AD Ports Group reported record results for the second quarter of 2026. The company achieved strong growth despite disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Revenue increased 47% year-on-year to AED 7.08 billion (US$1.93 billion). EBITDA rose 49% to AED 1.74 billion. Meanwhile, total net profit jumped 88% to AED 836 million (US$228 million).
The EBITDA margin reached 24.5%, compared with 24.2% a year earlier. Asset sales also supported the quarterly performance. They contributed AED 650 million to revenue and AED 294 million to EBITDA.
AD Ports responds to Hormuz disruption
The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz affected the group’s UAE operations during the quarter.
However, AD Ports expanded alternative trade routes to keep cargo moving. The measures formed part of the UAE’s National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience.
Cargo and feeder services were redirected to Fujairah Terminals and Khor Fakkan Port. Both facilities are outside the Strait of Hormuz.
AD Ports also introduced land and air bridges. In addition, the company expanded its warehousing and storage capacity.
A fleet of 27 container vessels and five bulk vessels supported the alternative shipping corridors. The services connected ports in India, Pakistan and Oman with the Red Sea and Upper Arabian Gulf.
The group also added 400 trucks during the quarter. At the same time, it increased rail frequencies with Etihad Rail.
Shipping revenue jumps 62%
Maritime & Shipping was the group’s largest business during the quarter.
Revenue from the cluster jumped 62% year-on-year to AED 3.82 billion. EBITDA increased 79% to AED 1.03 billion. The business accounted for 53% of total group revenue.
Container feeder volumes fell 11% year-on-year to 740,000 TEU. However, higher freight rates more than offset the decline.
Average rates on Gulf–Indian Subcontinent services surged 96% from a year earlier. Red Sea service rates increased 37%.
UAE port volumes hit by regional disruption
The Ports Cluster faced greater pressure from the regional situation.
UAE container throughput dropped 65% year-on-year to 573,000 TEU. Bulk and general cargo volumes also fell 67% to 3.1 million tonnes.
As a result, Ports Cluster revenue declined 17% to AED 609 million. EBITDA fell 23% to AED 234 million.
Meanwhile, international port operations and alternative routes helped limit the impact on the wider group.
Logistics business records strong growth
AD Ports’ Logistics Cluster also recorded significant growth.
Revenue increased 30% year-on-year to AED 1.47 billion. EBITDA more than doubled, rising 154% to AED 94 million.
The company said alternative logistics solutions across the UAE and GCC supported the result.
“AD Ports Group delivered a record financial performance in Q2 despite operating through perhaps the most significant challenge in its 20-year history,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.
AD Ports continues global expansion
The group also continued its international expansion during the quarter.
AD Ports announced the acquisition of Brazilian port terminal operator CLI for an enterprise value of AED 3.1 billion (US$835 million). The transaction is expected to close at the end of the third quarter.
It also agreed to acquire Germany-based MBS Logistics for AED 300 million (EUR 70 million). That transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
In addition, AD Ports completed the acquisition of another 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping for AED 1.1 billion. The deal increased its ownership in GFS to 81%.
For the first half of 2026, group revenue reached AED 12.83 billion, up 36% year-on-year. EBITDA increased 41% to AED 3.25 billion, while total net profit rose 64% to AED 1.49 billion.
