Page 24 - STAT October 2023 for Magzter only

countryreport

In August 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports
announced the forthcoming opening of
its new terminal at Abu Dhabi International
Airport, known as Midfield Terminal Build-
ing, during the construction phase, and
Terminal A. It is scheduled to begin opera-
tions in early November 2023.
“Covering 742,000 square metres of
built-up area, Terminal A is among the
largest airport terminals in the world
and will significantly increase Abu Dhabi
International Airport’s passenger and cargo
capacity,” reads the release.
The UAE is a natural gateway between
Europe, Asia, Africa and the US. From the
UAE, air cargo can reach one-third of the Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 freighter aircraft being loaded
world’s population within a four-hour flight
radius, allowing for quick and efficient access Rodrigues urges supply chain profes-
to these key markets. The UAE is also home sionals and companies to operate in close
to well-established ports and an exten- proximity to major airport hubs, such as
sive road network. Most recently, a newly Abu Dhabi International Airport, as it can
completed national rail network links the provide numerous logistics and opera-
UAE to Oman and Saudi Arabia. The country tions advantages.
has also evolved to support different sectors. For example, he said, “Companies can
The UAE has emerged as the fastest-growing streamline the logistics and distribution
e-commerce hub in the Middle East. Thanks process, taking advantage of their location
not just to its geographical significance but to optimise inventory management, reduce
also to the conscious investment in logistics. warehousing and storage costs and imple-
Rodrigues says, “Abu Dhabi will build Emirates SkyCargo ment just-in-time strategies. Companies
the UAE's biggest fulfilment centre to cater producing or dispatching goods benefit
to the nation's fast-growing e-commerce is not just a cargo carrier; from faster shipping times, enabling them
industry. The 252,000-square-metre com- it's a vital component of the to manufacture or hold less stock while still
plex, which will be built at Khalifa Economic meeting consumers’ delivery expectations.
Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), is scheduled to UAE's position as a hub for Etihad Cargo and its Abu Dhabi hub present
open in 2024. The mega fulfilment centre, global air cargo, facilitating business opportunities for our customers
which will comply with Estidama 2 Pearl to enter new markets without having to
sustainability standards, will also reinforce the efficient flow of goods establish additional facilities and also opens
Abu Dhabi’s position as an emerging major across the world. the door for greater collaboration with
player in e-commerce and logistics.” other businesses, including carriers, logistics
The airline Etihad is UAE’s national carrier Abdulla Alkhallafi providers and freight forwarders.”
and Etihad Cargo operates five freighter Emirates SkyCargo Sharjah Airport, another airport in
aircraft and offers belly hold capacity to the UAE, is also serious about its cargo
over 70 global destinations. Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone will have infrastructure and is getting ready for an
“We have also established partner- the opportunity to lease warehouse and expansion. For example, in October 2023,
ships that have contributed to the UAE’s manufacturing space. Sharjah Airport’s Cargo Centre announced
evolution as a cargo hub, including Etihad ADAFZ will also provide free zone branch that it completed its preparations for han-
Cargo’s partnership with China’s SF Airlines, licences at zero cost with registration & dling horse shipments in line with the be-
which will enable both carriers to achieve licensing for all companies who will operate ginning of the local and international horse
mutual growth and support the vision of from ADAFZ logistics and industrial areas, racing and equestrian festival season.
Abu Dhabi and Ezhou in the Hubei Prov- in addition to premium services and other The airport also achieved growth in
ince to become major global logistics and incentives. Businesses will be able to hold li- cargo operations in the first half of 2023,
express hubs,” Rodrigues continues. cences in, and benefit from, both free zones. handling more than 70 thousand tonnes
In Oct 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Thus beyond the infrastructure, the of cargo, including six thousand
Zone (ADAFZ), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi UAE also offers a business-friendly envi- tonnes of sea-air cargo.
Airports, announced a new partnership ronment, presenting an opportunity for The UAE definitely stands out as a global
wherein Masdar City Free Zone compa- large companies across a diverse range of air cargo hub, offering a range of excep-
nies that establish operations within the sectors to thrive. tional infrastructure and capacity. At the
22 | OCTOBER 2023 www.stattimes.com