Aldar Properties partners with DP World to develop a 1.55 million sq ft Grade A logistics park at National Industries Park, boosting UAE's logistics sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Aldar Properties, a prominent real estate developer, investor, and manager in the UAE, and DP World have entered into an agreement whereby Aldar will finance and develop a 1.55 million sq ft (144,000 sq m) Grade A logistics park at National Industries Park (NIP) in Jebel Ali, Dubai

This significant project marks a new partnership granting Aldar the opportunity to develop and lease assets within NIP, strategically located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, with excellent connectivity to major road networks like the E11 and E311.

Targeting high demand for warehousing facilities, the project will cater to third-party logistics (3PL), eCommerce, and retail tenants seeking expansion or relocation. The Grade A and LEED certified logistics park will occupy a 2.36 million sq ft (220,000 sq m) plot and consist of three modular buildings adaptable for single or multi-tenant occupancy, offering flexible unit sizes.

Aldar will manage the entire development cycle of the logistics park, encompassing concept design, execution, and management. This initiative forms part of Aldar’s recently announced AED 1 billion investment to expand its logistics real estate portfolio in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with further investment plans as the business grows.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group CEO, Aldar Properties, commented, “This strategic agreement with DP World further bolsters our presence within the logistics real estate sector and aligns with our broader expansion plans in Dubai. The location of the site within National Industries Park is significant, strategically positioning us in a logistics hotspot with excellent access to the port and the main highway to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Leveraging our expertise in both development and asset management, this unique project will play an integral role in the continued growth and diversification of our logistics offering.”

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & managing director, DP World GCC, said, “Our collaboration with Aldar will expand the logistics capabilities at NIP, strengthening our position as a critical distribution hub for some of the biggest manufacturers and businesses in the FMCG segment. With more than 330 businesses operating their facilities out of NIP, the development of this logistics park will ensure that the right infrastructure and services are in place to meet the growing demands of our customers. This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge facilities and supply-chain solutions with our partners.”

Vaibhav Vohra. (Image source: Epicor)

The 2024 Agility Index research study by Epicor and Nucleus Research reveals that nearly half of companies in the make, move, and sell industries consider rising costs as the primary challenge for supply chains.

More than half of these companies are using artificial intelligence, automation, or machine learning in at least one supply chain management application to tackle these issues. Notably, 63% of high-growth businesses — those with a revenue increase of 20% or more over the past three years — have already implemented generative AI in their supply chain operations to manage costs and operational challenges.

Nucleus Research surveyed over 1,700 supply chain management leaders globally to explore how they are utilising advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to overcome challenges like supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and skilled labour shortages. The study also highlighted planned future investments in these technologies.

“When workers are empowered to spend more time innovating — what humans do best — that’s where the real value creation happens. That is agility,” said Vaibhav Vohra, chief product and technology officer at Epicor. “Our 2024 Agility Index underscores the growing adoption of AI and other automation technologies as an essential factor in enabling supply chain businesses to better thrive and compete. These cognitive capabilities are coming together to empower workers and their businesses to more readily adapt to shifting market conditions and better serve their customers.”

Survey highlights

Survey respondents indicated they are integrating generative AI into digital supply chain operations across various functions such as product descriptions, customer service chatbots, natural language querying, reporting, and in-application assistance. Specifically, the adoption of generative AI in customer service chatbots, noted by 72% of organisations, is highlighted as the most prevalent use case. This widespread implementation is attributed to the technology's ability to streamline customer interactions across various sectors.

Similarly, 67% of organisations currently employ generative AI for crafting product descriptions, leveraging the technology's capacity to analyse customer sentiment and forecast market demand. This enables a more informed approach to product design and feature development.

Businesses are widely adopting machine learning, particularly in inventory optimisation (45%) and demand forecasting (40%), highlighting the importance of these technologies in managing stock levels and accurately predicting future demand.

Survey respondents indicated that the most anticipated benefits of automation technologies are increased efficiency and productivity (32%), cost savings (26%), and enhanced supply chain automation (23%). This demonstrates a strong confidence in the potential of these technologies to bring substantial improvements in supply chain management.

