English
Photo: LETA. Edijs Palens.
Today in Riga, at the office of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Abu Dhabi-based, publicly traded global port and logistics company “AD Ports Group” and the Freeport of Riga Authority, marking a new phase of cooperation in the areas of port development, logistics, industrial projects, and digital solutions. “AD Ports Group” is one of the fastest-growing infrastructure operators in the Middle East with a strong international presence.
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis: “I am delighted that my visit to the United Arab Emirates this fall and my meeting with the management of “AD Ports Group” are already delivering the first tangible results. At that time, we discussed in detail the development potential of the Port of Riga, investment opportunities, and Latvia’s role in the region’s logistics chains. The Memorandum signed today confirms that these discussions have evolved into a concrete framework for cooperation.”
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was attended by Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia; Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO at “AD Ports Group”; representatives of the Freeport of Riga Authority, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), port companies, as well as management teams from both sides and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
Economic Cooperation with a Global Infrastructure Company
“AD Ports Group” is one of the leading port and logistics companies in the Middle East, having expanded rapidly on an international scale in recent years to become an integrated infrastructure operator. The company is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, it operates in more than 50 countries, and manages ports, industrial zones, logistics networks, and digital solutions within a unified system.
According to “AD Ports Group’s” 2025 financial results, the company’s revenue has reached 4.8 billion euros annually, while total assets amount to approximately 16 billion euros, affirming its significant investment capacity and pivotal role in global supply chains.
Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO at “AD Ports Group”: “The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Freeport of Riga Authority marks a significant step in exploring opportunities in the Baltic region, which is a strategically important gateway to Northern Europe. Latvia’s strong position in the maritime sector, its ambitious industrial development plans, and its increasingly close economic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates provide a solid foundation for a long-term partnership. Within the framework of this cooperation, we will assess how “AD Ports Group’s” integrated expertise and experience can help develop an efficient trade and logistics infrastructure that meets future requirements, creating sustainable added value for both parties.”
During their visit to Latvia, company representatives gained an insight into the Port of Riga’s development projects, the potential of the port area, as well as learned about the opportunities for long-term cooperation in the development of industrial and logistics projects.
Cooperation Focused on Practical Development Projects
The signed Memorandum provides for joint work on specific development areas within the Port of Riga, including::
- Cooperation, investments, and port infrastructure development within the Port of Riga territory, including promotion of the project for a new RoRo and cruise ship passenger terminal,
- Promotion of the Kundziņsala industrial zone and the wind technology production complex development,
- Development of the Spilve Industrial Park area’s potential,
- Modernization of the port’s digital systems and implementation of unified data solutions, including cooperation in the development of port community systems, the single window principle, and digital customs solutions,
- Identification and preliminary studies for new investment projects.
The Memorandum of Understanding provides for the establishment of a joint working group and the engagement of experts who will work in depth on the development directions of the aforementioned projects, technical studies, and the evaluation of investment models.
Sandis Šteins, Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Board: “We highly appreciate “AD Ports Group’s” globally acquired experience and expertise in port management, logistics in special economic zones, digitalization, and project management, as well as its work in the cruise segment. We believe this cooperation holds significant potential for growth and knowledge transfer, which will help the Port of Riga attract new investments, enhance its services, increase the number of ships and passengers calling at the port, and boost our joint position in the region.”
In recent years, the Port of Riga has been purposefully transforming its business model. Moving from traditional port management toward an integrated logistics and investment development platform, the Port of Riga is working on the development of industrial areas with high-value-added services. The concluded cooperation is part of the port’s overall development strategy, aimed at boosting its competitiveness and investment appeal.
An Investment Signal for the Region
Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of the Investment and Business Development Division at LIAA: “For Latvia, cooperation at this level means much more than just the launch of a single project. It is a clear signal to the international investor community that Latvia is capable of attracting global-scale companies with significant investment capacity and developing long-term partnerships with them. “AD Ports Group,” as an international player with annual revenues of several billion euros, is significantly enhancing our investment environment by initiating negotiations on development projects in Riga. LIAA is working purposefully to ensure that such cooperation will result in concrete investment projects that promote national economic growth, the creation of new jobs, and an increased Latvia’s competitiveness in the region.”
As part of their visit to Latvia, the “AD Ports Group” management team met today with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, visited the Port of Riga, and learned about industrial development plans in Kundziņsala and Spilve, as well as the upcoming passenger terminal project at Eksportosta.
Information for media
- [email protected], +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- Mihaila Tāla iela 1, Rīga, Latvija, LV-1045
