< PreviousTRENDING |SOCIAL MEDIA 10 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comDECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST #TRENDING TWITTERFACEBOOKLINKEDIN SAR, Alstom to launch hydrogen train trials in Saudi Arabia The hydrogen train trials mark the fi rst-of- its-kind initiative in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). Suez Canal Authority to increase transit fees from 2024 SCA will implement a 15% increase in transit fees for specifi c vessel categories, starting in mid-January. The top trending stories from our website and social media channels Egypt to establish eight logistics zones in Sinai The planned zones will be strategically positioned, with direct links to Egypt’s eastern border and the ports of Arish and Taba.TOP STORIES |TRENDING 11 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 RTA ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES TO BUS ROUTES BOSCH, CYPOD PARTNER WITH EGYPT’S TRANSIT TO BOOST LOGISTICS GROWTH AMAZON, HFZA INK LEASE AGREEMENT FOR NEW LOGISTICS CENTRE DUBAI TRAM MARKS 9TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 52 MILLION RIDERS TOP STORIES on www.logisticsmiddleeast.com Under the recently inked agreement with TransIT, BOSCH will undertake a comprehensive examination of the container control and monitoring project at Egypt’s smart ports. Dubai’s RTA adjusted several bus routes to enhance the daily commuting experiences for passengers and optimise the overall effi ciency of the transportation network, ensuring seamless and stress-free journeys. Continuous enhancements in the tram’s intersections and operational effi ciency have turned it into a preferred mode of transportation, off ering residents and visitors an effi cient, reliable and safe transit option. The new logistics centre is set to enhance delivery services for customers in the Northern emirates, in line with HFZA’s vision to boost the logistics sector and bolster economic growth and innovation in the region. DISCOVER MORE @LogisticsME @Logistics__MELogistics Middle East Join the conversationFEATURE |DUBAI METRO 12 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comDECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST I n a major stride toward a more interconnected and effi cient public transport sector, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gave the green light in late November to the Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion project. Stretching over a vast 30 kilometres, this visionary project is set to signifi cantly enhance the city’s public transportation landscape, promising improved connectivity and convenience for over a million residents. The Blue Line will connect key areas across the city, including Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, International City, Rashidiya, Warqaa, and Mirdif, as well as urban hubs such as Silicon Oasis, and Academic City, among others. The new metro line is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, a visionary initiative aimed at transforming the emirate into a ‘20-minute city,’ ensuring that residents can access 80% of their essential services within a convenient 20-minute travel time, marking a paradigm shift in urban living. ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY The Blue Line will connect Dubai International Airport (DXB) to nine key areas, including Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City 1 and 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City, slashing travel times by 10 to 25 minutes, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Furthermore, the new line will enhance connectivity to key urban centres, including Deira and Bur Dubai; Dubai International Financial Centre; Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai; Dubai Marina and JBR; Expo 2020 Centre; and Dubai Silicon Oasis. BLUE LINE STATIONS Scheduled for completion by 2029, the Blue Line will weave through the heart of Dubai, connecting the existing Red and Green lines, with 14 strategically placed stations, of which nine will be elevated, including two transfer stations connecting to Centrepoint Station on the Red Line and Creek Station on the Green Line. Additionally, the Blue Line will stretch 15.5 kilometres underground at depths of up to 70 metres, housing fi ve underground stations, including an interchange station. CITY IN MOTION HOW DUBAI METRO BLUE LINE WILL REDEFINE URBAN CONNECTIVITY 320,000 expected daily ridership by 2040 Backed by a $5 billion investment, the new metro line is set to revolutionise the city’s transportation landscape, propelling urban development into an exciting futureDUBAI METRO |FEATURE 13 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 The largest underground interchange station, situated in International City, will cover an expansive area of 44,000 square metres, designed to accommodate approximately 350,000 daily passengers. Furthermore, the new line will feature an iconic station spanning 8,800 square metres at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by the acclaimed Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the creative minds behind iconic structures such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, Denver Union Railroad Station in Colorado, and the Sears Tower in Chicago, US, adding an aesthetic dimension to the project. ROUTES AND PASSENGER CAPACITY The Dubai Metro Blue Line will operate along two main routes. The fi rst, starting at the Creek Interchange Station on the Green Line, spans 21 kilometres and features 10 stations. The route will pass through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor, before reaching the interchange station in Dubai International City 1, then continue towards Dubai International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and up to Academic City. Meanwhile, the second route, commencing at the Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line, covers nine kilometres, with four stations, in total. The route will pass through Mirdif and Warqaa, concluding at Dubai International City 1 Interchange Station. Moreover, a metro depot will be developed at Al Ruwayyah 3, as part of the project’s infrastructure works. Designed to handle approximately 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions with a service interval of 1.5 minutes, the Blue Line is anticipated to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, increasing to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040. Furthermore, the line is expected to cater to an estimated 50,000 university students from Academic City by 2029. