Over the past few years, ports across the Middle East have shifted from incremental upgrades to bolder transformation programs. The region is no longer just retrofitting automation piecemeal, it is increasingly embedding digital platforms, data analytics, 5G/IoT infrastructures, and new autonomous systems into the core of its operations.
5G networks combined with AI are fast reshaping port operations in the region, enabling real-time connectivity between cranes, vehicles, sensors, and central systems. Digitized yard operations, equipment automation and external systems integration are key levers for next-level efficiency in these ports.
Still, there is no one-size-fits-all. Maturity levels vary sharply depending on port scale, ownership (state vs private), investment capacity, regulatory regimes, and workforce structure. What is clear is that the momentum and growth of digital port infrastrucure is accelerating, not slowing.
Port of Fujairah - 'MarHub' Digital Platform
One of the most visible transformations underway in the region is at the Port of Fujairah, UAE. In May 2025, Fujairah signed a five-year strategic agreement with Endava to build a unified digital architecture across its operations.
The centerpiece is a new Port Community System dubbed MarHub, designed to integrate operations like vessel calls, gate pass security, and bulk handling with real-time analytics for transparency and performance tracking.
AD Ports Group – LEO Satellite Connectivity
AD Ports Group, one of the UAE’s major maritime players, is rolling out Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across its network. The idea is to complement terrestrial connectivity with ubiquitous, high-throughput links that support remote areas, vessels in anchorage, and cross-terminal data flows. This enhances the reach of IoT devices, onboard sensors, and autonomous functions.
How Ports Can Use Simulation Training to Minimise Shipping Disruptions
Integrating LEO is a foundational enabler for smart port platforms that integrate supply chains and IoT adoption.
DP World / Jebel Ali – Electrification + Automation
In its 2025 sustainability report, DP World (which operates Jebel Ali and other terminals) has taken steps beyond digital into operational automation and green modernization. The initiatives include:
Retrofitting terminal tractors to lower-emission versions
Scaling up electric internal transfer vehicles
Exploring autonomous truck systems
Augmenting crane connectivity and energy optimization
These moves suggest the region is pushing past pilots into more serious deployment.
Hamad Port - Qatar
Hamad Port in Qatar has also aggressively pursued digitalisation and automation to boost throughput, accuracy, and speed. It uses automated container handling systems, intelligent cargo-moving equipment (like AGVs), and scalable infrastructure to manage diverse cargo types.
The port also integrates data-driven systems to optimise operations, reduce manual interventions, and strengthen its status as one of the world’s most efficient ports.
AI Scheduling, Sensors and Connected Cranes
Gulf ports in general are also adopting AI-driven berth scheduling, sensor-laden cranes, electric fleets, and pervasive IoT networks. These deployments reportedly enhance throughput by 20–30% in some terminals. The underlying shift is moving from reactive operations (humans reacting to delays, bottlenecks) to predictive, data-driven orchestration.
Digital Twins, Analytics and Machine Learning
In the academic and R&D realm, new methods like digital twin modeling for container terminal yards are being explored, where a virtual replica mirrors real operations in real time to optimize crane movements and reduce idle cycles.
Unsupervised machine learning on Automatic Identification System data is also being used to infer berth utilization and optimize spatial layouts. These are early but promising supplements to conventional automation.
More broadly, predictive machine learning or ML systems that manage container yard throughput or appointment systems are gaining traction globally and will likely influence the region’s next wave.
Cybersecurity, Systems Integration and Workforce
As ports adopt more automation and connectivity, cyber risk becomes paramount. Gulf ports are already grappling with how to secure AI/IoT platforms, manage access controls, and maintain resilience amid potential threats.
Integration across legacy systems, siloed departments, customs, hinterland logistics, and external shippers adds friction — many digital transformations falter at the integration stage.
Another sensitive axis is labor displacement and institutional resistance. Automation often raises fears about job losses, so striking political, social, and regulatory balances is essential.
Smart Ports = Green Ports
Many Gulf ports are now scaling pilots into full deployments instead of treating automation as experiments. 5G, private wireless, fiber, and now LEO satellite connectivity are fast becoming non-negotiable enablers for reliable, latency-sensitive operations.
Electrifying yard vehicles and equipment intersects directly with automation and the region is increasingly viewing “green ports” and “smart ports” as one and the same.
Ports today are harnessing data for predictive scheduling, real-time decisioning and dynamic resource allocation. For countries positioning themselves as trade hubs digitalized, high-performance ports will be key to attracting shipping lines and logistics flows.
The region’s ports are no longer just points of loading and unloading, they are evolving into critical data-rich, decision-driven nodes in global supply chains.
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