AD Ports Group Launches Multimodal Inland Logistics Network

Key Takeaways

• AD Ports links Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals via rail.
• Four major UAE manufacturers sign MoUs as anchor clients.
• Network boosts inbound feedstock reliability and outbound export flexibility.
• Reduces reliance on single gateways, enhancing supply‑chain resilience.
• Supports UAE’s industrial growth agenda and KEZAD development.

Pulse Analysis

AD Ports Group’s new multimodal inland logistics network marks a strategic shift in how the UAE moves industrial cargo. By integrating rail‑linked dry ports, cargo depots and the KEZAD Industry City, the initiative creates a seamless corridor between Khalifa Port on the Arabian Gulf and Fujairah Terminals on the Indian Ocean. This dual‑gateway model not only diversifies export routes but also maximizes the utilization of the country’s emerging national rail line, positioning the UAE as a more attractive hub for manufacturers seeking efficient, cross‑border logistics.

The involvement of four heavyweight manufacturers—Emirates Global Aluminium, EMSTEEL Group, Al Ghurair Iron and Steel, and Tenaris—provides the network with a solid commercial foundation. Their MoUs signal confidence that the rail‑connected system will deliver reliable inbound feedstock flows and flexible outbound distribution, reducing bottlenecks that have traditionally plagued single‑gateway operations. For these firms, the network promises lower transportation costs, shorter lead times, and greater resilience against disruptions, which can translate into competitive pricing and expanded market reach.

Beyond immediate operational gains, the logistics platform aligns with the UAE’s broader industrial diversification and export‑orientation goals. By bolstering KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem and enhancing connectivity to regional markets, the network supports the nation’s ambition to become a leading manufacturing and trade hub in the Middle East. As global supply chains increasingly prioritize speed and redundancy, AD Ports’ multimodal approach could set a benchmark for other Gulf states looking to modernize their freight infrastructure and attract foreign investment.