Logistics

AD Ports Group has reported continuation of all operations across its clusters without any disruption given current regional developments.

The Group has already taken precautionary measures with the activation of its crisis management and business continuity protocols, as it remains in constant coordination with the authorities concerned in the UAE to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders.

All UAE ports and terminals managed and operated by the Group’s Ports Cluster, in addition to related services, remain fully operational.

While inaccessibility of the Strait of Hormuz will affect vessel calls at Khalifa Port, services at the port will go on uninterrupted.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz will be compensated by increased volumes from the Group's diversified global maritime network, as it shifts trading routes.

Across the Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, the majority of its 122 shipping vessels, including container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and multipurpose vessels, are operating outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Those currently within the Strait continue to operate intra-Gulf services. Overall, the impact on the Maritime & Shipping Cluster is expected to be limited. The Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones and Logistics Clusters are likewise expected to experience limited impact.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group remains well positioned to support supply chain stability.”

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has introduced a temporary relaxation of documentation requirements for vessels operating within its territorial waters, granting operators additional flexibility amid evolving conditions in the region.

Under the directive, the authority has suspended the requirement for certain certificates and documents needed to issue or renew navigation licences and work permits for marine units. The measure will remain in place for 30 days and may be extended if necessary, provided that safety standards and environmental protections are not compromised.

The decision applies to both domestic and international vessels currently operating in Saudi Arabia’s waters in the Arabian Gulf. It is designed to ensure continuity across maritime operations while minimising disruptions that could affect logistics, offshore projects, and other marine-based activities.

According to the TGA, the move reflects a broader effort to maintain operational efficiency and support the steady flow of maritime traffic. Authorities noted that some vessels may be unable to leave Saudi waters to complete routine inspections or fulfil technical compliance requirements due to prevailing operational challenges. The temporary exemption is intended to address these constraints without undermining regulatory oversight.

The suspension covers a range of vessels engaged in maritime operations and projects within the Kingdom’s jurisdiction. By easing administrative obligations, the authority aims to reduce bottlenecks and enable operators to maintain schedules, particularly in sectors where delays could have wider economic implications.

Despite the regulatory flexibility, the TGA emphasised that safety remains a top priority. Vessel operators are still expected to adhere to all essential safety protocols and environmental standards throughout the exemption period. The authority reiterated that the measure does not absolve operators from their responsibility to ensure seaworthiness and compliance with applicable maritime regulations.

Industry observers note that such interventions can play a critical role in stabilising maritime supply chains during periods of uncertainty, particularly in strategically significant waterways like the Arabian Gulf. By balancing regulatory requirements with operational realities, Saudi Arabia is seeking to safeguard both economic activity and maritime safety.

The TGA added that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess whether further extensions or additional measures are required to support the sector.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser. (Image source: Mawani)

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser, inaugurated a new logistics corridors initiative aimed at strengthening cargo flows between ports in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

The initiative, unveiled during a visit to Jeddah Islamic Port, is designed to create dedicated operational routes for containers and freight redirected from ports in the Kingdom’s eastern region and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The project will support the movement of cargo towards Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, improving supply chain efficiency and strengthening connectivity between regional trade routes and international shipping networks.

The launch event was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi and Suliman bin Khalid Al‑Mazroua, alongside officials from government entities and the logistics sector.

According to Al-Jasser, the initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to reinforce its position as a global logistics hub and ensure the stability of supply chains during periods of disruption.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics ecosystem continues to benefit from strong support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman.

Strengthening Saudi and GCC logistics

Al-Jasser said ports on the Red Sea coast play an increasingly important role in accommodating cargo redirected from eastern ports and neighbouring Gulf countries. By expanding the operational capacity of western ports, Saudi Arabia aims to maintain the smooth movement of goods and support both regional and international trade.

He also highlighted the resilience of the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure, noting that alternative logistics corridors can be activated quickly when required to maintain trade flows.

During the event, Abanmi explained that the initiative will also strengthen integration between customs and logistics procedures across GCC ports. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is working with other agencies to accelerate cargo clearance processes and facilitate cross-border trade.

Saudi Arabia’s customs network already supports transit services that allow goods to move through the Kingdom via land, sea and air routes to other GCC countries. The system is complemented by bonded warehouse zones where goods can be stored with suspended duties and taxes before being cleared or re-exported.

Al-Mazroua said the corridors initiative reflects close cooperation between government bodies and private sector partners to maintain supply chain continuity and improve cargo flows.

During the visit, Al-Jasser also chaired a meeting at the port’s command and control centre to review vessel traffic and cargo handling operations. He later toured container terminals, logistics parks and re-export facilities at the port.

Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest hub port on the Red Sea and one of the region’s key logistics centres. Ports along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast collectively handle more than 18.6 million TEUs annually, reinforcing the country’s role in global trade networks.

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Airlines and aviation authorities across the Middle East are adjusting operations as regional tensions and airspace restrictions continue to disrupt travel, forcing carriers to reduce schedules while governments coordinate support for affected passengers.

Emirates confirmed it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of some regional airspace. The airline said it plans to run more than 100 flights to and from Dubai on 5 and 6 March in order to transport passengers and move essential cargo such as pharmaceuticals and perishables.

A spokesperson said the carrier will progressively rebuild its timetable as more airspace becomes available and operational requirements are met. Safety, the airline emphasised, remains its primary priority while it continues to monitor developments across the region.

Passengers have been advised to travel to the airport only if they hold confirmed bookings and to check the airline’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has resumed flights across parts of its network but is currently operating a scaled-back schedule. The airline said it is gradually adding services as restrictions on regional airspace begin to ease.

However, flight times may be longer than usual as aircraft are temporarily rerouted to avoid restricted zones. The airline also urged customers not to travel to the airport without confirmation of a booking or rebooked flight. Travellers connecting through Dubai will only be accepted if their onward flight is operating.

Despite wider disruptions, aviation activity in Jordan has remained comparatively stable. The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission reported that airports across the Kingdom continued operating normally on Wednesday despite the closure of airspace in several neighbouring countries.

According to commission chairman Deifallah Farajat, Queen Alia International Airport recorded 67 inbound flights and 58 departures during the day, with national carrier Royal Jordanian accounting for the largest share of operations. Authorities said technical teams remain on standby to respond to any developments affecting airspace safety.

Elsewhere, the government of Oman has begun assisting foreign nationals stranded across the Gulf as the travel disruption intensifies. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said the country is working with governments and international airlines to organise flights for travellers seeking to leave the region.

Omani authorities are coordinating with diplomatic missions and carriers to ensure safe and orderly departures for affected passengers. The initiative reflects the Sultanate’s longstanding diplomatic approach of prioritising humanitarian assistance during regional crises.

The aviation disruption follows the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has prompted several countries to close or restrict their airspace. Airlines have been forced to cancel services or divert aircraft along longer routes to avoid conflict zones.

Industry observers warn that flight disruptions could persist in the coming weeks if hostilities continue, with travellers across the Middle East advised to monitor airline updates as schedules remain subject to rapid change.