UAE-based companies EDGE, TII, Micropolis, and SteerAI are working together on an autonomous logistics platform designed to automate the movement of goods and equipment in industrial environments. The focus is on using robotics and artificial intelligence to reduce reliance on manual transport and make logistics operations more efficient. Bader Al Jaberi, Vice President for Industrialisation Technologies, EDGE BRIDGE, said: “As a catalyst for injecting emerging technologies i

In a major move to boost pharmaceutical logistics in the Middle East, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing EGP 1.3 billion (around €23.1 million) to Ibnsina Pharma (ISPH) to build a new warehouse in Egypt. The financing also supports long-term working capital for the company. The warehouse will be designed to meet at least the EDGE Standard for energy efficiency. EBRD will provide technical advice, including an energy audit, to improve ener

UAE-based AirQ Limited is working on new ways to move cargo through the air using unmanned aircraft. The company recently revealed two of its latest projects, Cargo 200 and Cargo 40, both designed to handle different cargo needs with more flexibility. One of the biggest strengths of these aircraft is how they take off and land. They can lift straight up from the ground and then smoothly shift into forward flight. This makes them useful in areas where there are no runways, suc

The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has launched a new package of artificial intelligence (AI) services to improve trade, logistics, and supply chain efficiency in the country. Inaugurated by Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, the initiative is part of GAC’s Strategic Plan 2024-2030, aimed at building a smart, secure, and efficient customs system. The AI tools include smart classification systems that help importers, exporters, and customs brokers correctly ca

Global air cargo volumes are rebounding strongly as 2026 gets underway, with worldwide tonnages up around 5% compared to last year. Most regions saw week-on-week growth in mid-January, except the Middle East and South Asia (MESA), which recorded a small dip of 1%. Despite this short-term drop, MESA remains up 15% year-on-year, showing continued recovery from last year’s levels. The early weeks of 2026 show growing demand for air cargo from the Middle East, especially in pharm

Calidus Holding Group, Hameem Technologies and US-based Aergility have teamed up to develop and produce two unmanned VTOL drones in the UAE, designed mainly for logistics, supply delivery and long-range support missions. The aircraft, called ALRASID and ALTARESH, will be manufactured in Abu Dhabi and are built to move cargo, support remote operations and improve how supplies are delivered in challenging environments. Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of C

Emirates SkyCargo has added Liege in Belgium to its freighter network, launching five scheduled cargo flights a week and making it the airline’s first new freighter destination in 2026. The move adds around 500 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity and strengthens connections between Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia, supporting the movement of pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and other time-sensitive goods. Liege is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cargo hubs and sits clos

Karwa Motors and Mwasalat have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at improving logistics, automotive operations, and transport efficiency in Oman. The partnership focuses on better supply coordination, vehicle operations, technical support, and logistics planning, helping both companies streamline operations and support the country’s growing industrial and transport needs. The agreement brings together Karwa Motors, a key vehicle manufacturer, and Mwasalat, Oman’s national

Dubai Airports has been named Best International Air Cargo Terminal at the Arabian Cargo Awards 2025. The airport handles 2.8 million tonnes of freight annually and is one of the busiest hubs in the world for international air cargo. SanJeet, Mentor, Arabian Cargo Awards, said such awards motivate companies and individuals to raise industry standards. He emphasised that best practices and breakthrough achievements encourage improvement and innovation across logistics and rela

Aramex has chosen Softeon’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) to run its operations across 70 facilities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, said Jim Hoefflin, CEO, Softeon. The move will help Aramex manage its warehouses more efficiently and improve the speed and accuracy of deliveries.  “This collaboration reinforces our growth across the Middle East and Africa and showcases the power of our 3PL-focused WMS, featuring advanced billing, labour management, a

EDGE has secured an order to supply 168 advanced unmanned helicopters to the UAE Ministry of Defence, marking one of the largest deals of its kind for autonomous aerial systems. The order covers two models produced by ANAVIA, an EDGE company based in Switzerland. Under the agreement, ANAVIA will deliver 76 HT-100 unmanned helicopters and 92 larger HT-750 platforms. Production and delivery will take place over the coming period.  A key part of the deal is the HT-750, which is

DP World has unveiled the Dubai Food District, a major new logistics hub designed to move food faster and more efficiently across global markets, said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & MD, DP World GCC.  The project will transform the long-established Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into a large, connected centre for food trade, storage, and distribution.  “With global food demand on the rise and supply chains under strain, Dubai Food District is a critical investment.

At the third edition of the Arabian Cargo Awards 2025, Transport Overseas Shipping DMCC was awarded the Best Sea Freight Forwarding Company-Automotive Award, celebrating its excellence and leadership in the logistics sector. SanJeet, Mentor, Arabian Cargo Awards, said, “Such recognition plays an important role in motivating individuals and companies to continue raising industry standards. By showcasing best practices and rewarding breakthrough achievements, awards like these

Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo are moving into a new phase of logistics integration aimed at making global supply chains stronger and more reliable. The focus is on connecting air and sea freight operations to ensure goods move faster through Dubai with fewer delays.  Dubai Customs is also advancing its use of smart inspection technology at Jebel Ali Port. Modern X-ray systems now allow containers, vehicles, and oversized cargo to be screened in minutes instead of hours,

Riyadh Air has launched its cargo operations under the brand ‘Riyadh Cargo’, marking the carrier’s entry into the global market, said Pravin Singh, Global Head, Cargo, Riyadh Air. The move positions Riyadh as a growing hub for international trade and logistics, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.  Riyadh Cargo will use capacity on the airline’s wide-body fleet, with more than 120 aircraft on order, to move goods efficiently across global markets. The operation has alread

SolitAir has announced the launch of a new cargo route to Egypt, marking an important milestone in the airline’s growing regional network. The new service will connect SolitAir to El Arish, strengthening trade links and improving cargo movement to and from the country.  Egypt has long been a central hub for trade, connecting Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. For thousands of years, goods and ideas have moved through its cities, from the banks of the Nile to key ports

At the third edition of the Arabian Cargo Awards 2025, Dubai Police – Cargo was honoured with the Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Cargo Security. SanJeet, Mentor, Arabian Cargo Awards, said the recognition motivates individuals and businesses to continue raising standards. “By showcasing best practices and rewarding breakthroughs, awards like these help drive innovation and improvement across the logistics and automotive sectors in the Middle East.”   The

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) reported a net profit of QR 120 million for 2025, reflecting steady performance across its logistics operations, Matthew Kearns, Acting Group CEO, GWC. The Qatar-based company recorded revenues of QR 1.38 billion and operating profits of QR 232 million for the year, supported by demand across warehousing, transport and integrated supply chain services. E-commerce logistics remains a growing part of the business. GWC now offers end-to-end service

Since food trade grows across Asia, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA), logistics has become a deciding factor for exporters. For many African producers, Dubai works as a natural entry point because it makes movement, storage, and redistribution of goods easier and faster.  Dubai is well connected by sea and air, with ports and airports that handle large cargo volumes every day. From here, shipments can be broken down, stored, repacked if needed, and sent onward to multiple A

LODD Autonomous has received 200 orders for its unmanned aircraft, Hili, since it was introduced three months ago. The aircraft, designed and built in Abu Dhabi, can take off and land vertically like a helicopter using electric power, then switch to horizontal flight like a conventional plane with a traditional engine. Hili can carry up to 250 kg and fly up to 700 km, making it suitable for transporting goods quickly between warehouses and other facilities without the need fo