AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2026 • ISSUE 235 In p a rt n e rs h ip I Q F u lfi ll m e n t SCALING SMART Inside Fadi Amoudi’s technology-fi rst vision for IQ as the company redefi nes modern fulfi lment infrastructure LOG_Feb2026_00_Cover_13836871.indd 111/02/2026 17:06Untitled-14 103/02/2026 11:403 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | FEBRUARY 2026 It takes all kinds Logistics in the Middle East is entering a more thoughtful phase. Scale still matters, speed still matters, but intelligence now sits at the centre of the conversation. That’s why our cover story in this issue focuses on IQ and its Founder and CEO, Fadi Amoudi. We take a look at how fulfi lment is evolving beyond warehouses and labour, towards software, data, and systems built to handle real-world complexity. What stands out is not automation for show, but a clear belief that logistics works best when technology is designed around operations and not the other way around. That same mindset connects directly to our Elite Executives Power List 2026. The leaders featured this year are shaping the change needed to keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of our industry. From digital transformation and sustainability to resilience and talent, these executives are redefi ning what leadership in logistics now looks like across the region. Taken together, this edition is a look at an industry growing more confi dent in its role and more deliberate about how it builds for the future. As always, thank you for reading Logistics Middle East. RYAN HARMON EDITOR, LOG ISTIC S M I DDLE E A ST Scaling Smart When IQ launched in 2018, it did not begin as a grand vision to transform regional logistics. It started with a far more personal frustration for CEO Fadi Amoudi. PAGE 12 GCC logistics and freight forwarding outlook Freight forwarders are benefiting from new ports, rail corridors, air cargo hubs, and digital customs systems as the region enters 2026. PAGE 44 The Elite Executives Power List for 2026 Meet the leaders driving transformational and growth across the Middle East’s logistics and supply chain industry. PAGE 16 Put it in writing Sharp insights, honest perspectives, and industry-defining voices. Our quoteworthy section captures the ideas shaping logistics, supply chains, and regional transformation today. PAGE 50 MUST READ THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S LETTER LOG_Feb2026_03_Editor Letter_13814473.indd 309/02/2026 15:514 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .com CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2026 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST FEBRUARY 2026 44 12 SCALING SMART: INSIDE FADI AMOUDI’S TECHNOLOGY-FIRST VISION FOR IQ By building both the technology and the operations behind e-commerce fulfi lment, IQ is quietly becoming the infrastructure layer powering the Middle East’s next phase of growth. 44 GCC LOGISTICS AND FREIGHT FORWARDING OUTLOOK FOR 2026 Freight forwarding in the GCC is entering 2026 on the back of a resilient regional economy and unprecedented policy focus on logistics and trade. While global growth remains uneven, GCC economies are expected to outperform the global average, driven increasingly by non-oil sectors such as logistics, trade, and infrastructure. 12 LOG_Feb2026_04-05_Contents_13814474.indd 409/02/2026 15:515 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .com CONTENTS LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | FEBRUARY 2026 EXECUTIVES PO WER LIST ELITE 16 2026 LOG_Feb2026_04-05_Contents_13814474.indd 509/02/2026 15:526 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comFEBRUARY 2026 | 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 Group Editor Thomas Mackie Editor Ryan Harmon Tel: + 971 4 444 3521 Email: Ryan.Harmon@itp.com Associate Editor Manuela Vergel Email: Manuela.Vergel@itp.com Features Writer Nathan Baker Email: Nathan.Baker@itp.com 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 Senior Events Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events Manager : Gavin Moeketsi Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Sales Events Executive Jan Mokoala Events Coordinator 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. