AD Ports Group

AD Ports Group is an Abu Dhabi-based integrated ports and logistics company that develops, regulates, operates, and supports port-related infrastructure and trade-enabling services. The group traces its corporate origins to Abu Dhabi Ports PJSC, established by Emiri Decree in 2006 as the exclusive developer and regulator of ports and related infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In 2021, the organization was reconstituted as AD Ports Group, bringing its subsidiaries and activities together under an integrated model organized into five business clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports. The group’s business is broader than conventional terminal operation. Its Ports Cluster owns and operates ports and terminals in the United Arab Emirates and works with international and regional shipping, energy, and terminal partners. Its Maritime Cluster provides services such as pilotage, bunkering, harbour towage, vessel traffic services, transshipment, and offshore and onshore marine support. The Logistics Cluster connects port infrastructure with inland transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, and broader supply-chain management. The acquisition of MICCO Logistics in 2020 strengthened the group’s logistics capabilities, while the acquisition of Noatum in 2023 expanded its international transport, logistics, and port-operations platform. MICCO was subsequently integrated into Noatum Logistics’ Middle East operations. AD Ports Group also operates through an economic-development model. Its Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster oversees KEZAD Group, an integrated industrial, trade, and logistics hub with more than 550 square kilometres of land, including approximately 100 square kilometres designated as free-zone space. The cluster supports manufacturing, logistics, trade, and associated industrial communities. In addition, the group has developed employee-accommodation capabilities through KEZAD Group Communities. Digital infrastructure is another part of the group’s operating scope. Maqta Gateway developed and operates the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform, or ATLP, under the supervision of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development. The platform is intended to bring together trade and logistics services across maritime, land, air, industrial, and free-zone environments, reflecting AD Ports Group’s effort to position itself as a broader trade-enablement platform rather than only a physical port operator. AD Ports Group became a publicly traded company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 8 February 2022 under the ticker ADPORTS. Its public-market structure provides access to capital for infrastructure development, acquisitions, concessions, and international expansion, while ADQ remains its majority shareholder. The group subsequently expanded into South Asia through agreements in Pakistan covering deep-sea container and bulk and general cargo terminals at the Port of Karachi. These concessions complement its domestic infrastructure base with overseas terminal operations and demonstrate its strategy of combining port assets, logistics services, maritime operations, and industrial-zone development across multiple markets. The brand’s positioning is therefore that of an integrated trade, transport, and infrastructure group. It combines regulated port infrastructure in Abu Dhabi with commercial terminals, shipping and maritime services, logistics, economic zones, digital platforms, and international concessions. Its principal strategic themes are supply-chain integration, industrial and trade development, maritime connectivity, and the creation of linked physical and digital infrastructure for regional and international commerce.

AD Ports Group’s corporate history begins with Abu Dhabi Ports PJSC, which was established by Emiri Decree in 2006. The entity was created to serve as Abu Dhabi’s exclusive developer and regulator of ports and related infrastructure. Its original role was therefore closely tied to the emirate’s port system and to the development of the infrastructure required to support maritime commerce, cargo handling, and trade connectivity. Over time, the organization expanded beyond a single port-development and regulatory mandate. Its activities came to include commercial port and terminal operations, shipping, maritime support, logistics, economic zones, free zones, and digital trade services. This broader scope reflected the increasing integration of ports with industrial production, inland distribution, technology, and global supply chains. The group’s domestic platform includes Abu Dhabi port assets and terminals, while its associated businesses provide services to vessels, cargo owners, manufacturers, freight operators, and other users of trade infrastructure. A significant organizational step occurred in 2021, when AD Ports Group was established as an integrated group bringing together its subsidiaries under five clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports. The structure was designed to connect physical infrastructure with services and platforms supporting trade. The Digital Cluster includes Maqta Gateway and the ATLP platform, which links trade and logistics services across sea, land, air, industrial, and free-zone environments. The Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster oversees KEZAD Group, an industrial and logistics hub covering more than 550 square kilometres, including approximately 100 square kilometres of free-zone land. The group’s logistics capabilities were strengthened by its acquisition of MICCO Logistics in 2020. MICCO provided an established logistics business that complemented the group’s port and maritime assets. In 2023, AD Ports Group acquired Noatum, a multinational transport, logistics, and port-operations company. Noatum became the operating platform for the Logistics Cluster, and MICCO’s operations were subsequently integrated into Noatum Logistics’ Middle East division. This transaction represented a shift toward a more international logistics footprint and broadened the group’s ability to provide end-to-end supply-chain services. The Maritime Cluster developed around businesses such as SAFEEN, which provides pilotage, bunkering, harbour tug and towing services, vessel traffic services, transshipment, and offshore and onshore marine logistics. Specialized offshore services are associated with OFCO, while SAFEEN Feeders provides feedering services. Abu Dhabi Maritime has responsibilities connected with the governance and regulation of Abu Dhabi’s waters, including maritime safety and related professional development. Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy supports maritime education and training for professionals and graduates. The Ports Cluster operates ten ports and terminals in the UAE and has partnerships involving organizations such as ADNOC, COSCO Shipping Ports, CMA CGM Group, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Autoterminal Barcelona. These relationships connect the group to energy, container shipping, global terminal operations, and automotive logistics networks. AD Ports Group became publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 8 February 2022 under the ticker ADPORTS. Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, commonly known as ADQ, is the majority shareholder. Public listing created a listed platform for the group’s infrastructure, acquisition, and international-growth strategy. The group subsequently expanded into South Asia through agreements with Pakistan covering terminals at the Port of Karachi. The concessions include a 50-year term for a container terminal and a 25-year term for a bulk and general cargo terminal, with the latter extendable for an additional equivalent period. The facilities occupy berths on Karachi Port’s East Wharf and are operated by majority-owned subsidiaries, Karachi Gateway Terminal and Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose. Together with the Noatum acquisition and its Abu Dhabi industrial-zone platform, these developments illustrate AD Ports Group’s evolution from a primarily Abu Dhabi-focused port developer into a diversified international trade and logistics group.

