Partnering with UPAC, Shipa, and the Kuwait Association for Needy Families

KUWAIT– March 2, 2025 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, continues its annual Ramadan tradition by providing essential food supplies to 1,000 underprivileged families with Agility’s ‘Maachlat Al-Khair’ initiative (Food for Good).

The initiative is a charitable partnership with the Kuwait Association for Needy Families, which sourced, prepared, and delivered the food packages to families in need in collaboration with Agility subsidiaries UPAC and Shipa. Each package includes essential groceries and staple items, providing comfort and support throughout the holy month.

“Agility is deeply committed to social responsibility and strives to make a meaningful impact on underprivileged communities in Kuwait and around the world. Each Ramadan, we partner with accredited charities as well as our subsidiaries to provide essential food assistance to families in need. This initiative reflects our core values and reinforces our commitment to giving back. We are proud of the Agility team’s dedication and grateful to everyone who contributed to this meaningful effort,” said Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairperson of Agility.

Agility has a long history of humanitarian efforts. As a member of the Logistics Emergency Teams (LET) and through its bilateral partnerships, Agility has supported over 75 humanitarian crises since 2006. Since 2008, it has supported the World Food Programme (WFP) and has donated 1 million meals to families in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. The company also partners with Mabarat Al-Khair Charity, providing aid to nearly 30,000 people in Kuwait since 2015.

Industry looks to shield itself from trade wars, inflation, possible recession

DUBAI – Feb. 18, 2025 – More than 62% of logistics industry professionals say they’ve overhauled their supply chains to safeguard against inflation, looming trade tariffs, the possibility of a global economic downturn and other major risks.

Entering 2025, the logistics industry is looking to protect itself from rising costs and a potential trade war ignited by expected U.S. tariff hikes and a flood of exports from China, according to a survey of 567 executives for the 2025 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index.

Nearly 55% of respondents see a global recession as likely or certain. Almost 82% say tariffs and other trade protectionism are having a significant impact on their supply chains. Seventy-two percent say risks in emerging markets have increased over the past year.

“There is wariness and uncertainty among shippers, carriers, forwarders and others when it comes to the geopolitical factors that drive up costs, affect trade volumes, and alter supply chains,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Companies doing business internationally continue to shift production as they re-evaluate investment plans and search for durable paths to growth.”

The survey and Index are Agility’s 16^th annual snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets. The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on domestic and international logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness — factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors.

The 2025 Index features an in-depth analysis of the Arabian Gulf economies. Individually and as a group, the six Gulf countries are positioning themselves as global trade hubs, investing heavily in infrastructure, AI, energy transition, and workforce development. Despite increasing risk to global supply chains, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have become “beacons of stability” and resilience, the Index concludes.

Stability at the top of the 50-country rankings was accompanied by volatility and movement further down in the Index. China, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, Thailand and Vietnam rank 1 through 10. Colombia (No. 21) and Iran (32) took leaps up the rankings; Nigeria (43), Bangladesh (39) and Ukraine (40) tumbled.

The six Gulf countries all are among the top 11 for business conditions: UAE again tops the rankings for best business climate; Saudi Arabia is 3^rd; Qatar 5^th. The countries most digitally ready are China, UAE, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In international logistics opportunities, China, India, Mexico, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia rank highest. In domestic logistics, the leaders are China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

2025 Index Highlights

Survey

• Recession — Nearly 55% of respondents see a global recession as likely or certain.
• Protectionism — Almost 82% say tariffs and other trade protectionism are having a significant impact on their supply chains.
• Emerging markets – 72% say risks in emerging markets have increased over the past year.
• China – 54% intend to move production or sourcing out of China in the next five years with U.S.-China trade friction, labor costs and increasing domestic regulation being the biggest factors.
• Africa – Despite seeing heightened risks in emerging markets, 35% plan to boost investment in Africa in 2025 vs. only 8% planning to cut back there.
• Net-Zero – Nearly 65% say their companies are on track to meet net-zero goals.

Country Rankings

• In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings are: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (4); Qatar (8); Turkey (11); Oman (14); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Kuwait (18); Egypt (24); Morocco (26); Iran (32); Tunisia (36); Algeria (38); Lebanon (42); Libya (46).
• Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (20); Kenya (22); Ghana (31); Tanzania (37); Uganda (41); Nigeria (43); Ethiopia (45); Angola (47); Mozambique (48).
• Rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (5); Indonesia (6); Thailand (9); Vietnam (10); Philippines (23); Kazakhstan (25); Sri Lanka (27); Cambodia (30); Pakistan (33); Bangladesh (39); Myanmar (49).
• Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (7); Chile (11); Brazil (13); Uruguay (19); Colombia (21); Peru (28); Argentina (29); Ecuador (34); Paraguay (35); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (50).
• In Europe: Ukraine (40).

Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “The supply chain industry is entering a new era in which the ability to respond to macro-economic and geopolitical events will be critical. The looming prospect of tariffs and trade wars will force shippers to re-evaluate the resilience of their production, off-shoring and sourcing strategies and it will be imperative for logistics providers to respond appropriately in a timely and effective manner.”

2025 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: agility.com/2025index

In partnership with LOYAC, the program prepares students to thrive in the job market

KUWAIT – JAN 20, 2025 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, announced the successful completion of its 2024 internship program in collaboration with LOYAC, honoring six interns who completed an eight-week training period across five departments.

At Agility’s main office, interns gained experience in Human Resources (HR), Marketing, Finance, Information Technology (IT), and spent time in the Sales and Customer Service departments of Agility Logistics Parks (ALP).

The interns built practical skills and expanded capabilities intended to help them prepare to meet the demands of the ever-evolving and competitive job market. The program concluded with presentations in which the six interns showcased their achievements and growth. The Agility training program offers a valuable opportunity for interns, preparing them to thrive in the workforce by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional ambitions.

Agility’s focus on education and skill development extends beyond this training program. Since 2006, Agility has been a strategic partner of LOYAC, supporting young people in Kuwait through specialized courses and initiatives in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Agility’s commitment to education and skill development has positively impacted over 687,000 young people since 2014, with nearly 50% of participants being girls and young women.

In addition to its local initiatives in Kuwait, Agility supports community-enabling initiatives and partners in Saudi Arabia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Egypt, and other countries. Over the past decade, Agility has impacted more than 2.3 million people, providing funding for youth education, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital training, while also providing resources in response to the aftermath of natural disasters and complex humanitarian crises.

Contributing to economic growth in the Kingdom and enhancing the capital’s position as a global logistics hub

RIYADH — 10 December 2024 — Riyadh Development Company (ARDCO), a publicly listed Saudi real estate development and development management company, and Agility Logistics Parks (ALP), announced the signing of a strategic partnership to build a state-of-the-art warehousing facility at a prime location east of Riyadh.

The SAR 227m project involves construction of 58,000 SQM of Grade A warehousing on a 97,904 SQM parcel of land in the Rimal district of Riyadh. The integrated logistics center will be built by Agility, on land owned by ARDCO.

Construction is to begin in 2025, and the complex is expected to open in the first half of 2026.

On this occasion, Jehad AlKadi, CEO of ARDCO, said: “This partnership is part of our commitment to the ‘Invest to Grow’ strategy, which aims to invest in promising growth sectors, providing a sustainable source of income for the company while creating added value in priority sectors and maximizing overall shareholder returns. The ‘Logistics Facilities’ project, in collaboration with Agility Logistics Parks, marks the company’s first investment in high-quality logistics sector facilities. This contributes to strengthening Riyadh’s position as a vibrant capital and a regional hub for logistics services.”

Michel Saab, CEO of Agility Logistics Parks, also said: “We are proud to collaborate with ARDCO on this new project, which reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia’s potential as one of the most exciting markets for logistics investment in the world today. Agility has been investing in building strategic logistics infrastructure in the Kingdom for over two decades, and we’ve witnessed first-hand how Riyadh is continuing to strengthen its position as a vital regional and global logistics hub. This project will further expand logistics capacity and resilience in the nation’s dynamic capital.”

2024 Kuwait hackathon empowers participants to build cybersecurity skills

KUWAIT – Dec. 3 , 2024 –  Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, announced that it was recognized by H.E. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, for its dedication to nurturing homegrown cybersecurity talent and developing local capabilities to tackle the critical digital challenges of the future.

The recognition took place at the 2024 Kuwait Hackathon, organized by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and CODED Academy. Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan was honored by His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah during the event.

“At Agility, we are deeply committed to elevating Kuwait’s cybersecurity readiness by empowering local talent and fostering the development of homegrown professionals in this critical field,” said Tarek Sultan, Vice Chairman of Agility. “Supporting initiatives like the 2024 Kuwait Cybersecurity Hackathon reflects our dedication to building a robust cybersecurity ecosystem and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to safeguard our digital future”

During the 2024 Kuwait Hackathon 1,474 participants were given an opportunity to test and grow their cybersecurity skills, and were promoting cybersecurity as a career and as a cause. The initiative consisted of an intensive three-week training camp with hands-on exercises in vulnerability detection and threat management offered for 56 participants, followed by expert-led workshops attended by 1,205 participants. The project culminated in the hackathon, where 213 participants competed in solving cybersecurity challenges, with awards presented for innovation and performance.

