- Chain and Operations Management working with different leading names and groups. At the end of 1998, Alex joined a Group based in Malta with joint offices in UK and UAE which provides professional advisory services in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Management. Alex is involved in various assignments and projects after being entrusted by various public and private organisations in different European Countries, North African Countries, Middle East / Gulf Region and South East Asia.

As practioner , Alex is responsible to align the supply chain activities of the company / project in order to achieve the level of cost benefits which he believed were possible, he would need an effective way to coordinate the management of supply chains. He quotes, “I have discovered that best way to go about it, is to map the supply chain activities include the suppliers, distributors, and products; alignment of specifications; better management of freight and inventory; alternate sourcing; and commodity, among others`.

“I always start with a a series of meetings with the owner/operators to explain the value that a supply chain collaboration could achieve by leveraging the scale of the products. Once all participants agreed upon the need to establish the collaboration, the question then became how to align the supply chain processes we would have to manage. I establish a practical tool that could help me analyze the current situation and identify where to consolidate and streamline the processes. Mapping is essentil and makes the process visible and illustrate

how that process happens so that my client / company can be viewed, analyzed, and improved. With such an understanding, stakeholders can align their activities to achieve better execution, communication, and enhanced relationships—all of which help to make the process more productive than it was before. I take five actions in developing a map of the supply chain, each is crucial to achieving success”.

• Form a cross-functional team.

• Map the process

• Identify the delays and bottlenecks.

• Identify and implement process changes.

• Measure the results.

What gets measured gets done, what gets measured and fed back gets done well, what gets rewarded gets repeated.” That is why it is important to measure the result of the changes I make. There is no other way to know whether the actions I do actually benefited the organization. Additionally, when I measure the results I can therefore demonstrate the value gained from the enhancements that I have made, I will build the support and credibility for future change.

I am pleased to say and acknowledge my learning still continues-both with formal pieces of paper and training. But the most important is to view and achieve something new every day. My basic approach and whole philosophy is to help people to change, learn and develop. By using practical and pragmatic knowledge applications that will work, I understand many of the theories, but it is the “doing” and the “how”, that really fascinates me. Essentially I help people to change and learn - whether this is in people development, in service improvement, or in cost reduction. I try to be a great asset in managing and leading individuals, teams, and companies through change. The following are examples of assignments that I have had the privilege to be involved with:

Key Achievements: Alex has managed different projects including ERP, Warehouse and Transportation Management systems, Businss Improvement Process etc.

Case – Study 1: 2014: Nestle Malta Ltd. – Nestle Malta is part of Nestle` in Switzerland’s which is the biggest company, founded by Henri Nestlé in 1867. Today it is capitalised at over £59 billion and is also the world’s largest consumer food company, employing 253,000 people worldwide in the production of more than 15,000 different products. It manufactures and markets some of the best-known international FMCG food and beverage brands in the world - Nescafé, KitKat, Quality Street, Buitoni, Cheerios and Shredded Wheat to name just a few.

Alex Borg has been helping Nestlé Malta manage its supply chain for over four years. Making sure that the right goods get to the right local multiples, wholesalers and retail outlets at the right time every time is a huge logistical undertaking and is underpinned by Nestlé’s biggest distribution centr in Lija, Malta. Alex Borg was appointed to undertake detailed supply chain and warehouse analysis, assess the options and specify the strategic solutiondubbed ‘Project Shirt’ - for the rebalancing of Nestlé’s supply chain in Malta. Nestlé’s Malta Distribution Centre is operated in-house, the 200,000 sq.ft centre is one of the local largest supply chain solutions providers with 120 employees and a 30 strong vehicle fleet.

The challenge:

• Basic warehousing process of goods in

• Product storage strategy and zoning

• High bay management

• Low bay management

• Order processing

• RDT-based case picking

• Loading/marshalling process

Having spare capacity provided an opportunity for detailed supply chain analysis to assess how customers were served and this was the principal driver for bringing in Alex Borg as supply chain advisor to help with the re-engineering of Nestlé’s warehouse and supply chain Management. The initial supply chain analysis involved establishing the flows of the product of the remaining business streams and modelling the costs of alternative warehousing and transport options.

“We have already been working successfully with Alex Borg as supply chain advisor for many years and his appreciation of the strategic issues affecting our business made him the ideal choice for mapping out the options for us,” - Saviour De Battista Operations Manager- Nestle Malta.

