AD Ports Group has signed a shareholders’ agreement with the CMA CGM Group to jointly develop, manage, and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo.

The agreement follows AD Ports Group’s acquisition of a 30-year extendable concession for the terminal in June 2023.

Under the terms, AD Ports Group and CMA CGM’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals, will form a joint venture, with AD Ports Group holding a majority stake.

The terminal will handle containers, general cargo, break-bulk, and other freight at the Central West African nation’s largest Atlantic port.

AD Ports Group previously said it planned to invest about $220m (DHs807m) in the first phase of the project, which includes constructing a 400-metre quay wall with a 16-metre depth and a 10-hectare logistics area.

The agreement strengthens the partnership between the two companies following the December 2024 inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, an $845m facility expected to increase Khalifa Port’s container capacity by 33 per cent to 7.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024.

CMA CGM holds the leading position in exports from the Republic of the Congo and ranks second in imports and transhipment, with an overall market share of about 35 per cent in container volumes.

AD Ports-CMA CGM JV will operate terminal as a multi-user facility

The joint venture confirmed that the terminal will operate as a multi-user facility, with AD Ports Group maintaining majority control over its management and operations.

“This agreement further enhances our strategic partnership with CMA CGM in several markets and projects along global trade lines, the latest of which was the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port last December,” said Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group. “We believe this partnership will position the Republic of Congo at the centre of maritime trade, in line with projections for annual growth of 3 to 5 per cent in container volumes forecast for the country over the medium term.”

Christine Cabau Woehrel, EVP for Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, said: “Our investment with AD Ports Group at the Port of Pointe Noire is a new milestone in our strategic collaboration. We look forward to bringing this sustainable approach’s operational and economic benefits to the Republic of the Congo and its importers and exporters.”

The terminal has placed an order for three Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, part of a new generation of high-performance port equipment. Pointe Noire will also receive nine hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs), which reduce diesel consumption by up to 60%, saving around one million litres of diesel annually and cutting carbon emissions by approximately 5,000 tonnes.

AD Ports Group has completed an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the terminal, adhering to Congolese regulations and International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards. The assessment provided recommendations to enhance the project’s social, community, and environmental performance.

The CMA CGM Group operates 60 port terminals across 30 countries, supporting Central and West African supply chains through its fleet and infrastructure, including Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria and Kribi Container Terminal in Cameroon.

Read: AD Ports Group begins port, logistics operations in Angola

France and the UAE agreed on Thursday to a framework accord for a 1 gigawatt data centre dedicated to artificial intelligence that represents investments of between $30-$50bn, the French presidency said.

President Emmanuel Macron hosted his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Thursday evening ahead of a summit on artificial intelligence in Paris next week that will gather around 100 countries to focus on AI’s potential.

The February 10-11 summit also aims to put France and Europe on the AI map as they try to rival the US and China, which have taken a lead on the energy-intensive technology.

“The two leaders expressed their desire to create a strategic partnership in the field of AI and committed to exploring collaborations on projects and investments supporting the development of the AI ​​value chain,” a joint Franco-Emirati statement said.

They said the investments would be in both French and Emirati AI, the acquisition of cutting-edge chips, data centres, talent development, as well as the establishment of virtual data embassies to enable the establishment of sovereign AI and cloud infrastructures in both countries.

An announcement on the first investments will be made at the Choose France summit later this year.

The French government earlier on Thursday said it had located 35 sites to host AI data centres.

With the rapid adoption of 5G, fibre networks, and the internet of things (IoT), global data traffic is expected to grow exponentially.

This surge presents significant challenges for telecom operators, particularly in managing network complexity while ensuring seamless user experiences.

The transition to 5G and fibre technologies has unlocked new opportunities for faster, more connected networks. Globally, the data centre market is projected to grow from $216bn in 2021 to $288bn by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent.

The pace of growth in the Middle East is even more remarkable, with the market expected to expand from $3.9bn in 2021 to $6.7bn by 2027, reflecting a 10-perfect CAGR.

This expansion is driven by increasing data volumes, the proliferation of smart applications, and evolving user behaviour, particularly in regions investing heavily in digital infrastructure, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In MENA, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way, investing nearly $50bn in smart city projects by 2025, transforming urban landscapes with connected technologies.

As data-intensive applications become more prevalent, managing this surge in traffic becomes a complex task, particularly as networks expand to meet the growing demands of IoT devices and real-time digital services.

AI: A critical tool for managing networks

In response to these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a necessity in network management. As data traffic grows, manual management is no longer viable. AI is now essential for operators, enabling them to monitor and manage network traffic in real time.

