Author: Neel Achary

AD Ports Group and e& Deliver AI-Ready Terrestrial Digital Backbone Across Logistics Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 21 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, and e& UAE today announced the successful deployment of an AI-ready high-capacity terrestrial connection, linking major maritime and logistics assets across the Group’s portfolio.

The new high-capacity network extends AD Ports Group’s terrestrial digital backbone to more than 1,000 kilometers, seamlessly connecting the Group’s strategically located assets in Abu Dhabi. This enables the continuous streaming of high-volume sensor data, video feeds, and IoT signals, creating a fully integrated environment ready for machine learning and automated decision-making.

Designed for ultra-low latency, this high-bandwidth terrestrial connectivity establishes a robust foundation for AI models to process data and deliver real-time inference within milliseconds.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “The future of global trade is intelligent and predictive. Under the guidance of our wise leadership in the UAE, we are embracing and leading this change by collaborating with globally leading technology companies to help us ensure that digital intelligence remains at the heart of our operations, driving global trade and supply chain resilience.”

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Group CEO, e& and CEO, e& UAE, said: “Advanced connectivity is now essential to the way major industrial and logistics hubs operate, scale and compete. Through this collaboration with AD Ports Group, e& UAE has delivered a future-ready digital backbone that powers speed, security and scalability, while creating the foundation for more advanced automation, analytics and AI-led operations.

“With e&’s leadership in fibre connectivity, we are not just connecting infrastructure; we are shaping the future of trade, logistics, and innovation for the entire nation.”

This strategic initiative marks another significant milestone in AD Ports Group’s digital transformation journey, further strengthening the Group’s digital resilience across its expanding global portfolio. In 2025, AD Ports Group announced the phased rollout of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across its global operations, aimed at enabling real-time data exchange with vessels and delivering always-on connectivity for ports and terminals, driving new efficiencies and fuel savings.

By integrating its terrestrial digital backbone with LEO satellite services and existing radio networks, the Group has established a resilient, multi-layered connectivity architecture that ensures sovereign, uninterrupted data flow under all conditions. 

Indian Markets End Flat Amid West Asia Tensions; Selective Buying Cushions Losses !

May 21 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended largely flat on Thursday as geopolitical tensions in West Asia weighed on investor sentiment, while selective buying in broader markets helped benchmark indices limit losses and avoid a sharper decline.

The benchmark Sensex closed at 75,183.36, down 135.03 points or 0.18 per cent, while the Nifty 50 settled nearly unchanged at 23,654.70, slipping just 4.30 points or 0.02 per cent, reflecting cautious market participation amid global uncertainty.

Market sentiment remained under pressure due to concerns over escalating geopolitical developments in West Asia, prompting selling in sectors such as information technology (IT), fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and financial services. Heavyweight stocks including Bajaj Finance, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Hindustan Unilever emerged among the key laggards during the trading session.

Despite weak benchmark momentum, broader markets showed resilience. Mid-cap stocks traded subdued, while small-cap counters outperformed and ended higher, indicating selective investor confidence in specific segments. Sectorally, the cement pack emerged as the top performer with gains of over 2 per cent, followed by strength in realty and metal stocks. On the other hand, FMCG and IT sectors witnessed notable selling pressure.

The Indian rupee recovered strongly against the U.S. dollar to close at 96.15, registering gains of 0.68 per cent, while the India VIX, a measure of market volatility, eased by around 3.5 per cent, signalling a marginal decline in investor anxiety levels.

Market experts indicated that near-term direction is likely to remain dependent on geopolitical developments, global central bank signals and macroeconomic indicators. Technically, analysts see resistance for Nifty in the 23,700–23,800 range, with the 24,000 mark acting as a key psychological barrier, while immediate support is placed between 23,500 and 23,600.

Overall, markets remained range-bound as investors balanced geopolitical risks with selective domestic strength, keeping benchmark indices largely stable despite external headwinds.

ATM 2026 confirms revised September dates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 21 : RX has announced that Arabian Travel Market  2026 will now take place from 14–17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre , following extensive consultation with exhibitors and industry stakeholders, reflecting ATM’s commitment to listening to the needs of the global tourism industry.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said:

 “We have been listening and working closely with our exhibitors, partners and stakeholders from across the global travel industry, and the decision to move Arabian Travel Market 2026 to 14–17 September reflects that ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

“Our priority is always to ensure that ATM delivers the strongest possible platform for business, networking and partnership opportunities for the international travel community. Following industry feedback, we are pleased that these new dates will allow exhibitors, buyers and visitors from around the world to maximise their participation and engagement at the event.

“We would like to thank our strategic partners, including Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, IHG and Al Rais Travel, for their continued collaboration and support in making these revised dates possible. Together, we remain committed to delivering a world-class event that supports the continued growth and evolution of the global travel and tourism industry.”

Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market serves as a key global platform connecting destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality brands, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals from across the travel ecosystem. 