Case Study 2: 2013 – 2014: Nectar Group of Companies – Nectar

Malta is a family -owned Company with an extensive portfolio of food, beverage and confectionery products, widely stocked in over 3,100 retail clients including all leading supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, bars, groceries, canteens, pharmacies and cinemas amongst other outlets. To accommodate its exceptional growth in 2003, the company relocated to new and centralized premises situated in Ta’ Qali. Malta. The new building, which incorporates modern offices and warehousing facilities, is equipped with latest state-of-the-art technology to meet the requirements of today’s fast-changing business world.

Later during 2003, Nectar acquired Sweetsource Limited, previously a competitor in the same segment which imported and supplied sweet and salty snacks and confectionery products. Through its acquisition by the shareholders of Nectar, Sweetsource came back to life and from near-bankruptcy to a thriving company. The new Directors took immediate steps to correct its strategy by implementing their proven formula. The first critical steps were to gradually eliminate loss leading branded products already distributed by other local agents, and streamline the Company’s portfolio to better concentrate on marketing its exclusive brands. The impact of the new strategies produced instant results. With the merger of Administration, Warehousing, Marketing and Finance Departments, and the implementation of all IT processes and systems, a synergy was created to rapidly boost Sweetsource’s efficiency.

The Logistics Department is run by a team of over 40 members consisting of a Logistics Manager, a Warehouse Manager, Logistics Executives, Storekeepers, Warehouse and Delivery Personnel, Freezers and Maintenance Technicians, Helpers and a Mechanic.

Nectar’s centrally located warehouses are modern fully-air conditioned buildings with a capacity of over 3300 pallet positions. Pallets are stacked and manoeuvred by trilateral battery operated lifters. In addition, Nectar has also largely invested in refrigeration and frozen storage facilities able of reaching temperatures lower than -26°C in a few minutes, with a capacity of over 800 pallet positions. Cold rooms are equipped with mobile shelving technology where applicable, which allows optimum utilisation of space, saving both energy and time. The state-of-theart warehouse is Grade A certified by local Health Authorities.

The distribution force is made up of more than 30 trucks used for the delivery of products to clients across Malta and Gozo, most of which eighteen are temperature controlled trucks. Another fleet of refrigerated trucks are used by the Frozen Van Sale Representatives.

The Challenge:

Nectar Malta planned to increase the size of business by 2016 / 17 and to add the workforce. To support such ambitious growth, Nectar Malta asked Alex Borg to develop a new distribution strategy that would deliver the scale needed while preserving it’s traditionally nimble.

The key issues faced by Nectar Malta were the need to cut costs as a percentage of sales, the need to move goods through the supply chain faster and fight off competitive pressure from other retailers on the High Street. There is also the universal issue of managing the tremendous pre-Christmas period that starts every September and peaks in November and December.

Nectar Malta business model needed to maintain ultra-short lead times from the stage of taking orders and getting them in-store for sale within the same week. This has to be traded off against maximising labour efficiency, space and transport resources without compromising supply chain flexibility.

To support this growth, Nectar Malta asked Alex Borg to develop a distribution strategy to optimise the structure of the future network. Time was also a significant factor. Following initial briefings and site visits, Alex Borg identified the key issues and matched it to a customised approach - an innovative element of which was the simultaneous interaction of the process and network modelling streams to determine the most effective solution. In addition, a large part of Nectar Malta costs was incurred with the very labour and space intensive pre-retailing activities, some of which were undertaken in the stores. The best location and processing methods for these activities needed to be settled.

Nectar Malta was impressed with the depth of options the modelling delivered: “Importantly, Alex Borg approach let us question the data and run a number of ‘what if?’ scenarios. It’s so much easier to make an informed decision if you can eliminate the less effective alternatives quickly and accurately. “We were able to run capacity and process analytics that solved the supply chain design and control issues in a virtual environment. The result was being able to take key decisions early - and know that those decisions would work as intended when the time came”- Mark Bugeja- HR & Quality Manager, Nector Malta.

Albatha Automotive Group Launches Pitstop Autocare, a One-Stop Shop for Premium Automotive Service and Detailing in Sharjah

Pitstop further boosts Albatha Automotive Group’s service offering across the UAE. Unique facility integrates enticing American-style diner for customers to relax in whilst their cars receive expert care.

Albatha Automotive Group, the holding company of AGMC, one of the leading importers of premium, high-quality vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, recently hosted the grand opening of Pitstop Autocare, a cutting-edge one-stop shop for premium automotive service and detailing in the emirate of Sharjah, further boosting their service offering across the United Arab Emirates.

