Logistics

UAE's DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets

Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.

Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.

The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.

Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”

Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."

Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil

DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:

Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.

Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.

Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.

Strengthening Santos capacity

DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).

These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.

A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.

Consumer preferences in the UAE automotive sector are increasingly tilting towards electric and hybrid vehicles, as higher fuel prices reshape purchasing decisions and drive demand for more cost-efficient options.

Recent data from Dubizzle Group shows a notable rise in interest in electric vehicles (EVs), with engagement climbing by 24% in the first week of April. This significantly outpaced the 5% growth recorded across petrol and diesel segments, suggesting a deeper shift in how buyers are evaluating vehicle ownership.

The trend reflects a broader move towards long-term value, with consumers placing greater emphasis on efficiency and running costs rather than solely focusing on upfront pricing. Buyers are also spending more time researching options, including comparing listings and saving searches, indicating a more considered and data-driven approach to purchasing.

Electric vehicles are gaining traction across a range of brands, including Tesla, BYD and Xiaomi. This growing diversity highlights a shift away from traditional brand loyalty, as consumers become more open to newer entrants offering advanced technology and improved efficiency.

At the same time, hybrid vehicles continue to attract strong interest, recording growth of around 8%. These models appeal to buyers seeking a balance between fuel savings and practicality, particularly those not yet ready to transition fully to electric mobility.

Market dynamics are also evolving across price segments. While higher-value vehicles have seen a rebound of up to 23%, demand remains particularly strong in more affordable categories. Interest in vehicles priced below AED100,000 has increased, reflecting a broader trend towards value-driven decision-making.

Brand preferences are shifting as well, with Japanese and Chinese manufacturers gaining ground and surpassing German brands in terms of engagement by the end of March. This points to a growing preference for cost-effective and efficient vehicles in the current market environment.

Haider Khan, CEO of dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, said the shift is being accelerated by external pressures. “Rising fuel costs are reinforcing a transition that was already in motion,” he said. “Consumers are now prioritising vehicles that offer long-term efficiency and better cost control. Electric and hybrid models are no longer niche—they are becoming central to how value is defined in today’s automotive market.”

As fuel price volatility continues, the data suggests that electric and hybrid vehicles are moving into the mainstream, shaping the next phase of growth in the UAE’s automotive sector.

Parkin Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Glydways Inc. to roll out integrated parking and transport solutions across selected locations in Dubai.

The collaboration is aimed at improving first and last mile connectivity, supporting the emirate’s wider smart city ambitions. By combining Parkin’s network of parking facilities with Glydways’ Flow Networks, the initiative seeks to create smoother, end-to-end travel experiences for users.

Under the agreement, a number of Parkin-operated sites will be redeveloped into multimodal mobility hubs. These locations will serve as access points for Glydways’ autonomous vehicles, known as Glydcars, which operate on dedicated guideways to provide non-stop, congestion-free journeys to specific destinations.

The integration is expected to reduce reliance on traditional transport transfers, while improving convenience and easing pressure on road networks. It also forms part of a broader push towards more sustainable urban mobility solutions in Dubai.

As part of the rollout, Parkin’s subsidiary, Parkin Mobility, will lead efforts to combine advanced parking infrastructure with the new transport system. The approach is intended to optimise space utilisation while maintaining efficient access to key destinations.

Digital integration will also play a central role. Glydways’ services—including route planning, real-time availability, journey times and booking—will be incorporated into Parkin’s mobile app and online platform. This will allow users to manage both parking and transport through a single interface, streamlining the overall journey.

Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, said the partnership reflects a shift towards more connected urban systems. “The future of mobility lies in integration and efficiency,” he said. “By linking parking infrastructure with autonomous transport, we are creating a more seamless and user-focused experience that supports Dubai’s vision for smarter mobility.”

Mark Seeger, CEO of Glydways, highlighted the importance of embedding new technologies within existing urban frameworks. “This collaboration demonstrates how autonomous transport can be integrated into a city’s infrastructure rather than added as a separate layer,” he said. “Together, we are transforming parking locations into gateways for on-demand mobility, enabling smoother and more efficient travel across the city.”

The initiative signals a move towards more integrated, technology-driven transport ecosystems, as Dubai continues to invest in innovative mobility solutions to support future growth.

Dubai has announced its most ambitious metro expansion to date with the launch of the Gold Line, a fully underground route that promises to reshape urban mobility across the emirate.

The Dh34 billion project, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a significant leap in infrastructure development.

Spanning 42 km and running entirely at a depth of up to 40 m, the Gold Line will be Dubai’s first fully subterranean metro line, marking a departure from the elevated and partially underground designs of the existing Red and Green lines.

Joseph Salem, partner and head of the travel, transportation & hospitality practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East, described the project as “a landmark moment in the emirate’s infrastructure evolution, and arguably the most ambitious urban transport undertaking in the Middle East in a generation.”

He highlighted the engineering challenges and innovations involved, noting that the decision to construct the line entirely underground reflects the maturity of Dubai’s urban fabric and the need to route a major transit artery through dense commercial and residential districts without causing surface disruption.

Utilising the latest tunnel boring machine technology, the Gold Line will pass beneath Dubai Creek and some of the city’s busiest business corridors.

This approach sets a new regional benchmark for underground rail delivery while minimising disruption to daily life and existing infrastructure.The route has been meticulously planned as a genuine urban connector, featuring 18 stations across 15 strategic locations.

It begins at the historic Al Ghubaiba waterfront and threads through areas including City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Circle, before terminating at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

This alignment directly serves corridors home to 55 mega-development projects currently under construction, addressing long-standing mobility infrastructure deficits in these high-growth zones.

Upon completion, the line is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million residents.

From an intermodal perspective, the Gold Line will integrate seamlessly with the existing Red and Green Metro lines at multiple interchange points.

It will also connect to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, transforming it from a purely city metro into a vital component of a broader national transport network.

This linkage will, for the first time, connect Dubai’s urban core to the wider UAE rail ecosystem, enhancing regional connectivity.

Economically, the project is projected to deliver substantial returns.

Authorities anticipate a daily ridership of 465,000 passengers beyond 2040, with the Dh34 billion investment expected to generate a 430% cumulative economic return over 20 years.

These benefits will stem from time and fuel savings, reduced road accidents, and lower carbon emissions.

The Gold Line is scheduled for inauguration on 9 September 2032 (exactly 23 years after the original Dubai Metro launch in 2009) and is being delivered on a timeline 30% faster than the Blue Line.

Salem emphasised that the Gold Line is as much an economic infrastructure project as a transport one.

By alleviating congestion and supporting sustainable growth, it will reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart, future-ready urban mobility.

Tenders are expected to be issued later this year, with contract awards anticipated in 2027 and construction commencing shortly thereafter.