Oman and Angola are targeting stronger trade and logistics links, with cooperation in ports, mining, energy, agriculture and supply chains emerging as key areas for new business between the two markets. The move could create new trade routes linking Oman’s ports with Angola and wider African markets. Bilateral trade reached about OMR972,900 in the first half of 2025, while Oman recorded a trade surplus of around OMR969,700. Omani exports stood at OMR971,300, led by machinery

Etihad Airways has expanded its partnership with Swissport from 30 to 40 airports under a new memorandum of understanding signed at Arabian Travel Market. The agreement covers ground handling and cargo services across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, with airport hospitality also in scope. The wider network gives Etihad a single ground services partner across more locations as its network expands. The agreement also provides a framework to add airports

M&P Group has proposed developing the Cairo–Cape Town route into an economic corridor linking markets across North and Southern Africa, with the route also supporting trade and logistics links between the Middle East and Africa. The initiative focuses on trade, logistics, transport, infrastructure and investment, while supporting the movement of goods and improving links between businesses and markets along the corridor. The proposed corridor would go beyond a conventional ro

E-commerce businesses in Saudi Arabia can now process online payments locally through Visa’s Acceptance Platform, following its approval under the Saudi Central Bank’s (SAMA) New E-commerce Payments Interface. The platform allows merchants and payment service providers to process transactions within the Kingdom. The move supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector by providing local payment processing for online businesses. It supports payment options including ma

Re-export activity between Ajman and Bangladesh rose 46% in 2025, creating scope for higher trade and cargo flows between the two markets. Ajman Chamber is seeking to build on the growth by expanding business links across textiles, food, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, with Ajman’s position as a UAE trade hub supporting access to wider Middle East markets. The increase could support more cargo movement through Ajman and provide Bangladeshi manufacturers with wider access to

Dammam Airports has signed a design contract with WSP for the development of King Fahd International Airport in line with its approved master plan. The plan targets increasing air cargo capacity to more than 600,000 tonnes a year, while aircraft operational capacity is set to reach 77 movements per hour. The higher cargo capacity is planned to support growing freight volumes and strengthen the airport’s role in connecting Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region with international marke

DP World has handled the maiden call of Morten Maersk at South Container Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The vessel, with capacity for more than 19,000 TEUs, operates on the AE15 service by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. Its call strengthens cargo links between Saudi Arabia, Asia and Europe, supporting the movement of goods through major trade routes. The AE15 service connects Jeddah with Qingdao, Ningbo and Tanjung Pelepas in Asia, and Port Said and Damietta in the Mediterranean.

The UAE and India recorded bilateral trade of US$101.25 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, crossing the $100 billion mark for a second consecutive year. The countries are now targeting $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032, supported by projects aimed at improving trade and logistics links. Among the initiatives supporting closer economic ties are Bharat Mart, the Virtual Trade Corridor and cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). They ar

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) remained stable week on week in the week to September 6, while traffic to the US was 25% higher than the same period last year, according to WorldACD. Cargo from India to the US rose 42%, while shipments from Bangladesh increased 21%. The growth highlights continued demand for air cargo links between the region and key global markets. MESA capacity also increased 1% week on week, supporting cargo flows across the re

With technology expanding across the logistics ecosystem, SAL Logistics Services, Saudi Arabia’s leader in cargo handling, logistics solutions and supply chain management, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia to explore logistics solutions and digital transformation opportunities in the Kingdom. The collaboration focuses on leveraging Huawei’s technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and green energy, to

flydubai will start dedicated freighter operations on October 1, with three Boeing 737-800 freighters operated under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. Based at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the aircraft will add main-deck cargo capacity to flydubai’s existing belly-hold operations. The initial flights will focus on high-demand regional routes. The freighters will provide up to 23,000kg of additional payload capacity per flight, giving shippers more options for mo

Aqaba is planning to expand cargo handling capacity as transit trade, particularly shipments bound for Iraq, continues to grow. The measures include additional container yard and storage capacity, faster cargo handling and improved arrangements for transit and empty containers. The expansion will give shipping and logistics operators more space to manage growing cargo volumes and support smoother movement of goods through Jordan. Additional storage areas will also provide gre

Starlinks has selected Swisslog to automate warehouse operations at a new aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Saudi Arabia. The solution will combine AutoStore, pallet automation and Swisslog’s SynQ software to manage aviation spare parts and other materials at the facility. The system will connect receiving, inspection, storage and order fulfilment, supporting the movement of both small parts and palletised inventory. AutoStore will provide high-densi

Qatar Airways plans to take delivery of 138 new aircraft over the next five years as it expands its global network and cargo operations. The fleet pipeline will include Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-9s, while the airline will also receive 50 Airbus A321LR aircraft by the end of the year to serve secondary markets. The fleet expansion will add capacity to Qatar Airways’ network and support the movement of cargo between established and emerging markets. The A321LR aircraft a

SAL Zones has signed an MoU with Advanced Aircraft Technology to explore specialised logistics infrastructure for aviation and aerospace projects in Saudi Arabia. The agreement covers facilities for aircraft spare parts, engines, equipment and related materials, as well as logistics solutions designed around the operational needs of the sector. The two sides will explore integrated services covering storage, transport, distribution, cargo handling, customs-related services an

Further expanding its presence in India, Emirates SkyCargo has introduced new weekly freighter services to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. As India is one of the fastest-growing economies, the new additions support the country’s export ecosystem, helping connect businesses and manufacturers across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and beyond with more than 3,000 tonnes of weekly air cargo capacity across nine gateways. The addition of the new routes comes amid t

Oman and Rwanda have agreed to strengthen cooperation in transport, logistics and trade, including an MoU on logistics and the development of inland and dry ports. The move is aimed at improving cargo connectivity and supporting higher trade flows between the two countries. The logistics cooperation will support the development of inland and dry port infrastructure, helping connect cargo more efficiently between ports and inland markets. It also provides scope for stronger tr

UAE-based Gulftainer has signed a binding agreement to invest in Suksawat Terminal in Thailand, marking its entry into the country and strengthening its wider trade and logistics network between Asia and the Middle East. The terminal, south of Bangkok, serves importers and exporters across Greater Bangkok and has barge links to Laem Chabang. The investment will increase cargo-handling capacity and productivity, supporting the movement of goods between Bangkok, Laem Chabang an

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group and the Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE) have signed an MoU to explore connecting Southern African markets with the UAE’s Tabadul network, supporting stronger cross-border trading links between the Middle East and Southern Africa. The partnership aims to improve access between markets and strengthen trade and investment links between the two regions. It will also support greater regional connectivity by creating opportuni

DP World and Kenya-based GulfCap Africa have signed an agreement to develop the Mombasa Industrial Park, a planned 222-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ), strengthening Kenya’s trade links with regional and international markets, including the Middle East. The agreement was signed in the presence of Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto and follows the partnership announced in August. The first phase will cover 40 hectares, with more than 60 local and international companies