Embedded at multiple layers — from the edge to the core — AI enhances network observability, allowing operators to understand traffic patterns and optimise performance.

AI plays a crucial role in aggregating and interpreting complex data models, which are becoming more intricate as networks grow. With AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data, operators can improve network performance, enhance business operations, and even predict traffic surges.

As a result, AI’s contribution to the Middle East’s economy could reach $320bn by 2030, representing 2 per cent of the total global benefits from AI advancements.

AI and 5G: Reducing human intervention

AI’s integration into 5G networks is particularly transformative. Telecom operators are leveraging AI to automate network lifecycle management, reducing the need for human intervention.

Tools like continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) streamline processes such as test automation and high-level design creation.

By employing AI in these areas, operators can deploy networks faster and more efficiently while improving network performance.

User-friendly AI for telecom

A key priority is ensuring that AI tools remain accessible to less experienced security analysts.

Through user-friendly interfaces and simplified data patterns, even teams with limited experience can leverage AI to improve network security and management, ensuring widespread adoption across the industry.

Energy efficiency and AI

In addition to traffic management, AI plays a pivotal role in optimising energy usage across networks.

With global attention shifting toward sustainability, AI is enabling operators to make dynamic energy-saving decisions based on real-time traffic patterns. This is particularly important in the Middle East, where smart city projects are central to national visions.

By optimising energy consumption, AI ensures that networks are both efficient and aligned with sustainability goals.

Predicting and managing data network congestion with AI

AI solutions span across multiple business domains, including mobile networks, fixed-line services, and cloud solutions.

Each domain uses AI to optimise specific areas of network management. For instance, AI-driven insights are integrated into network assurance systems to help operators predict traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and optimise network performance for end users.

Advanced AI-driven use cases, such as “prescriptive experience”, are being developed to improve customer satisfaction by anticipating and addressing network issues before they affect the user.

Across its global operations, Nokia’s advanced consulting services are helping operators deploy AI solutions that address region-specific challenges. In Europe, for example, AI algorithms are being used to resolve network disruptions caused by environmental factors such as tree growth.

These bespoke solutions illustrate the power of AI in tackling unique problems while improving overall network reliability.

The writer is the head of Advanced Consulting Services Europe, MEA and APJ at Nokia CNS.

Read: Taking AI-driven data centres into the future

A line-up of sporting figures and tech industry leaders will take the stage at SportsTech – a new content track at LEAP 2025, which takes place in Riyadh from February 9-12.

SportsTech is one of two new content stages for the 2025 event, alongside Tech Arena. These additions reflect LEAP’s expansion into key industry sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s focus on sports and its Vision 2030 diversification goals have attracted major industry figures to the event.

Hosted by former France and Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra, the SportsTech stage will feature more than 30 speakers, including Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA; Dominic Thiem, Grand Slam tennis champion; Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer, Chelsea FC; and Vinai Venkatesham OBE, former CEO of Arsenal FC, who will be attending LEAP for the first time.

Speaking ahead of the event, Javier Tebas said: “It is an honour for LALIGA to participate in LEAP, a major technology forum. I will address the key challenges and opportunities the sports industry is facing in terms of technology.”

Other notable participants include representatives from Formula E, SailGP, the ATP Tour, the DP World Tour, the Ryder Cup, and the Commonwealth Sports Foundation. Senior representatives from global football clubs such as Newcastle United, Juventus, Chelsea FC, and Tottenham Hotspur will also share insights, along with figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the F1 McLaren Racing Team.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet football figures Andrea Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy, and Francesco Totti, AS Roma’s record goal scorer. Iker Casillas, Spain and Real Madrid’s former goalkeeper, now a commentator, and Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal and France midfielder and now a biochemical entrepreneur, will also be part of the meet and greet.

“Sports tech is changing the way we play, train, and experience sports. I’m looking forward to attending LEAP to explore new technologies shaping the future of sport,” said Iker Casillas.

The SportsTech stage is also attracting investors such as Apex Capital, a firm known for its partnerships with sports figures including McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris, professional boxer Anthony Joshua, and former footballer Raphael Varane.

Technology’s role in advancing sports production and fan engagement will be a key focus. Topics will include AI, AR/VR, data analytics, fan engagement, sustainable sports tech, business models, and how investments are shaping the sports industry.

Recent data from Predence Research forecasts the global sports technology market will grow annually by almost 21 per cent, reaching $117.93 billion by 2034. Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 highlights its growing role in global sports, alongside events such as the Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and investments in ATP Tour tennis, Formula E, football, and esports.

