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Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has announced a significant expansion of its maritime portfolio, acquiring an additional 30% equity stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS).

Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has announced a significant expansion of its maritime portfolio, acquiring an additional 30% equity stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS).

Valued at AED 1.1 billion (USD 300 million), this strategic transaction increases the Group’s total ownership in the Dubai-based company to 81%.

The foundation for this expansion was laid in February 2024, when AD Ports Group secured a 51% stake in GFS, the fourth-largest container feeder shipping line globally by capacity. The Group secured a call option to increase its ownership by December 2026. By exercising this option now, the Group has capitalised on the same total Enterprise Value of AED 3.67 billion (USD 1 billion) established in 2024. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of debt and asset monetisation.

The container feeder shipping sector, involving the transport of goods using small and medium-sized vessels between major transit hubs and smaller ports, has experienced rapid growth since AD Ports Group launched its dedicated business in 2020. Within this framework, GFS has emerged as a strategically vital asset. Throughout recent periods of global maritime disruption, GFS maintained and expanded critical trade connectivity. While other operators withdrew from volatile markets, GFS ensured the uninterrupted flow of cargo for customers throughout the GCC region. Furthermore, it served vital routes across the Indian Subcontinent, the Red Sea, the Far East, the Mediterranean, and Africa.

This increased ownership fortifies the Group’s cash flow generation whilst providing enhanced operational control. Consequently, this enables deeper integration with the Group’s wider network of ports, economic cities, and logistics operations.

Discussing the transaction, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Through the acquisition of an additional 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping, AD Ports Group is reaffirming its commitment to investing in one of the most important and high-performing assets within our integrated business portfolio. GFS has expanded our reach into new markets and brought us closer to our customers, connecting our ports to more economies across the Red Sea and the Gulf at a time when reliable trade connectivity matters most. Our increased ownership in GFS allows us to deepen its integration within the Group’s portfolio and enables further growth across our shipping business. We will now be in a stronger position to accelerate our journey to enable trade for our stakeholders, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

Amir Maghami, CEO of Global Feeder Shipping, said: “Today marks an important step for GFS as we become more closely integrated into AD Ports Group, reinforcing the strength of our partnership. While the shipping industry continues to adapt to volatile market conditions, AD Ports Group’s support has enabled us to steadily expand our services and grow our fleet. Staying flexible and keeping customers at the centre of what we do has always been our priority, and I am excited to build on this momentum as we broaden our network and deliver even greater value in the months and years ahead.”

The operational statistics for GFS highlight its scale. In 2025, the company transported 2.8 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) and completed more than 700 voyages, calling at 89 ports across 54 countries. Since the original stake was acquired, GFS has generated cumulative EBITDA exceeding AED 1.8 billion (USD 500 million).

Alongside SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar, GFS forms the core of the Group’s container feeder operations. In 2025, feeder shipping revenue rose 17% year-on-year. The broader Maritime & Shipping Cluster enjoyed substantial growth, with total revenue jumping 33% to AED 10.7 billion and EBITDA rising 25% year-on-year to AED 2.5 billion. This means the cluster generated 51% of AD Ports Group’s total revenue and 45% of its overall EBITDA.

The primary objective is to explore and implement Wilo’s AI-integrated solutions across DP World’s extensive network of logistics hubs and maritime ports.

On 22 June 2026, the Wilo Group and DP World officially expanded their strategic partnership.

This enhanced alliance, formalised through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is strictly aimed at advancing sustainable infrastructure, deploying smart logistics solutions, and fostering artificial intelligence-based innovations within the global water sector. The formal agreement was signed at Wilopark, the global headquarters in Dortmund. The ceremony featured key leadership figures, including Wilo Chief Executive Officer Oliver Hermes and Abdulla Al Hashmi, Global Chief Operating Officer for Parks and Economic Zones at DP World. Furthermore, the high-profile event was witnessed by Abdulla Al Khater, Head of the Economic Section at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Berlin.

This latest strategic expansion deepens a long-standing partnership that has been firmly anchored in the United Arab Emirates for nearly two decades. The foundation of this enduring relationship is explicitly tied to the Wilo Group's established presence in the Middle Eastern region. A critical component of this operational footprint is Wilo’s Green Fab facility in Dubai. Constructed almost twenty years ago, this pivotal manufacturing hub underwent a significant expansion last year. Crucially, the Green Fab facility is strategically located within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), a premier logistics ecosystem operated by DP World. This historical geographic proximity in Jafza has cultivated a deeply integrated working relationship between the two organisations.