1. 2024Further implementation of Karachi expansion

   The Pakistan concessions covered approximately 2,300 metres of continuous quay on Karachi Port’s East Wharf and supported the group’s expansion into South Asia.

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2. 2023Noatum acquired

   The group acquired Noatum, expanding its international transport, logistics, and port-operations capabilities.

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3. 2023Karachi container terminal concession

   AD Ports Group signed a concession to operate a deep-sea container terminal at the Port of Karachi through Karachi Gateway Terminal.

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4. 2023Karachi bulk and general cargo concession

   The group signed a concession for a bulk and general cargo terminal at Karachi Port through Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose.

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5. 2022Public listing on ADX

   AD Ports Group listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 8 February under the ticker ADPORTS.

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6. 2021AD Ports Group established

   The group brought its subsidiaries together under five integrated clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports.

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7. 2020MICCO Logistics acquired

   AD Ports Group acquired MICCO Logistics to strengthen its logistics capabilities and broaden its service offering.

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8. 2006Abu Dhabi Ports PJSC established

   Abu Dhabi Ports PJSC was established by Emiri Decree as Abu Dhabi’s exclusive developer and regulator of ports and related infrastructure.

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An integrated ports, maritime, logistics, industrial-zone, and digital trade-infrastructure group serving Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, and international trade corridors.

• Port operationsPort infrastructure and operations

  AD Ports Group develops, regulates, owns, and operates port infrastructure, with the Ports Cluster serving as the group’s principal platform for commercial maritime gateways. The cluster operates ten ports and terminals in the UAE and supports vessel calls, cargo flows, and trade connectivity. Its activities include relationships with shipping, energy, and terminal partners, allowing the group to combine local infrastructure with international maritime networks.

• Terminal servicesContainer and cargo terminals

  The group provides terminal services for containers, bulk cargo, general cargo, and other commercial freight. These operations connect ships with inland logistics and industrial customers and include domestic UAE facilities as well as overseas concessions. Karachi Gateway Terminal operates the group’s container-terminal concession at Karachi Port, while Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose operates the bulk and general cargo facility.

• SAFEEN maritime servicesMaritime services

  SAFEEN provides marine services supporting the safe and efficient movement of vessels in and around ports. The offering includes pilotage, bunkering, harbour tugs, towing, vessel traffic services, transshipment, and offshore and onshore logistics support. These services complement terminal operations by addressing the operational requirements of vessels and maritime customers.

• Shipping and feedering servicesShipping

  AD Ports Group participates in maritime transport through shipping-related activities and SAFEEN Feeders. Feedering services connect smaller or regional ports with larger container networks, helping move cargo between local gateways and international routes. The offering extends the group’s role beyond port infrastructure into maritime connectivity and cargo-network support.

• Noatum logistics and transportIntegrated logistics2023

  Noatum operates the group’s Logistics Cluster following its acquisition in 2023. Its activities span transport, comprehensive logistics, and port-related services, providing a platform for international supply-chain operations. MICCO Logistics was subsequently integrated into Noatum Logistics’ Middle East division, linking the group’s earlier UAE logistics investment with a broader multinational network.