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS With an estimated cost of $5 billion (AED18 billion), the Blue Line is set to expand Dubai’s railway network to 131 kilometres, encompassing 78 stations and 168 trains. Beyond its economic benefi ts, the project is reportedly forecasted to yield up to $15.38 billion (AED56.5 billion) in savings by 2040, reducing travel time, fuel expenditures, and road accidents. Additionally, the project is set to lower the public transport sector’s carbon emissions and boost the value of real estate property in covered areas by nearly 25%, as well as ease traffi c congestion by 20%. PROJECT TIMELINE As the project enters its next phase, the deadline for tender submissions from contractors, joint ventures and consortiums has been set on 24 November. The selected contractor will play a key role in the maintenance and operation of the new line during the initial three years following its completion. In addition to developing the needed railway infrastructure, the contract also includes supplying 28 driverless trains, constructing a depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains and developing the associated roads, facilities, and utility diversion works. Furthermore, the detailed scope of work encompasses civil engineering, electromechanical design and execution, procurement and delivery of operation and control systems, as well as the manufacturing and supply of rolling stock. The offi cial project awarding announcement is scheduled for 2024, with tunnel boring operations set to commence in 2025. Trial operations are expected to start in 2028, leading to the offi cial rollout in 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s inauguration on 9 September 2009. The Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion extends beyond being a mere infrastructure development; it stands as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to creating a more connected, effi cient, and sustainable urban future for its residents. The Blue Line is anticipated to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, increasing to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040 Dubai Metrowww.logisticsmiddleeast.com LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST 141144141414141 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.w..www.wwwwwwwlogiloglogilologiogogiogilogioooooostststicststicticsticsticsticstisticicssmidsmidsmidsmidmidmimidsmidsmidsssddleedleedleedleedleedleedldleedleedleeasaast.asast.ast.aast.st.st.asst.st.stst.tt.comcomcomcomcomcomcomcomomomomooomommcomcomcccoomoomommcomomcomcomoococcDECDECDECDECDECDECDECDECDECCDDEEEMEMEEMBEMBEMMMBBBMBEEEEER ER ER EEREEEEEEEEE22220220202202022022220223 -3 3 -3 3 -3 3 --3JAJAJAJAJAJAAANUANUANUANUNUNUNUANUAANNUARYRYRYRYRYYYRYY202202202202202020220222222220222222044444444 444444 44444||||LLLLLLLLLOGIOGIOGIOGOGIOGIOOGIOGSTISTISTISTISTISTISTSTITSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSSCSCSMIDMIDMMIDMIDMIDDDMMIDDDDDDDDDDDDLEDLELLEDLEDLEEDDDLEDLDLDDEEAEAEAAAEAAAAAEAEAESTSSTSTSTSTSTSTTTSTSTS Disclaimer: All fi gures, projects, and ventures mentioned are based on publicly available data and/or reports provided by the listed companies, Logistics Middle East does not hold responsibility for any investment decisions. 14 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comDECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 15151551515155 www.www.www.www.www.wwwwwwwww.wwwwlogilogiogilogilogiogoogiogiogigogigogioostistststicsticststicsticicsticicsticcctsmsmsmssmsmmmidmidmidmidmmmidmidmidmmidmmmidsmmmmdleedleedleedleeldleedleedleedleedleeeast.ast.asastast.ast.ast.ast.ttsssscomcomcomcomcomcomcomcomoocLOGLOGLOGLOLOLOGOGLOLOGLOGLOGLLOLLLOGLLLOGOISTISTISTSTISTISTISTSTICSICSICSICSICSCSICSICSICSICSCMIMIMIMMIMIMIMIDDLDDLDDDLDDLDDLDDLDDLDDLDDDLEEE E E E EEEEEEE E EEEEASTASTASTASTASSTASTTASAA||||DDDDDDDDDDECEECEECEECEECEECEECEEECEECECMBEMBEMBMBEMBEMBEMBEMBMBMRRRRRRRR 22R 2R 2R 22RRRRRRRRR02020202022323232323232323232323233232-----JANJANJANJANJANJAJANJANUARUARUAUARUARUARUARUARUARRAY 2Y 2Y Y 2Y 2Y 2Y 2Y2Y202402402402402402402402424 A midst a storm of challenges, turbulent economic tides, and ever- changing industry dynamics, the INDUSTRY ICONS featured in the upcoming pages have left an indelible mark on the Middle East’s logistics and supply chain sectors, steering their organisations and nations towards unprecedented growth and development. SCAN THE QR CODE FOR THE FULL LIST 15 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024INDUSTRY ICONS |SALEH BIN NASSER AL JASSER 16 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comDECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST S ince he took the helm of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services in October 2019, HE Saleh Bin Nasser Al Jasser has been a driving force in shaping and executing the ministry’s strategic initiatives and programmes, developed in line with the kingdom’s economic diversifi cation goals and the Vision 2030 programme objectives to transform Saudi Arabia into a leading global logistics and supply chain powerhouse. Under Al Jasser’s leadership, Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics sectors have