AD Ports and KTZ Launch GulfLink to Power Middle Corridor Trade

AD Ports Group officially commenced GulfLink operations, its joint logistics business with KTZ Express, the freight and logistics arm of Kazakhstan Railways. The development is a crucial step towards developing Middle Corridor. This corridor is the rising trade route alternative linking Asia with Europe through Central Asia.

Owned jointly by AD Ports Group (51%) and KTZ Express (49%), GulfLink is to be a strategic logistics player in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia, enhancing multimodal connectivity in the region.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group  said, “We are delighted to announce the start of operations of our Gulf Link joint venture with KTZ Express in Kazakhstan, one of Central Asia's fastest-expanding economies and a central part of our strategy to enhance the Middle Corridor route." He highlighted that the project aligns with the UAE's wider vision to increase global trade infrastructure and connectivity.

Key Highlights:

• AD Ports Group and KTZ Express launch GulfLink to strengthen the Middle Corridor trade route
• Joint venture aims to boost multimodal logistics across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia
• GulfLink to offer integrated rail, road, sea, and air connectivity linking Asia with Europe

The Middle Corridor, or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is becoming an available alternative to northern trade routes that go through Russia. GulfLink will provide quicker, more resilient cargo transportation by taking advantage of Kazakhstan's strategic geographic position and current rail infrastructure.

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Damir Kozhakhmetov, Chairman of KTZ Express said, “This alliance will bring a new level of distinctive, end-to-end connectivity for Kazakhstan regionally and internationally." Referring to the partnership qualities between AD Ports' international capabilities and KTZ's regional knowledge.

GulfLink will be an integrated multimodal logistics center, linking rail, road, sea, and air corridors, and unifying Kazakhstan's 16,000 km railway network with international corridors in Turkey, China, the Arabian Gulf, and the wider world.