Transport and Logistics

Dubai allows car pooling
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is allowing car pooling to reduce the use of cars by individuals, reported Gulf News. A motorist who intends to share his or her car with friends or colleagues must register the car with the RTA. Online registration on RTA's website will open within a month. Previously RTA issued fines to motorists for car pooling under a law aimed at stopping people from using their cars as illegal taxis.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 08:34

Salalah port buys new cranes
The Port of Salalah in Oman is buying four Super Post-Panamax Gantry Cranes for its two new 18m depth berths as it expands it operating capabilites. The cranes will bring the total number it has to 21 and increase the Port's capacity to about six million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) a year by the middle of 2009. The cranes can operate the largest vessels in the world, reaching containers stacked 23 across on deck. The Port is also buying four mobile harbour cranes, 10 spreaders that allow twin pick capability and 11 rubber-tyred-gantry cranes.
Oman: Monday, May 19 - 2008 at 12:36

Agility profits tumble
Logistics company Agility saw first quarter profits drop 10%. Net income fell to KD37.5m ($140.7m) from KD41.7m for the same period last year.
Kuwait: Monday, May 19 - 2008 at 09:53

Bahrain to open Logistics Zone
Bahrain will open a customs-free Logistics Zone in September, targeting companies that focus on re-export and value-adding logistics activities. Regulated by the Bahrain General Organization of Seaports, the Zone has 475,000 square meters of space to lease. The kingdom wants to become an alternative hub in the Gulf to serve surrounding markets. It is expected to attract Bhd100m of direct investment and provide employment for 2,400 people.
Bahrain: Sunday, May 18 - 2008 at 11:14

DHL to expand pharma logistics
DHL is increasing its pharmaceuticals logistics operations in the region to take advantage of rising demand for healthcare products and services. The company told Emirates Business 24/7 that it is seeing huge growth in the sector and wants to tap into that market. In September, once completed, it will open a 54,000 sq ft facility in Jebel Ali in Dubai.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 18 - 2008 at 10:32

Dubai gets new buses
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has upgraded its bus fleet, bringing in 43 from German engineering firm Man. It has also withdrawn 37 older buses from its fleet. Part of its plan to improve public transport, the RTA said it hoped the new buses would encourage commuters to use buses.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 17 - 2008 at 09:44

Agility may sell stake to foreign investors
Kuwait-based Agility, the Gulf's biggest logistics company, told Reuters yesterday it wants to attract more foreign investors as it seeks to expand abroad. Chief Executive Officer Tarek Sultan said the firm might sell from 1% to up to 30% of the company depending on investor demands.
Kuwait: Thursday, May 15 - 2008 at 08:23

Dubai Drydocks to manage industrial zone
Dubai Drydocks World, a shipbuilding and repair unit of Dubai World, has signed a contract to manage the industrial area within Dubai Maritime City. Dubai Drydocks will manage all components of the industrial precincts, including wet berths, dry berths, workshops, warehouses, the 3,000-tonne and 6,000-tonne ship lifts, the ship lift control building, central administration building and covered yacht repair area.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 14 - 2008 at 07:22