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Alfardan Automotive has proudly announced the opening of its state-of-the-art automotive and spare parts logistics hub at Umm Alhoul Free Zone. This milestone marks a major step forward in Alfardan Automotive’s strategic vision to enhance operational excellence, expand its logistics capabilities, and reinforce Qatar’s growing position as a regional leader in mobility and supply chain innovation. Located near Hamad Port, the new Alfardan Automotive Trading facility spans over 67,000 square-metre and has been developed as part of Alfardan Automotive’s long-term investment to deliver world-class automotive operations and customer service capabilities. **media[376116]** The facility includes a 12,860 square-metre built-up area and a 24 work bays Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) centre. It specialises in automotive and spare parts logistics, servicing passenger vehicles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, and related components. The hub is designed to handle a wide range of logistics functions, including indoor and outdoor vehicle storage with a total capacity of approximately 1,500 units, as well as temperature-controlled bays tailored for luxury vehicles. In addition, the 5,800 square-metre Alfardan Commercial warehouse accommodates premium tires, batteries, lubricants, and paints, ensuring seamless supply chain operations that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The hub incorporates advanced logistics and inventory management systems to optimise import, and storage operations. The new hub underscores Alfardan Automotive’s enduring commitment to providing its partners and customers with exceptional service while driving innovation across the automotive value chain. **media[376117]** Omar Hussain Alfardan, Managing Director of Alfardan Corporation, commented: “Alfardan Automotive has built a long-standing legacy in Qatar’s luxury automotive market, delivering cutting-edge products while maintaining exceptional customer care and industry best practices. The opening of our regional logistics hub represents an extension of this commitment, offering a qualitatively elevated level of logistical services that enhances our operational capabilities, supports our dealership networks, and complements Qatar’s broader trading and economic activities. This hub reinforces the country’s growth as a regional centre for logistics and mobility, reflecting our shared vision for economic growth and sustainable development.” Developed in partnership with the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), the project reflects a shared vision to position Qatar as a premier destination for automotive logistics and advanced mobility services. QFZ has provided a world-class environment and infrastructure framework that enables strategic investments, such as Alfardan Automotive Trading’s new hub to thrive and contribute to Qatar’s national development objectives. This landmark facility will serve as a cornerstone for Alfardan Automotive’s future growth, empowering its brands and partners to deliver even greater efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainable progress within the mobility sector.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding, the global freight forwarding arm of DHL Group, have officially inaugurated the group's new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL's presence in the State of Qatar and reinforces Qatar's free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators, said QFZ in a press release on Saturday. CEO of QFZ, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani stated: "The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar's stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to market and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region." "As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialized warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefitting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors. This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia," His Excellency added. For his part, CEO - Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding, Samer Kaissi said: "Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows." "Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport: With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enables us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors." The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200 square meters and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specializing in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located close to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalize on Qatar's world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing. Qatar Free Zones Authority remains committed to accelerating Qatar's logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