ATM 2026 will continue to be held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, exploring the trends, technologies and innovations shaping the future of global travel. The event will spotlight ATM Travel Tech, the dedicated co-located show focused on the rapidly evolving travel technology sector, alongside the Tech & Innovation Zone, an immersive hub showcasing the latest developments in AI, immersive experiences, smart mobility, fintech, robotics and sustainable travel solutions.

The extensive ATM conference programme, which includes the Global Stage, Future Stage, located within the Tech & Innovation Zone, and Experience Hub, will bring together key tourism leaders and experts to examine the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping international tourism, with dedicated sessions exploring destination resilience, traveller experience, aviation innovation, digital transformation and sustainable long-term growth strategies.

The programme will include leading global research organisations, strategists and technology specialists to deliver data-driven insight into the future of travel. Confirmed contributors on the Global Stage include Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, delivering the session “ATM Annual Trends Report: Middle East Momentum & Market Shifts”.

The company will be joined by Euromonitor’s Stephen Dutton, who will lead a session titled “The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality.”

The Future Stage, located within the Tech & Innovation Zone, will be hosted by BBC’s Nick Kwek, Travel and Tech Broadcaster and feature sessions led by research partners including Dragon Trail, where Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director of Marketing & Communications, will present “Welcoming Back the Chinese Tourism Market: Insights for the Middle East” and Videc, which will discuss “Money Talks: Growth, M&A and consolidation in Global Travel”, outlining the insights, data and strategies for investment and growth in travel technology. 

The Experience Hub will welcome Rana Nawas, Corporate Strategist & Podcast Host, who will deliver a workshop titled “The Modern Leader and Future of Workforce.” The programme will also feature several sessions, including a high-level, buyer-focused event by ICCA titled “Beyond Borders: The Middle East’s Collaborative Vision for a Global Business Events Future”, alongside further peer-to-peer conversations and round table discussions.

ATM 2026 is expected to welcome thousands of travel professionals and exhibitors from around the world following the confirmation of the revised September dates, highlighting Dubai’s role as a global platform for tourism industry dialogue, collaboration and innovation.

Oil above US$100/bbl revives Windfall Tax Debate across Four Continents

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, May 21– Oil prices above US$100 per barrel have triggered windfall tax proposals in Brazil, the EU, the US, and Australia. A new Wood Mackenzie report warns that fiscal policy design has a long-term impact on Upstream investment and production.

The cycle is familiar. As oil prices push past US$100 a barrel, politicians demand a windfall tax on energy companies. But, by the time legislation passes, prices have often already peaked.

That cycle is repeating in 2026. In recent weeks, Brazil introduced a temporary export tax. Five EU member states campaigned for reinstatement of the 2022-23 solidarity contribution levy (SCL). US senators relaunched a windfall tax bill targeting the largest oil producers and importers. The Australian senate debated a new gas export tax proposal.

Wood Mackenzie’s May 2026 Fiscal Service report, drawing on its proprietary global database and analyses of upstream fiscal changes across more than 150 jurisdictions since 2002, finds some consistent patterns. Governments with flat tax rate systems are most likely to seek new windfall levies when prices surge. Those with progressive fiscal systems, where the government’s revenue share moves automatically with prices, rarely need to. Oil companies object strongly to fiscal disruption; when it occurs, they question future investment in the affected sector.

“The current debate is following a script we have seen before, and the major uncertainty is how long the price spike will last. In the current situation, that depends on how long supply disruption lasts and if there is any lasting damage,” said Graham Kellas, SVP, Global fiscal research at Wood Mackenzie. “The longer prices stay elevated; the more governments are expected to act. The question is whether they can design something that works for the long term, or are they simply creating another measure that compounds future fiscal uncertainty?”

The pace of legislative action is another problem. Designing and passing a windfall tax mechanism can take several months. Prices may have peaked by then. Many proposals are never implemented. Those that are, often raise far less revenue than governments initially projected.

Key details

• Legal exposure: Brazil’s export tax faces legal challenge, with cases related to its 2023 temporary tax still unresolved. The EU’s 2022-23 SCL is subject to ongoing proceedings with ExxonMobil. Algeria’s 2006 windfall tax went to international arbitration — PSC contractors won after six years.
• Long-term returns: the largest companies measure returns over decades, not months, and target relatively stability over time, with price spikes balanced by price crashes.  An unpredictable fiscal environment disrupts that.
• Long-term windfall tax policy benchmark: the UK’s proposed oil and gas price mechanism (OGPM), due to replace the energy profits levy by 2030, applies only above US$90/bbl for oil or GBP0.9 per therm (US$12/mcf) for gas, and only on revenue above those thresholds. It is predictable and can be built into investment models.

Background

Windfall tax episodes have recurred throughout this century. In 2006-08, new progressive taxes were introduced in Alaska, Algeria, China, Ecuador, Pakistan, and Venezuela. India’s 2022 windfall tax changed its rate every two weeks before being abolished in December 2024. The UK’s energy profits levy, also introduced in 2022, has had its rate, timeframe, and allowances changed multiple times. The longer prices stay elevated; the more governments are expected to act.

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