< Previous10www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST NEWS Etihad Cargo posts 9% revenue growth in H1 2025 on premium products and partnerships To meet growing demand, Etihad Cargo added a new Boeing 777 freighter operated by Atlas Air, boosting network fl exibility and cargo capacity. Strategic partnerships also played a signifi cant role in the airline’s H1 performance. A deepened collaboration with China’s SF Airlines led to the launch of a weekly Shenzhen–Abu Dhabi freighter service and increased frequencies on the Abu Dhabi–Ezhou route. Together, the carriers now provide around 630 tonnes of weekly capacity on key trade lanes. SERVICE RELIABILITY AND NETWORK GROWTH Operational reliability also saw a very signifi cant improvement, with Etihad Cargo recording an 89.6% year-on-year increase in its “delivered as promised” rate. Meanwhile, global capacity rose 8% compared to the previous year, supported by additional belly hold and freighter services. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport continued to serve as a central hub, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global gateway for cargo and e-commerce fl ows. With strengthened partnerships, fl eet expansion and a strong focus on customer needs, Etihad Cargo is positioning itself for sustained growth in the second half of 2025. E tihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, has delivered a strong performance in the fi rst half of 2025, reporting a 9% year-on-year increase in cargo revenue. The growth was driven by higher yields, expanded capacity, and a continued focus on premium products and customer partnerships. Performance improved across all regions, with powerful results in the UAE and Central Region. The airline attributed its resilience to agile network planning and adaptability in a competitive market. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Offi cer at Etihad Airways, said, “These results demonstrate that Etihad Cargo is delivering sustainable performance by focusing on premium products, agile network planning and close partnerships with our customers. Adaptability and customer-centricity remain central to our success.” E-COMMERCE STRATEGY SUPPORTS SMES Etihad Cargo’s fl exible e-commerce strategy has empowered SMEs and local businesses to further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional logistics hub. The approach aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce and express logistics. A new freighter, expanded China partnership, and fl exible e-commerce strategy powered Etihad Cargo’s strong fi rst-half performance across all markets “These results demonstrate that Etihad Cargo is delivering sustainable performance by focusing on premium products, agile network planning and close partnerships with our customers” LOG_Oct2025_8-11_News_13717702.indd 1028/09/2025 23:1311www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 NEWS FedEx opens regional logistics facility in Qatar Free Zones GLOBAL NETWORK CONNECTIVITY Directly integrated into the FedEx global network, the facility will serve as a key hub connecting Qatar with major markets across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. It will also provide guidance on customs brokerage and deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions to sectors including retail, automotive, and technology. Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Logistics, emphasised how the facility will improve speed and effi ciency for regional and global trade. “By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy,” he explained. He added that the facility would boost freight connectivity, strengthen supply chain effi ciency and support sustainable private sector growth to align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s Third National Development Strategy. With FedEx joining other global logistics leaders in the Qatar Free Zones, the new facility is expected to enhance the country’s global competitiveness, strengthen trade corridors, and accelerate its ambitions to become a top logistics hub. FedEx Logistics has offi cially launched a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Doha, marking a signifi cant step in Qatar’s eff orts to establish itself as a leading global gateway for trade and supply chain operations. The 1,249 sqm site combines warehousing, storage, and offi ce spaces. Strategically positioned near Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, it off ers multimodal access for global freight forwarding and scheduling. DRIVING QATAR’S LOGISTICS GROWTH The launch comes as Qatar’s logistics sector, currently valued at $10.14 billion, is forecast to grow to $13.49 billion by 2030. The country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024, refl ecting its growing status as a competitive global hub. HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al- Thani, CEO of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said, “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top ten logistics providers. This investment underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location near the most prominent global markets.” By integrating Qatar into its global network, FedEx is helping position the Gulf nation as a logistics leader in the decade ahead LOG_Oct2025_8-11_News_13717702.indd 1128/09/2025 23:1312www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST ONLINE Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, has announced a regulatory update that allows logistics companies to merge land, sea and air freight activities into a single commercial register. 