Transport and Logistics

Salalah to welcome Mediterranean Shipping
The Omani port of Salalah will welcome the Mediterranean Shipping Company after the signing of an agreement between port authorities and the company. The service will add the port to a number of destinations on the Indian Ocean Rim linking Europe and Asia. Services are expected to begin in June 2008.
Oman: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 15:14

Highway project to face cost overruns
There are likely to be cost overruns to the ongoing construction of the 10-lane Shah-ama-Saadiyat highway project, which will link Shahama-Dubai-Abu Dhabi road to Abu Dhabi city, a senior executive close to the project told Gulf News. The executive said increases in the cost of building materials are to blame for the overruns. The project was initially set to cost Dhs5.43bn ($1.48bn). It is scheduled to be completed in May-June 2009.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, May 21 - 2008 at 08:21

DP World rated 'buy' at Citigroup
Dubai-based container-port operator DP World has been rated 'buy' in new coverage at Citigroup Inc, which cited the firm's 'growth and rising returns from a global platform', reported Bloomberg.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 13:58 |

Dubai mulls flexible timings to ease traffic
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is encouraging flexible work timings in both private and government offices to help ease rush hour traffic in Dubai, reported Khaleej Times. The authority says it is studying the pros and cons of flexible timings and will submit a proposal on the subject to the Dubai government.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 20 - 2008 at 10:17

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