NEXX, a logistics AI (artificial intelligence) company, in association with Zipto Supply Chain, a leading Chinese cross-border E-commerce logistics provider, is expanding into Qatar market as it establishes advanced smart fulfillment center at Milaha Logistics City, Qatar, to enhance cross-border E-commerce logistics capabilities in the region.In this regard, NEXX officially announced strategic partnerships with Zipto Supply Chain and Middle East delivery leader iMile, during the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong."Together with Zipto's expertise in Chinese market access and iMile's last-mile excellence, powered by our AI-driven fulfillment center, we are positioned to transform the region's logistics landscape and revolutionise service standards in this sector," said Hui Ka, Oscar, chief executive officer of NEXX.Operated jointly by NEXX, Milaha and Hong Kong E-commerce logistics company KEC, the 5,000sqm smart fulfillment center is equipped with an agentic AI management system, automated sorting robots, and pharmaceutical logistics certification.It offers end-to-end warehousing and fulfillment services tailored for cross-border B2C E-commerce customers. The center also supports B2B operations and features a bonded warehouse. It is scheduled to commence full operations in the fourth quarter of this year.On NEXX's strategic partnership with Zipto to expand into the Qatar market, this partnership will see Zipto utilise the former's advanced smart fulfillment center as its primary Qatar operational base, harnessing the facility's sophisticated automation capabilities to serve Chinese E-commerce businesses expanding into the Qatari market, with planned subsequent expansion into the UAE.In a complementary agreement, NEXX has partnered with iMile, which will establish its Qatar headquarters within NEXX's smart fulfillment center, utilising the facility's intelligent logistics infrastructure to enhance and expand its delivery services across the country through integrated technological solutions."We are pleased to support NEXX and its partners Zipto and iMile as they bring innovative logistics solutions to Qatar. Our commitment to fostering international collaboration and sustainable business growth is strengthened by these important partnerships, which will position Qatar as a central player in the region's E-commerce landscape," said Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar.NEXX had recently announced a strategic investment from Rasmal Ventures — the first independent venture capital fund supported by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). It disclosed that Ibrahim al-Derbasti, executive vice president of Offshore and Marine at Milaha, as co-founder of NEXX Middle East.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, have officially opened a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone, marking a significant step in Qatar’s emergence as a leading hub for global trade and supply chain operations.The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO, QFZ, and Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Logistics, alongside senior executives from both parties. The opening of the centre comes within the framework of the existing partnership between QFZ and FedEx Logistics and based on the agreement signed between them in 2024.Operated by FedEx Logistics Qatar QFZ LLC, the 1,249sq m facility features integrated warehousing, storage, and office spaces. Plugged into the FedEx global network, it will serve as a key gateway for freight forwarding and scheduling, facilitating the movement of goods between major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.Situated next to Hamad International Airport and close to Hamad Port, the facility offers seamless access to air transportation and freight, as well as access to knowledgeable guidance on customs brokerage processes.It will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for industries, including retail, automotive, and technology.The facility supports Qatar’s rapidly expanding logistics sector valued at $10.14bn and projected to reach $13.49bn by 2030, with the country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024.Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving logistics ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top ten logistics providers.“The investment by FedEx underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics connectivity network, strategic geographical location close to the most prominent global markets, enhancing the ability of investing companies to reach large segments of consumers globally.“We are confident that this milestone will contribute to strengthening Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for innovation, logistics and international trade.”Moebel commented: “Establishing this facility in Qatar enables us to connect our Qatari and regional customers to major markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America with greater speed and efficiency.“By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy.”By boosting freight connectivity and enabling more efficient global supply chains, the FedEx Logistics facility will contribute to sustainable growth, private sector expansion, and enhanced global competitiveness.This aligns with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and advances the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which identifies logistics as a key pillar of economic diversification.