7X has launched Waslah Post, a pioneering platform described as the world’s fi rst digital marketplace for postal operators. The announcement was made during the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai. Two of Abu Dhabi’s leading marine and logistics players, NMDC Group and ADNOC Logistics and Services, have entered into a three-year collaboration agreement to expand their work on off shore projects. SAL Logistics Services has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Public Administration to accelerate the development of national competencies and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. WHAT'S TRENDING ONLINE lo gis t i c smiddleeas t .co m Qatar streamlines logistics licensing with unified commercial registry 7X launches Waslah Post, positioning postal networks as drivers of digital trade and NMDC and ADNOC L&S forge three-year offshore services pact in Abu Dhabi SAL and IPA forge strategic partnership to advance Saudi logistics talent WHAT OUR READERS THINK... On the Strait of Hormuz... “Geopolitical risks will unfortunately, continue to rise”—Theodore Krantz, interos.ai Talking about the Sandbox Dubai initiative... “Inspiring move by Dubai Future Foundation to drive growth”—Shinuna Al-Barwani, Odoo LOG_Oct2025_12-13_Trending_13727223.indd 1205/10/2025 23:0813www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 ONLINE The Saudi Power List 2025 Saudi Arabia’s logistics and supply chain sector is powering ahead, driven by Vision 2030’s ambition to position the Kingdom as one of the top 10 global logistics hubs. Behind this transformation are the leaders shaping strategy, building infrastructure and redefi ning how goods move across the region. NOTICE: ALWAYS FOLLOW WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. MORE INFORMATION AT BOBCAT.COM 2,3 m – 9 m 45,6 kW 3 000 kg LIFT YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS LOG_Oct2025_12-13_Trending_13727223.indd 1309/10/2025 10:09OPINION | WOMEN IN LOGISTICS 14www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST A utomation, robotics, and artifi cial intelligence are transforming global supply chains at breakneck speed. Companies are investing billions to digitise warehouses, streamline logistics, and future-proof their operations. By 2030, the global logistics automation market alone is projected to exceed $80 billion, while PwC estimates automation could contribute up to $500 billion annually to global GDP by the next decade. This is not just an industry trend; it is an economic imperative. Yet behind the headlines of smart warehouses and autonomous vehicles lies a quieter truth: technology is only as powerful as the leaders THE $500 BILLION BLIND SPOT WHY FEMALE LEADERSHIP WILL DECIDE WHO WINS THE AUTOMATION RACE By Marium Dahar, Founder and CEO, Bricks Executive Search guiding it. And in supply chain, leadership remains overwhelmingly male. THE TALENT GAP MEETS THE GENDER GAP According to Gartner, women account for only 19% of supply chain executives worldwide and fewer than 10% of senior-most roles. At the same time, McKinsey research shows companies with diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profi tability. That mismatch is more than a statistic. It represents a blind spot worth billions. Businesses are pouring resources into automation while ignoring half the leadership pool that could unlock its true potential. In eff ect, we are trying to build the supply chains of the future with yesterday’s leadership models. WOMEN AS CATALYSTS FOR INNOVATION The value of female leadership is not symbolic; it is strategic. Studies consistently show that women in executive roles score higher on collaboration, resilience, and long-term thinking. Deloitte found that gender-diverse teams are 30% more innovative. At the same time, BCG reports that companies with above average diversity generate 45% of their revenue from innovation, compared to just 26% for less diverse peers. Real-world examples reinforce this. DHL’s Women in Logistics initiative has been credited with boosting both employee retention and customer satisfaction scores across multiple regions. In Saudi Arabia, Aramex has steadily increased female participation in LOG_Oct2025_14-15_Opinion_13728432.indd 1408/10/2025 16:40WOMEN IN LOGISTICS | OPINION 15www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 “The UAE boasts one of the highest rates of female STEM graduates globally (over 55%), far ahead of most developed markets” logistics roles as part of Vision 2030, positioning itself as an early mover in inclusive supply chain leadership. If innovation is the lifeblood of supply chain transformation, excluding women from leadership isn’t just inequitable, it’s economically unsustainable. A REGIONAL ADVANTAGE The Middle East has an extraordinary opportunity to change the narrative. The region is making some of the world’s most ambitious investments in logistics infrastructure, smart warehousing, and robotics. PwC forecasts that by 2030, transport and logistics could account for 12% of the UAE’s GDP and a similar share in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 