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO). (Image source: Sohar Ports)

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO).

This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive and advanced approach to emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, with the capabilities to address a wide range of incidents within the industrial area. The organisation is operated by Unity Fire and Safety, a company that specialises in safety and emergency response.

Increasing collaboration 

Through its mutual aid agreement, SERO extends its coverage to effectively handle additional scenarios, with the support of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and OQ.

This strategic initiative represents a robust method for emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, ensuring readiness for various incidents within the industrial zone. Unity Fire and Safety operates SERO, and through a mutual aid agreement, it extends its response capabilities to include the support of CDAA and OQ.

This partnership is part of a Public-Private Partnership that includes collaborations with both global and local entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. This collaboration aims to ensure efficient emergency responses at the port. Key aspects of this partnership include advanced equipment and training, regulatory compliance, updated emergency regulations, and the implementation of an Emergency Response Plan aligned with international safety standards and best practices.

Captain Majid bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Barahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, “With the launch, we are prioritising the safety and protection of people above all. This initiative goes beyond traditional measures, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. It serves as a robust framework, seamlessly safeguarding both individuals and the continuity of essential operations during challenging times.”

Batti bin Mohammed Al Shibli, harbour master of Sohar Port commented, “By embracing innovative practices and cutting-edge technology, the organisation is setting new industry benchmarks for safety and establishing a gold standard for operational excellence. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety, resilience, and efficiency within Sohar. Paving a future where emergencies are met with unparalleled preparedness and adaptability.”

The organisation has undertaken a series of emergency drills over the past few months, with the support of various partners within the system, in collaboration with the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety District team from the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a team from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Furthermore, an audit was conducted to assess the system`s readiness in partnership with the technical partner, Kappetijn, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and readiness.

The webinar will gather industry experts to discuss the growing role of technology in rail, road and transit operations. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Technical Review Middle East will be hosting a free-to-view leadership virtual panel on 11 June in association with Bentley, exploring how to maximise productivity and achieve better results in transportation management by integrating digital twin technology

The transport sector in the Middle East and Africa is undergoing a transformative journey in line with consumer pressures and international influences. The growing urgency to minimise environmental impact in all sectors, the importance of delivering safe operations and the pressure to ensure interoperability among new systems across the region are but a few of the demands stakeholders tasked with delivering the transport systems of tomorrow must deliver on.

In performing this duty and re-imagining rail, road and transit operations for the benefit of all, industry leaders are being ever-drawn to the advantages offered by modern technology such as digital twins. In the dedicated virtual panel session, speakers will:

• Explore present challenges and opportunities in the transport sector;
• Examine the role of digital technology as a catalyst for boosting productivity;
• Consider strategies for progressing towards a net-zero carbon future;
• Emphasise maintenance, asset management, and digital solutions.

Industry leaders in attendance

Between 2pm-4pm (UAE) on 11 June, Technical Review Middle East and Bentley will host the free-to-view virtual webinar that will investigate these exciting developments, bringing together leading minds from the industry in order to do so. Joining host Robert Daniels, Editor at Alain Charles Publishing, on the virtual platform:

• Mark Coates: Vice President, Infrastructure Policy Advancement at Bentley Systems;
• Khalil Al-Abbasi: Sustainability Consultant, The Department of Municipalities and Transport;
• Dr. Hamad Al Jassmi: Director of Emirates Centre for Mobility Research, UAEU;
• Debabrata Chakraborty: Sr. Regional Director, MEA & Turkey, Bentley Systems;
• Prof. Dr. Sabih Gatea Khisaf: Infrastructure Lead Engineer MENA, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc;
• Johannes Neethling: Director: Design Services (Act.) & Chief Engineer: Road Systems, Chief Directorate Road Programme Management, Transport
Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government.

Together, this formidable line-up of industry experts will explore the growing role of technology in rail, road and transit operations; provide key insights into innovative strategies; investigate detailed case studies; and examine practical solutions that are helping to unlock a new era of safe and reliable transport systems.

Click here to register for the virtual session

And click here to learn more about Bentley Rail & Transit solutions