realised remarkable achievements. Notably, the kingdom ascended 17 positions on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 (LPI), ranking 38 within just two years of launching the National Strategy for Transportation and Logistics Services (NTLS), a comprehensive programme aimed at positioning the nation as a global hub connecting three continents and enhancing its transport services. Managing a broad portfolio of key specialised authorities and government bodies, including the Transport General Authority (TGA), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), and the Saudi Arabia Railway Company (SAR), the ministry, under Al Jasser’s oversight, focuses on various growth aspects, including developing the kingdom’s transport infrastructure and HE SALEH BIN NASSER AL JASSER boosting its logistics capabilities, refi ning aviation policies and creating a conducive environment for travel, enhancing port capabilities and elevating the sector’s competitiveness, and optimising railway services, as well as supporting local companies and increasing local content. During his tenure, the road transport sector has undergone signifi cant expansion, with a notable increase of 75,000 kilometres in the country’s road networks. Additionally, initiatives such as the Saudi Road Code have been implemented and various road projects were executed to elevate road safety and maintenance standards. Furthermore, Al Jasser ushered in major regulatory changes through executive legislation and decisions. Concurrently, the ministry launched numerous business service centres across the kingdom to streamline operations and serve more than 80,000 benefi ciaries. Pioneering initiatives, including the Unifi ed Electronic Contract for car rental services and the introduction of an automated public transport traffi c violations monitoring system, have signifi cantly contributed to enhancing the effi ciency of the road transport system. On the infrastructure front, Saudi Arabia unveiled plans to launch 59 logistics zones, with 21 already operational, as part of a nationwide infrastructure development programme aimed at stimulating business growth, attracting investments, and generating nearly $12 billion (SAR45 billion) in annual revenue by 2030. Moreover, Saudi ports delivered remarkable performances in 2023, marked by a record-breaking surge in container throughput throughout the year. The air transport sector also saw substantial growth under Al Jasser’s stewardship. In 2023, GACA introduced a new aviation policy, outlining a comprehensive strategy to attract $100 billion in investments by 2030, by creating a conducive infrastructure to foster competition, attract foreign investments, and contribute to diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and catalysing growth within the kingdom’s aviation sector. With over 30 years of experience in business management and maritime, land, and air transportation, Al Jasser played pivotal roles in advancing the kingdom’s economic aspirations. His strategic leadership extended to key positions, including the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation and CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Shipping Company. Moreover, he served as a board member and chairman in crucial positions, where he played an instrumental role in driving the kingdom’s economic and industrial development. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services SULTAN AHMED BIN SULAYEM |INDUSTRY ICONS 17 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 D P World’s Group Chairman and CEO, and Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, played an instrumental role in propelling Dubai’s economic growth. Bin Sulayem’s expertise and visionary leadership have been crucial in the rapid expansion of Dubai’s infrastructure, including ports and free zones, significantly contributing to the UAE’s stellar growth trajectory. His key roles include serving as a Board Member of the Dubai Executive Council, Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One, and Chairman of the UAE Federal Tax Authority. During his tenure at the helm of DP World, Bin Sulayem spearheaded various transformative ventures, particularly evident in the company’s global expansion. Furthermore, he played a key role in developing the infrastructure supporting Dubai’s thriving tourism industry, among various other sectors. Under his leadership, the Dubai-headquartered logistics major and global port operator achieved significant operational milestones. In the first half of 2023, the company registered $9 billion in revenues, marking a 14% increase compared to $7.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2022. Meanwhile, profits for the reported period stood at $885 million, with over 39,858 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled. Spearheading DP World’s expansion strategy, Bin Sulayem orchestrated the $6.8 billion acquisition of the P&O Group in March 2006, solidifying its position as a global port operator with extensive operations across six continents. This, in turn, positioned DP World as a leading industry player, managing and operating 78 marine and inland terminals worldwide. Additionally, Bin Sulayem oversaw the transformation of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) into a premier business hub, hosting over 8,500 companies. Furthermore, Bin Sulayem established and led Nakheel, the real estate and tourism property development firm behind many iconic Dubai projects, including The Palm, the world’s largest man-made islands. Beyond these milestones, Bin Sulayem founded and led Istithmar World, a key player in private equity investments spanning retail, financial services, industry, tourism and hospitality, and healthcare across key markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over and above, he played a leading role in establishing the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a market for gold and precious metals, diamonds and coloured stones, energy, and other commodities. