Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group, a global leader in integrated trade, transport, and logistics solutions, reported strong financial and operational performance for the second quarter and first half of 2025, ending June 30. The company’s results, announced on August 13, 2025, highlight its resilience amid global trade challenges and its strategic expansion in key markets.
Revenue for Q2 2025 reached AED4.83 billion ($1.31 billion), a 15% year-on-year (YoY) increase, driven by strong contributions from the Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones (EC&FZ), and Maritime & Shipping clusters. EBITDA rose 9% YoY to AED1.17 billion ($318.5 million), maintaining a solid 24.2% margin. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, attributed this growth to the company’s five-cluster business model, which has enabled it to navigate geopolitical tensions, such as the Red Sea crisis, and capitalize on emerging trade routes in regions like Central Asia and Egypt.
Profit before tax grew 5% YoY to AED519 million ($141.3 million), though higher depreciation, amortization, and finance costs tempered gains. Net profit remained stable at AED445 million ($121 million) due to increased income tax, with earnings per share (EPS) unchanged at AED0.07. Operating cash flow nearly doubled to AED1.14 billion ($310 million), reflecting a 97% cash conversion rate, while free cash flow to the firm was positive for both the quarter and year-to-date. Capital expenditure (Capex) totaled AED928 million ($267 million), with investments focused on ports, maritime, and EC&FZ assets. Notably, Capex intensity dropped to 19% of revenue, down from 28% in Q2 2024, signaling disciplined financial management.
Operationally, AD Ports Group excelled across its core segments, which accounted for over 90% of Q2 EBITDA. The Ports cluster saw a 17% YoY surge in container throughput and a 13% increase in general cargo volumes. The newly operational CMA Terminal at Khalifa Port achieved an impressive 80% utilization rate in Q2, a testament to its rapid integration into global trade networks. In the EC&FZ cluster, the Group leased an additional 600,000 m² of land in Q2, bringing year-to-date leases to 1.6 km². The Sdeira Group staff accommodation business reported an 80% utilization rate, up from 63% in Q2 2024, reflecting growing demand for industrial and logistics infrastructure.
The Maritime & Shipping cluster also performed strongly, with container feeder volumes rising 34% YoY. The fleet expanded significantly, with bulk, multipurpose, and Ro-Ro vessels increasing to 34 from 28, and marine services vessels growing to 74 from 65 a year earlier. Strategic initiatives included a 50-year agreement with the Suez Canal Economic Zone to develop a 20 km² logistics and industrial hub near East Port Said, Egypt, and a joint venture with Noatum Maritime and ASRY to enhance maritime services in Bahrain. These moves underscore AD Ports Group’s commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Sustainability efforts were a key focus in Q2. The Group signed a collaboration with Masdar, Advario, and CMA CGM Group to explore an e-methanol bunkering and export facility at Khalifa Port and KEZAD, aiming to decarbonize maritime transport. Noatum Maritime acquired the GCC’s first all-electric hydrofoil pilot boat and two electric tugboats, while a three-year coral conservation project with New York University Abu Dhabi advanced environmental practices tailored to the Arabian Gulf.
Despite challenges like the Red Sea crisis and shifting global trade flows due to new US tariffs, AD Ports Group has leveraged its integrated ecosystem to maintain operational resilience and seize opportunities in markets like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The company’s focus on long-term infrastructure investments, coupled with strong cash flow and reduced Capex intensity, positions it as a leader in sustainable trade and logistics for 2025.