Agility champions digital advancement nationwide. It is committed to nurturing a new generation of digital professionals. In 2024, the company sponsored coding programs for more than 1,300 young men and women through Kuwait Codes 2024 and Academy X, two of Kuwait’s premier platforms for aspiring coders. Alongside their work in Kuwait, the company has a long history in being at forefront implementing tech and innovation programs all over the world. In Egypt Agility and EFE partnered to deliver AI training for 3,500 young people (50% female) from underserved populations to give them a competitive edge in the job market by teaching them to harness tje power of transformative AI technology.

Agility is a leader in digital logistics and clearing. Its subsidiary, Global Clearinghouse Systems (GCS), is leading Kuwait Customs’ modernization efforts with a unified digital customs platform that strengthens border control, boosts revenue, and enhances compliance with international trade agreements. GCS has trained 15,000 Customs personnel on digitization initiatives that resulted in reducing inefficiencies and saving approximately 19 million sheets of paper annually, equivalent to over 2,280 trees.

In Egypt, Agility Economic Zones is connecting SCZONE authorities, Customs officials and regulators with investors, carriers, logistics-services providers, shippers and companies that have manufacturing, assembly and processing operations in the zone.

Agility has a long-standing commitment to youth in Kuwait through educational programs, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge transfer. Its efforts align with Kuwait’s development national plan, and are designed to equip students and young professionals with crucial skills, preparing them for the job market and enabling them to contribute to Kuwait’s growth and development. The company focuses on: (1) enhancing programming and technical skills, (2) promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and (3) providing training in the industrial sector and facility management.

New report lauds Kingdom for “charting a bold path to sustainability”

RIYADH – NOV.19, 2024 – Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in green energy, innovation, climate adaptability and natural resource renewal are positioning it to set new standards in sustainability regionally and globally, says a new Agility report on the country’s sweeping environmental agenda.

The report released today says the Kingdom is:

• Becoming an emerging actor in green tech and climate innovation. Saudi investment accounts for 75% of overall Middle East investment in climate tech startups, and the Kingdom is committing more than $180 billion to grow a “green economy.”
• Leading the hydrogen revolution globally. Saudi Arabia aims to produce 4 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2035. Its futuristic NEOM mega-city, currently under development, will feature the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, worth $8.4 billion.
• Building sustainability into giant infrastructure projects. NEOM, for example, is to run entirely on renewable energy.
• Hitting or exceeding most performance targets in its Saudi Green Initiative and the sustainability goals in its Vision 2030 national strategy.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has connected 2.8 GW of renewable energy to its grid. Renewables are to provide 50% of Saudi power capacity by 2035, under the plan.

Ninety-five percent of Saudi territory is classified as desert, and habitable and productive land is “at risk of degradation.” The report notes the country’s efforts to combat climate change by planting more than 49 million trees, rehabilitating agricultural areas, protecting marine environments, and investing in sustainable land management.

The report also acknowledges Saudi Arabia’s “challenging transition from a historic reliance on hydrocarbons towards a more sustainable future” and highlights areas that could strengthen and accelerate the country’s efforts.

Among them:

• Accelerating renewable projects
• Giving businesses more incentive to be resource efficient
• Expanding public transportation
• Improving air quality

The Saudi report expands on Agility’s Middle East and Africa Environmental Sustainability Scorecard, issued last November. The Scorecard examined the performance of 17 MEA countries in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies and corporate practices.

Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said: “Saudi Arabia has moved to the forefront of the clean-energy revolution and the drive to innovate and find answers to the global climate challenge. Very few countries can match its determination or its record of investment and leadership in sustainability.”

The report and 2023 Scorecard were both commissioned by Agility, a global supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, and compiled by Horizon Group, an independent global research and analysis firm.

Horizon’s findings show Saudi policymakers out ahead of businesses in the Kingdom. In a survey for the 2023 Scorecard, only 28% of executives said they consider climate change to be a significant business concern. Even so, they are preparing for it: 54% of Saudi executives said their companies have made plans to introduce new green technologies and tools; half said their companies had allocated at least 5% of capital expenditure to achieving environmental sustainability targets.

