Abdul Rahman Al Hatmi

What have been some of the recent major developments across your portfolio and activities?

ASYAD’s focus over the last five years has been on consolidating group companies and streamlining collaboration with government agencies, including restructuring some assets and pushing a new corporate mindset. Those moves have played out as recently as early 2020, when ASYAD integrated its shipping arm with its dry dock company.

What have you done to boost the logistics sector?

Adopting new technologies is another way ASYAD is boosting efficiency and cutting costs. The port of Sohar now has automated cranes and road gates, while the group has turned to drones to inspect maritime equipment rather than divers. ASYAD has also invested in e-commerce fulfillment hubs and supported the launch of a national cloud-based logistics-as-a-service platform helping with last-mile delivery. Then there are technology trials, such as a blockchain project with Maersk in Salalah and a 5G proof of concept its dry dock launched in December 2020 alongside Omantel.

What are your main objectives for the group for the coming year?

Asyad Group is Oman’s global integrated logistics service provider. The group comprises three deep ports and three free zones supported by Oman’s five airports, and a world-class road network. In addition, ASYAD operates full maritime services with one of the largest dry docks in the Middle East and a diversified fleet of 60 vessels, supported by sea transport network that connects Oman to key ports across the region and the globe. This allows optimal use of its diverse and powerful support assets, including its renowned Asyad Express service that spans from the 3,000sqm world-class fulfilment center to the last-mile delivery, serving finance, e-commerce, manufacturing, and other businesses.