Asia-Pacific real assets manager ESR has announced an expansion into the Middle East, targeting a $10 billion development pipeline in logistics and digital infrastructure. The initiative initially targets the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to develop scalable warehouses and data centres. ESR is currently negotiating with regional strategic partners and securing land positions.
Historically high freight yields are spurring container lines to launch dedicated services between India and Middle East ports, with UAE gateways such as Khor Fakkan seeing increased traffic. Danish carrier Maersk has deployed a new shuttle between India's Nhava Sheva and Khor Fakkan, while Chinese line CULines is planning an Asia-Middle East service. Ongoing overland cross-border transport bottlenecks and port congestion continue to elevate regional spot rates and trigger fresh carrier surcharges.
A research paper from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines expanding economic and strategic relations between GCC states and Central Asia. The study highlights the Gulf's capacity to deploy capital and expertise across energy, critical minerals, and logistics alongside China's regional infrastructure footprint. It recommends strategic investment coordination among the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Chinese state contractor Sinopec has completed over 80% of construction on sections six and seven of Saudi Arabia's National Natural Gas Pipeline Network Phase III Project. The contractor has welded more than 678 kilometers of large-diameter pipeline using Chinese-made automated welding and intelligent equipment. Once finished, the 700-kilometer desert route will supply natural gas to King Abdullah Economic City and multiple power stations.
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