Agility is a sustainability pioneer in Saudi Arabia. The Agility Logistics Park in Riyadh features the first EDGE Advanced “zero carbon ready” warehouse in the Kingdom and broader Middle East region, demonstrating at least forty percent more efficiency than the market. The company’s Tristar business works with Aramco, SABIC and other energy sector customers in the Kingdom adapting new standards in safety, sustainability, and innovation. Menzies Aviation, Agility’s aviation services business, is electrifying its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet and preparing for the rollout of low-carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Homoola, a Saudi startup that Agility has invested in, helps to lower trucking emissions through a platform that matches cargo shippers with fleet operators, eliminating empty and low-load trips.

Unlock the comprehensive insights and detailed analysis by downloading the full whitepaper. Learn how the KSA is setting the standard for sustainability and leading the region towards a greener future.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KSA WHITEPAPER

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KUWAIT – November 13, 2024 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, today reported Q3 2024 EBIT of KD 44.8 million. This represents a 33% increase from the same period a year earlier. Revenue for the same period stood at KD 411 million which represents a 14% increase from Q3 2023.

Agility’s third-quarter net profit stood at KD 10.1 million or 4.04 fils per share. Note this quarter’s net profit is not comparable to the previous year due to the increase in minority interest as a result of the in-kind dividends distribution representing 49% of Agility Global PLC.

For the first nine months of 2024, earnings were KD 34.8 million, or 13.93 fils per share, EBIT grew 18% to KD 129.4 million, and revenue increased 11% to KD 1,122.7 million.

Latest Update

Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said: “Agility’s performance in Q3 has continued to deliver strong results as our operating entities grow and seize new opportunities.

Agility Global, our main subsidiary, reported 36% EBIT growth, driven by the performance of its three largest businesses: Menzies, Tristar and Agility Logistics Parks (ALP). Menzies saw growth in new operations in Europe and Asia; Tristar has also shown good growth; and ALP grew in Saudi Arabia and is expanding in the Kingdom. On the investment side,  DSV’s share price increased on the news of DSV’s acquisition of Schenker , resulting in an increase in the carrying value of Agility Global’s investments.”

Sultan said other entities within Agility, mainly in Kuwait, are pursuing their growth strategies and looking for opportunity to deliver the best value and return for shareholders.

Recap of Agility KSCP Q3 2024 Financial Performance

• Agility’s net profit was KD 10.1 million and EPS was 4.04 fils.
• Agility’s EBIT increased 33% and EBITDA increased 19% to KD 70 million.
• Agility’s revenue increased 14% to KD 411 million and net revenue increased 22%.
• Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet with KD 4.1 billion in assets.
• Agility reported an operating cash flow of KD 148.1 million for the first nine months of 2024.

Parties agree to study need for new freight and logistics infrastructure near Riyadh

RIYADH – OCT. 13, 2024 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) today to look at requirements for inter-modal storage, transportation and processing facilities near Sudair City for Industry and Businesses and near King Khalid International Airport.

Under its Vision 2030 national strategy, Saudi Arabia has set out to establish itself as a global hub for logistics and trade through massive investment in the modernization and expansion of its logistics and transportation infrastructure.

“Saudi Arabia is rapidly moving toward achieving its goal to be one of the world’s most important centers of trade, transportation and logistics,” said Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Agility has been a long-time supporter, partner and investor in the Saudi logistics sector. We have decades of experience here, and we’ve built some of the Kingdom’s most advanced logistics infrastructure. We see a future where Saudi and the region lead the world’s supply chain sector. We thank SAR for giving us the opportunity to be part of this future and the opportunity to contribute to Saudi’s growth and success story”

Agility has been investing in Saudi Arabia for two decades. Its Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) business developed and operates world-class logistics parks and warehousing facilities in Riyadh and Dammam. A third large ALP complex is under construction in Jeddah. Agility’s Riyadh Logistics Park includes “green” buildings that are the first EDGE Advanced-certified warehousing in the GCC.

Other Agility businesses serve Saudi Arabia’s energy, aviation and e-commerce sectors. The company’s corporate venture arm is an investor in Saudi startups in e-commerce and digital freight matching for the trucking industry.

Last year, Agility signed an MOU with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) to strengthen the Saudi healthcare sector by expanding digital health services, localizing the medical technology supply chain, and promoting the transfer of critical supply chain and healthcare knowledge through new services, technology, investment and jobs.

Agility also is one of the largest shareholders in DSV, a global logistics provider and key logistics partner of NEOM, the ultra-modern, smart mega-city project near the Red Sea in the northwest part of the Kingdom.