Innovation
We constantly encourage new thinking to shape the future of the global maritime and trade industry
Transforming the Future of Trade
Innovation, research, and data-based decision-making are key driving forces behind the phenomenal growth of AD Ports Group. We support our leadership’s vision to diversify the economy and advance innovation in the UAE.
Re-inventing how we do business whilst developing new and more efficient solutions is part of the ongoing self-improvement process at AD Ports Group. We adapt and harness the power of emerging technologies to transform the future of trade, stay competitive, and achieve sustainable growth.
To foster innovation across our Group, we launched our idea management programme IBTIKAR in 2012. We also added a Research & Development (R&D) committee, and integrated innovative solutions such as an innovation lab, knowledge corner, and 3D printing lab, to create an environment that fosters and develops innovative ideas in real-time business scenarios.
Re-inventing how we do business whilst developing new and more efficient solutions is part of the ongoing self-improvement process at AD Ports Group. We adapt and harness the power of emerging technologies to transform the future of trade, stay competitive, and achieve sustainable growth.
To foster innovation across our Group, we launched our idea management programme IBTIKAR in 2012. We also added a Research & Development (R&D) committee, and integrated innovative solutions such as an innovation lab, knowledge corner, and 3D printing lab, to create an environment that fosters and develops innovative ideas in real-time business scenarios.
The Evolution of AD Ports Group Innovation
In line with the UAE National Strategy for Advanced Innovation, AD Ports Group is committed to strengthening the country’s leadership as a hub for new ideas and business methods, through a variety of initiatives that improve the Group’s ability to meet its prime mission of enabling global trade efficiently and sustainably.
AD Ports Group has integrated innovation across its core business clusters, and these internal capabilities have supported the Group’s advancement to a position of global industry leadership in maritime and shipping, ports, economic cities and free zones, logistics, and digital services.
Discover Our 2025 Accomplishments
Exhibition guide
A solution was deployed at the Innovation Week exhibition to give the attendees a brief of the companies before approaching their booth and talking with representatives.
AMR/AGVs
Due to the required throughput of pallets in our warehouses, several automation companies were invited to study the feasibility of using Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
ChatBot for engineering codes and standards:
After conducting a Proof of Concept (POC) and a pilot project on Chatbots for Life and Fire Safety Code, we are now creating an agent that can provide information related to more than 20 codes/standards used by an engineering team.
A solution was deployed at the Innovation Week exhibition to give the attendees a brief of the companies before approaching their booth and talking with representatives.
AMR/AGVs
Due to the required throughput of pallets in our warehouses, several automation companies were invited to study the feasibility of using Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
ChatBot for engineering codes and standards:
After conducting a Proof of Concept (POC) and a pilot project on Chatbots for Life and Fire Safety Code, we are now creating an agent that can provide information related to more than 20 codes/standards used by an engineering team.
Innovation Campaigns
AD Ports Group targeted innovation business solutions throughout the year with the implementation of multilabel innovation campaigns, including: “Driving Financial Growth Across AD Ports Group”, “Driving Green Sustainable Capital Projects”, and “Transforming to Smarter Port Services for a Connected World”.
Training and Development
Over 8,000 hours of innovation training sessions and workshops were delivered last year, highlighting key topics including GIMI level 1&2, Entrepreneurship Skills, and Design Thinking.
Innovation Events
A wide range of innovation events were celebrated, including the UAE Innovation Month and Innovator of the Future Summer Programme.
AD Ports Group targeted innovation business solutions throughout the year with the implementation of multilabel innovation campaigns, including: “Driving Financial Growth Across AD Ports Group”, “Driving Green Sustainable Capital Projects”, and “Transforming to Smarter Port Services for a Connected World”.
Training and Development
Over 8,000 hours of innovation training sessions and workshops were delivered last year, highlighting key topics including GIMI level 1&2, Entrepreneurship Skills, and Design Thinking.
Innovation Events
A wide range of innovation events were celebrated, including the UAE Innovation Month and Innovator of the Future Summer Programme.
