AD Ports Group has launched its AI-powered Intelligence Headquarters (IHQ), deploying thousands of digital workers across 20 business workstreams to enhance efficiency, decision-making and customer service across its global trade and logistics operations. The initiative marks a major step in the Group’s digital transformation strategy and supports the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031.
Abu Dhabi | June 23, 2026 – AD Ports Group has unveiled its new AI-powered Intelligence Headquarters (IHQ), a Group-wide business intelligence platform designed to embed artificial intelligence across its global operations, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey and two decades of technology-driven innovation.
The new platform will deploy thousands of purpose-built digital workers across 20 key business workstreams, enabling AI-assisted and AI-native operations that aim to enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, and strengthen customer service across the Group’s global trade, logistics, maritime and industrial ecosystem.
The initiative aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which seeks to position the Emirates among the world’s leading AI-powered economies and innovation hubs.
AI at the Core of Global Trade Operations
Launched at AD Ports Group’s Digital District in Zayed Port in the presence of H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, IHQ represents the next phase of the Group’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into core business functions.
The platform has been designed to systematically introduce AI capabilities across major operational areas while maintaining a strong focus on cybersecurity, transparency, governance and responsible AI deployment.
For customers and business partners, the initiative is expected to improve the speed and responsiveness of services across AD Ports Group’s portfolio, which spans ports, economic cities and free zones, maritime and shipping operations, logistics services and digital solutions.
As global supply chains become increasingly complex and data-driven, logistics companies are accelerating investments in AI technologies to optimise cargo flows, improve asset utilisation and enhance operational resilience.
Building on Two Decades of Digital Innovation
AD Ports Group says the launch of IHQ is the culmination of more than 20 years of investment in digital infrastructure and technology-led transformation.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the platform represents a natural evolution of the Group’s growth from a regional ports operator into a global trade and logistics powerhouse.
“Over 20 years, AD Ports Group has grown from an Abu Dhabi-focused ports operator into a global trade enabler offering a full range of ports, transport, logistics and industrial solutions. Investment in a solid digital foundation has made this possible,” Al Shamisi said.
“With IHQ, we are building on this foundation to create an enterprise that continuously assists our ability to think, learn and evolve as a global business. Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, IHQ will leverage AI as a force multiplier for our people, in support of the 2031 National Strategy for AI.”
Thousands of Digital Workers Across 20 Workstreams
At the heart of IHQ is a large-scale deployment of AI-powered digital workers capable of supporting business functions around the clock.
The platform is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, creating what AD Ports Group describes as a collaborative human-AI operating model that can process information, automate routine tasks and deliver real-time operational intelligence at scale.
Initially, IHQ will focus on transforming 20 strategic workstreams across the organisation, with AI embedded into processes where it can deliver measurable improvements in speed, accuracy, efficiency and decision quality.
According to the company, thousands of AI-powered digital workers will progressively support these operations, expanding the Group’s ability to manage increasingly complex trade and logistics activities across international markets.
Early Applications Already Demonstrated
At launch, AD Ports Group showcased several AI-enabled workflow demonstrations highlighting practical applications of the technology across its operations.
Among the initial use cases were:
- Port and berth optimisation
- Vessel arrival orchestration
- Software development processes
- Talent acquisition and workforce management
These applications are intended to streamline workflows, improve resource allocation and support faster operational decision-making across the Group’s extensive business network.
For the maritime sector, AI-powered berth planning and vessel arrival coordination could contribute to improved port efficiency, reduced waiting times and enhanced utilisation of port infrastructure.
Strengthening the UAE’s Position as a Smart Trade Hub
Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at AD Ports Group, said the company intends to remain at the forefront of technological innovation within the global logistics sector.
“At AD Ports Group, we will continue to invest ahead of the curve in the latest technologies to strengthen the UAE’s position as the world’s most intelligent trade hub,” he said. “IHQ will make AI operational at enterprise scale. Every workstream selected for AI-powered transformation sits at a critical juncture, where artificial intelligence can measurably improve speed, accuracy and decision quality.”
The initiative reflects a broader trend across global ports and logistics operators, many of which are increasingly integrating AI into terminal operations, cargo forecasting, predictive maintenance, vessel scheduling and supply chain management.
Implications for Maritime and Logistics Operations
The deployment of enterprise-scale AI could have significant implications for maritime transportation and logistics management. By automating data-intensive processes and providing predictive operational insights, AI systems can help shipping and logistics companies optimise vessel scheduling, reduce congestion, improve cargo visibility and enhance customer service.
For ports and terminal operators, AI-driven optimisation tools are increasingly being used to improve berth allocation, equipment utilisation and turnaround times, helping facilities handle growing cargo volumes more efficiently. Industry experts believe AI adoption will become a critical competitive differentiator as shipping companies, ports and logistics providers seek to improve productivity while navigating increasingly complex global trade environments.
A Recognised Leader in AI Deployment
The launch of IHQ builds on AD Ports Group’s growing reputation as an early adopter of artificial intelligence technologies.
In 2025, the company secured a Guinness World Record for deploying the largest number of AI agents within a single logistics facility. During the same year, it also published its workforce transformation framework, titled “Building Human-AI Teams: AD Ports Group’s Blueprint for Tomorrow’s Workforce,” outlining how AI-powered systems are being integrated into day-to-day operations.
With IHQ now operational, AD Ports Group is positioning itself among a growing group of global logistics and maritime organisations seeking to leverage artificial intelligence as a strategic growth driver.
As digitalisation accelerates across global trade networks, the success of initiatives such as IHQ may provide a glimpse into how the next generation of ports, shipping companies and logistics providers will operate in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
About AD Ports Group
AD Ports Group(ADX: ADPORTS), is a key enabler of trade and logistics, supporting the UAE’s economic diversification and growth. The company’s integrated business model spans across five major clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime & Shipping, and Ports. AD Ports Group connects global maritime routes and international trading partners, offering world-class services across its network of ports and logistics hubs.
Over the years, AD Ports Group has developed into an integrated premier enabler of trade, industrialization, and economic diversification. Established by Emiri Decree and owned by ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies, AD Ports Group continues to play a vital role in the UAE’s long-term economic vision.
Source: AD Ports Group