July 27, 2010

KPIZ

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) today (Tuesday, 27 July 2010) announced the award of an AED 1,028,468,290 contract to a joint venture between ED Zublin AG and Al Jaber Transport & General Contracting for its flagship Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone (KPIZ) project.

The agreement is for the detailed design, construction, fit-out, testing and commissioning of the offshore port’s civil and structural building works, which will provide the infrastructure necessary to support the commencement of port operations in 2012.  Work is due to begin immediately and is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

ADPC Chief Executive Officer, Tony Douglas, commented on his pleasure in announcing another key partner who is committed to delivering a high quality solution, safely, on time and to budget. 

Highlights of the scope include:

 Construction of 23 buildings and associated structures, including the Terminal Operations Building – a six storey construction which will become the port’s centre of operations. Other significant buildings include an offshore clinic, fire station; harbour master building, worker services building, four 11kV substations and maintenance and repair workshops.
 Over 1000m of quay wall and associated marine fenders and bollards.
 A 5.4km dual carriageway linking the offshore port to the mainland with associated service roads, street lighting and two helipads.
 Provision of site-wide utilities including electrical, drainage, sewerage, potable water, and telecoms.

Located midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Taweelah industrial district, KPIZ will commence operations in 2012 and over the long term to 2030 will comprise 420 square kilometers of prime industrial land organized into vertically integrated clusters for aluminium, petrochemicals, glass, paper and other major sectors.  It will consist of a new, world-class multi-purpose offshore port and one of the largest integrated industrial zones in the world.  KPIZ is a feature of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and will play a major role in the emirate’s industrial and economic diversification by serving as a key hub for large scale industrial investments serviced by a world class port, transport and other facilities.

Phase 1 of Khalifa Port will open in 2012, replacing Abu Dhabi’s existing main port of Mina Zayed. The new port will have an initial capacity of 2 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units), of containers and 9 million tons of general cargo. The dedicated EMAL berth will be operational later this year. When all phases of Khalifa Port are completed, it will have a capacity of 15 million TEUs of containers and 35 million tons of general cargo.

New Ford Oval grille-final

DUBAI, UAE, July 27, 2010 – Ford Middle East continues full speed ahead with GCC-wide sales growth of 31 percent during the first six months of 2010 over the same period last year.

SUVs and Trucks led the surge with 46 percent increases, while cars posted 18 percent growth in sales across the region driven by the new Ford Fusion and Taurus. The company is strongly positioned and set to end the year on an upbeat following the arrival of new models in the third quarter according to Hussein Murad, Ford’s director of Sales in the Middle East.

The Middle East results reflect Ford’s strength globally with the company posting nearly US$4.7 billion first half net income after tax, an impressive US$3.85 billion improvement over the same period last year.  Earnings per share rose to US$1.13 during the first half of 2010, up by US$2.03 compared to the same period in 2009.  Ford Motor Company’s second quarter income after tax was registered at US$2.6 billion, an increase of US$338 million against US$2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2009.

In the Middle East, SUVs continued to be favourites among Ford vehicles, with 97 percent increase in sales for Expedition, followed by Explorer at 83 percent and Flex at 58 percent while Ford F-150 led the truck sales with 486 percent over the same period last year.  In the passenger car segment, Fusion led the growth, recording a 105 percent sales increase in first half.  Additionally, the all-new Taurus, although in short supply, was up by 75 percent.  Ford’s legendary Mustang also continued to increase in popularity, with sales growing by 16 percent.

“This has been an exceptional half year for Ford in the region, and we anticipate sustained growth,” said Murad. “Thanks to new products we’ve introduced - and our visible commitment industry leading quality, safety, technology and value for money across the Ford marque - our customer base is growing at an unprecedented pace, and we are gaining market share.  Ford’s global success story is clearly rippling across all of our markets,” he said.

Ford has been strengthened as a result of its aggressive push for quality products, rolling out vehicles that have received numerous recognitions from consumers, and private and government bodies.  Most recently, Ford was recognized for having the highest quality among all non-luxury brands in the J.D. Powers and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study (published June 2010).

