Abu dhabi: AD Ports Group's total net profit in the first quarter of 2026 rose 41 percent year-on-year to AED653 million, driven by operating leverage, reduced finance costs, and a robust contribution from joint ventures and associates.
According to Emirates News Agency, the group's revenue increased by 25 percent year-on-year to AED5.75 billion in Q1 2026, fueled by organic growth and strong performance in the Maritime and Shipping and Economic Cities and Free Zones Clusters. The group's EBITDA also saw significant growth, rising 33 percent year-on-year to AED1.52 billion, with the EBITDA margin improving to 26.4 percent compared to 24.7 percent in the same period last year.
AD Ports Group demonstrated resilience amidst challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions, leveraging its diversified and integrated trade ecosystem. The group's comprehensive operational strategy, based on long-term partnerships and contracts, allowed it to convert risks into opportunities and maintain uninterrupted services despite challenges in the Arabian Gulf. This included rerouting cargo operations and deploying new land and air bridges to ensure business continuity.
The group launched new regional feeder shipping services to maintain supply chain integrity, enhancing container and bulk cargo vessel fleet capacity. These services connect with ports in India, Pakistan, Oman, the Red Sea, and the Upper Arabian Gulf region. Additionally, a land bridge was established to transport cargo across the UAE, supported by expanded warehousing and storage facilities.
In the Maritime and Shipping sector, the group experienced strong performance due to increased volumes and pricing, particularly in container feeders, Ro-Ro, and tankers. Container feeder shipping volumes rose 20 percent year-on-year to 871K TEUs, supported by increased services and fleet capacity.
In the Economic Cities and Free Zones Cluster, growth was driven by new industrial land leases and asset sales. KEZAD Abu Dhabi saw strong demand for warehouses and utilities, completing significant sales to MAIR Group and Danube Properties as part of asset portfolio management.
Despite regional challenges, the Ports Cluster in the UAE remained resilient with international growth offsetting domestic declines. Container capacity utilization reached 54 percent in the UAE and 65 percent internationally, reflecting strong operational performance.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, highlighted the group's ability to adapt to rapidly evolving regional developments and its commitment to sustaining growth and value creation for shareholders. Under the UAE's leadership, AD Ports Group aims to continue strengthening its global supply chain network and delivering sustained growth.