Integrating AI and Optimising Supply Chains

Under the provisions of the MoU, both multinational companies are set to embark on an ambitious technological integration programme. The primary objective is to explore and implement Wilo’s AI-integrated solutions across DP World’s extensive network of logistics hubs and maritime ports. By synergising their respective operational strengths, the partnership intends to meticulously optimise Wilo’s global supply chains, ensuring greater efficiency and resilience in the movement of essential water technology components worldwide. Additionally, the two entities will rigorously assess potential avenues for collaboration under the framework of the Wilo Global WATER AI Academy programme, highlighting a mutual commitment to advancing industrial knowledge exchange.

The executive leadership from both corporate organisations articulated a unified vision regarding the immense strategic potential of this expanded partnership. Speaking at the signing ceremony at Wilopark, Oliver Hermes, President & Global CEO of the Wilo Group, stated: “Expanding the partnership is a significant strategic step: we are linking Wilo’s expertise in water technology even more closely with DP World’s infrastructure and logistics capabilities. Harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence, we can implement joint projects that have a sustainable impact worldwide – in the water sector, the logistics industry and far beyond”. He subsequently emphasised his positive outlook by adding: “We at Wilo are looking forward to working even more closely with DP World than before.”

Providing the crucial perspective from the global logistics and economic zone sector, Abdulla Al Hashmi, Global COO, Parks and Economic Zones at DP World, highlighted the comprehensive regional and international benefits of the newly signed agreement. He remarked: “This agreement builds on a long-standing partnership that has grown through Jafza over many years. Combining Wilo’s engineering and technology leadership with DP World’s integrated logistics ecosystem will support smarter industrial operations, strengthen supply chain resilience and unlock new opportunities for manufacturers and customers across the UAE, Germany and wider global markets. It also creates a platform for knowledge exchange and talent development, which are critical to the next phase of industrial growth”.

Looking Towards a Sustainable Future

The enhanced collaboration between the Wilo Group and DP World signifies a crucial milestone in aligning advanced technological manufacturing with state-of-the-art logistics operations. By actively combining their distinct spheres of technical expertise, the two corporate leaders are poised to establish robust new global benchmarks for both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The deliberate integration of artificial intelligence into these critical operational sectors will undeniably serve as a powerful catalyst for continuous industrial improvement. This strategic pathway secures long-term economic advantages for their international stakeholders while concurrently supporting the continued success of the broader global supply chain.

AJi Enters Syrian Market and signs a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Damascus-based Tala Engineering Consulting and Project Management

AJi has marked its official entry into the Syrian market as the Syrian construction industry steadily gathers momentum and prepares for comprehensive renewal

This strategic move was inaugurated with the company’s high-profile participation in BUILDEX 2026. Recognised as the 24th International Exhibition for Construction, the event was held over five days, from 10 to 14 June 2026 at the Damascus Fairground, Syria. The exhibition served as an ideal platform for AJi to demonstrate its capabilities and establish a robust local presence amidst a receptive regional audience.

Central to AJi’s strategic positioning within the Syrian market is the formalisation of a landmark partnership. During the exhibition, AJi signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Tala Engineering Consulting and Project Management, a highly respected, Damascus-based Syrian consultancy firm. The formal agreement establishes a reliable framework for long-term cooperation between the entities. Their joint objective is to pursue and execute engineering consultancy, design, supervision, and project management opportunities across Syria. The alliance successfully combines AJi’s international expertise with Tala Engineering’s profound local market knowledge and intricate understanding of regional regulatory capabilities.

The scope of this collaborative endeavour is deliberately broad and ambitious, designed to meet the multi-faceted demands of a nation undergoing rapid transformation. The partnership will actively target major opportunities across a diverse range of critical sectors. These include foundational infrastructure, advanced healthcare facilities, modern urban development, hospitality, vital transportation networks, extensive industrial zones, and large-scale public sector projects. 

The sheer scale of the opportunity and the necessity for strategic alliances are underscored by macroeconomic data. According to the World Bank’s latest assessment, Syria’s overarching reconstruction needs are estimated at US$216 billion. Within this figure, approximately US$82 billion is required for the restoration and development of essential infrastructure. This includes the revitalisation of critical power grids, the rebuilding of extensive road networks, and the modernisation of water distribution systems. A financial and logistical undertaking of this immense magnitude undeniably calls for highly coordinated, collaborative participation from both international industry leaders and local experts.