IBTIKAR
AD Ports Group’s ideation management programme IBTIKAR has enabled the generation of over 20,000 inspiring ideas from staff and stakeholders. To date, over 840 innovators have been recognised and rewarded for their contributions.
ideasUK
AD Ports Group successfully retained its Platinum Level accreditation from ideasUK, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on ideas management, innovation, and workplace improvement. The Group achieved a perfect 100% score for the third consecutive year. The Group won The AI, Digital & Technology Award for SAFEEN GREEN and The People & Wellbeing Award for the AD Ports Group Junior Captain Programme.
Innovation Café
This dynamic, virtual platform hosted talks with renowned industry experts on key trending global topics, such as the Arctic Challenge.
AD Ports Group’s ideation management programme IBTIKAR has enabled the generation of over 20,000 inspiring ideas from staff and stakeholders. To date, over 840 innovators have been recognised and rewarded for their contributions.
ideasUK
AD Ports Group successfully retained its Platinum Level accreditation from ideasUK, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on ideas management, innovation, and workplace improvement. The Group achieved a perfect 100% score for the third consecutive year. The Group won The AI, Digital & Technology Award for SAFEEN GREEN and The People & Wellbeing Award for the AD Ports Group Junior Captain Programme.
Innovation Café
This dynamic, virtual platform hosted talks with renowned industry experts on key trending global topics, such as the Arctic Challenge.
ECO Sea Wall Panels
In collaboration with ArchiREEF, the Group innovated modular wall panels to retrofit existing seawalls, enhancing sustainability and promoting biodiversity.
Solar Panels for Trucks
To reduce fuel consumption, a test project is being conducted to apply solar panels on trucks to provide green power to electrical components.
Wave Energy Generator
A new research and development project to build and test a wave energy oscillator has been signed with NYUAD for a three-year period.
LC3 Concrete
Research and development exercise with NYUAD to evaluate lime calcined clay as aggregate in concrete is ongoing. Several coring samples have been tested from the six installed blocks, and more testing is to be conducted in 2026.
Phase Change Material (PCM) R&D
Cold Logistics is an energy-intensive operation that requires continuous use of cooling equipment. In this project, we are studying the possibility of utilizing PCM packaging for passive cooling.
In collaboration with ArchiREEF, the Group innovated modular wall panels to retrofit existing seawalls, enhancing sustainability and promoting biodiversity.
Solar Panels for Trucks
To reduce fuel consumption, a test project is being conducted to apply solar panels on trucks to provide green power to electrical components.
Wave Energy Generator
A new research and development project to build and test a wave energy oscillator has been signed with NYUAD for a three-year period.
LC3 Concrete
Research and development exercise with NYUAD to evaluate lime calcined clay as aggregate in concrete is ongoing. Several coring samples have been tested from the six installed blocks, and more testing is to be conducted in 2026.
Phase Change Material (PCM) R&D
Cold Logistics is an energy-intensive operation that requires continuous use of cooling equipment. In this project, we are studying the possibility of utilizing PCM packaging for passive cooling.
20,000
Innovation Ideas
8,100
Hours of Innovation Training
55
Innovation Campaigns
Research & Development
The global supply chain environment is highly competitive, dynamic, and fluid. As a result, the maritime and trade industry continuously demands new innovative ways of doing business. With progressive and sustainable intent in mind, we founded our R&D Committee.
The goal is to build infrastructure to conceive, foster, and execute innovative ideas in real-time business scenarios.
Our R&D committee also raises awareness about the importance of technical and scientific research, publishing research papers, and organising workshops to explain ongoing research and development.
23.2 Million AED
Saved Through Innovative Ideas
932
Innovative Ideas Implemented
35
Proof of Concepts and R&D Projects Executed
Innovative Solutions
For AD Ports Group, unconventional thinking and a futuristic outlook have been the key elements of our unprecedented growth since inception.
Today, with the use of cutting-edge technology and ultra-modern automation techniques, AD Ports Group is not only making it easier for stakeholders and customers to do business but is also setting an example for the world’s ports and industrial communities.
Ports Operational Innovations
Khalifa Port is an outstanding example of how cutting-edge engineering innovation has been fused with tailored technology and world-class creative processes to create a seamless port experience.
The port offers innovative solutions, including:
The port offers innovative solutions, including:
Better steel coil handling capabilities are unlocked by using coil forklifts instead of using traditional crane hooks.
