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RIYADH: ADNOC Logistics and Services has launched the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first AI-powered Smart Port Solution to enhance petroleum port operations, according to the Emirates News Agency.

Developed by Innovez One, a leading port management system provider, the technology optimizes resource allocation and enables real-time tracking of marine activities across ADNOC L&S’s UAE ports, including Das, Zirku, Mubaraz, Ruwais, and Jebel Dhana.

The solution slashes vessel turnaround time by up to 90 percent, reducing service sourcing from three hours to 45 seconds. It is projected to save 3,000 hours annually, yielding operational savings of $950,000 by 2028. Additionally, jetty utilization has increased by 20 percent, boosting overall port efficiency and improving vessel management by 10 percent.

Capt. Abdulkareem Al-Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S, emphasized the company’s focus on innovation: “This smart port solution reinforces our commitment to leveraging AI to optimize operations, drive value for our business and customers, and advance sustainability.”

David Yeo, CEO of Innovez One, highlighted the collaboration’s impact: “Our AI-driven solution not only streamlines workflows but also supports ADNOC L&S’s sustainability goals, positioning UAE petroleum ports as a global benchmark for smart operations.”

ADNOC L&S’s adoption of cutting-edge AI aligns with its strategy for operational excellence and sustainable growth.

RIYADH: ������Ƶ is one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East, New Zealand’s trade minister has claimed after deals valued at $100 million were signed by businesses from the two countries.

Todd McClay spoke to Arab News during a visit to Riyadh where he led a delegation of 21 New Zealand businesses to promote trade and investment ties with the Kingdom.

The memorandums of understanding signed during the trip included those involving NIG Nutritionals and Al Dawaa Pharmacies, 26 Seasons and Qassim Strawberry & Fruit Cooperative Society, and Gallagher Animal Management and Al Tajweed.

“These partnerships mark an important step in deepening New Zealand’s trade relationship with ������Ƶ and across the Gulf region. Together, they are expected to generate more than $100 million in commercial value for New Zealand,” McClay said.

“This will give our exporters a significant boost, reinforce New Zealand as a reliable trade partner, and contribute to our goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years,” he added.

The official also held a meeting with Khalid Al-Falih, ������Ƶ’s Minister of Investment, to discuss opportunities for deeper investment links between the two countries.

The meeting builds on the conclusion of the New Zealand–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement last year and a growing commitment to enhanced trade and investment cooperation.

“We reached an agreement with ������Ƶ in the GCC last year for a free trade agreement, and we’re looking forward to signing it in the region in the coming months,” McClay told Arab News.

“But this was an opportunity to bring a number of New Zealand businesses here to find partners and people to trade and invest with, to grow a strong business relationship in the Kingdom,” he added.

Trade with ������Ƶ has grown significantly in recent years, with exports up 118 percent since 2021. According to the New Zealand Ministry for Trade & Investment and Agriculture, ������Ƶ is one of the two largest export destinations in the Middle East, and the 18th largest market globally.

As of June, two-way trade reached 1.6 billion New Zealand dollars ($960 million), with exports valued at 1.35 billion dollars. Dairy dominated at 80 percent of New Zealand exports, followed by meat at nearly 10 percent.

According to the New Zealand Year-end June report, ������Ƶ is New Zealand's 22nd largest trading partner. 

“������Ƶ is one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East, worth$2.8 trillion and is driving one of the largest global transformations and rebuild programs through its Vision 2030 strategy,” McClay said.

The minister believes the success of the negotiation of the trade agreement is “significant,” saying: “It’s one of the first trade agreements that the GCC has concluded in quite a long period of time that they’ve decided to do it with New Zealand, I think, is an honor for us.”

He added: “But it really now is just the foundation for how we can grow that relationship further.” 

������Ƶ is already one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing export destinations in the Middle East.

As of 2025, the two countries mark 48 years of diplomatic relations. Exports have more than doubled in four years, from $620 million in June 2021 to $1.35 billion in June, bringing two-way trade to $1.58 billion.

During his trip the minister held multiple sideline meetings, including with the Saudi Public Investment Fund to scout opportunities available in the Kingdom, as well as visiting the Expo 2030 site.