prioritises logistics as a key diversifi cation pillar. At the same time, the UAE boasts one of the highest rates of female STEM graduates globally (over 55%), far ahead of most developed markets. Across the Gulf, governments are embedding gender diversity into their national strategies. This means the raw ingredients for transformation are already here: visionary infrastructure programmes paired with a pipeline of educated, ambitious women ready to lead. By tapping into this pool, the region could set a global benchmark: not just in building advanced supply chains, but in building inclusive leadership that matches the scale of its vision. FROM RECRUITMENT TO REALITY In my role as Founder and CEO of Bricks Executive Search, I work with global automation and robotics companies on their most critical leadership hires. And I see a clear pattern: companies that actively seek diverse leadership pipelines don’t just attract stronger candidates; they outperform. Take, for example, a European warehouse automation provider I worked with recently. By bringing women into senior commercial and operations roles, the company not only improved internal culture but also achieved measurable improvements in client retention and market expansion. Diversity became a driver of performance, not a line in a CSR report. These outcomes are consistent with global research: organisations with above-average diversity generate almost twice the revenue from innovation compared to less diverse peers. Diversity is not about optics. It is about building leadership teams capable of solving complex problems in a disruptive era. THE CALL TO ACTION The supply chain of the future will not be built by machines alone. It will be built by people, leaders who can inspire teams, navigate complexity, and unlock innovation. Until we break the ceiling on female leadership, we are running our supply chains with one hand tied behind our backs. The Middle East, with its unique combination of investment ambition and female STEM talent, has the chance to lead globally, not only in building the most advanced supply chains, but in redefi ning what inclusive, future-ready leadership looks like across the globe. This is not charity. This is not PR. This is competitive advantage. The businesses and nations that recognise this fi rst will be the ones shaping the global supply chain narrative in the decades to come. Marium Dahar, Founder and CEO, Bricks Executive Search LOG_Oct2025_14-15_Opinion_13728432.indd 1508/10/2025 16:40INTERVIEW | ERICSSON 16www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST LOG_Oct2025_16-18_Interview_13714175.indd 1628/09/2025 23:15ERICSSON | INTERVIEW 17www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 MIDDLE EAST PORTS MOVE CLOSER TO A CONNECTED FUTURE WITH 5G INNOVATION Ericsson’s Todd Ashton outlines how private 5G and AI are reshaping operations and accelerating the region’s smart port transformation Ports across the globe are under mounting pressure to do more with less, to handle rising cargo volumes, improve effi ciency, reduce emissions, and keep workers safe. For Todd Ashton, Head of Enterprise and Mission-Critical at Ericsson for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the answer lies in advanced digital connectivity. “The rise of private, sometimes dedicated 5G networks is signifi cantly transforming the operational landscape of ports and other mission-critical environments by delivering secure, reliable, and agile connectivity,” he explains. This new era of connectivity is about reimagining how ports operate to create ecosystems where automation, artifi cial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) converge to deliver seamless, safe, and sustainable logistics. PRIVATE 5G AS THE BACKBONE Traditional port networks have struggled to keep pace with the demands of modern logistics. Interference, patchy coverage, and limited scalability all hinder effi ciency. Ericsson’s solution, Ashton argues, is private 5G. “With the high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of private 5G, ports can automate key processes, deploy autonomous vehicles and IoT devices and enable real-time data monitoring and analytics to enhance operational visibility,” Ashton says. The benefi ts are clear: streamlined operations, fewer disruptions, smarter asset management and reduced energy consumption. Ports that once relied on physical cabling and manual systems can now build resilient, adaptable, and future-proof infrastructure. And the scope goes beyond logistics hubs. “These benefi ts extend beyond ports to other sectors such as emergency services and utilities where dependable and secure connectivity is essential for rapid response,” Ashton notes. AI AND AUTOMATION The combination of private 5G and AI is unlocking new levels of effi ciency across ports. From digital 5G Fifth generation of mobile network technology that provides significantly faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity for connected devices LOG_Oct2025_16-18_Interview_13714175.indd 1728/09/2025 23:15INTERVIEW | ERICSSON 18www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST Ports span vast, harsh environments, making secure, reliable wireless connectivity a persistent challenge twins that model cargo fl ows to predictive analytics that anticipate equipment needs, these technologies are streamlining