Global trade is facing a pivotal moment. As supply chains stretch to their limits and the demand for efficiency intensifies, the need for smarter, faster ways to move goods is undeniable. 

For decades, ports have been essential to global commerce, but as the world’s interconnected economy grows more complex, these traditional hubs are undergoing a reinvention. The Middle East is embracing this shift through what’s now dubbed tradetech. 

With AI, blockchain, and automation in their arsenal, the region’s ports are evolving into high-tech command centers, changing how goods are moved, tracked, and delivered. The focus now shifts to how far these innovations can go in reshaping the future of trade.

DEFINING TRADETECH 

Tradetech encompasses innovative technologies and digital solutions transforming global trade and logistics. It includes advancements in automation, IoT, AI, and data analytics. H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), highlights its importance in the Middle East, particularly in ports like Aqaba, which serve as pivotal trade hubs. 

“These advancements enable our seaport terminals to more effectively handle growing trade volumes, optimize and reduce costs, and align with global sustainability goals, in addition to integrating the whole supply chain players, including all modes of transportation and logistics.”

For Wael Khalifa, CEO of Agility Economic Zones, tradetech goes beyond individual technologies to integrate processes across customs, ports, and economic zones. He describes it as “advanced digital solutions that transform and integrate end-to-end trade processes, enhancing and streamlining operations across logistics, supply chains, customs, and documentation.” Khalifa highlights how innovations like blockchain, AI, IoT, and automation reshape the global trade ecosystem.

He says, “At Agility, our tradetech implementations digitize workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enable data-driven decision-making throughout the supply chain. By integrating all touchpoints—from customs documentation to port automation and investor engagement in economic zones—our solutions reduce processing times, enhance transparency, and increase throughput capacity.”

The Middle East, with its rising trade volumes and strategic position in global commerce, is well-suited for tradetech innovation. Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTech, stresses its critical role in maintaining the region’s competitive edge, particularly for ports. “Organizations that adopt new technologies are more likely to advance, while those that don’t risk falling behind,” he adds. “The port industry is highly competitive, with tight financial margins and customers constantly seeking lower-cost options.”

But with trade volumes rising and efficiency key to global competitiveness, how essential are automation, IoT, and blockchain in shaping the future of trade?

THE TECH IN TRADE

Technologies like automation, IoT, and blockchain are revolutionizing port operations in the Middle East, according to Khalifa. Automation accelerates processes by leveraging machines and AI for cargo handling, vessel unloading, and paperwork, significantly reducing human error and boosting efficiency. IoT, on the other hand, enables real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo, equipment, and port infrastructure, which not only improves decision-making but also aids in predictive maintenance and overall logistics management. Meanwhile, blockchain enhances transparency and security by creating tamper-proof records for documentation, transactions, and customs, ensuring smoother, faster trade processes.

“We use automation across container terminals, bulk operations, and mooring services to streamline processes and reduce errors,” Khalifa explains. “Automated cranes and gantry systems speed up container handling, while digital systems in bulk terminals ensure efficient material handling. IoT sensors in cargo and vehicles enhance visibility across customs, ports, and economic zones, enabling seamless handoffs at every stage.”

Safadi agrees with Khalifa, highlighting how automation boosts efficiency by reducing manual processes and improving accuracy in cargo handling. He emphasizes that IoT and blockchain add crucial layers of real-time monitoring, transparency, and security to documentation and transactions, which in turn facilitates smarter decision-making. These technologies create an integrated, optimized port ecosystem, driving reliability and operational excellence.

Hanna also stresses the importance of IoT in enabling interconnectivity, which can pave the way for autonomous capabilities that make port operations safer and more efficient. “Similarly, blockchain could enhance the efficiency of loading and unloading vessels in ports by storing information in a system that is independently verifiable,” he adds. “As a shared ledger across a network of computer nodes, the data is visible to all users, ensuring transparency and accuracy in real time.”

UTILISING DATA 

Middle Eastern ports are becoming smarter and more efficient by harnessing AI and data analytics for real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance, a shift that is enabling them to handle growing trade volumes with minimal disruptions, says Khalifa.

“In Agility’s end-to-end solutions, data analytics and AI provide real-time insights and predictive maintenance, ensuring smooth operations,” he explains. “AI-powered analytics across customs, ports, and economic zones enhance decision-making by generating actionable insights. In customs, AI prioritizes high-risk shipments based on data patterns, allowing authorities to focus resources where needed.”

In ports, real-time analytics guide operational decisions in areas like container stacking and vessel scheduling, optimizing resource use and minimizing bottlenecks. Through the terminal operating system (GTAP), vast amounts of data are processed in real-time, enabling quick decision-making on routing, scheduling, and operations. This enhances throughput and reduces congestion—key design priorities for the TOS. Economic zones also benefit from data-driven insights into logistics and inventory, enabling investors to make informed decisions.