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sales were up by 56 percent, thanks to hefty gains from sales of Expedition at 159 percent, Explorer increasing by 144 percent, Fusion by 91 percent and Taurus by 57 percent.  Qatar follows with 22 percent increase year-on-year and UAE recording a rise of 15 percent.  Kuwait enjoyed robust sales in Explorer posting an increase of 70 percent and a 55 percent increase for the all-new Taurus.

The same bright picture is seen in the US, as Ford Motor Company reported a first half sales increase of 28 percent versus a year ago, with June sales alone up by 15 percent.

“Our growth here and globally confirms the success of Ford’s transformation plan,” said Murad. “We are enjoying strong business not only because of the quality products in our line up but also due to the ongoing commitment of our dealers,” Murad added.

Ford’s product drive remains on track for 2010 with a host of new models making their way into the region including the new Mustang V6 and V8 models, and the all-new crossovers Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.    

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 26 July 2010: Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) today (Monday, July 26, 2010) announced plans to host the industry’s first World Ports & Trade Summit in 2011 under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

In a show of strength from the industry, Abu Dhabi Terminals and the Arab Sea Ports Federation joined ADPC and event organisers Turret Media and Seatrade, at a press conference to pledge their support for the inaugural Summit in Abu Dhabi. Other confirmed partners include Bechtel as platinum sponsor and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as exclusive destination partner.

Scheduled for 28-30 March 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, internationally renowned economists, ports authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, global cargo owners and investors will be brought together to study the alternative futures facing the industry; to learn about new projects; to understand the investment opportunities taking shape and to find suppliers who can make projects happen.

Tony Douglas, CEO of ADPC commented, “The World Ports & Trade Summit will deliver a vital exchange of knowledge as the ports and shipping industries look to evolve development strategies in line with economic management and recovery.”

“ADPC is extremely proud to be a key partner of this brand new event in the United Arab Emirates. As ADPC continues to make the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) a reality, the company is now taking centre stage in the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. KPIZ is set to become a major trade and business hub for the Middle East and we look forward to sharing our plans and developing our strategies alongside industry peers and experts at the Summit.”

The UAE isn’t the only country with grand designs in place for its coastal development. Despite the global economic downturn, spending on port developments in the Middle East is still growing, and industry sources state that USD 46.5 billion worth of port development projects are now planned or under way. The market for building and expanding the region’s ports has proved to be far more resilient than the wider construction sector as Governments and investors try to look beyond the current economic conditions and towards recovery and the future infrastructure needs of the Middle East.  

Chris Fountain, Managing Director of Event Organisers Turret Media explains, “We are consulting with port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, investors, and they are all thirsty for knowledge as Governments work towards economic recovery.”

Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, added: “The aim for the Summit is to deliver an unrivalled information exchange and networking platform for the industry in a city spearheading the development of ports and associated industrial zones.”

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE has already confirmed participation as a keynote speaker.

Comprising a carefully designed mix of keynote conference sessions, panel debates, training workshops and round table discussions, the Summit will also include an international exhibition and a fringe programme of networking events, association meetings, investor workshops and hosted tours of ports facilities in the UAE. The opening conference session is set to be a lively start to proceedings as award winning interviewer Tim Sebastian, Chairman of the Doha Debates and former presenter of BBC’s HARDtalk  moderates a discussion between leading economists, investors, retailers, freight forwarders and shipping lines. The panel will be tasked with debating the answers to some tough questions such as ‘what does the global macro-economic outlook mean for the region?’, ‘how will the recovery influence the pattern of trade?’ and ‘how will the major freight markets perform in 2011’?  Additional streams will look at the efficient operation of ports whilst reviewing the commercial impact of current and future legislation.

Companies being invited to exhibit include port equipment manufacturers and service suppliers, port and marine construction contractors and consultants, port authorities, terminal operators and government departments. Companies already requesting participation include Bechtel, Archirodon, Boskalis, SGS, Kone Cranes, ALE, Liebherr, Uzmar Shipbuilding, ADTA and ADBIC.

For further information and announcements visit www.worldportsandtrade.com

Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO

Dubai, July 25, 2010: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced its second quarter earnings for the three months ending June 30, 2010. The company reported net profits of AED 55 million, a 10% increase over the AED 50 million posted in the corresponding period of 2009. Net profits for the first half of 2010 stood at AED 102 million, growth of 10% over the AED 93 million achieved in the first six months of 2009.