India plans to expand its high-speed road network fivefold within a decade, investing 11tn rupees ($125bn) to modernise infrastructure and slash logistics costs, people familiar with the matter said.The country will add 17,000 kilometres (10,563 miles) of access-controlled roads that allow motorists to travel at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, offering faster, safer and more efficient connectivity than conventional highways, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing rules.Roughly 40% of the proposed network is already under construction and slated for completion before 2030, while work on the remaining corridors is expected to begin by 2028 and wrap up by 2033, the people said.India’s push mirrors efforts by other major economies to overhaul transport infrastructure and reduce logistics cost. China has built more than 180,000 kilometres of expressways since the 1990s, while the US maintains over 75,000 kilometres of interstate highways.As of March this year, India’s national highway network covered more than 146,000 kilometres, but only 4,500 kilometres meet high-speed standards, the people said.The Indian government wants to reduce logistics costs from 13% to 14% of the gross domestic product to about 8%, in line with global standards, consultancy Rubix Data Sciences Pvt said in a report last year. Although India’s expressway plan is relatively small in scale, it stands out for its ambitious timeline and reliance on a hybrid financing model to attract private capital.Projects offering returns of 15% or more will be bid out under the build-operate-transfer, or BOT, model, allowing private firms to recover costs through tolls, the people said. Those with lower projected returns will follow the Hybrid Annuity Model, under which the government covers 40% of construction costs upfront, they said.Most of the projects in various stages of construction are under the hybrid annuity model, but the government now hopes to see more private sector participation for the rest, the people said. Private interest in India’s road sector has been tepid in recent years.India’s Ministry for Road Transport and Highways and the government’s Press Information Bureau didn’t immediately respond to requests for comments.The country’s highway network is undergoing an upgrade led by the state-run National Highways Authority of India, which spent a record 2.5tn rupees on construction in the fiscal year ended March, up 21% from a year ago.For the year ending March 2026, the government has increased the budgeted allocation to 2.9tn rupees for roads and highways.Although interest in India’s roads sector has been uneven, the broader infrastructure space is drawing strong investor attention.Brookfield Asset Management Ltd, Blackstone Inc, Macquarie Group Ltd, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board have all committed capital, while the Adani Group has announced plans to invest $18.4bn across infrastructure, including roads.The country could attract hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment over the next three years, driven by policy support, rising demand, and the scale of planned projects, according to Deloitte India estimates.

Dubai-based logistics company DP World Ltd is negotiating for a contract to operate a new container terminal that will increase the Montreal Port Authority’s capacity by more than 50%.The new Contrecoeur terminal will sit on the St. Lawrence River, just northeast of the city of Montreal, Canada’s second-largest urban area. Construction may start as soon as September on the project, which is expected to cost nearly C$1.6bn ($1.2bn) and has a target date for completion in 2029.“There’s a competitive process going on and we’re definitely in discussions,” DP World Canada Inc Chief Executive Officer Douglas Smith told Bloomberg News.DP World is one of the world’s largest opera-tors of container ports, and it has a strong link to Quebec — the Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec is among its largest financial partners. La Caisse holds stakes in several DP assets, including 45% of the Canadian subsidiary.The terminal project has been under consideration since the 1980s, when the port authority bought the land in Contrecoeur, and has been the subject of detailed planning for a dozen years. Costs ballooned and demand fluctuated, but the governments of Canada and Quebec now want to see it built as part of efforts to in-crease trade with Europe amid trade tensions with the US — committing more than half a billion dollars to the project.“It checks a lot of boxes,” Charles Emond, chief executive officer of La Caisse, said in an interview. “This is something that would be considered strategic in Quebec. We like infrastructure, we’re good in ports, we have expertise, we have the operator.”The Port of Montreal’s current capacity of 2.1mn containers annually may be fully reached by 2030, and the new terminal would be able to handle 1.15mn containers of volume.A spokesperson for DP World in Canada said that “while we see strong potential for developing logistics infrastructure in Montreal that drives economic growth and long-term value, we have no announcements to share at this time.” Prime Minister Mark Carney promoted the Contrecoeur terminal project this week during a press conference, along with a potential port expansion in Churchill, Manitoba, that might eventually be able to export liquefied natural gas.“The No. 1 focus of this government is to build that infrastructure, and particularly infrastructure that helps us deepen our partnership with our European partners,” Carney told reporters in Germany.The Montreal Port Authority has said the trade war with the US led companies to reassess ex-port markets in the first half of the year, with 22% more goods going to China during the period. Exports to Spain and northern Europe also rose.“The expansion of the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur is a major strategic asset for in-creasing the resilience and fluidity of supply chains throughout Eastern Canada. In this perspective, we are currently in discussions with a private partner and investor, whose identity will remain confidential until an agreement is signed,” said Renee Larouche, director of communications with the Montreal Port Authority.Montreal is Canada’s biggest eastern container port and its second-largest overall, after Vancouver.