Commenting on the significance and vision of the newly forged partnership, Eng. Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi Group, stated: "Syria today is one of the most promising markets in the region, and what is being rebuilt here is more than infrastructure, it is the foundation of urban life for generations to come. At AJi, we believe reconstruction must be done right the first time, sustainably, with liveable, people-centred cities at its heart. No single firm or sector can deliver a national rebuild of this scale alone. All industries from engineering, construction, finance, energy, and technology must come together in support of Syria's reconstruction plan. Our agreement with Tala Engineering reflects exactly that spirit, international expertise and local knowledge working hand in hand to help shape a sustainable future for Syria."

The formal signing of this agreement has occurred at a decidedly pivotal moment for the country's economic trajectory. Following the easing of international sanctions and renewed, proactive engagement from Gulf, European, and global partners, the landscape of the Syrian market is being rapidly reshaped. Large-scale capital projects in transportation, energy production, urban development, and modern industrial zones are emerging swiftly. This influx of activity is driving an accelerating demand for high-level engineering expertise, cutting-edge construction technology, and sophisticated project management capabilities that joint ventures like AJi and Tala Engineering are uniquely positioned to provide.

AJi has successfully reaffirmed its definitive, long-term commitment to the Syrian market through its prominent presence at BUILDEX 2026 and the establishment of its strategic new partnership with Tala Engineering Consulting and Project Management. By pooling global insights with deep-rooted domestic experience, both organisations are preparing to tackle the complex engineering challenges ahead. The firm stands ready to support and guide the country's ongoing journey toward a resilient, sustainable recovery and holistic national development.

Empower provided a comprehensive, thorough overview of both the technical and operational aspects that govern modern district cooling systems.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), widely recognised as the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has successfully convened an extensive and highly collaborative meeting with building management companies throughout Dubai.

Held on 17 June 2026, this pivotal gathering forms an essential part of the organisation’s ongoing, dedicated efforts to further strengthen collaboration with its strategic partners and support highly efficient building management across the emirate. The specialised meeting successfully introduced participants to the precise corporate mechanisms for using Empower’s systems within modern buildings, as well as the leading operational best practices for their daily operation and long-term management.

During the course of the detailed meeting, Empower provided a comprehensive, thorough overview of both the technical and operational aspects that govern modern district cooling systems. This extensive briefing included the detailed management of centralised cooling plants and distribution networks, outlining the exact procedures implemented to ensure absolute operational efficiency and uninterrupted service delivery in line with the highest standards of quality and reliability. The company also highlighted the latest technologies and smart solutions it has progressively adopted to enhance energy efficiency and optimise building performance, successfully supporting broader sustainability objectives and improving customer satisfaction across its user base.

Sector Trends and Sustainable Ecosystems

Empower officials engaged closely and productively with participants on a range of critical topics related to the district cooling sector, including key challenges, opportunities, and emerging market trends. The interactive discussions clearly highlighted Empower’s extensive experience and deep professional expertise in the sector, as well as its proactive approach to investing in advanced technologies and continuous innovation. The company outlined its strategic efforts to develop an integrated, reliable, and sustainable district cooling ecosystem that consistently delivers high-quality services in line with leading international standards while enhancing operational efficiency and supporting vital energy conservation across the region.

The meeting concluded with an informative and well-attended site visit to Empower’s district cooling plant located at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where participants were introduced to one of the company’s landmark projects in sustainable district cooling. The educational tour effectively showcased the profound environmental, economic, and social benefits of district cooling and its vital role in supporting Dubai’s and the UAE’s ongoing transition towards a successful green economy. This experience allowed building managers to see how these advanced systems operate on a practical, large-scale level.

Executive Commitment to Collaborative Growth

Highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration, H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer of Empower, discussed the mutual benefits of maintaining open lines of communication between the service provider and building operators.

“At Empower, we are committed to regularly engaging with building management companies, recognising their vital role as key partners in enhancing the efficiency of district cooling services and increasing customer happiness. These meetings provide a platform to streamline procedures related to district cooling services, strengthen technical and operational awareness of Empower’s systems and operations, and enhance coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.

“These meetings also offer participants firsthand insight into the operation of district cooling plants and the processes involved in production and distribution, in accordance with the highest standards of efficiency, reliability and sustainability. We believe that strengthening the understanding of building management companies of our operational processes fosters more effective collaboration and supports our ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and further develop this vital sector,” he added.

Through these regular interactive forums and educational plant tours, Empower continuously solidifies its position as an international industry leader, ensuring Dubai's built environment remains exceptionally energy-efficient, robustly supported, and sustainably managed for the foreseeable future.