• KEZAD GroupEconomic cities and free zones

  KEZAD Group is the platform overseen by AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster. It provides industrial, manufacturing, logistics, trade, and free-zone infrastructure across more than 550 square kilometres of land, including approximately 100 square kilometres designated as free-zone space. The platform is intended to connect industrial tenants and trade-oriented businesses with ports and regional distribution networks.

• ATLP Advanced Trade and Logistics PlatformDigital trade and logistics

  Maqta Gateway developed and operates ATLP under the supervision of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development. The platform is designed to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including maritime, land, air, industrial, and free-zone environments. It represents the group’s digital infrastructure contribution to trade facilitation and cross-modal coordination.

• Offshore and marine supportOffshore maritime services

  Through businesses including OFCO and related maritime operations, the group provides specialized offshore services as well as onshore and offshore logistics support. These capabilities serve marine, energy, port, and industrial activities that require vessel assistance, marine transportation, or operational support beyond standard terminal handling.

• Abu Dhabi Maritime and maritime educationMaritime governance and training

  Abu Dhabi Maritime governs and regulates Abu Dhabi’s waters and supports implementation of maritime health and safety requirements. The wider maritime platform also includes Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, which provides maritime education and training for professionals and graduates. Together, these activities support the regulatory, safety, and workforce-development dimensions of the maritime sector.

• 2023Acquisition of NoatumM&A

  AD Ports Group aimed to broaden its logistics business and create a more international transport and supply-chain platform.

  What changed. The group acquired Noatum and assigned it a central role in operating the Logistics Cluster.

  Aftermath. The acquisition expanded the group’s international logistics and port-services footprint, and MICCO Logistics was integrated into Noatum Logistics’ Middle East division.

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• 2023Entry into Karachi container-terminal operationsOther

  The group pursued international terminal concessions to extend its port and logistics platform into South Asia.

  What changed. AD Ports Group signed a 50-year concession to operate a deep-sea container terminal at Karachi Port through Karachi Gateway Terminal.

  Aftermath. The concession gave the group an overseas container-terminal operating position at Karachi Port’s East Wharf, covering berths 6 through 10.

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• 2023Entry into Karachi bulk and general cargo operationsOther

  Alongside the container concession, AD Ports Group sought to establish a presence in multipurpose cargo handling at Karachi Port.

  What changed. The group signed a 25-year concession, extendable for an additional equivalent term, for a bulk and general cargo terminal operated by Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose.

  Aftermath. The concession broadened the group’s Pakistan activities beyond containers to bulk and general cargo at East Wharf berths 11 through 17.

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• 2022Listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities ExchangeOther

  The group required a public-market structure to support its infrastructure, investment, acquisition, and expansion strategy.

  What changed. AD Ports Group listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 8 February 2022 under the ticker ADPORTS.

  Aftermath. The listing established AD Ports Group as a publicly traded infrastructure and logistics company while ADQ remained the majority shareholder.

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• 2021Creation of the integrated AD Ports Group structureStrategy

  The organization had expanded from its original Abu Dhabi port-development role into logistics, maritime services, economic zones, and digital trade infrastructure.

  What changed. AD Ports Group was established by combining subsidiaries and activities under five business clusters.

  Aftermath. The new structure presented ports, maritime, logistics, economic zones, and digital services as one integrated trade and infrastructure platform.

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• 2020Acquisition of MICCO LogisticsM&A

  AD Ports Group sought to strengthen its logistics capabilities and add services complementary to its port and maritime infrastructure.

  What changed. The group acquired MICCO Logistics and incorporated its capabilities into the broader logistics platform.

  Aftermath. MICCO later became part of the Middle East division of Noatum Logistics following the Noatum acquisition.

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• 2024AD Ports Group continues South Asian expansion through Karachi concessions

  The Pakistan expansion included concessions for approximately 2,300 metres of quay at Karachi Port’s East Wharf, operated through majority-owned group subsidiaries.

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• 2023AD Ports Group expands logistics platform through Noatum acquisition

  The group acquired Noatum, a multinational provider of transport, logistics, and port-operation services, and placed it within the Logistics Cluster.

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• 2023AD Ports Group signs Karachi port terminal concessions

  The group signed agreements covering the operation of a deep-sea container terminal and a bulk and general cargo terminal at Karachi Port in Pakistan.

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• 2022AD Ports Group listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange

  The group became publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 8 February 2022 under the ticker ADPORTS.

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• 2021AD Ports Group formed as an integrated five-cluster group

  AD Ports Group was established by bringing together subsidiaries and activities across Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports.

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• AD Ports Group ranked among Forbes Middle East’s listed companies

  AD Ports Group was reported as ranking 49th in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Listed Companies list.

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1. AD Ports Group
2. AD Ports Group official website