Hanna highlights a partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports and Presight AI Technologies through Maqta Gateway to deliver AI-powered solutions that enhance trade and logistics, boosting the global competitiveness of both companies.

“At ZainTECH, our solutions help ports reduce operational inefficiencies, lower costs, and improve competitiveness by enabling faster customs clearance, real-time tracking, and enhanced supply chain visibility,” he adds. “These capabilities ensure smoother operations, attract investment, and drive economic growth through automation and innovation.”

For Safadi, the establishment of Maqta-Ayla, a joint venture to implement a digital Port Community System in Aqaba, will leverage data analytics and AI to process large volumes of operational data in real time. “These tools are crucial for dynamic resource allocation, improving traffic management, and anticipating maintenance needs,” he says. “Predictive analytics will also help identify potential issues, reducing downtime and ensuring seamless operations.”

DIGITAL TWIN TECH

Digital twin technology is gaining momentum in the Middle East, says Safadi, as it allows ports to create virtual replicas of their physical infrastructure and simulate various operational scenarios. This helps optimize resource allocation, minimize bottlenecks, and test strategies without disrupting operations. “Aqaba will continue exploring such technologies as part of our broader and long-term commitment to digital transformation,” he adds.

In the region, digital twin applications are increasingly appealing to port operators due to their ability to visually represent entire port infrastructures, including terminals, berths, cranes, and storage areas. This capability allows port operators to simulate and analyze different scenarios, optimizing operations and improving resource allocation.

Hanna highlights that digital twins can also optimize supply chain networks dependent on shipping ports. “By creating a digital twin of the supply chain, stakeholders can gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire network. With visibility over the movement of goods, inventory levels, and demand patterns, bottlenecks can be identified and resolved, improving overall efficiency.”

Moreover, digital twins facilitate collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders, even when geographically dispersed, making them a powerful tool in the interconnected world of global trade.

Khalifa also defines a digital twin as a virtual replica of physical assets, processes, or systems, used for real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization. Projects using digital twin technology often target operational optimization, predictive maintenance, scenario planning, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

Agility is conducting a study to explore the use of sensors in port cranes and the data they generate, aiming to simulate and optimize port operations in the future. While not yet fully utilizing digital twin technology, this study will create a digital representation of port operations, to enhance efficiency in the future.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY 

Middle Eastern ports have significantly boosted their operational efficiency through the adoption of tradetech, leveraging automation, IoT, AI, blockchain, and digital twins, says Khalifa. This integration has enhanced throughput, reduced delays, and lowered costs, reinforcing their position as major global trade hubs.

At the ports, automation in container terminals accelerates goods handling, while bulk operations benefit from digital scheduling and automated equipment. For mooring services, digital scheduling systems efficiently allocate berths and coordinate vessel movements, minimizing waiting times and maximizing port throughput.

Khalifa adds, “Our solutions for economic zones enable seamless interactions between authorities and investors, automating supply chain workflows and providing integrated inventory management and tracking. This interconnected environment allows economic zones to function as high-efficiency hubs, reducing logistics costs and supporting faster investment cycles.”

The widespread use of tradetech has enabled regional ports to enhance throughput, reduce turnaround times, and improve cargo tracking accuracy.

For Safadi, regional ports are streamlining operations by adopting automated cranes, advanced logistics platforms, and AI-driven traffic systems. 

In the Aqaba Container Terminal, smart technologies optimize handling processes and provide real-time insights to stakeholders, improving overall efficiency. The Aqaba Development Corporation, through its ports and logistics portfolio, also supports initiatives such as using OCR technology to optimize truck and container movements and RFID technology in the pre-gate area of the container terminal.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Middle Eastern ports are staying ahead of technological advancements by embracing innovations like the shift from model-based AI to generative AI, which will expand its potential applications and unlock even more benefits, says Hanna. 

Ports like Jebel Ali and King Abdullah Port heavily invest in smart port infrastructure, incorporating automation, AI, IoT, and 5G to manage growing trade volumes and increasingly complex logistics. Many are also adopting digital twin technology to create virtual models of their operations, allowing them to simulate scenarios, optimize processes, and integrate AI and machine learning. Blockchain technology is also being expanded for secure, transparent trade documentation and smart contracts, which will streamline trade processes and promote decentralization. 

Khalifa highlights that investments in AI and data analytics are enabling ports to make real-time, data-driven decisions, optimizing resource allocation, predictive maintenance, and cargo flow. 

Additionally, many ports prioritize sustainability by incorporating smart energy management systems and renewable energy solutions, in line with global eco-friendly trends. Collaborations with tech companies and the creation of innovation hubs are key components of their strategy to ensure they remain at the forefront of global trade modernization.