For the second consecutive quarter, company revenues witnessed double-digit growth, reaching AED 557 million, a rise of 15% from the AED 485 million registered in the same period of 2009. These results were mainly due to an increase of business across the company’s operations and strong growth in freight services in Europe and India. Building on the solid performance achieved in the first quarter of 2010, the company also achieved a high net profit margin of 10% in the second quarter as it continued to focus on operational cost efficiency.

“These solid figures meet our expectations for this quarter, and are very much in line with historically strong performances across all levels of operations,” said Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO. “Supported by our strong cash position, we remain focused on investing and expanding in emerging markets such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and the CIS countries,” Ghandour added.

Aramex also continued, in the second quarter of 2010, to deliver on its commitments to the environment and communities, expanding its partnership agreement with UNICEF in the GCC. Among other initiatives and activities, Aramex released its second sustainability report in April 2010, outlining the company’s progress and highlighting steps to accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices.

July 18, 2010

The UAE, is the top trade logistics service provider in the Gulf region according to the World Bank’s latest Logistics Performance Index, will lead the Middle East’s growth into a USD 27 billion transport and logistics market by 2012. Rising foreign investment and supportive government policies in particular are expected to further boost transport and logistics activities in the Emirates and across the region within the next few years.

Transport and logistics are typically among the first sectors to benefit from global economic upswings. The UAE in particular stands to gain from this growth due to the country’s strategic geographic location that has allowed it to maintain more than 60 per cent share of the Middle East’s total import flows. The logistics department of Dulsco HR Solutions helps fill in the manpower requirement of both skilled and unskilled category when the peaks arise in demand, hence working with companies in partnership to achieve their targets.

Manpower outsourcing has gained a substantial following across the Middle East due to the unpredictable business conditions brought about by the global economic crisis. Outsourcing has enabled companies in the region to focus more on their core activities and reduce overhead without compromising on operational efficiency. In addition, it enables organizations to gain access to highly skilled talent who have relevant expertise and experience in the local market.

“Over the past few years the region’s logistics industry has remained highly resilient against the recession, so a stimulated global economy would definitely elevate demand for competent manpower in this dynamic field. At Dulsco we have a pool of skilled and unskilled workers and are able to deploy them on short notice to meet the workforce needs of the market. Trained manpower reserves are made available to perform specific logistics-related roles such as stevedoring, warehouse operations, baggage handling, tally clerks, drivers and equipment handling,” said Surjeet Singh, General Manager – Logistics, Dulsco HR Solutions.

Dulsco HR Solutions is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company that offers manpower outsourcing solutions to various industries. A potential base of highly trained and capable 5,000 employees is available to be outsourced on long and short term basis.

Logistics outsourcing is still relatively underdeveloped in the region compared to other parts of the world. In the Gulf, the sector presently accounts for an estimated 2.3 per cent of combined GDP and has the potential to achieve as much as 10 per cent annual growth. The UAE aims to capture a substantial portion of the region’s logistics market by leveraging opportunities along the regional and international logistics and supply chain, especially as it is hours away from thriving economies such as India and China.

July 13, 2010

Abu Dhabi Ship Building has today (Tuesday, July 13, 2010) delivered the first of two 42-metre Landing Craft being built for the Royal Bahrain Naval Force. The project, being undertaken at Abu Dhabi Ship Building’s world-class ship building facility in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, has helped strengthen its reputation as a world-class builder of various Naval Ships, particularly after the company won the contract for both 42-metre Naval Landing Craft and two 16-metre Fast Landing Craft in late 2008 against strong competition from international shipyards.

The 42m vessels are designed to carry troops and vehicles, and can be used for cargo transportation and for beach landing in the coastal waters. Abu Dhabi Ship Building previously built and delivered two similar vessels that are now in service with the UAE Navy.

The 16m vessels, built at Abu Dhabi Ship Building’s state-of-the-art Composite Production Facility, are capable of speeds in the 35-40 knot range and are designed for rapid deployment of personnel and supplies. The 16m vessels were delivered to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force ahead of the contract schedule in late 2009.
 