“We have designed the new SportsTech track, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, to bring leading industry figures to Riyadh next month, with discussions covering topics such as performance, fan engagement, sustainable event production, and business success,” said Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP).

LEAP 2025 will run from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham.

Calling all real estate enthusiasts in the UAE!

The GB Business Breakfast Briefing is here, bringing fresh insights into the UAE real estate market.

Register for the event here

Take a look at the event’s agenda here

This event happening on February 20, at 8:00am at The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai, is a gathering of top real estate professionals, industry experts, and leaders—along with prospective and current real estate investors.

Important: Don’t miss Gulf Business’ next real estate panel

Set under the theme “Breaking Ground: The UAE Real Estate Outlook,” the panel discussion will provide attendees with:

• An overview of the UAE real estate landscape
• Future insights into the industry’s direction
• An outline of current trends in the real estate market
• The driving forces shaping the industry across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Here is the agenda and speakers who will be participating in this event.

Gulf Business Panel-Breaking Ground: The UAE Real Estate Outlook

Agenda

08:00 am: Registration & Breakfast
09:00 am: Welcome speech by Manish Chopra, Publisher, Gulf Business
09:05 am: Chair’s opening remarks by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business
9:20 am: Keynote Speech

9:30 am: Panel Discussion 1 – Will Dubai’s Property Boom Continue?

Dubai’s real estate market has been on a record-breaking run, fuelled by foreign investment, regulatory reforms, and a surge in luxury developments. However, with interest rates fluctuating and supply concerns emerging, will this growth continue, or is a slowdown on the horizon? This panel will break down the key drivers behind Dubai’s real estate boom and examine the factors that could shape its trajectory over the next five to ten years.

Key Themes:

• Can the boom be sustained? Examining potential headwinds such as interest rates, rising supply, and global economic shifts.
• Foreign investment and golden visas – how policy changes are reshaping demand from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
• The rise of off-plan sales and luxury developments – are we entering an overheating phase or still seeing healthy growth?

Speakers:

• Firas Al Msaddi, CEO and Founder, fäm Properties
• Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Property Sales, Bayut
• Imran Farooq, CEO, Samana Developers
• Ravindra Bhiranji, MD, Anax Developers
• Representative from Century Financial (Spokesperson TBC)

10:00 am: Q&A

10:15 am: Keynote speech

10:20 am: Panel Discussion 2 – The New Growth Hubs: Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah

While Dubai dominates the UAE’s real estate spotlight, other emirates are making their mark as investment destinations. Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island developments, Abu Dhabi’s mega-projects, and Sharjah’s shift toward luxury and sustainable housing are changing the landscape. How do these markets compare in terms of ROI, growth potential, and investor sentiment?

Key Themes:

• Ras Al Khaimah: How Al Marjan Island and the Wynn Resorts project are redefining the emirate’s real estate appeal.
• Abu Dhabi: The role of government-backed investment zones and major projects like Yas Island in attracting foreign capital.
• Sharjah: The emergence of high-end, sustainable developments and whether Sharjah’s affordability advantage will continue.

Speakers:

• Tatiana Veller, MD, Stirling Hospitality
• Thierry Delvaux, CEO, Equitativa (Emirates REIT)
• Representative from Sharjah’s ALEF Group – (Spokesperson TBC)

10:50 am: Q&A

11:05 am: Keynote Speech

11:15 am: Panel Discussion 3 – UAE’s Property Market 2025: The Next Big Moves

As the UAE’s real estate sector matures, transparency, homeownership trends, and regulatory shifts are driving the next phase of growth. This discussion will explore how Dubai’s freehold expansion, new data transparency measures, and the evolving role of RERA will shape investor confidence and overall demand in 2025 and beyond.

Key Themes:

• The rise of homeownership in the UAE – what’s driving the trend, and how is it changing buyer profiles?
• Expansion of freehold areas – how recent policy moves are creating new investment zones and reshaping the property map.
• Improving market transparency & data access – the impact of better reporting tools on pricing trends and investment strategies.
• Dynamic RERA index – its evolving role in ensuring price stability and market confidence.
• Supply vs. demand – will growth continue, or is the market approaching saturation?

Speakers:

• Daniel Hadi, CEO Middle East, Engel & Völkers
• Taimur Khan, Head of Research & Development, JLL
• Louis Harding, CEO, Better Homes UAE
• Representative from Grohe – (Spokesperson TBC)

11:45 am: Q&A

11:55 am: Game Changers Awards Ceremony

12:15 pm: Closing Remarks

For sponsorship opportunities and for event tickets details, please email Manish Chopra [email protected]