Sharjah Airport Authority is moving ahead with plans to expand cargo capacity, roll out advanced digital systems and strengthen trade links with key Asian markets as volumes continue to grow. The airport handled more than 204,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025, up from about 195,000 tonnes in 2024, and is now focusing on scaling infrastructure, improving sea–air connectivity and speeding up cargo handling through automation and real-time tracking. The expansion drive includes closer

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East showed steady growth in mid-February, despite a global slowdown linked to Lunar New Year holidays in Asia. Chargeable weight from the Middle East & South Asia (MESA) peaked in early February, up 17% year-on-year, before softening slightly to +10% YoY in the week of 16–22 February. Traffic from hubs such as Dubai, India, and Bangladesh to Europe and the US remained strong, reflecting continued demand for regional exports. Spot rates from

Integrated Transport Centre has launched the first pilot project for autonomous trucks in Abu Dhabi, marking a regional milestone for logistics and freight transport. The initiative, implemented in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) aims to test AI-based truck operations along dedicated routes, improve freight efficiency, and evaluate readiness for commercial deployment in a controlled industrial environment. Acting Director General Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli said, “This pr

Dubai Customs has launched a Corporate Resilience Program to strengthen risk management, ensure business continuity and protect Dubai’s competitiveness as a global trade hub. The initiative aims to improve readiness for geopolitical shifts, fast-changing technologies and supply chain disruptions, while building a stronger institutional framework across all departments. Director General Abdulla Busenad said resilience is now critical for long-term performance. “Corporate resil

India-based retail technology firm Fynd has entered Saudi Arabia, targeting the Kingdom’s fast-growing e-commerce and logistics sector as retailers push to link stores, warehouses and online platforms more efficiently. “Retailers in Saudi Arabia want faster delivery and better control over their inventory,” said a Fynd spokesperson. “Our platform connects stores, warehouses and online channels in one system, helping businesses move products to customers more quickly.” The com

iHerb has opened a new 18,000 sqm fulfilment centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located in the Special Integrated Logistics Zone and operated by CJ Logistics. The climate-controlled facility will localise inventory, reduce delivery times and lower shipping costs for customers across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. “Opening a fulfillment center in Riyadh marks an important step in expanding our global footprint and deepening our presence in Saudi Arabia and the broader Mi

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group has signed a 50-year land lease with Galadari Brothers to develop a 150,000 sqm storage and distribution facility in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah. Galadari will invest AED75 million (around $20.4 million) in the project, which will focus on handling heavy machinery and industrial equipment. Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, said the facility will “strengthen the logistics and supply chain networks that unde

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has signed an MoU with Keeta to improve food delivery and logistics in the emirate. The deal will enable data sharing, technical cooperation, and knowledge exchange to help track operations, delivery performance, and market trends in the food logistics sector. Lucas Xie, General Manager of Keeta UAE, said the agreement “connects real operational realities with better decision-making across the food delivery, transportat

Ambitious Air Mobility Group and LODD Autonomous have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and potential acquisition of up to 50 Hili hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft. The plan is for 25 aircraft to operate in Europe and 25 in the UAE and Middle East, with experimental trials scheduled between Q4 2026 and Q4 2027. The aircraft is designed to carry payloads of up to 250 kg over distances of 700 km, targeting middle-mile and hub-to-hub cargo operations. Rashid Mattar

Emirates SkyCargo is expanding its operations in India by deploying two additional weekly freighters, one to Mumbai and one to Ahmedabad, increasing capacity to handle an extra 3,000 tonnes of cargo weekly. The move strengthens trade connections between India and the world, supporting key industries like pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, perishables, electronics, garments, and textiles. The Mumbai freighter will connect Dubai, Singapore, and India, while the Ahmedabad flight wi

KEZAD and Barakat Group have started building a US$40.87 million baby food manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, designed to produce up to 90 million units a year of fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish purées. The facility will not only meet growing demand for locally produced, halal-compliant infant nutrition but also streamline regional logistics, reducing reliance on imported products and improving supply chain efficiency across the Gulf. The plant covers 10,000 sqm and includ

DHL Express is increasing its investment and air-network presence in Oman to connect local businesses to global markets and grow outbound shipments. The company has invested around €30 million in a new state-of-the-art facility and operates near-daily flights from Bahrain to Oman, supported by about US$10 million per year in operating costs. Alexandr Aboymov, General Manager of DHL Express in Oman, said the goal is to provide Omani businesses with fast, reliable access to int

Aramex has launched a new AI-first global data foundation to enhance its logistics operations across more than 70 countries. The platform, built on Google Cloud, creates a “Single Source of Truth” that brings real-time intelligence to every part of Aramex’s network. This digital transformation aims to improve operational efficiency, enable faster decision-making, and support smarter, data-driven logistics. Françoise Russo, Aramex’s Chief Technology Officer, said the platform

Dubai Customs is moving ahead with the 2026 edition of the “Masar 33” initiative, working closely with major logistics companies to create more job opportunities for UAE nationals. The programme focuses on the private logistics sector and aims to connect national talent with leading global firms operating in the country. The initiative brings together top logistics players such as Aramex, FedEx, UPS, CMA CGM, Maersk and DHL, demonstrating strong government-private sector coop

Etihad Cargo has unveiled the Etihad Cargo Excellence Hub, the air cargo industry's first training academy run by an airline. The online platform aims to train Etihad Cargo staff and stakeholders worldwide, ensuring consistent safety, compliance, and operational standards across its global network. The move comes at a time when the company is expanding its services and partnerships, while focusing on maintaining reliability and high-quality customer experiences. Stanislas Bru

ASMO has partnered with Arcapita to build a 1.4 million square metre logistics facility at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) in Saudi Arabia. The hub will include a 43,000 sqm temperature-controlled warehouse, 5,300 sqm of chemical storage, 3,000 sqm of offices and staff facilities, plus a 1.2 million sqm open yard. The facility is designed for large-scale industrial operations, featuring automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, advanced warehouse management, digital

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) commences work on a new 5,839 square metre warehousing facility by Indu at Al Hamra Industrial Zone. The warehouse will offer a storage capacity of around 12,000 cubic metres and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility will mainly serve FMCG, hotel supplies and food businesses, supporting the growing F&B sector across the Northern Emirates. Kush Kishore Lakhani, Managing Director at Indu, said the investment

IAG Cargo has been appointed as the ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo at the Dublin International Airport. From now on, all cargo from Qatar Airways’ 17 weekly belly-hold flights between Dublin and Doha will be processed through IAG Cargo’s facility in Dublin. The initiative will strengthen cooperation between the two carriers and expand IAG Cargo’s third-party handling services. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said the airline is focused

Looking back at 2025, Etihad Cargo reported solid growth, carrying 703,000 leg tonnes, up 9 per cent year-on-year. Revenue rose 8 per cent to AED 4.5 billion (US$1.2 billion). The airline said demand remained strong across key trade lanes, while its Delivered As Promised (DAP) rate reached 88 per cent and on-time performance stood at 81 per cent. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, said 2025 was a milestone year, highlighting strong customer trust, network expansion and reli

CargoTalk is media partners for the 25th edition of the Airport Show, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12–14 May 2026. The event will bring together over 140 exhibitors from more than 20 countries to showcase innovations in airport operations, cargo handling, and passenger services. The theme, “The Future of Airport Innovation Starts Here,”  highlights the region’s push for smarter, more efficient, and sustainable airports. The Middle East is set to see