Homaid Al Shemmari, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, said: “The delivery of the 42m vessel to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force is a testament to the world-class expertise and capabilities of Abu Dhabi Ship Building and reinforces our position as the preferred supplier and specialised service provider among military institutions in the GCC. Moreover, Abu Dhabi Ship Building continues to expand its know-how and technological expertise to cater to evolving customer demands and requirements, particularly in line with growing investments in various naval facilities and vessels across the region. Abu Dhabi Ship Building is strongly committed to provide the best products and services as we consider it our fundamental responsibility to contribute in enhancing security and safety in the Arabian Gulf.” 

Abu Dhabi Ship Building has created a dedicated project management team to work closely with a delegation from the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces for the project, which has helped achieve the desired technical and quality standards. The second 42m Landing Craft is already in advanced production stage and will be launched and delivered in late 2010.

Abu Dhabi Ship Building was founded in 1996 and operates the most modern naval shipyard in the Arabian Gulf. Its client base includes Navies, Coast Guards and other military, paramilitary and commercial vessel operators across the GCC region. The Public Joint Stock Company posted a net profit of AED 114.39 million on revenues of more than AED 1.16 billion in 2009, representing its best annual performance.

July 10, 2010

Nael Attiyat

TNT Post has taken an important step in strengthening its globally focused e-commerce strategy with the recent acquisition of Kowin, a leading online shopping specialist group. The move adds expertise to the company’s e-commerce chain in the field of online shopping and complements its efforts to reinforce its capabilities as a one-stop service provider in the Middle East region’s rapidly expanding online market.

The Kowin acquisition is part of the TNT Post Vision 2015 strategy that was announced in 2009. The chief aim of the acquisition is to enable TNT Post to provide companies with technical knowledge and information in the field of online marketing and specialised segments in e-retail, such as offering companies information on how to attract more online customers to a web-based shopping portal.

Nael Attiyat, Sales and Marketing Director, TNT SAB Saudi Arabia, said, “The acquisition of e-retail specialist Kowin is part of the company’s strategic move to reinforce its presence in the online market segment. As part of the acquisition, new services like front management, web shop facilitation, online payment systems, e-fulfillment, physical delivery and customer service after delivery, will be available to our key markets across Saudi Arabia. The move not only reflects our steadfast commitment to provide our customers with better and improved services but also strengthens our bid to become the leading one-stop service provider for the Middle East region online market.”

Kowin is a Dutch e-commerce solution provider with extensive know-how in the field of online shopping and is a one-stop service provider for the full chain. Over the last decade, the company has gained valuable expertise in how to draw online customers to a web shop; how to effectively sell a product online and how to organise effective after-sales service. The company is known to provide leading Dutch brands with full e-commerce solution packages.

“Kowin will play an important role in TNT Post’s move to strengthen its presence in the KSA online market. Kowin’s e-retail expertise will allow TNT Post to develop and enhance the necessary capabilities for the Kingdom’s entire e-commerce chain; giving us the advantage of offering our services and products to new industries and markets,” Attiyat concluded.

Polypropylene, Dubai’s top plastic films’ export commodity, has seen steady growth in direct trade since 2004 despite a sharp decline in both, imports and exports in 2009.It is noteworthy  that  exports substantially exceeded  imports edging AED 212 Million in 2009. Re-exports, however, indicated a gradual increase during 2009-2008. The annual average of Polypropylene Free Zone trade is valued at relatively less than direct trade.

Chief Executive Officer of EDC, Engineer Saed Al Awadi commented on the figures reported, “Dubai has experienced exceptional growth in the trade of, not only plastic, but a diverse range of commodities, owing to its central geographical location, impeccable quality products and keen business sense. EDC is continually encouraging local exporters to use these to their advantage and aim for a wider reach and an international customer base.”

Target export destinations of Polypropylene included major regional markets such as Egypt, India and Pakistan, with shares between AED 20 Million and AED 35 Million, and distant countries like Italy and Brazil. Main sources of imports were the neighbouring India and Oman. Re-exports were made largely to Pakistan, and Free Zone trade of smaller value were carried out with some regional and European nations.

Unlike other plastic films, PET trade saw a substantial rise with both, imports and exports, touching AED 70 Million during 2009, following a sharp increase in trade volumes since 2006. Free Zone trade was minimal, with a high fluctuation rate.