A subsidiary of Albatha Automotive Group, Pitstop leverages decades of industry expertise and a commitment to excellence to offer an exceptional experience to vehicle owners in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. With a commitment to providing superior levels of service utilising stateof-the-art technology, Pitstop sets a new standard in automotive care and maintenance, offering a comprehensive range of services, including maintenance, detailing, customisation, and more.

Commenting on the launch, Mirsad Nezirevic, General Manager of Pitstop Autocare, said: “Albatha Automotive Group is thrilled to introduce Pitstop to the discerning automotive community in Sharjah. We recognise the increasing demand for premium automotive services that prioritise quality, reliability, and convenience, with an experience that is like none other in the UAE. With Pitstop, we aim to answer this demand by offering a comprehensive suite of services in a unique setting, backed by our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.”

What truly sets Pitstop apart is the integration of an American-style diner where customers can relax while their cars are being serviced, offering a unique experience for its customers.

Commenting on the diner, Nezirevic added: “With Pitstop, we aim to provide top-notch automotive services while also creating a unique space where customers can indulge in delicious food while their vehicles receive expert care. We wanted to offer more than just a place to get your car serviced. Pitstop is designed to be a destination where customers can relax and connect with fellow automotive enthusiasts in a welcoming atmosphere.”

To celebrate its grand opening, Pitstop is offering exclusive promotions and 25% discounts to its first customers. From discounted service packages to complimentary add-ons, Pitstop welcomes automotive enthusiasts to experience its premium services firsthand.

About Albatha Automotive Group:

Albatha Automotive Group plays a significant role in the nation’s fast-growing automotive industry, a sector increasingly driving the economic development of the United Arab Emirates. The Group imports, distributes and services automobile products under AGMC, ranging from new and preowned vehicles and motorcycles to spare parts and accessories. As the exclusive importer for BMW Group in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

AGMC has delivered premium automotive products and after-sales services to customers for many decades. AGMC has recently added GEELY franchise for the entire UAE region focusing on affordable products with high quality in the mainstream market. Under the newly formed Mobility Service division, Albatha Automotive Group added Budget Rent a Car to its portfolio of brands and started offering a range of car rental, leasing and executive chauffer services to customers across the UAE.

Al-Futtaim Auto Centers Becomes UAE’s First Multi-Brand Aftersales Network To Launch Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Service

Green mobility has taken another significant leap forward in the UAE, with the country’s premier multi-brand aftersales network – Al-Futtaim Auto Centers – announcing the launch of specialised maintenance and repair services for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles across its 18 facilities. The strategic rollout solidifies Al-Futtaim Automotive’s position as the frontrunner in building a comprehensive e-mobility ecosystem in the UAE, and also builds upon last year’s announcement, which saw the inauguration of the region’s first Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) accredited e-mobility training center for aftersales technicians.

Owners of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles of all makes and models can now benefit from maintenance, repair, and diagnostics performed by expert technicians trained at AlFuttaim Automotive’s E-Mobility Training Centre.

Through the new service launch, Al-Futtaim Auto Centers caters to the growing demand for electrified mobility vehicles in the UAE, offering a one-stop solution destination for a wide range of automotive needs. With extended operating hours and a steadfast dedication to expertise, Al-Futtaim Auto Centers are poised to redefine the customer experience and establish themselves as the trusted mobility partner for EV enthusiasts across the UAE.

Jawahar Ganesh, Managing Director of Global Aftersales at Al-Futtaim Automotive, said, “With this groundbreaking launch, we are not only transforming Al-Futtaim Auto Centers into comprehensive hubs for modern mobility needs but also advancing Al-Futtaim Group’s COP28 commitment to bolster the EV ecosystem in the UAE. Our aim is to spark wider e-mobility adoption across the nation, setting a new standard for sustainable progress and customer-centric excellence.”

He further added, “By expanding our services to include EV maintenance and support, we are instilling a greater sense of confidence within customers to make the shift towards greener mobility options, be they individual car owners or fleet customers. Moreover, the commitment extends beyond Al-Futtaim Automotive’s own partner brands to offer repair services for third-party warranty claims, solidifying our aftersales division’s position as progressive industry leaders within the sector.”

Operating 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., AlFuttaim Auto Centers are fully equipped with cuttingedge technological tools to ensure the highest standard of service to serve owners of all brands of EVs and plug-in hybrids.

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 each and every day.

About Al-Futtaim Group

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health; employing more than 33,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, we partner

with over 200 of the world’s most admired and innovative brands.

Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enable the organisation to continue to grow and expand, responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers every day.

About Al-Futtaim Automotive

Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the main five operating divisions within the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, is a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world’s mostrecognized automotive brands and services.

