NEXT MOVE AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION JULY 2025 • ISSUE 228 Inside MSC Saudi’s growth playbook with CEO Hisham Al-Ansari In p a rt n e rs h ip w it h M S C S a u d i LOG_July0225_00_Cover_13643347.indd 101/07/2025 14:14Untitled-2 124/02/2025 10:123 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 Charting new currents Welcome to our maritime and shipping special, an edition anchored in the ports, people, and partnerships redefi ning global trade routes. From the rising importance of intermodal infrastructure to the race for greener fl eets, the shipping world is undergoing a massive transformation. And for the Middle East, the stakes have never been higher. In this issue, we explore how regional ports are scaling up, how shipping lines are rethinking resilience, and why the maritime sector is central to the Middle East’s economic diversifi cation. Our cover story brings this to life through MSC Saudi’s growth playbook. CEO Hisham Al-Ansari shares how the company is building end-to-end logistics muscle while investing in local talent and intermodal connectivity. Whether you’re in port development, ocean freight, or policy, there’s something in here for you. Enjoy the read! RYAN HARMON EDITOR, LOG ISTIC S M I DDLE E A ST Oman: The Gulf’s emerging trade and logistics hub As regional trade corridors shift and supply chains evolve, Oman is strategically positioning itself as the Gulf’s next major hub. PAGE 14 Inside MSC Saudi’s growth playbook As Vision 2030 opens the Kingdom to global trade like never before, MSC Saudi is no longer operating behind the scenes, it’s a key player. PAGE 32 What good is a greener engine if the ship sails half empty? The newest ships were built to lower emissions, but 2024 proved that poor utilisation and high speeds can undo all that innovation. PAGE 22 Why Port City Colombo is turning heads in Gulf logistics The mega-infrastructure project is courting Gulf logistics players with low costs, legal protections, and access to transhipped cargo from India. PAGE 46 MUST READ THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S LETTER LOG_July0225_3_Editor Letter_13643348.indd 303/07/2025 14:094www.logis tic smiddleeas t .com CONTENTS JULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST JULY 2025 EDITION 18 18 WHY INFRASTRUCTURE IS THE FUTURE OF GREEN LOGISTICS The Middle East’s clean transport transition hinges not just on new vehicle tech but on where and how fl eets power up across a region that spans vast spaces. 28 UAE BACKING COLLABORATION FOR SHIPPING DECARBONISATION The Emirates Shipping Association’s approach shows why collective action is the only viable path as the maritime industry grapples with the decarbonisation question. 32 MSC SAUDI’S NEXT MOVE FOR GLOBAL GROWTH From Jeddah Islamic Port to King Abdullah Port, MSC’s maritime footprint gives it powerful reach into international trade lanes, as CEO Hisham Al-Ansari explains. 3228 LOG_July0225_4-5_Contents_13643349.indd 402/07/2025 17:295www.logis tic smiddleeas t .com CONTENTS LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 40 HOW THE 90-DAY US-CHINA TRUCE IS ROCKING GLOBAL SHIPPING The 90-day tariff pause between the US and China is creating ripple eff ects across global maritime routes, freight rates, and port operation worldwide. 42 THE MIDDLE EAST’S RACE FOR CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE Despite state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure, the Middle East continues to be overlooked by global online shoppers as it faces stiff competition. 46 WHY PORT CITY COLOMBO IS TURNING HEADS IN GULF LOGISTICS Sri Lanka’s mega-infrastructure project is courting Gulf logistics players with low costs, legal protections, and direct access to 70% of India’s transhipped cargo. 40 4246 LOG_July0225_4-5_Contents_13643349.indd 502/07/2025 17:296www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Head of Business and Technology Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor Ryan Harmon Tel: + 971 4 444 3521 Email: Ryan.Harmon@itp.com Associate Editor Mark Dowdall Tel: + 971 4 444 3159 Email: Mark.Dowdall@itp.com Project Editor Heather Cichowski Associate Project Editor Beatriz Valero ART Art Director Amjad Ayche Art Editor Tofiq Memon ADVERTISING Chief Commercial Offi cer Sally Whittam Tel: + 971 4 444 3348 Email: Sally.Whittam@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager Shrief Ali Tel: + 971 4 444 3589 Email: Shrief.Ali@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Email: Eleanor.Ashton@itp.com Events Manager: Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Executive Maria Trishina Event Sales Executive Ella Johnson Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga Email: Events@itp.com PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Senior Production & Distribution Manager Balasubramanian P Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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PUBLISHED BY AND © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. 6JULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST To fl ip through previous editions of Logistics Middle East magazine visit logisticsmiddleeast.com/emagazines/digital-magazine 6JULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST LOG_July0225_6_Flannel_13643351.indd 602/07/2025 17:27JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY, SCAN F OR PREMIUM ACCES S8www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST NEWS Almarai to acquire Pure Beverages Industry in SAR 1.04 billion deal OPTIMISING WATER SUPPLY CHAINS The Saudi Arabian bottled water market was valued at approximately $2.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2033, refl ecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2025 to 2033. The bottled water market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising health awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and a shift toward premium and convenient hydration options. The acquisition is set to impact regional supply chains by expanding Almarai’s production and distribution network for bottled water across Saudi Arabia and the GCC. As demand for premium bottled water grows, logistics providers will need to accommodate increased volumes, optimise warehousing capacity, and enhance transportation effi ciency. As the Kingdom moves towards its Vision 2030 diversifi cation goals, localisation of the supply chain is becoming ever more crucial. This is a deal that will secure this particular supply chain for many years ahead through asset optimisation and standardising processes of production across the two entities. Food and beverage fi rm, Almarai, has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% ownership of Pure Beverages Industry, a leading bottled drinking water producer in Saudi Arabia. The SAR 1.04 billion deal is expected to boost Almarai’s position in the beverage market by adding premium bottled water brands to its portfolio. COMPLETION SUBJECT TO APPROVALS Pure Beverages is renowned for its premium bottled water brands, “Ival” and “Oska.” The company operates state-of-the-art production facilities that leverage innovative technologies while strictly adhering to international quality standards and sustainable practices. The acquisition will be funded through internal cash fl ows, with completion subject to regulatory approvals and customary checking conditions in Saudi Arabia. As the Middle East’s largest food and beverage manufacturer and distributor, and the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company, Almarai expressed confi dence that the deal will deliver signifi cant value to its shareholders. The deal is expected to boost Almarai’s position in the beverage market by adding premium bottled water brands to its portfolio9www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 NEWS RTA introduces robotic inspection system for Dubai Metro operations by improving safety, effi ciency, and data-driven decision-making.” PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Looking ahead, ARIIS supports Dubai’s Smart City goals, contributes to a sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and refl ects a strong commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to enhance everyday life for citizens and visitors alike. Loic Ayoul, CEO of FMT, said, “The RTA and Keolis MHI are truly forward-thinking companies that are leveraging advanced robotics and AI technologies, with ARIIS delivering substantial improvements in railway infrastructure performance, safety, and sustainability for Dubai Metro.” With faster inspections, safer operations and smarter planning, Dubai Metro continues to raise the bar for urban transport, proudly contributing to Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and intelligent mobility. Dubai Metro, launched in 2009, is the fi rst urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula. It features fully automated, driverless trains. With two main lines, the Red and Green, it connects key districts, reducing congestion and supporting the city’s sustainability goals. S ubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Keolis MHI and Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT), announced the deployment of an AI-driven robotic inspection solution known as the Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS). The technology marks a signifi cant advancement in Dubai Metro’s operational maintenance. SMART TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ARIIS, a sophisticated robotic platform equipped with state-of-the-art LiDAR sensors, lasers and 3D cameras, autonomously inspects rail tracks and critical infrastructure without interrupting metro operations at all. The solution will help Dubai Metro to enhance safety, effi ciency, and reliability through smart technologies and innovation. Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, highlighted, “The introduction of ARIIS represents another signifi cant leap in our journey to maintain our Metro as one of the most advanced and safest public transportation networks globally.” David Franks, Managing Director of Keolis MHI, remarked, “ARIIS is a milestone achievement, signifi cantly transforming our maintenance The RTA’s collaboration with Keolis MHI and FMT brings a leap in intelligent mobility through ARIIS, a robotic system that modernises track inspection “This is a signifi cant leap in our journey to maintain our Metro as one of the most advanced public transportation networks globally”Next >