The top destination of PET films direct exports in 2009 was Egypt, other destinations include Europe, Africa,, USA and Japan, whereas Japan was the top supplier to Dubai. Re-exports were made to regional destinations, largely Iran and Pakistan and Free Zone trade was also primarily regional.

Direct trade in Polymers of Vinyl Chloride was medium, compared to other plastic films. During 2008, imports touched a maximum of AED 90 Million, exports AED 50 Million and re-exports totalled less than AED 10 Million per year between 2003 and 2008. Free Zone trade saw a decline in 2009.

Though Polyethylene exports remained less than 2 Million AED per year during 2000-2009, imports, however edged 10 Million AED in 2008 falling to only 7 Million AED in 2009, indicating an opportunity for import substitution.

Plastic films find promising markets in Europe .In 2008 EU Polypropylene imports registered more than 4 Billion US$ and PET edged 2 Billion US$. There also small but growing markets for these two products in Africa and Asia

According to the Industrial Marketing Intelligence (IMI) database, created by the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), Dubai is home to 66 manufacturing units in the sector of plastic sheets, films, plates etc, that have a total investment of AED 257 Million, and employment strength of around 2,800.

Sources of data: Dubai External Trade Statistics, ITC Trade Map.

This delivery of this precious cargo – including one young lioness, one male lion cub and three spotted hyenas – was provided by Aramex, and marks the second time this year the company has transported lions from the Jordanian capital to South Africa.

This activity was carried out by Aramex in cooperation with the Princess Alia Foundation, a Jordanian non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting the balance, harmony and respect of all creation.

Abu Dhabi, UAE. – 26th June 2010 – An efficient and robust infrastructure plan that integrates all logistics services in the UAE will be among the important topics to be tackled in the next Global Logistics Forum scheduled to be held on 7-8 February 2011 in Abu Dhabi.

Building on the success of the inaugural event which critically outlined how to move the UAE logistics sector forward, the second forum will further chart the future direction of the local logistics and supply chain market in order to meet requirements that are in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

Presented by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics, the forum will bring together local and international policy makers, as well as supply chain and logistics managers who will discuss the key enablers necessary in building the country as a global logistics hub. 

In the previous event, several UAE organisations revealed their logistics plans and projects. Already in the developing stages, these projects include the transfer of the main port in Abu Dhabi from the Mina Zayed Port to the Khalifa Port at Al-Taweelah, which is due for completion in late 2012 and; the construction of a 1500km modern freight and passenger railway network that would link major regional cities and industrial zones. Further improvements of existing roads as well as the creation of new roads and new ports are also in the pipeline for the Western Region.

“With the tremendous local developments and predicted rapid growth of UAE imports and exports in the coming years, it is vital that all logistic facilities and services including freight, rail, ports and airports are coordinated. The forum previously recommended that in order to become a world leader in logistics, the UAE needs to establish an integrated approach for an efficient logistics system. Subsequently, this must also be coordinated with policies and future plans,” James Graham, General Manager, Aim Events, the events management division of ADU and organiser of the forum.

“Events such as the Global Logistics Forum serve as venue for greater collaboration amongst delegates. Participants from private corporations, universities and government entities are to create market driven context that would ensure all aspects and vital issues in the logistics and supply chain sector are covered. Networking meetings conducted in the forum would also serve as ideal opportunities in identifying and assessing current initiatives and delivery of best practices, including defining future requirements that will move the industry further forward,” he added.

As part of the recommendations highlighted in the last forum, the second instalment of the event will feature research-based presentations to better understand the logistics sector in the UAE. These presentations will focus on topics such as human resource needs, customer requirements, supply chain management and future education. The forum’s networking sessions and practical workshops will then provide valuable feedback essential for developing future policies and plans for the country’s logistics sector.

“The next forum will also look back on some of the key findings and delegate views from the previous event. One such issue that the next forum will focus on is increasing supply chain transparency and open business-driven approach, which is crucial for the country’s logistics development and better competitive advantage,” Graham explained.

The first Global Logistics Forum held last 15-16 March 2010 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Western Region, was attended by more than 200 local and regional logistics professionals. It was supported by the Institute for Vocational Development, a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and BVL, the German Logistics Association.