Operating in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa and empowered by around 9,000 associates, the UAE-headquartered Group’s services span across distribution of new and used vehicles, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales.

Ranging from passenger cars to SUVs, commercial vehicles, industrial and construction equipment as well as motorbikes and quads, Al-Futtaim Automotive Group offers an integrative customer-centric experience for motorists, fleet operators and contractors alike, and strives to become the leader in tailor-made mobility solutions.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II: The Alter Ego, Evolved

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a true luxury house, creating the world’s most recognised, revered and desirable handcrafted Bespoke products for its international clientele.

There are over 2,500 people working at the Home of RollsRoyce at Goodwood, West Sussex. This comprises both its global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence – the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed, engineered and meticulously built by hand. Its continuous investment in its facilities, products and people has resulted in a series of ‘record years’ for global sales, peaking in 2023 with over 6,000 motor cars sold worldwide. An independent study by the London School of Economics & Political Science confirmed that since the company began production at Goodwood in 2003, it has contributed more than £4 billion to the UK economy and adds more than £500 million in economic value every year.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate, unrelated company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems.

“Black Badge strongly appeals to a distinct group of clients who seek a more visceral interpretation of the Rolls-Royce experience. In its engineering, technology, materials, and design, Black Badge Cullinan Series II satisfies these clients’ keen appetite for innovation and new modes of selfexpression. Cullinan’s darker alter ego has always asserted its own unique place in our product portfolio; I’m certain that this new incarnation will build on its predecessor’s success.”

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“Black Badge Cullinan Series II reflects the changes we’ve seen in our client profile since we first launched this transformative motor car five years ago. Today, self-

expression, individuality and boldness are demanded more than ever before – all attributes that form the core of the Black Badge attitude. Our creative response has matched the daring of those who commission these motor cars. The dark, primal elements that are so essential to the Black Badge character are expressed here in extremis, and are further amplified by dramatic and assertive coachwork reserved for this disruptive expression of the brand.”

Anders Warming, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce’s disruptive alter ego, Black Badge, reached its apotheosis in Cullinan where its assertive and uncompromising attitude appeals to clients who seek the boldest forms of self-expression. Today, the marque presents a clear evolution of this subversive motor car with Black Badge Cullinan Series II.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II: Exterior Black Badge Cullinan Series II asserts its presence with an impactful front-end treatment. The principal differentiator is the lower air intake design. These geometrical pieces incorporate widened veins, signalling the motor car’s more urgent dynamic character. Above this is the marque’s iconic Pantheon grille, which has been illuminated for the first time across Cullinan and Black Badge Cullinan Series II. For Black Badge, the grille is finished in the series’ hallmark Black, though a silver ‘horizon line’ creates a sense of breadth and solidity while framing the motor car’s vertical daytime running lights. For clients wishing to fully cloak their motor car in darkness, this is also available in an all-black finish.

All exterior body detail elements and bright work, including the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, are also finished in Black. For the first time in the history of Black Badge, this now extends from the window surrounds and door spears to the door handles. Each piece is hand-prepared by the marque’s artisans: first, a light abrasive is used across the handle to provide a ‘key’ for a hardwearing primer, onto which four coats of Black paint are then applied. After curing, these pieces are individually polished to ensure that they match the rich, high-gloss coachwork of Black Badge Cullinan Series II.

Other darkened elements, including the rear tailgate and bumper accents as well as the motor car’s exhausts, are treated with a specific chrome electrolyte to achieve the mirror-black effect. This is introduced to the traditional chrome plating process and codeposited on the stainless-steel substrate, darkening the finish. Its final thickness is just one micrometre – around one hundredth of the width of a human hair. Each of these components is precision-polished by hand to achieve a mirror-black chrome finish before it is fitted to the motor car.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II clients are now

able to extend exterior colours to all lower body surfaces, as well as the subtly enhanced lower sill, valances, and lower front bumper – a treatment reserved for Black Badge Cullinan Series II. This visually lowers the motor car, creating a more dynamic statement that further amplifies its monolithic form.

The exterior treatment is completed with 23-inch wheels – the first time wheels of this size have been offered by the marque for a Black Badge motor car. From a distance, the design appears to consist of five spokes finished in gloss-black and silver. In fact, there are 10 interwoven spokes: the visual effect is created by a carefully-orchestrated interplay between polished, painted and recessed, negative surfaces. The design also allows a clear view of the Black Badge disc brake callipers, shown in a signature Red, which can also be finished in Black, Turchese, Mandarin, or Forge Yellow.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II: A Subversive Interior Treatment Advanced, technical materials have become a hallmark of Black Badge Rolls-Royce motor cars. For Black Badge Cullinan Series II, this theme continues. Clients expressed their appreciation of the original Black Badge Cullinan’s Technical Carbon finish – on this basis, this exquisite material has been retained for Series II. The naked-weave carbon-fibre finish has been developed to create a precise repeating pattern of geometrical shapes that create a three-dimensional effect. Each leaf of Technical Carbon is finished with six coats of lacquer before being left to cure for 72 hours then all 23 pieces are hand-polished to a mirror finish. This process takes 21 days in total.

