By: Economy Middle east

AD Ports Group posted a record revenue of AED20.77 billion ($5.65 billion) and a record total net profit of AED2.07 billion ($563.64 million) in 2025, representing increases of 20 percent and 16 percent respectively compared to 2024. These results, detailed in the 2025 Annual Report titled ‘’Curating Connectivity”, highlight a year of significant expansion as the group strengthened its trade corridors and optimized its asset portfolio.

Since 2020, revenue and profits have risen more than five-fold, driven by an “intelligent internationalization” strategy and substantial domestic investments to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global industrial hub.

The group’s growth was fueled by its Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, and Maritime & Shipping Clusters. Key developments during 2025 included plans announced with the CMA CGM Group to expand the joint CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container facility and the acquisition of equity stakes in container terminal operators in Egypt and Syria. Collaborative efforts also began with Egyptian partners to develop the 20 km2 KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Zone. Market recognition followed these efforts, with Khalifa Port advancing to 39th in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports ranking, a significant rise from its 95th place debut in 2019. Furthermore, the customer base grew by nearly 20 percent, with spending from the top 10 customers increasing by approximately 40 percent.

AI, sustainability, growth initiatives

AD Ports Group reached a technological milestone by receiving a Guinness World RecordTM for deploying 205 agentic AI agents across its operations. The group also reduced its carbon intensity per unit of revenue by 18 percent compared to 2024, reflecting a successful transition toward electrified operations and enhanced energy efficiency. To maintain resilient growth through organic investment and selective mergers, the group launched an active asset monetization program expected to raise AED4.6 billion through the sale of land, warehouses, and a financial stake in NMDC.

In 2025, the group commenced container feeder shipping services in West and East Africa and initiated multipurpose port operations and inland logistics in Angola. It also partnered with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to develop a bulk handling facility at Karachi Port in Pakistan. Despite regional conflicts and macroeconomic challenges, the group capitalized on the UAE’s non-oil economic expansion. The UAE recorded GDP growth of approximately 5 percent in 2025, with non-oil foreign trade exceeding AED3.8 trillion, a 26 percent increase that met national targets five years ahead of schedule. Looking toward 2026, AD Ports Group remains focused on integrating its assets and converting its operational presence into long-term value by upgrading port terminals in the UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, and Syria.