By bringing all critical data and workflows on a single platform, this system allows Khalifa Port authorities to optimise staff and assets allocation in the best way possible.
Evaluation of a patented fuel additive to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption was undertaken on trucks used by Noatum Logistics, part of the Logistics Cluster of AD Ports Group, resulting in commendable savings of over 20% in fuel consumption and carbon footprint reduction.
Minimal to no human intervention is needed to operate Gantry Cranes ensuring maximum safety and optimal output.
From reading shipping line schedules, prioritising tasks, to delegating them to the employees, this system does it all on autopilot.
Innovative permeable concrete was tested and introduced at Khalifa Port, which has helped eliminate flooding and water stagnation.
To ensure 360-degree surveillance and security, unmanned drones are deployed over land, sea, and areas without CCTV coverage at Khalifa Port.
Smart Infrastructure
KEZAD lies adjacent to Khalifa Port and spans over 550 square kilometres at a global trade gateway between East and West.
Positioned as the Middle East's industrial, logistics and trade hub, the expansive KEZAD economic zone is a hotbed of innovation and leading-edge solutions.
Positioned as the Middle East's industrial, logistics and trade hub, the expansive KEZAD economic zone is a hotbed of innovation and leading-edge solutions.
A specially constructed roadway that enables cost-effective and energy efficient transport and delivery of aluminum in molten form, saving energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
An environmental breakwater was built at Khalifa Port to safeguard Ras Ghanada coral reefs.
To ensure hassle-free movement of ultra-wide equipment between KEZAD and Khalifa Port, an eight-lane roadway has been constructed. Reduced traffic incidents with less noise and air pollution are key benefits of this development.
Noatum Maritime has built and employs a unique marine debris cleaning boat that has removed hundreds of tonnes of marine debris to date.
Multiple air quality and marine water quality stations have been installed to ensure that environmental impacts are monitored and managed.
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Digital Innovation
At AD Ports Group, it has been our ambition to invest in and propagate cutting-edge technology for use in the trade community. This ambition was realised when we laid the foundation of the first-of-its-kind Digital Innovation Lab in the Middle East.
The Digital Innovation Lab caters to the needs of disruptive technologies such as AI, cyber security, and robotics to optimise operations and positively impact the pillars of sustainability.
The Digital Innovation Lab caters to the needs of disruptive technologies such as AI, cyber security, and robotics to optimise operations and positively impact the pillars of sustainability.
Maqta Technologies Group developed the region’s first Port Community System (PCS), a leading-edge digital platform solution that provides a single window facilitating information flow between all stakeholders, port authorities, and traders.
ATLP aims to digitally facilitate trade through sea, land, air, and economic and free zones, in addition to enhancing customer and stakeholder experience within the trade and logistics sectors. The platform is developed and operated by Maqta Technologies Group, under supervision of the Department of Economic Development.
A platform built on blockchain technology that tracks every stage of vaccine distribution, from production to those in need, anywhere in the world. The unique end-to-end supply chain solution was provided to the HOPE Consortium, which enabled the UAE public-private consortium to deliver large quantities of COVID-19 vaccines.
Masaha is an advanced application that lets KEZAD customers access and use all services provided by Maqta Technologies Group. Using the Masaha App, users can apply for services, set up a business, and track the status of their applications in real-time.
This mobile application provides the real-time status of shipments for all registered users of Maqta’s Port Community System (mPCS).
IBTIKAR Programme
IBTIKAR is the AD Ports Group’s flagship open innovation programme, launched in 2012 as an in-house ideation scheme. Over the years, it has evolved into a globally recognized platform that empowers employees, customers, and stakeholders to share ideas, drive innovation, and shape the future of trade and logistics.
Be part of AD Ports Group’s innovation ecosystem by contributing bold ideas that transform our services and processes into smarter, more efficient solutions. Through IBTIKAR, your creativity helps deliver excellence beyond expectations, advancing the maritime and logistics community while driving sustainable trade and economic growth worldwide.
At AD Ports Group, innovation is not just encouraged; it is rewarded, recognized, celebrated, and scaled.