If Individual Rear Seats are commissioned, clients can include the Black Badge family motif, known as the infinity symbol, onto the rear Technical Carbon ‘Waterfall’ section that separates the rear reclining seats and conceals the Cullinan Series II Champagne cooler. This delicate aluminium piece is placed between the third and fourth layer of six layers of subtly tinted lacquer, creating the illusion that the symbol is floating above the Technical Carbon. In Lounge Seat configuration, the infinity symbol is embroidered.

The seats themselves are available to commission in the marque’s stunning new Duality Twill textile, a new fabric made using natural bamboo fibres and inspired by the extensive bamboo grove in Le Jardin des Méditerranées on the Côte d’Azur, which neighbours Sir Henry Royce’s former winter home, Villa Mimosa. The twill textile is embroidered with an artistic ‘Duality’ graphic. Based on an abstract interpretation of the two interlinked letter R initials of the marque’s founders, the design reflects a clear nautical influence, reminiscent of the interweaving rope lines found on sailing yachts – another subtle allusion to the French Riviera.

A complete Duality Twill interior of the intricately embroidered textile incorporates up to 2.2 million stitches and 11 miles of thread. This exquisite material can be further dramatised with bold bespoke colourways, further enhancing this remarkable new finish for Black Badge clients.

Placed Perforation seating can also be incorporated into this bold expression of Cullinan. Up to 107,000 0.8- and 1.2-millimetre perforations are made onto the seat leather, creating an abstract pattern, inspired by the constantly changing shapes and shadows of the clouds over the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood in the twilight hours.

The dark ambience of Black Badge continues with the interior metals. Air vent surrounds on the dashboard and in the rear cabin are darkened using physical vapour deposition, a method of colouring metal that does not discolour or tarnish over time or through repeated use.

The subversive design principles of Black Badge motor cars have also been applied to Cullinan Series II’s unique Clock Cabinet. This inset vitrine displays both an analogue timepiece and an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. The Spirit of Ecstasy is constructed from solid stainless steel and rendered in Black, recalling the figure that sits on the prow of Black Badge Cullinan Series II. The Clock Cabinet is flanked by Cullinan’s new Illuminated Fascia, which displays an ethereal glowing infinity symbol within the new vertical Cityscape pattern.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II is also the stage for an exclusive digital bespoke treatment, with instrument dials now available in five neo-futuristic colourways: Vivid Grellow, Neon Nights, Cyan Fire and the kaleidoscopic-style Synth Wave.

Black Badge Cullinan Series II: Proven Engineering

In Black Badge Cullinan’s first guise, clients requested that the Black Badge experience extended beyond the aesthetic treatment of the motor car. In the five years since its launch, the changes made by Rolls-Royce engineers for the 2019 motor car, which included higher capacity air springs to alleviate body roll and the addition of even greater power reserves, have become integral to this bold motor car’s appeal. Accordingly, these qualities are preserved for Black Badge Cullinan Series II, including the twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine, which generates a total output of 600PS, and 900Nm of torque.

To exploit the additional power, the transmission and throttle remain calibrated for more immediate acceleration. The ZF eight-speed gearbox and both front- and rear-steered axles work together to adjust the levels of feedback to the driver, depending on throttle and steering inputs without compromising the motor car’s effortless ‘magic carpet ride’ experience.

Depressing the ‘Low’ button on the gear selection stalk continues to unlock further Black Badge technologies. When activated, drivers experience a change in tone and volume from the Bespoke Black Badge exhaust system, signalling that all of the 900Nm torque reserves are available from 1700rpm – just 700rpm above tick-over. Low Mode also increases the speed of gear shifts by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%. To fully exploit Black Badge Cullinan Series II, the brake pedal travel has been decreased to create a more immediate response to driver inputs.

A Bold Bespoke Treatment

Like its predecessor, Black Badge Cullinan Series II defines a distinct attitude and aesthetic code within the super-luxury sector. The clients who patronise this expression of the brand do so on their own terms – with Black Badge Cullinan Series II, Rolls-Royce signals its ongoing commitment to these individuals’ requirements, and their bold appreciation of luxury.

