AD Ports Group (ADPORTS:ADX), a prominent global player in trade, transport, industry, and logistics, has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing significant growth in revenue and profit. The report indicates that the Group achieved record revenue of AED 17.29 billion and EBITDA of AED 4.51 billion, reflecting increases of 48% and 69% respectively from 2023. This growth comes as the Group successfully integrated two major acquisitions, Noatum and Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), while expanding its international presence.

The report outlines the Group’s strategic expansion efforts, which include securing multipurpose terminal concessions and intermodal facilities in rapidly developing trade regions such as Egypt, Pakistan, Angola, Tanzania, and Georgia. All five of AD Ports Group’s business sectors—Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Maritime & Shipping, Logistics, and Digital—contributed to the record financial performance. Since 2020, the Group has seen its revenue rise five-fold and its EBITDA nearly triple, driven by its “intelligent internationalisation” strategy and substantial investments aimed at transforming Abu Dhabi into a global trade and industrial hub.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, highlighted the Group’s achievements against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties, stating that they successfully navigated changing markets and seized new opportunities for growth. He emphasized that AD Ports Group, under the UAE’s leadership, has established itself as a key player on the global stage, enhancing its geographic reach and financial robustness.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, noted that the Group’s efforts in 2024 were focused on facilitating trade and supporting the UAE’s vision. He indicated that the Group’s operational flexibility and expanding suite of customer-centric solutions enabled organic growth while strategically adding new port terminals and logistics assets, positioning the company for further international expansion.

Additionally, the report highlights the December inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a collaboration with CMA CGM Group costing AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million). This new container terminal increased the port’s capacity by 23%, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role in global trade.

Throughout 2024, AD Ports Group expanded its global network with new terminal concessions in Egypt, Pakistan, and Angola, restructuring its operations under three core brands: Noatum Ports, Noatum Maritime, and Noatum Logistics. Moreover, Khalifa Port achieved a significant milestone by ranking 19th among the world’s largest container ports, as reported by Drewry International, showcasing the Group’s international standing.

Looking ahead, AD Ports Group plans to continue its focused expansion strategy, primarily investing in logistics, maritime, and port assets to enhance service delivery and connectivity. Most of these investments are centered in Abu Dhabi, which remains integral to the Group’s global business model and expansion strategy.

The overall market outlook for 2024 was positive, with growth across various cargo segments, including container, bulk, and offshore sectors. The Group benefited from a 2.2% rise in global seaborne trade volumes, as reported by Clarkson’s Research, alongside disruptions in the Red Sea that led to increased shipping rates.

As the UAE economy continues to thrive, with a growth rate of 3.8% in the first nine months of 2024, expectations are set for further growth. The UAE Ministry of Economy forecasts an acceleration to 4% to 5% growth in 2025, driven by rising oil production and exports, positioning the AD Ports Group well for future success.