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. To fl ip through previous editions of Logistics Middle East magazine visit logisticsmiddleeast.com/emagazines/digital-magazine PUBLISHED BY AND © 2026 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. LOG_Feb2026_6_Flannel_13814475.indd 609/02/2026 15:54Untitled-4 123/12/2025 18:328 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comFEBRUARY 2026 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST NEWS Chinese cargo drone completes fi rst Middle East mission PROVEN PERFORMANCE IN EXTREME CLIMATES Operating conditions in Oman and across the Middle East pose signifi cant challenges for aviation platforms, combining high temperatures, sandstorms, strong winds and rapidly changing terrain. These trials simulated desert heat, wind shear and particulate exposure, validating the aircraft’s structural integrity, propulsion systems and avionics. The successful Oman mission has now provided real world confi rmation that large Chinese manufactured UAV systems can operate reliably in some of the world’s most demanding environments. LAYING FOUNDATIONS FOR REGIONAL SCALE UP The Sky Bridge operation is being viewed as a pilot for broader low altitude logistics deployment across the Middle East. Times Flying Phoenix plans to work with regional partners to establish a commercial service network supporting logistics, emergency medical response and marine assistance. For Oman, the fl ight off ers a glimpse into how unmanned aviation could complement existing transport infrastructure in remote regions where speed, resilience and access remain persistent challenges. A Chinese large scale unmanned transport aircraft has completed the fi rst commercial logistics fl ight of its kind in the Middle East, delivering medical supplies across Oman’s mountainous interior in under 50 minutes. The take off sequence was initiated by Oman’s Minister of Transport, with the Archer unmanned aircraft carrying 60 kg of medical cargo to a remote town located around 100 km from the launch site. The fl ight crossed the Hajar Mountains, reaching altitudes of up to 3,352 metres. Named Sky Bridge, the operation was executed by Times Flying Phoenix Technology, a high technology enterprise initiated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. OVERCOMING TERRAIN DRIVEN SUPPLY CHALLENGES These constraints have historically complicated the delivery of time sensitive medical supplies and emergency equipment. By completing the journey in less than 50 minutes, the Archer UAV demonstrated a substantial improvement in delivery speed. Local medical authorities highlighted the potential of such systems to improve routine healthcare logistics in hard-to-reach regions. A Chinese cargo drone has completed the fi rst commercial unmanned logistics fl ight in the Middle East, delivering medical supplies across Oman LOG_Feb2026_08-11_News_13820639.indd 811/02/2026 11:519 www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS Routes being fi nalised for Bahrain Metro’s Phase I Together, the two lines will include 20 stations, supported by two major interchange points to enable seamless transfers between routes. These interchange stations will be located at Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Central Market area in Manama. Dr Shaikh Abdulla explained that the interchange facilities will be critical to making the metro practical for daily commuters by ensuring smooth connectivity. COST ESTIMATES AWAIT DESIGN COMPLETION While the overall scope of Phase I has been defi ned, the ministry noted that a fi nal cost estimate cannot yet be confi rmed. Ongoing detailed design work, alongside changing market conditions and broader economic factors, means that accurate fi gures will only be available once studies are completed and approved. Once operational, the metro is expected to ease congestion, improve traffi c fl ow and complement Bahrain’s existing bus network by off ering a reliable alternative to private vehicles. Bahrain fi rst announced plans in 2018 for a 109 km fully automated, driverless metro to be delivered in four phases, with total project costs initially estimated at around $2bn. D etailed preparations are advancing for the fi rst phase of Bahrain’s long-planned Metro project, with route planning now taking centre stage as authorities move closer to delivering a modern public transport system for the kingdom. Phase I routes are being developed in line with the approved master plan. Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa described the metro as a strategic national investment that will reshape urban mobility in Bahrain. He commented that the Bahrain Metro is designed to deliver a modern, effi cient and sustainable transport system, with detailed planning and integrated procedures underway to ensure the optimal preparation of fi rst phase routes in coordination with all relevant entities. TWO MAIN CORRIDORS ANCHOR PHASE ONE Phase I will comprise two core metro lines intended to serve major residential, commercial and economic districts across the country. The fi rst corridor will link Bahrain International Airport with the Seef District, connecting the kingdom’s primary aviation gateway with one of its most active business and retail zones. The second line will extend from Juff air to the Educational District in Isa Town, passing through densely populated and strategically important areas. Bahrain fi nalises routes for Phase I of its Metro project, detailing lines, stations, costs and integration plans as preparations accelerate “Together, the two lines will include 20 stations, supported by two major interchange points to enable seamless transfers between routes” LOG_Feb2026_08-11_News_13820639.indd 911/02/2026 11:51Next >