Davis & Shirtliff Partners with Trina Solar to Accelerate Solar Energy Adoption in East Africa

Davis & Shirtliff, a leading provider of water and energy solutions in East Africa, has partnered with Trina Solar, a Tier-I global leader in photovoltaic (PV) modules and smart energy solutions. The partnership aims to drive the adoption of solar power across the East African region.

Under this partnership, Davis & Shirtliff (D&S) will distribute Trina Solar’s innovative and reliable PV solar panels throughout the region. Ash Pirzadeh, Regional Director for East Africa, from Trina Solar, joined the event to represent the partnership. This initiative is geared towards advancing the transition to energy systems that prioritize sustainability, energy security, and economic growth in East Africa.

D&S and Trina Solar will promote solar adoption through educational campaigns to raise awareness about solar benefits. They will also offer financing options and provide after-sales support and maintenance for the solar products.

“By offering financing options and diversifying our product range, we aim to make solar solutions more accessible and attractive to a wider audience. Additionally, collaborations with government and non-profit entities will enable large-scale solar projects, while community engagement will ensure that solutions are tailored to local needs, fostering sustainable solar adoption across East Africa,” said Henry Davis, Supply Director of Davis & Shirtliff.

Davis & Shirtliff and Trina Solar will play a significant role in deepening access to solar products in East Africa, thereby contributing to energy access, economic development, and environmental sustainability in the region.

“The versatility and scalability of Trina solar modules make them indispensable in the shift towards clean, renewable energy sources. They can be utilized for various applications, from generating power for residential, commercial, and industrial use to powering mini-grids, grid-tied power plants, water pumping, and solar street lighting. This significantly contributes to sustainability, energy security, and global climate mitigation efforts,” said Zhao Lei, Head of Middle East & Africa, Trina Solar.

Solar energy plays a crucial role in Kenya’s energy transition, and advancements in solar technology will facilitate progress towards a resilient, efficient, and renewable energy future. The increasing demand for sustainable and reliable energy solutions in Kenya has led to a significant uptick in the adoption of solar products, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where grid infrastructure is unreliable or absent.

According to the World Bank’s latest Kenya Economic Update, approximately 500,000 rural homes were equipped with solar home systems by 2023, with the country selling between 25,000 and 30,000 solar panels annually.

“In addition to government initiatives, partnerships with international organizations and private sector players are driving the solar revolution in East Africa. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as pay-as-you-go solar systems, have made solar energy affordable and accessible to low-income households, further accelerating adoption,” added Mr. Davis.

“As the region continues to embrace solar power, the benefits are manifold: reduced carbon emissions, improved energy access, and enhanced resilience to climate change. Solar panels are not just a symbol of progress; they are a catalyst for change, powering East Africa’s journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.”

Davis & Shirtliff Ltd:

Davis & Shirtliff Solar is a division of Davis & Shirtliff Group, a prominent East African company specializing in the supply of water and energy solutions. Davis & Shirtliff was founded in Kenya in 1946 and has since expanded its operations across East Africa, with a presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia,South Sudan, DRC, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Davis & Shirtliff Solar focuses specifically on providing solar energy solutions to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in the region. As a leading provider of solar energy solutions in East Africa, Davis & Shirtliff Solar is known for its quality products, technical expertise, and customer-centric approach. Davis & Shirtliff Solar is committed to promoting sustainable development and addressing energy challenges in the region by offering reliable and cost-effective solar solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimize environmental impact, and improve energy access for communities across East Africa. Trina Solar Modules will be an added high-quality product to the wide range of products and services offered by Davis & Shirtliff Solar.

Trina Solar:

Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multienergy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.

On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy.

Vacay Lettings: Inspiring Dubai holiday homes for getaways

Looking for the perfect blend of convenience and luxury during your business trip to Dubai? Look no further! Vacay Lettings offer tailor-made corporate stays that redefine comfort and convenience.

Logistics Gulf News had an opportunity to sneak through Vacay Lettings’ wide range property solutions, with best comfort, conveniently accessible across Dubai.

Why Choose Vacay Lettings for Your Corporate Stay?

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Luxurious Amenities: Our apartments are designed to cater to your every need, from high-speed internet to fully equipped kitchens, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay.

Contact Vacay Lettings now to book your corporate stay and experience unmatched comfort and convenience during your time in Dubai. Let Vacay Lettings be your home away from home!

