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ZONES-
Oman’s Asyad Group has launched a tender for a 4.9 sqm office complex in Muscat Airport Free Zone (MAFZ), according to a press release. The tender — which is a 25-year partnership with Asyad Group — looks to onboard private firms to design, operate, finance, and transfer the office complex in MAFZ. The project aims to develop the designated space into an integrated business center that provides investors with office spaces, retail areas, and several function rooms in a bid to position MAFZ as a global business hub that attracts foreign direct investment by offering high-quality logistics services and facilities. The deadline for the tender has not yet been disclosed.
ICYMI- This tender marks Asyad Group’s second invitation to Oman’s private sector to become key partners in the project. Asyad Group issued a tender back in March for infrastructure development at phase 1 of Muscat International Airport Freezone.
SHIPPING + MARITIME-
Mawani partners with Milaha to boost KSA connectivity: The Saudi Port Authority (Mawani) has added a new shipping service — Milaha Gulf Express 2 — by Qatar Navigation (Milaha) to boost Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with Chinese and Indian ports, according to a press release. The new shipping service aims to connect King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam with seven regional and international ports, including Ningbo, Shanghai, and Sheouki in China, Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, Sohar in Oman, and Hamad in Qatar through bi-weekly trips with a 9k TEUs capacity.
Milaha already has connectivity with China: Milaha added a new shipping service — Milaha Gulf Express (MGX) — back in May that connects three Chinese ports in Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shekou with the UAE’s Jebel Ali, offering faster transit time for that corridor with a capacity of 2.7k to 3k TEUs.
AVIATION-
Saudi Ground Services was awarded a SAR 1.5 bn ground handling services contract for Riyadh Air’s flights at King Khalid International Airport, according to a disclosure to Tadawul. The contract begins on Sunday, 1 September 2024, and runs for 4.5 years, with a possible two-year extension. The investment size covers the potential contract extension.
Israel Aerospace Industries’ aviation arm to set up shop in Abu Dhabi: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)’s aviation arm will reconfigure 10 Boeing 777s from Emirates’ fleet into cargo freighters at two hangars starting in October, marking its entry into Abu Dhabi, Bloomberg cites IAI’s Executive Vice President, Shmuel Kuzi, as saying in an interview. The move adds to IAI’s conversion sites in South Korea, the US, and the Etihad Airways Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi.
Not IAI’s first time converting aircraft for Emirates: The two sides previously inked an agreement in 2021, which saw IAI convert four aircraft for Emirates.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-
- TotalEnergies supplies its first 100% biofuel cargo for ships in Singapore: French oil major TotalEnergies’s subsidiary TotalEnergies Marine Fuels has delivered its first 100% pure (B100) biofuel cargo to Singapore. The company used the MAPLE — a chemical bunker tanker owned by Global Energy Group — to transfer 700 metric tons of biofuel made from 100% Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester to Korean logistics company Hyundai Glovis. (Statement)
- Etihad cargo boosts its European freighter capacity: Etihad cargo is launching two new additional weekly freighter flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid on 15 July. The move will add some 200 tonnes of cargo capacity on Etihad’s European routes. (Wam)
