MIDDLE EAST | REGION REPORT
this effort. The system offers over 250 e-services that allow stakeholders, such as customs authorities, freight forwarders, and terminal operators, to share real- time information. This enables the swift processing of shipments, reduces delays, and enhances the transparency of cargo movements. In addition to enhancing operational efficiencies, digitalizing port operations will also allow Saudi Arabia to meet international standards in port management, making its ports more attractive to global shipping companies. In Qatar, Hamad Port is at the forefront
of the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and boost its logistics capabilities. Qatar Ports, which operates Hamad Port, has been working tirelessly to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its capacity. The port has made substantial progress in the past few years, handling over 1.4 million containers in 2024. A major part of Qatar Ports’ strategy has been to expand the port’s facilities to accommodate larger ships and increase container-handling capabilities.
The port has also invested in automating
key processes to reduce turnaround times for ships, ensuring that Qatar remains competitive in the global shipping industry. The efforts to improve infrastructure and logistics networks are also supported by investments in digital technologies, including AI and IoT, which are being used to optimize the movement of cargo. The expansion of Hamad Port is an essential part of Qatar’s broader plan to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. By enhancing the port’s infrastructure and
making it a more attractive option for global shippers, Qatar aims to establish itself as a key logistics hub in the Middle East. This is not only beneficial for international trade but also strengthens the country’s position as a central player in regional trade networks. In 2024, Hamad Port also reported a 29% increase in transshipment volumes, underscoring the growing importance of Qatar’s ports in international maritime trade. The UAE, with its iconic ports like Jebel Ali, is another major player in the Middle East’s port evolution. Jebel Ali Port, operated by DP World, is one of the largest and busiest ports in the world. It has been at the center of Dubai’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure, and the city has invested heavily in expanding its capacity. Dubai’s goal is to become a fully integrated smart logistics hub, leveraging digital technologies like blockchain, AI, and automation to streamline operations. Jebel Ali Port has been an early adopter of automation, with autonomous cranes and container handling systems already in place. These technologies help speed up container processing times, increase the efficiency of cargo handling, and reduce human error. Dubai’s push for sustainability has also seen the introduction of green initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of port operations, such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy installations, and waste reduction systems. Beyond the UAE, Dubai’s ports serve as a critical link between the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. With its advanced
infrastructure, digital systems, and strategic location, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global trade and logistics hub. The UAE has also been active in forging partnerships with international shipping companies and global logistics providers, further enhancing its appeal as a prime location for transshipment and cargo handling. One of the key themes emerging from the Middle East’s port modernization efforts is the growing emphasis on sustainability. As global shipping companies face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices, Middle Eastern ports are leading the way in integrating eco- friendly solutions. Ports across the region are adopting renewable energy sources, optimizing fuel usage, and implementing green technologies to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impacts. This trend aligns with the broader global push for more sustainable shipping practices and positions the Middle East as a leader in environmental stewardship in the maritime industry. Looking to the future, the Middle East’s
ports are poised to play an even more prominent role in the global logistics and trade networks. With massive investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainability, the region is evolving into a logistics powerhouse. These improvements will not only boost the region’s economic growth and diversification but also reshape the future of international trade. As these ports continue to modernize, they will serve as key connectors in a globalized world, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and ensuring that the Middle East remains at the forefront of global commerce.
MSC Brianna moves 63t heavy fermenters from India to Oman, earmarked for the Middle East’s first Biotech facility. xxviii | February 2025 | Dockside Lift & Move Supplement
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