Elevate your Corporate Stay Experience with Vacay Lettings Looking for the perfect blend of comfort and convenience during your business trip to Dubai? Look no further! Vacay Lettings offers premium corporate stays tailored to meet all your professional needs.

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Jadd Elliot Dib Founder and CEO

Pangaea X

Stock Trading: Is Data Analytics a Game Changer for Day Traders?

In the world of stock trading, where milliseconds can make or break fortunes, day trading stands out as the pinnacle of rapid decision-making. It’s a high-stakes game where every move counts, and success hinges on timely insights and swift execution.

In this fast-paced environment, the role of data analytics cannot be overstated. Binding the power of data analytics is not just an advantage; it makes the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the cutthroat realm of day trading.

Data analytics can empower day traders with the ability to recognise socio-economic shifts, detect trends, and make informed decisions in real-time. Gone are the days of relying solely on gut instinct or outdated information. With advanced analytics tools or a vigilant data analyst at their disposal, traders can leverage vast amounts of data to gain a competitive edge on frequent stock trades.

It’s important to note that nothing is 100% predictable and we have learned that due to the recent pandemic. Thorough analytics enables traders to make more precise predictions and execute trades with greater confidence to a large extent. Data analysts can monitor various sources of market sentiment, including news articles, social media posts, and earnings reports. By analysing the tone and content of these sources, analysts can gauge investor sentiment towards stocks or sectors. For instance, a sudden boost in positive news coverage or social media mentions may indicate growing bullish sentiment, prompting traders to consider long positions.

One of the primary benefits of data analytics in day trading is its ability to find hidden opportunities and mitigate risks. With historical market data analysis, traders can identify recurring patterns and anomalies that may signal lucrative trading opportunities. Whether it’s spotting emerging trends or detecting recent inefficiencies, data analytics provides traders with the insights they need to capitalise on fleeting market movements.

Considering the significance of pattern-recognition in this line of work, data analytics also plays a crucial role in risk management. Day trading is inherently risky, with the potential for substantial losses in a matter of minutes. However, by analysing key risk indicators and market volatility metrics, traders can proactively manage risk and protect their capital.

Whether it’s setting stop-loss orders or dynamically adjusting position sizes, data-driven risk management strategies are essential for navigating the unpredictable shifts of day trading. Performance of past trades and evaluation of the effectiveness of different strategies, traders can respond cautiously to changing market conditions.

It’s worth noting that the benefits of data analytics extend beyond individual traders and into the broader market

ecosystem. By aggregating and analysing data from multiple sources, analytics platforms or freelance data analysts can identify market trends and sentiment shifts that may impact stock prices. This macroscopic view of the market enables traders to validate their gut feeling with hard evidence.

As the pace of trading continues to accelerate, data analytics and dynamic digital and manual pattern-recognition will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of success for day traders seeking to stay ahead of the game as the field keeps innovating ways in which we utilize and quantify data.

Jadd Elliot Dib, Founder and CEO, Pangaea X:

Jadd Elliot Dib is the founder and CEO of Pangaea X, a digital platform that aims to bring together the world’s best data analysts and scientist freelancers from across the world on to a single platform and open them to a multitude of job opportunities.

The platform connects them with potential clients by providing them with a place where they can showcase their work, expertise, requirements, and navigate the difficulties of finding and completing jobs. Jadd is passionate data analytics professional with over five years of experience in risk advisory management across multiple sectors and industries.

Prior to launching Pangaea X, Jadd spent over three years as a risk advisory consultant with one of the four largest consultancy firms in the world, Deloitte, where he specialized in data analytics, software asset management, and software license review across the Middle East region. Jadd has also worked as a consulting manager for a data analytics-specialized consultancy firm, where his role included managing and growing the business, building a client base for numerous different services such as business intelligence gap assessment, analytics roadmap development, process automation, predictive analytics as well as many others. He then went on to becoming the head of the data analytics department for an international security and defense consulting firm, Aero maritime, where he developed his knowledge further. He was instrumental in the department’s expansion into the data analytics industry.

Jadd holds a Bachelor of Science in the field of Computer Science from Queen Mary University in London, and a degree in the field of Business/Managerial Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Jadd is certified on multiple tools including IBM, Tableau, and Alteryx. He also speaks three languages fluently: French, English, and Spanish.

By: Jadd Elliot Dib

Ashok Pillay

Managing Director for North & Southeast Asia

SeaLead

SeaLead Appoints Ashok Pillay as Managing Director for North and Southeast Asia

Leadership shift supports SeaLead’s growth and market expansion in Asia.