storage, resource allocation and overall operations. “AI and automation enhance effi ciency and safety in complex logistics hubs like ports by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and seamless process automation,” Ashton explains. From automated guided vehicles to drones, these tools reduce manual intervention, minimise accident risks, and boost precision. AI also strengthens security by detecting incidents quickly and triggering rapid responses. “By leveraging private 5G networks, technologies deliver reliable, instant connectivity across large port areas, further optimising workfl ows and supporting secure, resilient, and agile operations,” Ashton adds. SOLVING CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGES Deploying this digital vision is not without obstacles. Ports are sprawling environments, often covering vast indoor and outdoor spaces with high device density and harsh conditions. Achieving consistent, secure wireless connectivity has long been a stumbling block for companies. “At Ericsson, we address these challenges with private 5G networks that provide robust, reliable, and interference-free communication,” Ashton says. What sets private 5G apart is its ability to be tailored. Ports can confi gure networks to meet their unique operational demands, supporting everything from real-time crane operations to IoT-enabled cargo tracking across operations. Ashton also sees broader potential, “5G can also be the platform to integrate other transportation, such as rail, to provide end-to-end connectivity from sea to air to rail and then reap the benefi ts of a programmable 5G platform.” THE POWER OF DIGITAL CONVERGENCE The most exciting transformation, according to Ashton, is happening where technologies converge. Edge computing, IoT, and ultra-reliable wireless are coming together to create smarter, more resilient ports. “The combination of edge computing, IoT, and reliable wireless networks is changing how ports work around the world,” he says. “Edge computing helps process data close to where it is needed, so decisions can be made quickly. IoT devices collect important information from diff erent parts of the port, which helps create digital models to better manage and maintain equipment.” The result is an infrastructure that can act in real time, respond to disruptions instantly, and allocate resources with unprecedented precision. For logistics operators, this convergence off ers a path to reduce bottlenecks, cut emissions, and operate at scale without sacrifi cing reliability. FUTURE-READY PORTS So, what does a fully connected port of the future look like? Ashton paints a picture of a highly automated, sustainable hub. “Future-ready ports are highly digital, automated hubs where millions of shipments are securely tracked in real time. Powered by private 5G networks, these ports enable seamless connectivity across vast areas for rapid data sharing and streamlined decision making,” he explains. Technologies like 5G-enabled CCTV, IoT sensors, AI, and drones will drive effi ciency, enhance safety, and cut carbon footprints. And this vision is already becoming reality. Ericsson is working with partners worldwide, including the Port of Tyne in the UK, which Ashton highlights as an early adopter of private 5G solutions. In regions like the Middle East and Africa, the pace of adoption is accelerating. While challenges remain, Ashton believes these regions are making signifi cant strides toward smart, sustainable ports that improve effi ciency, bolster safety, and meet environmental targets. By harnessing the power of private 5G, AI, IoT, and edge computing, ports can evolve into connected ecosystems that are safer, more effi cient, and future-ready. Todd Ashton, Head of Enterprise and Mission-Critical, Ericsson “With the high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of private 5G, ports can automate key processes, deploy autonomous vehicles and IoT devices, and enable real-time data monitoring and analytics” LOG_Oct2025_16-18_Interview_13714175.indd 1828/09/2025 23:15JOIN US For a unique, first-of-its-kind event in the region, featuring construction equipment and commercial vehicle displays and demonstrations, knowledge sessions, expert panels, presentations, and more. A day of meaningful dialogue and real connections, as well as an opportunity to see the latest machinery and vehicles, the PMV Leaders Conference and Exhibition is where the region’s biggest conversations come to life. December 8 I JA Resorts Dubai WHY ATTEND • Hear from industry leaders redefining the sector across the region. • Unique opportunity for manufacturers and dealers to present their latest to a focused target audience of purchase decision-makers. • View and experience hands-on the latest models and technologies in construction equipment and commercial vehicles. • Discuss the state of the regional industry, the evolving role of engineering, and current and future options for green machines and vehicles to be ahead of the curve. • Connect with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of the construction machinery and commercial vehicles in the Middle East. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES moeez.ali@itp.com FOR SPEAKER AND CONTENT ENQUIRIES anirban.bagchi@os.itp.com REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND Untitled-5 102/10/2025 01:45Next >