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning more than three decades, Bin Sulayem’s HE SULTAN AHMED BIN SULAYEM strategic vision and effective execution have been instrumental in steering DP World’s global expansion and shaping Dubai’s economic landscape. Group Chairman and CEO, DP WorldINDUSTRY ICONS |MOHAMED JUMA AL SHAMISI 18 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comDECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST I n his current capacity as the Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, the Abu Dhabi-based premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, and operator of the emirate’s commercial and community ports, along with Fujairah Terminals and KEZAD Group, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi oversees the development of the group’s extensive portfolio of assets and activities, as well as directs its strategic initiatives and operations. Under Al Shamisi’s leadership, AD Ports has undergone a signifi cant transformation, evolving from a project-centric organisation into a fully operational, integrated business spanning fi ve clusters: Digital, Economic Cities and Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports. This transformation has positioned AD Ports as a global player connecting maritime routes and international trade partners. Furthermore, Al Shamisi has played an integral role in steering the group’s initiatives aligned with the UAE’s economic diversifi cation agenda. Bringing nearly two decades of industry experience, Captain Al Shamisi joined AD Ports Group in 2008 and has held various key leadership roles within the organisation, including the Executive Vice President of the company’s Ports Unit, where he played a crucial role in restructuring and rationalising its assets. He also oversaw the successful completion and commissioning of the fi rst phase of Khalifa Port, the company’s fl agship maritime hub, and the adjoining economic and industrial zone, KEZAD. Under his guidance, AD Ports Group posted strong fi nancial results for the fi rst nine months of 2023 (Q3) concluding on 30 September, with $2.2 billion (AED8.1 billion) in revenue, refl ecting a 116% year-on-year (YoY) growth, compared to the $1 billion (AED3.7 billion) recorded in the corresponding period in 2022. Similarly, the group posted a 14% increase in total profi ts, reaching $272 million (AED1 billion), in contrast to $256 million (AED941 million) in the year-ago period. This fi nancial success aligns with robust earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), which experienced a 30% YoY boost, reaching $571 million (AED2.1 billion) during the reporting period. Al Shamisi’s tenure at the helm of AD Ports has been marked by accolades, with the group garnering more than 40 prestigious local and international awards, including fi ve categories of the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance 2017. Beyond his role as Managing Director and Group CEO at AD Ports Group, Al Shamisi serves as the Chairman of Aramex and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Vice Chairman of UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and is a Board Member of MAKE A WISH Foundation UAE. CAPTAIN MOHAMED JUMA AL SHAMISI Additionally, he currently chairs the Board of Directors at KEZAD and the Arab Sea Port Federation and has previously served as a Board Member of Etihad Airways. Amongst his numerous personal achievements, Al Shamisi received several personal accolades, including the Peter Morris Prize from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) for his signifi cant contributions to the maritime industry, the AMC Baird Publication Prize for Best Performance in Navigation Studies, and the Sheikh Rashid Award for Academic Excellence. Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group 40 awards secured by AD Ports under Al Shamisi’s leadershipOMAR HARIRI |INDUSTRY ICONS 19 www.logisticsmiddleeast.comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 H ariri took the reins as the President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) in July 2021, spearheading a transformative vision to elevate the kingdom’s port ecosystem to global industry benchmarks and stimulate growth in the country’s maritime trade sector. In his current capacity, Hariri oversees the operations, development, and strategy of the Middle East’s largest port network: Mawani’s extensive portfolio of 13 seaports, encompassing six commercial ports and three industrial ports housing 290 berths. Jointly, these ports provide a combined cargo capacity of 1.1 billion tonnes, with a handling capacity of 20 million containers. Throughout his career spanning over two decades, Hariri has held multiple executive roles across the logistics and air freight sectors, including the CEO of Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL), Chairman of the Cargo Executive Board at the SkyTeam airline, CEO of Saudia Cargo, and Member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Cargo Advisory Council. Furthermore, Hariri’s professional journey extends to his role as the Managing Director of Abdul Latif HE OMAR HARIRI Jameel Transportation and encompasses various leadership positions across the express logistics sector, including the Vice President—Commercial at DHL Saudi Arabia. Under his guidance, Mawani has achieved various signifi cant operational milestones. These include registering record breaking cargo throughput volumes, adding new cargo services to the ports of Jeddah, Dammam, and Jubail, and forging strategic partnerships with leading industry stakeholders to transform Saudi Arabia’s national ports into premier investment destinations. President, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)Next >