SeaLead, a fast-growing global shipping line, today announced the appointment of Ashok Pillay as the new Managing Director for North and Southeast Asia. This strategic move encompasses responsibilities across a diverse group of countries including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Ashok will be transitioning from his previous role as Global Director of Trade Management to the new position.

Ashok excels at driving organisations toward profitability while ensuring compliance, developing robust global commercial and operational strategies, and effectively managing multicultural teams. He has built a distinguished career in shipping, intermodal transportation, supply, and cool chain management, significantly boosting revenue and optimising asset use at companies like Cordelia Container Shipping Line, Transliner Group, and Choice Group where he fostered growth and contributed to the overall development of the organisation, its business and profitability, whilst at APL, he was instrumental in revitalising its position in the Global Reefer Trade to a specialised formidable player.

Reflecting on his new role as Managing Director for North and Southeast Asia, Ashok Pillay remarked, “My goal is to cultivate a positive awareness and aspirations about the region within our liner and regional teams to enhance the development of SeaLead’s network and businesses. We aim to build SeaLead’s brand and capabilities across the region, achieving significant penetration in both commercial and operational spaces in all markets. Additionally, it is crucial to grow and position SeaLead as a strong, steadfast, and reliable liner in the rapidly expanding Intra Asia trade.”

The appointment coincides with SeaLead’s recent acquisition by a consortium of investors including Eurasia Capital, HCP Investments, Access Capital Funds, and VCC subfund Saral Incorp. The ownership transition marks a significant phase in SeaLead’s journey towards becoming a leader in global logistics solutions.

Suleyman Avci, Vice President, Global Trade, commenting on the appointment, stated, “Ashok’s proven expertise and forward-thinking approach are exactly what SeaLead needs at this pivotal time. His appointment is not just about filling a role, but about pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in the region.”

This strategic appointment is set against the backdrop of a promising economic outlook for Asia. According to recent projections, Southeast Asia is poised to grow by 4.6% in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025, up from 4.1% in 2023. Similarly, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are expected to exhibit strong economic performance in 2024, driven by pent-up demand, market reforms, and optimistic business leader expectations.

more than 14 million views across different social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram Facebook, X and LinkedIn. The video was also shared by some of the top influencers on Instagram, reaching over 10 million users. All elements of the campaign, such as the dedicated website and various media reports, have had over 20

KSA E-mail: ksa.sales@imile.me

UAE E-mail: sales-uae@imile.me

Website: www.imile.com

million impressions. This success can be attributed to its universal message of providing reassurance to all communities and holding out hope for the future.

Focused on a parcel sent by a Palestinian citizen living abroad to his family back home in Gaza, which cannot be delivered until either a ceasefire is in place or the borders are opened, ‘The Undelivered’ video campaign ends with a call to action to send a message of peace via the website deliverpeace.global. The simple but powerful appeal of the campaign saw thousands of people recording and posting a short video message with the word ‘Salam’ – in solidarity with the campaign’s theme of

promoting peace and harmony in Gaza and around the world.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Mike Rich, Group CMO at Aramex, said: “We are truly inspired by the overwhelming response to ‘The Undelivered’ campaign, aimed at uniting people from all over the world who wish for peace with a unified message that resonates across Gaza and beyond. At Aramex, we are always driven by the mission to deliver a better future to all communities, and this Ramadan, we went beyond logistics to deliver an impactful message of peace and hope that can make a difference to our collective future. I would like to thank

all those who participated in this universal humanitarian campaign. The viral success of this campaign is a testament to our social commitment that has always been a vital part of the strategic focus at Aramex.”

Commenting on the campaign, Shahir Sirry, Global Creative Director at Aramex, who also directed the film, said: “It is heartening to witness the incredible response to our ‘The Undelivered’ campaign from across the globe. As a global brand with significant presence and recognition in the region and having navigated through various conflict zones, we felt compelled to address the current situation head-on. But, in a way that is related to our service. The essence of our message was to convey the truth that we are currently unable to deliver to Gaza. In directing the film, it was imperative for me to take the audience through the journey of a parcel, illustrating how

it abruptly halts once the destination is identified. This bold statement, coming from a company dedicated to facilitating parcel deliveries to their final destinations, carries profound significance. Our objective was to frame this campaign around the universal desire for peace, and it’s evident that this message has struck a chord with millions of viewers worldwide. While Aramex may not have been able to physically deliver parcels to Gaza this Ramadan, we have successfully mobilized thousands of voices worldwide, delivering a global plea to foster harmony and alleviate human suffering.”

The campaign builds on Aramex’s wider corporate responsibility strategy of Delivering Good, underpinned by its commitment to delivering a positive impact to those in need.